Articles de revista
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/3118
2024-03-19T03:31:12ZToughening 3D printed biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffolds: polycaprolactone-based self-hardening inks
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/404879
Toughening 3D printed biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffolds: polycaprolactone-based self-hardening inks
Mazo Bárbara, Laura del; Johansson, Linh Ha Huong Lovisa; Tampieri, Francesco; Ginebra Molins, Maria Pau
The application of 3D printing to calcium phosphates has opened unprecedented possibilities for the fabrication of personalized bone grafts. However, their biocompatibility and bioactivity are counterbalanced by their high brittleness. In this work we aim at overcoming this problem by developing a self-hardening ink containing reactive ceramic particles in a polycaprolactone solution instead of the traditional approach that use hydrogels as binders. The presence of polycaprolactone preserved the printability of the ink and was compatible with the hydrolysis-based hardening process, despite the absence of water in the ink and its hydrophobicity. The microstructure evolved from a continuous polymeric phase with loose ceramic particles to a continuous network of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals intertwined with the polymer, in a configuration radically different from the polymer/ceramic composites obtained by fused deposition modelling. This resulted in the evolution from a ductile behavior, dominated by the polymer, to a stiffer behavior as the ceramic phase reacted. The polycaprolactone binder provides two highly relevant benefits compared to hydrogel-based inks. First, the handleability and elasticity of the as-printed scaffolds, together with the proven possibility of eliminating the solvent, opens the door to implanting the scaffolds freshly printed once lyophilized, while in a ductile state, and the hardening process to take place inside the body, as in the case of calcium phosphate cements. Second, even with a hydroxyapatite content of more than 92%, the flexural strength and toughness of the scaffolds after hardening are twice and five times those of the all-ceramic scaffolds obtained with the hydrogel-based inks, respectively.
2024-03-18T15:53:52ZMazo Bárbara, Laura delJohansson, Linh Ha Huong LovisaTampieri, FrancescoGinebra Molins, Maria PauThe application of 3D printing to calcium phosphates has opened unprecedented possibilities for the fabrication of personalized bone grafts. However, their biocompatibility and bioactivity are counterbalanced by their high brittleness. In this work we aim at overcoming this problem by developing a self-hardening ink containing reactive ceramic particles in a polycaprolactone solution instead of the traditional approach that use hydrogels as binders. The presence of polycaprolactone preserved the printability of the ink and was compatible with the hydrolysis-based hardening process, despite the absence of water in the ink and its hydrophobicity. The microstructure evolved from a continuous polymeric phase with loose ceramic particles to a continuous network of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals intertwined with the polymer, in a configuration radically different from the polymer/ceramic composites obtained by fused deposition modelling. This resulted in the evolution from a ductile behavior, dominated by the polymer, to a stiffer behavior as the ceramic phase reacted. The polycaprolactone binder provides two highly relevant benefits compared to hydrogel-based inks. First, the handleability and elasticity of the as-printed scaffolds, together with the proven possibility of eliminating the solvent, opens the door to implanting the scaffolds freshly printed once lyophilized, while in a ductile state, and the hardening process to take place inside the body, as in the case of calcium phosphate cements. Second, even with a hydroxyapatite content of more than 92%, the flexural strength and toughness of the scaffolds after hardening are twice and five times those of the all-ceramic scaffolds obtained with the hydrogel-based inks, respectively.Biodegradable conducting PVA-hydrogel based on carbon quantum dots: study of the synergistic effect of additives
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/404869
Biodegradable conducting PVA-hydrogel based on carbon quantum dots: study of the synergistic effect of additives
Gamboa Rivera, Jillian Tricia; Paulo Mirasol, Sofia; Espona Noguera, Albert; Enshaei, Hamidreza; Ortiz Rojas, Sergio; Estrany Coda, Francesc; Ginebra Molins, Maria Pau; Torras Costa, Juan
Conductive hydrogels are becoming one of the most important milestones for the development of new scaffolds, biosensors, supercapacitors, and green electronics within the field of biomedicine. In this work, we study the effect of different types of electroactive additives such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), tannic acid, and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), to form different poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based hydrogels with enhanced electrochemical properties. Different physicochemical tests are carried out to characterize the different PVA-based hybrid hydrogels and the rates of their degradation and loss of electroactivity throughout an eight-week biodegradation process. This work shows the individual and synergistic effects of the additives on various mechanical properties, including storage modulus and swelling ratio, and electrochemical properties of the PVA hydrogel. The additives have proven to enhance the electroactivity of the PVA-based hydrogels but as well their degradation. Finally, the use of the new hydrogel as a pressure sensor is also investigated. The study provides an insight on the potential use of CQDs, in synergy with other electroactivity enhancers, in the fabrication of novel hybrid conducting hydrogels in green electronics.
2024-03-18T15:27:04ZGamboa Rivera, Jillian TriciaPaulo Mirasol, SofiaEspona Noguera, AlbertEnshaei, HamidrezaOrtiz Rojas, SergioEstrany Coda, FrancescGinebra Molins, Maria PauTorras Costa, JuanConductive hydrogels are becoming one of the most important milestones for the development of new scaffolds, biosensors, supercapacitors, and green electronics within the field of biomedicine. In this work, we study the effect of different types of electroactive additives such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), tannic acid, and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), to form different poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based hydrogels with enhanced electrochemical properties. Different physicochemical tests are carried out to characterize the different PVA-based hybrid hydrogels and the rates of their degradation and loss of electroactivity throughout an eight-week biodegradation process. This work shows the individual and synergistic effects of the additives on various mechanical properties, including storage modulus and swelling ratio, and electrochemical properties of the PVA hydrogel. The additives have proven to enhance the electroactivity of the PVA-based hydrogels but as well their degradation. Finally, the use of the new hydrogel as a pressure sensor is also investigated. The study provides an insight on the potential use of CQDs, in synergy with other electroactivity enhancers, in the fabrication of novel hybrid conducting hydrogels in green electronics.Injectable plasma-treated alginate hydrogel for oxidative stress delivery to induce immunogenic cell death in osteosarcoma
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/404410
Injectable plasma-treated alginate hydrogel for oxidative stress delivery to induce immunogenic cell death in osteosarcoma
Zivanic, Milica; Espona Noguera, Albert; Verswyvel, Hanne; Smits, Evelien; Bogaerts, Annemie; Canal Barnils, Cristina; Lin, Abraham
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a source of cell-damaging oxidant molecules that may be used as low-cost cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Liquids treated with cold plasma and enriched with oxidants are a modality for non-invasive treatment of internal tumors with cold plasma via injection. However, liquids are easily diluted with body fluids which impedes high and localized delivery of oxidants to the target. As an alternative, plasma-treated hydrogels (PTH) emerge as vehicles for the precise delivery of oxidants. This study reports an optimal protocol for the preparation of injectable alginate PTH that ensures the preservation of plasma-generated oxidants. The generation, storage, and release of oxidants from the PTH are assessed. The efficacy of the alginate PTH in cancer treatment is demonstrated in the context of cancer cell cytotoxicity and immunogenicity–release of danger signals and phagocytosis by immature dendritic cells, up to now unexplored for PTH. These are shown in osteosarcoma, a hard-to-treat cancer. The study aims to consolidate PTH as a novel cold plasma treatment modality for non-invasive or postoperative tumor treatment. The results offer a rationale for further exploration of alginate-based PTHs as a versatile platform in biomedical engineering.
2024-03-13T11:29:51ZZivanic, MilicaEspona Noguera, AlbertVerswyvel, HanneSmits, EvelienBogaerts, AnnemieCanal Barnils, CristinaLin, AbrahamCold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a source of cell-damaging oxidant molecules that may be used as low-cost cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Liquids treated with cold plasma and enriched with oxidants are a modality for non-invasive treatment of internal tumors with cold plasma via injection. However, liquids are easily diluted with body fluids which impedes high and localized delivery of oxidants to the target. As an alternative, plasma-treated hydrogels (PTH) emerge as vehicles for the precise delivery of oxidants. This study reports an optimal protocol for the preparation of injectable alginate PTH that ensures the preservation of plasma-generated oxidants. The generation, storage, and release of oxidants from the PTH are assessed. The efficacy of the alginate PTH in cancer treatment is demonstrated in the context of cancer cell cytotoxicity and immunogenicity–release of danger signals and phagocytosis by immature dendritic cells, up to now unexplored for PTH. These are shown in osteosarcoma, a hard-to-treat cancer. The study aims to consolidate PTH as a novel cold plasma treatment modality for non-invasive or postoperative tumor treatment. The results offer a rationale for further exploration of alginate-based PTHs as a versatile platform in biomedical engineering.Additive manufacturing of Ni-free Ti-based shape memory alloys: A review
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/404115
Additive manufacturing of Ni-free Ti-based shape memory alloys: A review
Vilella i Crosas, Tània; Rodríguez Rius, Daniel; Fargas Ribas, Gemma
Ni-free Ti-based Shape Memory Alloys composed of non-toxic elements have been studied as promising candidates for biomedical applications. However, high tool wear makes them complex to manufacture with conventional techniques. In this way, Additive Manufacturing technologies allow to fabricate complex three-dimensional structures overcoming their poor workability. Control of composition, porosity, microstructure, texture and processing are the key challenges for developing Ni-free Ti-based Shape Memory Alloys. This article reviews various studies conducted on the Additive Manufacturing of Ni-free Ti-based shape memory alloys, including their processing, microstructures and properties.
2024-03-11T13:45:13ZVilella i Crosas, TàniaRodríguez Rius, DanielFargas Ribas, GemmaNi-free Ti-based Shape Memory Alloys composed of non-toxic elements have been studied as promising candidates for biomedical applications. However, high tool wear makes them complex to manufacture with conventional techniques. In this way, Additive Manufacturing technologies allow to fabricate complex three-dimensional structures overcoming their poor workability. Control of composition, porosity, microstructure, texture and processing are the key challenges for developing Ni-free Ti-based Shape Memory Alloys. This article reviews various studies conducted on the Additive Manufacturing of Ni-free Ti-based shape memory alloys, including their processing, microstructures and properties.Editorial: “Peptides in biomaterials science: New trends and applications”
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/403929
Editorial: “Peptides in biomaterials science: New trends and applications”
Mas Moruno, Carlos
2024-03-07T13:26:24ZMas Moruno, CarlosFiber alignment in 3D collagen networks as a biophysical marker for cell contractility
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/403925
Fiber alignment in 3D collagen networks as a biophysical marker for cell contractility
Böhringer, David; Bauer, Andreas; Moravec, Ivana; Bischof, Lars; Kah, Delf; Mark, Christoph; Grundy, Thomas James; Görlach, Ekkehard; O'Neill, Geraldine; Budday, Silvia; Strissel, Pamela L.; Strick, Reiner; Malandrino, Andrea
Cells cultured in 3D fibrous biopolymer matrices exert traction forces on their environment that induce deformations and remodeling of the fiber network. By measuring these deformations, the traction forces can be reconstructed if the mechanical properties of the matrix and the force-free matrix configuration are known. These requirements limit the applicability of traction force reconstruction in practice. In this study, we test whether force-induced matrix remodeling can instead be used as a proxy for cellular traction forces. We measure the traction forces of hepatic stellate cells and different glioblastoma cell lines and quantify matrix remodeling by measuring the fiber orientation and fiber density around these cells. In agreement with simulated fiber networks, we demonstrate that changes in local fiber orientation and density are directly related to cell forces. By resolving Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor-induced changes of traction forces, fiber alignment, and fiber density in hepatic stellate cells, we show that the method is suitable for drug screening assays. We conclude that differences in local fiber orientation and density, which are easily measurable, can be used as a qualitative proxy for changes in traction forces. The method is available as an open-source Python package with a graphical user interface.
2024-03-07T13:10:37ZBöhringer, DavidBauer, AndreasMoravec, IvanaBischof, LarsKah, DelfMark, ChristophGrundy, Thomas JamesGörlach, EkkehardO'Neill, GeraldineBudday, SilviaStrissel, Pamela L.Strick, ReinerMalandrino, AndreaCells cultured in 3D fibrous biopolymer matrices exert traction forces on their environment that induce deformations and remodeling of the fiber network. By measuring these deformations, the traction forces can be reconstructed if the mechanical properties of the matrix and the force-free matrix configuration are known. These requirements limit the applicability of traction force reconstruction in practice. In this study, we test whether force-induced matrix remodeling can instead be used as a proxy for cellular traction forces. We measure the traction forces of hepatic stellate cells and different glioblastoma cell lines and quantify matrix remodeling by measuring the fiber orientation and fiber density around these cells. In agreement with simulated fiber networks, we demonstrate that changes in local fiber orientation and density are directly related to cell forces. By resolving Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor-induced changes of traction forces, fiber alignment, and fiber density in hepatic stellate cells, we show that the method is suitable for drug screening assays. We conclude that differences in local fiber orientation and density, which are easily measurable, can be used as a qualitative proxy for changes in traction forces. The method is available as an open-source Python package with a graphical user interface.Immediate-sustained lactate release using alginate hydrogel assembled to proteinase K/polymer electrospun fibers
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/403842
Immediate-sustained lactate release using alginate hydrogel assembled to proteinase K/polymer electrospun fibers
Macor, Lorena Paola; Colombi, Samuele; Tamarit Mur, José Luis; Engel López, Elisabeth; Pérez Madrigal, Maria del Mar; García Torres, José Manuel; Alemán Llansó, Carlos
This work proposes a microfibers-hydrogel assembled composite as delivery vehicle able to combine into a single system both burst and prolonged release of lactate. The prolonged release of lactate has been achieved by electrospinning a mixture of polylactic acid and proteinase K (26.0 mg of proteinase K and 0.99 g of PLA dissolved in 6 mL of 2:1 chloroform:acetone in the optimal case), which is a protease that catalyzes the degradation of polylactic acid into lactate. The degradation of microfibers into lactate reflects that proteinase K preserves its enzymatic activity even after the electrospinning process because of the mild operational conditions used. Besides, burst release is obtained from the lactate-loaded alginate hydrogel. The successful assembly between the lactate-loaded hydrogel and the polylactic acid/proteinase K fibers has been favored by applying a low-pressure (0.3 mbar at 300 W) oxygen plasma treatment, which transforms hydrophobic fibers into hydrophilic while the enzymatic activity is still maintained. The composite displays both fast (< 24 h) and sustained (> 10 days) lactate release, and allows the modulation of the release by adjusting either the amount of loaded lactate or the amount of active enzyme.
2024-03-06T11:57:35ZMacor, Lorena PaolaColombi, SamueleTamarit Mur, José LuisEngel López, ElisabethPérez Madrigal, Maria del MarGarcía Torres, José ManuelAlemán Llansó, CarlosThis work proposes a microfibers-hydrogel assembled composite as delivery vehicle able to combine into a single system both burst and prolonged release of lactate. The prolonged release of lactate has been achieved by electrospinning a mixture of polylactic acid and proteinase K (26.0 mg of proteinase K and 0.99 g of PLA dissolved in 6 mL of 2:1 chloroform:acetone in the optimal case), which is a protease that catalyzes the degradation of polylactic acid into lactate. The degradation of microfibers into lactate reflects that proteinase K preserves its enzymatic activity even after the electrospinning process because of the mild operational conditions used. Besides, burst release is obtained from the lactate-loaded alginate hydrogel. The successful assembly between the lactate-loaded hydrogel and the polylactic acid/proteinase K fibers has been favored by applying a low-pressure (0.3 mbar at 300 W) oxygen plasma treatment, which transforms hydrophobic fibers into hydrophilic while the enzymatic activity is still maintained. The composite displays both fast (< 24 h) and sustained (> 10 days) lactate release, and allows the modulation of the release by adjusting either the amount of loaded lactate or the amount of active enzyme.Polymeric reinforcements for cellularized collagen-based vascular wall models: influence of the scaffold architecture on the mechanical and biological properties
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/402804
Polymeric reinforcements for cellularized collagen-based vascular wall models: influence of the scaffold architecture on the mechanical and biological properties
Pien, Nele; Di Francesco, Dalila; Copes, Francesco; Bartolf Kopp, Michael; Chausse Calbet, Victor; Meeremans, Marguerite; Pegueroles Neyra, Marta; Jüngst, Tomasz; De Schauwer, Catharina; Boccafoschi, Francesca; Dubruel, Peter; Van Vlierberghe, Sandra; Mantovani, Diego
A previously developed cellularized collagen-based vascular wall model showed promising results in mimicking the biological properties of a native vessel but lacked appropriate mechanical properties. In this work, we aim to improve this collagen-based model by reinforcing it using a tubular polymeric (reinforcement) scaffold. The polymeric reinforcements were fabricated exploiting commercial poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL), a polymer already used to fabricate other FDA-approved and commercially available devices serving medical applications, through 1) solution electrospinning (SES), 2) 3D printing (3DP) and 3) melt electrowriting (MEW). The non-reinforced cellularized collagen-based model was used as a reference (COL). The effect of the scaffold’s architecture on the resulting mechanical and biological properties of the reinforced collagen-based model were evaluated. SEM imaging showed the differences in scaffolds’ architecture (fiber alignment, fiber diameter and pore size) at both the micro- and the macrolevel. The polymeric scaffold led to significantly improved mechanical properties for the reinforced collagen-based model (initial elastic moduli of 382.05 ± 132.01 kPa, 100.59 ± 31.15 kPa and 245.78 ± 33.54 kPa, respectively for SES, 3DP and MEW at day 7 of maturation) compared to the non-reinforced collagen-based model (16.63 ± 5.69 kPa). Moreover, on day 7, the developed collagen gels showed stresses (for strains between 20% and 55%) in the range of [5–15] kPa for COL, [80–350] kPa for SES, [20–70] kPa for 3DP and [100–190] kPa for MEW. In addition to the effect on the resulting mechanical properties, the polymeric tubes’ architecture influenced cell behavior, in terms of proliferation and attachment, along with collagen gel compaction and extracellular matrix protein expression. The MEW reinforcement resulted in a collagen gel compaction similar to the COL reference, whereas 3DP and SES led to thinner and longer collagen gels. Overall, it can be concluded that 1) the selected processing technique influences the scaffolds’ architecture, which in turn influences the resulting mechanical and biological properties, and 2) the incorporation of a polymeric reinforcement leads to mechanical properties closely matching those of native arteries.
2024-02-22T14:02:38ZPien, NeleDi Francesco, DalilaCopes, FrancescoBartolf Kopp, MichaelChausse Calbet, VictorMeeremans, MargueritePegueroles Neyra, MartaJüngst, TomaszDe Schauwer, CatharinaBoccafoschi, FrancescaDubruel, PeterVan Vlierberghe, SandraMantovani, DiegoA previously developed cellularized collagen-based vascular wall model showed promising results in mimicking the biological properties of a native vessel but lacked appropriate mechanical properties. In this work, we aim to improve this collagen-based model by reinforcing it using a tubular polymeric (reinforcement) scaffold. The polymeric reinforcements were fabricated exploiting commercial poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL), a polymer already used to fabricate other FDA-approved and commercially available devices serving medical applications, through 1) solution electrospinning (SES), 2) 3D printing (3DP) and 3) melt electrowriting (MEW). The non-reinforced cellularized collagen-based model was used as a reference (COL). The effect of the scaffold’s architecture on the resulting mechanical and biological properties of the reinforced collagen-based model were evaluated. SEM imaging showed the differences in scaffolds’ architecture (fiber alignment, fiber diameter and pore size) at both the micro- and the macrolevel. The polymeric scaffold led to significantly improved mechanical properties for the reinforced collagen-based model (initial elastic moduli of 382.05 ± 132.01 kPa, 100.59 ± 31.15 kPa and 245.78 ± 33.54 kPa, respectively for SES, 3DP and MEW at day 7 of maturation) compared to the non-reinforced collagen-based model (16.63 ± 5.69 kPa). Moreover, on day 7, the developed collagen gels showed stresses (for strains between 20% and 55%) in the range of [5–15] kPa for COL, [80–350] kPa for SES, [20–70] kPa for 3DP and [100–190] kPa for MEW. In addition to the effect on the resulting mechanical properties, the polymeric tubes’ architecture influenced cell behavior, in terms of proliferation and attachment, along with collagen gel compaction and extracellular matrix protein expression. The MEW reinforcement resulted in a collagen gel compaction similar to the COL reference, whereas 3DP and SES led to thinner and longer collagen gels. Overall, it can be concluded that 1) the selected processing technique influences the scaffolds’ architecture, which in turn influences the resulting mechanical and biological properties, and 2) the incorporation of a polymeric reinforcement leads to mechanical properties closely matching those of native arteries.Thermoelastic phase transformation in TiNi alloys under cyclic instrumented indentation
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/401010
Thermoelastic phase transformation in TiNi alloys under cyclic instrumented indentation
Arciniegas Angarita, Milena Patricia; Gaillard, Yves; Pena, J; Manero Planella, José María; Gil Mur, Francisco Javier
2024-02-05T13:47:27ZArciniegas Angarita, Milena PatriciaGaillard, YvesPena, JManero Planella, José MaríaGil Mur, Francisco JavierStudy of new multifunctional shape memory and low elastic modulus Ni-free Ti alloys
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/401007
Study of new multifunctional shape memory and low elastic modulus Ni-free Ti alloys
Arciniegas Angarita, Milena Patricia; Manero Planella, José María; Peña Andrés, Francisco Javier; Gil Mur, Francisco Javier; Planell Estany, Josep Anton
2024-02-05T13:34:15ZArciniegas Angarita, Milena PatriciaManero Planella, José MaríaPeña Andrés, Francisco JavierGil Mur, Francisco JavierPlanell Estany, Josep Anton