Enhanced bone implant with porous polypropylene matrix coated with chitosan and hydroxyapatite: Bone Implant Potential: Porous Polypropylene Matrix Coated with Chitosan and HA

Porous polymer matrix based on functionalized polypropylene coated with chitosan and hydroxyapatite was prepared to evaluate its body response and establish its ability to induce osteointegration and/or osteoconduction. 12 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups corresponding to 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks of healing; a 5x1 mm bone defect was created in the proximal diaphysis of both tibiae. In the right member the composite to evaluate was introduced and the left member was used as control. Animals were sacrificed by CO2 chamber and a radiographic and histological study was done. The implanted composite showed no evidence of foreign body reaction from the first week and maintained close contact with newly formed bone tissue. During the first two weeks a periosteal reaction penetrating the implant pores was observed. Osteogenic buds observed as mesenchymal cells condensations highly vascularized and newly trabecular bone formations were found within the implant pores.  New bone formation was observed until the eighth week after implantation when morpho-structural adaptation began. We concluded this matrix coated with chitosan and hydroxyapatite exhibited osteointegrated properties because it’s structurally binding to bone and osteoconductive properties due to adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of the osteoblastic cells within their pores

Strategic routes for 3D printing of engineered meniscal substitutes

Meniscal injuries present challenges due to their prevalence, limited regenerative capacity, and inconsistent treatment outcomes. Printed-engineered meniscus substitutes (PEMS) offer a promising alternative. This study aimed to develop a roadmap (RMap) illustrating the current state of tissue engineering for PEMS. A review of literature on meniscus, scaffolding, bioprinting, and tissue engineering was conducted, analyzing bioprinting processes, biomaterials, cells, and biomolecules. The findings were used to evaluate biomimicry and innovation potential, producing an RMap that outlines the scientific and technological landscape, facilitating knowledge management and guiding the development of commercially viable PEMS

Nanoceramic materials for bone regeneration: a systematic review in animal experimental studies

Nanoceramic materials re used for bone healing. However, the diversity of nanoceramics and the different manufacturing methods used in literature make results difficult to compare. In this context, the purpose of this study was to perform a literature systematic review examining the effects of different nanoceramic materials in bone healing. The search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) orientations and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors: “bone tissue”, “nanomaterial”, “ceramic” and “animal studies”. 162 articles were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus databases. After elegibility analyses, 29 papers were included (covering a 2007 and 2020 period). Results demonstrated that the commonest materials were Hydroxiapatite, Bioglass, Ttricalcium Phosphate and Bicalcium Phosphate, alone or associated with other materials or drugs. In vivo results showed that nanoceramic materials promoted bone healing in different animals models. As conclusion, nanoceramic materials are excellent candidates as bone grafts due to their bioactivity and good bone interaction

3D printed hydroxyapatite-collagen from tilapia skin scaffolds for bone tissue engineering proposals

Bone possesses an inherent capacity for healing fractures, thereby restoring tissue structure and biomechanical properties. However, conditions such as osteoporosis, tumors, and infections can hinder and prolong the healing process, resulting in non-union fractures. Biomaterials, notably hydroxyapatite (HA) and collagen (Col), play a pivotal role in fracture treatment by fostering bone cell differentiation and new bone formation. HA mimics bone mineral components, while Col represents the organic matrix. Biomimetic scaffolds combining HA/Col, particularly utilizing natural collagen-like that sourced from fish, have garnered attention for their demonstrated osteogenic and angiogenic potential. Additionally, advancements in 3D printing technology enable the fabrication of scaffolds with interconnected pores. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of 3D-printed HA and HA/COL scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy shows uniformity in HA scaffolds and a fibrous appearance in HA/COL scaffolds. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy distinguishes characteristic peaks of HA and COL. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveals varying calcium/phosphate ratios. Over 21 days, mass loss rates, pH, and swelling ratios differ between scaffold types. MTT assay results demonstrate increased cell viability and non-cytotoxicity in HA and HA/COL scaffolds compared to controls, indicating the promise of HA/COL scaffolds for bone regeneration

Exosome-loaded alginate hydrogels as modulators of B16-F10 melanoma cell migration: Sodium alginate hydrogels with exosomes

Exosomes have gained attention as promising therapeutic agents in cancer treatment due to their ability to influence target cell phenotypes and modulate immune responses. Their role in tumor biology, however, is influenced by several factors, including the source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), culture conditions, and the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exosomes derived from bone marrow MSCs of Sprague-Dawley rats, incorporated into alginate hydrogels (AH), on the migration and viability of murine melanoma (B16-F10) cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the hydrogels preserved their structural integrity after exosome incorporation. Both AH and exosome-loaded AH (AHE) exhibited no cytotoxic effects, as the viability and colony-forming capacity of B16-F10 cells remained comparable to untreated controls. Notably, AHE significantly suppressed tumor cell migration, a critical step in cancer metastasis, whereas AH alone had no effect. These findings indicate that exosomes retained their functionality within the hydrogel matrix, effectively modulating cell migration. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of exosome-loaded hydrogels in regulating cancer cell behavior. Nonetheless, further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and optimize the clinical application of exosome-integrated hydrogels

Encapsulation and controlled release of 1,4-naphthoquinone in PDLA nanoparticles: design, biological efficacy, and cancer targeting

Drug release can be controlled by encapsulating active compounds in polymeric vehicles. Using nanotechnology, pharmaceutical drug delivery systems can be controlled and precise.  The aim of this work is to obtain and characterize biocompatible micro and nanoparticulate systems based on a poly(D-lactic acid) matrix (PDLA) to study the controlled release of 1,4-naphthoquinone, which has reported anticancer activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical particles with an average size of 347 nm and 86% in the nanometer range. The encapsulation efficiency was 98.3%, as assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy. The hydrolytic degradation over 11 weeks showed controlled release of naphthoquinone at different pH conditions: 20.98% in alkaline, 19.69% in physiological, 18.83% in strongly acidic, and 16.70% in slightly acidic conditions. The enhanced release at alkaline pH suggests potential anticancer activity in colorectal cancer, benefiting treatment by releasing the drug to the affected area. Molecular docking studies on COX-2 confirmed these results, showing 1,4-naphthoquinone interacts with key amino acids (ALA202, THR206, HIS207) in the active site, modifying the prostaglandin chain which is crucial for the enzyme's function. The results show that this system has a high potentiality for use for pharmacological applications in colorectal cancer, as 1,4-naphthoquinone exhibits electronic properties.

The importance of the fourth dimensions of fundamental rights in biotechnology and its constitutional effectiveness

This article analyzes the classification of biotechnology as part of the fourth dimension of fundamental rights, focusing on its essential content and effectiveness as a constitutional norm. The study explores how biotechnology is incorporated into international treaties and how this recognition impacts the enforcement of fundamental rights. A bibliographic and literature review was conducted, drawing on studies, scientific articles, and doctrines from respected researchers and specialists in the fields of biotechnology and fundamental rights. Sources were selected based on their relevance and contemporaneity, focusing on materials from the last ten years. The research examined key international treaties, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, to assess their role in shaping biotechnology as a fundamental right. The findings reveal significant gaps in Brazilian legislation concerning biotechnology, which hinder the effective implementation of related fundamental rights, particularly in terms of equitable access and sustainable development. While international efforts to regulate biotechnology are advancing, national implementation remains inadequate. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive normative framework and the development of public policies that ensure the responsible and safe advancement of biotechnology. It concludes that clearer legal interpretation and stronger policy measures are required to fully integrate biotechnology into the fourth dimension of fundamental rights, thereby promoting scientific and technological progress that benefits society effectively and safely.

Managing Knowledge for Pharma and Biotech Innovation

Knowledge Management (KM) involves a deliberate and systematic organization of people, processes, structure, and technology with the main objective of creating value for innovation from the reuse of data and information. Although there are several models for KM in various types of organizations, there is nothing concrete to integrate the knowledge generated in collaborative University-Industry projects. This work aimed to gather elements for the creation of a sustainable model of effective articulation in this scenario. It is a strategic action that can bring benefits of intellectual, economic, and social impact. This research used different instruments: systematic mapping, questionnaires, and experience reports. The mapping highlighted the need to consider the following aspects for the development of KM models: collaborative/competitive arrangements, tacit/explicit knowledge managers and change screening. The questionnaire and report demonstrated that the challenges go beyond aspects such as data organization. They must prioritize the social aspect of knowledge sharing, using safe coordination to prevent misconduct

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial evaluation of cotton fiber coated with chitosan-agar/tannin derivative/polypyrrole composites

The wearable technology and the use of fibers-based devices in biomedical applications are favored by the chemical modification of textiles to incorporate antibacterial properties into the intrinsic mechanical characteristics of the fibers favoring critical applications such as active components for sutures. Herein, it is proposed the combined coating of chitosan and a tannin-derivative (Tanfloc) for the following polymerization of polypyrrole in which the previous deposition of protective layers of chitosan and Tanfloc prevents the degradation in the mechanical properties of coated fiber while incorporates the outstanding performance of polypyrrole as antibacterial and antibiofilm agent reaching a complete elimination of Staphylococcus aureus after 60 min of contact and a reduction in the biofilm formation in order of 99.38%