Additional file 1: of Ferritin nanoparticles for improved self-renewal and differentiation of human neural stem cells

Figure S1. The relative viability of hfNSCs in each group after 2 days of culture under self-renewal conditions, which was evaluated by MTT assay (n = 3, *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 versus No ferritin group). The viability of each group was normalized to that of the No ferritin group. Figure S2. The relative proliferation of hfNSCs in each group after 2 and 5 days of culture under self-renewal conditions, which was evaluated by MTT assay (n = 3, **p < 0.01 versus No ferritin group). The proliferation of each group at day 5 was normalized to that of each corresponding group at day 2. Figure S3. Immunofluorescence staining of primary hippocampal neurons for Tuj1 (green) and NeuN (red). Cell nuclei were counterstained with DAPI. Scale bar = 200 μm. (DOCX 1587 kb

Catechol-Functionalized Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Enhance Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Critical Tissue Defects

Over the last few decades, stem cell therapies have been highlighted for their potential to heal damaged tissue and aid in tissue reconstruction. However, materials used to deliver and support implanted cells often display limited efficacy, which has resulted in delaying translation of stem cell therapies into the clinic. In our previous work, we developed a mussel-inspired, catechol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-CA) hydrogel that enabled effective cell transplantation due to its improved biocompatibility and strong tissue adhesiveness. The present study was performed to further expand the utility of HA-CA hydrogels for use in stem cell therapies to treat more clinically relevant tissue defect models. Specifically, we utilized HA-CA hydrogels to potentiate stem cell-mediated angiogenesis and osteogenesis in two tissue defect models: critical limb ischemia and critical-sized calvarial bone defect. HA-CA hydrogels were found to be less cytotoxic to human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in vitro compared to conventional photopolymerized HA hydrogels. HA-CA hydrogels also retained the angiogenic functionality of hADSCs and supported osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Because of their superior tissue adhesiveness, HA-CA hydrogels were able to mediate efficient engraftment of hADSCs into the defect regions. When compared to photopolymerized HA hydrogels, HA-CA hydrogels significantly enhanced hADSC-mediated therapeutic angiogenesis (promoted capillary/arteriole formation, improved vascular perfusion, attenuated ischemic muscle degeneration/fibrosis, and reduced limb amputation) and bone reconstruction (mineralized bone formation, enhanced osteogenic marker expression, and collagen deposition). This study proves the feasibility of using bioinspired HA-CA hydrogels as functional biomaterials for improved tissue regeneration in critical tissue defects

Ultra fit mask for reducing face seal leakage on the periphery of the mask body.

(A) Ultra Fit Mask (UFM) fitted on a head form compliant to ISO 16976–2 Respiratory Protective Devices (medium size). (B) Exterior and interior schematics of prototype UFM. (C) Additional cough-trapping inner flap layer attached on the interior side is highlighted in blue.</p

A movie of exhaled vapor tracking of the front and side views.

A movie of exhaled vapor tracking of the front and side views.</p

Quantitative fit test results of 3PM, KF94 and UFM.

(A) Overall fit factors of quantitative fit test by PortaCount® 8038 for n = 13 volunteers with 3PM, KF94 and UFM. (B) Fit factors between novice (n = 10) and experienced users (n = 3). (C) Effects of facial hair with 3PM and UFM groups. UFM with no hair outperformed both 3PM with and without hair and as well as UFM with hair. was used. (D) Exercise-specific fit factors measured with PortaCount® 8038 of 3PM, KF94 and UFM. After reading a provided rainbow passage (‘Talking’), a non-measuring grimace exercise was performed per the OSHA fit test protocol. The post-grimace normal breathing exercise was labelled as ‘Normal Breathing 2’ to differentiate from the earlier normal breathing (‘Normal Breathing 1’). Bars are of the mean with error bars indicating the standard deviation. A Friedman test was performed for statistical analysis. *, **, ***, and **** indicate adjusted p-values of less than 0.05, 0.01, 0.001, and 0.0001, respectively.</p

User validation survey with 15 participants.

(A) A majority of respondents (72%) used a conventional 3PM. (B, C) >50% of respondents replied ‘equal or easier to don’ an UFM and ‘equal or more comfortable’ to wear an UFM compared to the 3PM. (TIF)</p

Evaluation of exhaled vapor using laser scattering.

(A, C) Side-view and front-view exhaled vapor imaging and histograms of the segmented area (white dotted box). Red arrows indicate particles that escaped the mask, while yellow arrows indicate particles that passed through the mask filter material. (B, D) Normalized laser scattering of the segmented forehead and lateral regions over an exhalation period.</p

Infrared thermal imaging movie with 3-ply mask and Ultra fit mask.

Infrared thermal imaging movie with 3-ply mask and Ultra fit mask.</p

Three different face masks (3PM, KF94, UFM) used for quantitative fit test donned on an ISO 16976–2 medium headform.

(A) 3PM. Large gaps on the cheek sides are clearly visible. (B) KF94. Side gaps are visible. Infraorbital-nasal region and the chin appear closed. (C) UFM. The mask showed reduced side gaps and was tucked under the chin by pinched chin wire. (TIF)</p

Different donning styles with the Ultra fit Mask for improved fitting.

(A) C-shaped: C-shaped curve on the side edges with pinching the chin edge. (B) V-shaped: pinching the side wires resembling a V. Optional chin pinching may further tighten fitting depending on the user’s preferences. (C) L-shaped: folding the lower parts of the side wires resembling an L. Optional chin pinching may further tighten fitting depending on user’s preferences. (TIF)</p