The influence of nanotexturing of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) films upon human ovarian cancer cell attachment

In this study, we have produced nanotextured poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) films by using polystyrene (PS) particles as a template to make a polydimethylsiloxane mould against which PLGA is solvent cast. Biocompatible, biodegradable and nanotextured PLGA films were prepared with PS particles of diameter of 57, 99, 210, and 280 nm that produced domes of the same dimension in the PLGA surface. The effect of the particulate monolayer templating method was investigated to enable preparation of the films with uniformly ordered surface nanodomes. Cell attachment of a human ovarian cancer cell line (OVCAR3) alone and co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was evaluated on flat and topographically nano-patterned surfaces. Cell numbers were observed to increase on the nanotextured surfaces compared to non-textured surfaces both with OVCAR3 cultures and OVCAR3-MSC co-cultures at 24 and 48 h time points

Multi-modal switching in responsive DNA block co-polymer conjugates

New classes of information-rich DNA block co-polymer conjugates were synthesised, encoded with thermoresponsive and biocompatible poly(tri(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate) (pTriEGMA) chains and oligomeric nucleic acids connected by either bioreducible or non-reducible links. The pTriEGMA chains were grown from initiator-functionalised hybridised DNA, designed to assemble with toehold overhangs. Functional information in the conjugates was explored via dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), in order to evaluate (i) reversible self-assembly into supramolecular structures across the pTriEGMA phase transition temperature; (ii) conformational change via addition of competing DNA sequences across the toeholds, and (iii) reductive cleavage of polymer-DNA links. The results showed that discrete nanoscale conjugates could reversibly associate through pTriEGMA phase behaviour and that size and association behaviour in one class of conjugate could be switched by addition of a competing DNA sequence and by reduction to break the polymer-DNA links. Preliminary experiments with the DNA-conjugates as delivery systems for doxorubicin to a cancer cell line indicated good tolerability of the conjugates alone and cytotoxic efficacy when loaded with the drug

Chitosan/collagen composite films as wound dressings encapsulating allantoin and lidocaine hydrochloride

Chitosan/collagen composite scaffolds encapsulating allantoin and lidocaine hydrochloride were formulated in various ratios and characterized in vitro for their applications in wound healing. After fabrication, scaffolds were characterized in terms of topographical properties, surface roughness, and swelling behavior, and then their stabilities were monitored by hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation studies. Following compatibility studies among the active ingredients, drugs were encapsulated within scaffolds, and encapsulation efficiency and drug release studies were carried. Finally, in vitro cell viability and scratch wound healing assays were carried to assess scaffolds as wound dressings. Results suggest that blending of polymers with drugs changed topographical properties and surface roughness prominently. It is found that the formulation with chitosan/collagen ratio of 70/30 is more resistant to both hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation routes due to having favored properties of both collagen and chitosan. In vitro drug release studies indicated rapid release of drugs, hence the scaffolds could be advantageous for patients that need an immediate anesthetic effect in wound healing therapy. The cell culture studies demonstrated that the chitosan/collagen composite scaffolds showed no toxicity, and cell migrations were increased depending on the collagen ratio in scaffolds. These results suggest that chitosan/collagen scaffolds combined with allantoin and lidocaine hydrochloride could be a promising candidate for wound healing applications

The influence of nanotexturing of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) films upon human ovarian cancer cell attachment

In this study, we have produced nanotextured poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) films by using polystyrene (PS) particles as a template to make a polydimethylsiloxane mould against which PLGA is solvent cast. Biocompatible, biodegradable and nanotextured PLGA films were prepared with PS particles of diameter of 57, 99, 210, and 280 nm that produced domes of the same dimension in the PLGA surface. The effect of the particulate monolayer templating method was investigated to enable preparation of the films with uniformly ordered surface nanodomes. Cell attachment of a human ovarian cancer cell line (OVCAR3) alone and co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was evaluated on flat and topographically nano-patterned surfaces. Cell numbers were observed to increase on the nanotextured surfaces compared to non-textured surfaces both with OVCAR3 cultures and OVCAR3-MSC co-cultures at 24 and 48 h time points

Advancements and future directions in the antibacterial wound dressings - A review

Wound repair is a complex process that has not been entirely understood. It can conclude in several irregularities. Hence, designing an appropriate wound dressing that can accelerate the healing period is critical. Infections, a major obstacle to wound repair, cause an elevated inflammatory responses and result in ultimate outcome of incomplete and prolonged wound repair. To overcome these shortcomings, there is a growing requirement for antibacterial wound dressings. Dressings with antibacterial activities and multifunctional behaviors are highly anticipated to avoid the wound infection for successful healing. The aim of this review is not only to concentrate on the importance of antibacterial dressings for wound healing applications but also to discuss recent studies and some future perspectives about antibacterial wound dressings

Current Strategies and Future Perspectives of Skin-on-a-Chip Platforms: Innovations, Technical Challenges and Commercial Outlook

The skin is the largest and most exposed organ in the human body. Not only it is involved in numerous biological processes essential for life but also it represents a significant endpoint for the application of pharmaceuticals. The area of in vitro skin tissue engineering has been progressing extensively in recent years. Advanced in vitro human skin models strongly impact the discovery of new drugs thanks to the enhanced screening efficiency and reliability. Nowadays, animal models are largely employed at the preclinical stage of new pharmaceutical compounds development for both risk assessment evaluation and pharmacokinetic studies. On the other hand, animal models often insufficiently foresee the human reaction due to the variations in skin immunity and physiology. Skin-on-chips devices offer innovative and state-of-the-art platforms essential to overcome these limitations. In the present review, we focus on the contribution of skin-on-chip platforms in fundamental research and applied medical research. In addition, we also highlighted the technical and practical difficulties that must be overcome to enhance skin-on-chip platforms, e. g. embedding electrical measurements, for improved modeling of human diseases as well as of new drug discovery and development

Development of mucoadhesive modified kappa-carrageenan/pectin patches for controlled delivery of drug in the buccal cavity

In this study, modified kappa-carrageenan/pectin hydrogel patches were fabricated for treatment of buccal fungal infections. For this purpose, kappa-carrageenan-g-acrylic acid was modified with different thiolated agents (L-cysteine and 3-mercaptopropionic acid), and the thiol content of the resulting modified kappa-carrageenan was confirmed by elemental analyzer. Then, the hydrogel patches were fabricated, and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ex vivo mucoadhesion test, and swelling behavior. Triamcinolone acetonide was added either directly or by encapsulating within the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles. The release amount of the drug from the directly loaded patch was 7.81 mg/g polymer, while it was 3.28 mg/g polymer for the encapsulated patch with the same content at 7 hr. The hydrogel patches had no cytotoxicity by cell culture studies. Finally, the drug loaded hydrogel patches were demonstrated antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. These results provide that the novel modified kappa-carrageenan and pectin based buccal delivery system has promising antifungal property, and could have advantages compared to conventional buccal delivery systems

Tissue adhesives: From research to clinical translation

Sutures, staples, clips, and skin closure strips are used as the gold standard to close wounds after an injury. In spite of being the present standard of care, the utilization of these conventional methods is precarious amid complicated and sensitive surgeries such as vascular anastomosis, ocular surgeries, nerve repair, or due to the high-risk components included. Tissue adhesives function as an interface to connect the surfaces of wound edges and prevent them from separation. They are fluid or semi-fluid mixtures that can be easily used to seal any wound of any morphology-uniform or irregular. As such, they provide alternatives to new and novel platforms for wound closure methods. In this review, we offer a background on the improvement of distinctive tissue adhesives focusing on the chemistry of some of these products that have been a commercial success from the clinical application perspective. This review is aimed to provide a guide to-ward the innovation of tissue bioadhesive materials and their associated biomedical applications. Published by Elsevier Ltd

Evaluation of Use of Anti-Aging Products and Aging Concerns in Adults

Amaç: Literatürde yaşlanma karşıtı ürünlerin formülasyonları ve etkinliği hakkında fazla sayıda çalışma olmasına ve buürünlerin piyasada yüksek çeşitlilikte bulunmasına karşın, kullanıcıların ürün değerlendirmeleri hakkında yapılanaraştırmaların sayısı oldukça azdır. Ayrıca ürün kullanımı ve yaşlanma kaygısı arasındaki ilişki henüz yeterincearaştırılmamıştır. Bu çalışma, yetişkinlerin yaşlanma karşıtı ürün kullanımlarının değerlendirilmesi ve yaşlanmakaygılarının belirlenmesi amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu tanımlayıcı kesitsel çalışma, herhangi bir sebeple çalışmanın yürütüldüğü İstanbul’da bulunanserbest eczaneyi ziyaret etmiş, çalışmanın amacı ve yöntemi belirtildikten sonra katılmayı kabul eden 18 yaş ve üstübireylerde yürütülmüştür. Bu kapsamda yaşlanma karşıtı ürün kullanımını belirlemek için yapılandırılmış anket veYaşlanma Kaygısı Ölçeği katılımcılara uygulanmıştır.Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan toplam 106 bireyin yaş ortalaması 32,0±8,7 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Katılımcıların 40’ıyaşlanma karşıtı ürün kullanmamaktadır. Ürün kullanan 66 katılımcının en sık olarak güneşten koruyucu (n=41),kırışıklık önleyici kremler (n=30) ve göz çevresine uygulanan ürünleri (n=32) tercih ettiği belirlenmiştir. Ürünlerçoğunlukla yaşlanma belirtileri görülmeden önce kullanılmaya başlansa da, kullanım devamlılığının oldukça düşükolduğu saptanmıştır. Ürünler hakkında bilgilendirmede internet, ürünleri satın almada ise eczane ve kozmetikmarketlerin öncelikli olarak tercih edildiği gözlenmiştir.Sonuç: Çalışma kapsamında yetişkinlerin yaşlanma karşıtı ürün kullanım sürecindeki motivasyonları ve deneyimleriaraştırılmıştır. Yaşlanma Kaygısı Ölçeği ile elde edilen verilere göre, katılımcıların yaşlanma kaygıları ile necinsiyetleri ne de ürün kullanımları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmamıştır.Aim: Despite the large number of studies on the formulations and effectiveness of anti–aging products in literature and_x000D_ the high diversity of these products in the market, the number of studies on product evaluation by their users is very_x000D_ low. In addition, the relationship between product use and aging anxiety has not been fully investigated. This study was_x000D_ carried out to evaluate the use of anti–aging products and to determine aging concerns in adults._x000D_ Material and Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional study was conducted on individuals aged 18 and over who, for_x000D_ any reason, visited the independent pharmacy in İstanbul where the study was conducted, and agreed to work after the_x000D_ purpose and method of the study has been told. In this context, a structured questionnaire and the Anxiety about Aging_x000D_ Scale were applied to the participants to determine their use of anti–aging products._x000D_ Results: The average age of 106 individuals participating to the study was calculated as 32.0 ± 8.7. 40 of the_x000D_ participants do not use anti–aging products. It was determined that 66 participants using products preferred to use most_x000D_ frequently sunscreens (n=41), anti–wrinkle creams (n=30) and eye contour products (n=32). Although the products are_x000D_ mostly started to be used before the signs of aging appear, it has been found that the usage continuity is very low. It has_x000D_ been observed that the internet is preferred to be informed on the products, and pharmacy and cosmetic markets are_x000D_ preferred for purchasing them._x000D_ Conclusion: In this study, motivations and experiences_x000D_ of adults during their use of anti–aging products were_x000D_ investigated. According to Anxiety About Aging Scale_x000D_ data, neither the participants gender nor their use of the_x000D_ products were related with the aging anxiety of the_x000D_ participants in terms of statistical significance