Photocurable hydrogel-elastomer hybrids as an adhesive patch for meniscus repair

Hydrogel adhesives are gaining popularity in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine. However, unsatisfactory anti-tension properties of traditional hydrogels limit their practical uses, particularly in sports medicine, which usually requires robust mechanical properties. Here, we design a tissue adhesive patch based on a bioadhesive hydrogel (HAMA-GelNB) and a tough elastomer (PDMS) that can atraumatically and rapidly repair tissue injuries such as meniscus tears. The strong and sutureless sealing capabilities of the hybrids are demonstrated using ex vivo porcine skin and stomach models. In vitro cell studies and in vivo subcutaneous implantation models are used and demonstrated the biocompatibility of the material. Finally, the efficiency of the tissue adhesive patch is demonstrated using a rabbit meniscus tear model which is challenging in clinic. The results of macroscopic images and histological analysis revealed that the surface of cartilage in the material-treated group was slightly worn, but the untreated group developed progressive cartilage degeneration. These findings demonstrate that the hydrogel-elastomer composite tissue adhesive could be an alternative to sutures for tissue repair and is promising in translational medicine

Identification of Alkaline Salt Tolerance Genes in Brassica napus L. by Transcriptome Analysis

Soil salt alkalization is one major abiotic factor reducing the productivity of crops, including rapeseed, an indispensable oil crop and vegetable. The mechanism studies of alkali salt tolerance can help breed highly resistant varieties. In the current study, rapeseed (B. napus) line 2205 exhibited more tolerance to alkaline salt than line 1423 did. In line 2205, the lesser plasma membrane damage index, the accumulated osmotic solute, and higher antioxidant enzyme activities contributed to alkaline tolerance. A more integrated mesophyll-cell structure was revealed under alkali salt stress by ultrastructure observation in line 2205, which also implied a lesser injury. Transcriptome analysis showed that more genes responded to alkaline salt in line 2205. The expression of specific-response genes in line 1423 was lower than in line 2205. However, most of the specific-response genes in line 2205 had higher expression, which was mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthetic processes, ROS regulating, and response to salt stress. It can be seen that the tolerance to alkaline salt is attributed to the high expression of some genes in these pathways. Based on these, twelve cross-differentially expressed genes were proposed as candidates. They provide clues for further analysis of the resistance mechanism of rapeseed