Inspired by nature

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3D culture of adult mouse neural stem cells within functionalized self-assembling peptide scaffolds

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of cell culture aim to fill the gap between the standard two-dimensional cell studies and the in vivo environment. Especially for neural tissue regeneration approaches where there is little regenerative capacity, these models are important for mimicking the extracellular matrix in providing support, allowing the natural flow of oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors, and possibly favoring neural cell regrowth. We have previously demonstrated that a new self-assembling nanostructured biomaterial, based on matrigel, was able to support adult neural stem cell (NSC) culture. In this study, we developed a new 3D cell culture system that takes advantage of the nano- and microfiber assembling process, under physiologic conditions, of these biomaterials. The assembled scaffold forms an intricate and biologically active matrix that displays specifically designed functional motifs: RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp), BMHP1 (bone marrow homing peptide 1), and BMHP2, for the culture of adult NSCs. These scaffolds were prepared at different concentrations, and microscopic examination of the cell-embedded scaffolds showed that NSCs are viable and they proliferate and differentiate within the nanostructured environment of the scaffold. Such a model has the potential to be tailored to develop ad hoc designed peptides for specific cell lines

Tethering of Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Lys Peptides on Mg-Doped Hydroxyapatite

Stem cell homing, namely the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to injured tissues, is highly effective for bone regeneration in vivo. In order to explore whether the incorporation of mimetic peptide sequences on magnesium-doped (Mg-doped) hydroxyapatite (HA) may regulate the homing of MSCs, and thus induce cell migration to a specific site, we covalently functionalized MgHA disks with two chemotactic/haptotactic factors: either the fibronectin fragment III1-C human (FF III1-C), or the peptide sequence Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Lys, a fibronectin analog that is able to bind to integrin transmembrane receptors. Preliminary biological evaluation of MSC viability, analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl­thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, suggested that stem cells migrate to the MgHA disks in response to the grafted haptotaxis stimuli

Superparamagnetic hybrid microspheres affecting osteoblasts behaviour

The present work describes biomimetic hybrid microspheres made of collagen type I-like peptide matrix (RCP) mineralised with Fe2+/Fe3+ doping hydroxyapatite (RCPFeHA) by a bio-inspired process. Superparamagnetic RCPFeHA microspheres are obtained by emulsification of the hybrid slurries in the presence of citrate ions, to achieve a biomimetic surface functionalisation improving the bioactivity and the dispersion ability in cell culture medium. A biological in vitro study correlates the osteoblast cells behaviour to calcium and iron ions released by the hybrid microspheres in culture media mimicking physiological or inflammatory environment, evidencing a clear triggering of cell activity and bio-resorption ability. In presence of the microspheres, the osteoblast cells maintain their typical morphology and no cell damage were detected, whereas also showing up-regulation of osteogenic markers. The ability of the hybrid microspheres to undergo bio-resorption and release bioactive ions in response to different environmental stimuli without harmful effects opens new perspectives in bone regeneration, as magnetically active bone substitute with potential ability of drug carrier and smart response in the presence of inflammatory states.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Low n-6/n-3 Gestation and Lactation Diets Influence Early Performance, Muscle and Adipose Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content and Deposition, and Relative Abundance of Proteins in Suckling Piglets

Elevated omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratios in swine diets can potentially impose a higher risk of inflammatory and metabolic diseases in swine. A low ratio between the two omega PUFAs has beneficial effects on sows' and piglets' production performance and immunity status. At present, there are few studies on how sow nutrition directly affects the protein and fat deposition in suckling piglets. Two groups of sows were fed diets with high or low n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated ratios of 13:1 (SOY) and 4:1 (LIN), respectively, during gestation and lactation. Longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissue from newborn piglets, nourished only with sow's milk, were subjected to fatty acid profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and to proteomics assays based on nano-liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-HRMS). Fatty acid profiles on both muscle and adipose tissues resembled the magnitude of the differences between fatty acid across diets. Proteomic analysis revealed overabundance of 4 muscle and 11 adipose tissue proteins in SOY compared to LIN in both piglet tissues. The detected overabundance of haptoglobin, an acute-phase protein, and the stimulation of protein-coding genes and proteins related to the innate immune response and acute inflammatory response could be associated with the pro-inflammatory role of n-6 PUFAs

Nature-Inspired Nanotechnology and Smart Magnetic Activation: Two Groundbreaking Approaches Toward a New Generation of Biomaterials for Hard Tissue Regeneration

Today, as the need of new regenerative solutions is steadily increasing, the demand for new bio-devices with smart functionality is pushing material scientists to develop new synthesis concepts. Indeed, the conventional approaches for biomaterials fail when it comes to generate nano-biocomposites with designed biomimetic composition and hierarchically organized architecture mimicking biologically relevant tissue features. In this respect, an emerging concept in material science is to draw inspiration from natural processes and products, which we may consider as the most advanced examples of smart nanotechnology. Natural processes of supramolecular assembly and mineralization of organic macromolecules, known as biomineralization, generate complex hybrid 3D constructs that are the basis of skeletons, exoskeletons, nacre and shells. On the other hand, natural structures such as woods and plants exhibit multi-scale hierarchic organization that is the source of smart and anisotropic mechanical properties associated with high porosity and lightness. The association of nature-inspired nano-technological products with smart functionalization can provide new advanced solutions to critical and still unmet clinical needs. In this respect, magnetic activation of biomaterials by the use of a recently developed biocompatible, resorbable magnetic apatite promises to represent a new safe and effective switching tool, enabling personalized applications in regenerative medicine and theranostics that so far were not feasible, due to the cytotoxicity of the currently used magnetic materials

Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Food Industry By-Products for Cell Imaging

Herein, following a circular economy approach, we present the synthesis of luminescent carbon dots via the thermal treatment of chestnut and peanut shells, which are abundant carbon-rich food industry by-products. As-synthesized carbon dots have excellent water dispersibility thanks to their negative surface groups, good luminescence, and photo-stability. The excitation-emission behaviour as well as the surface functionalization of these carbon dots can be tuned by changing the carbon source (chestnuts or peanuts) and the dispersing medium (water or ammonium hydroxide solution). Preliminary in vitro biological data proved that the samples are not cytotoxic to fibroblasts and can act as luminescent probes for cellular imaging. In addition, these carbon dots have a pH-dependent luminescence and may, therefore, serve as cellular pH sensors. This work paves the way towards the development of more sustainable carbon dot production for biomedical applications

Electronic Supplementary Information associated with the article: Degli Esposti Lorenzo, Marković Smilja, Ignjatović Nenad, Panseri Silvia, Montesi Monica, Adamiano Alessio, Fosca Marco, Rau Julietta V., Uskoković Vuk, Iafisco Michele, "Thermal crystallization of amorphous calcium phosphate combined with citrate and fluoride doping: a novel route to produce hydroxyapatite bioceramics." Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 9, no. 24 (2021):4832-4845, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TB00601K

Figure S1. The shift in the crystallization peak for (A) Cit-ACP-1 and (B) Cit-FACP-1 to higher temperatures in direct proportion with the heating rate; Figure S2. TGA curves of calcined Cit-ACP-4, Cit-ACP-2, and Cit-ACP-1; Figure S3. Pictures of calcined (A) Cit-ACP-4 and (B) Cit-ACP-1Related to the peer-reviewed manuscript: [https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_dais_11640]Related to the article: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D1TB00601K]Related to the article: [https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_dais_11639