Glycerylphytate-crosslinked microgels as MSC-delivery platform improves cell survival and function

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit multiple beneficial properties, most notably potentimmunomodulation via their secretory factors that render them as an attractive cell source for cell therapy. However, theirclinical application remains limited due to their low survival and persistence in vivo, highlighting the need for new cell-carriers1. Chitosan is a widely applied biomaterial, but its poor solubility has constrained its use as a cell carrier2. Weexamined the fabrication of chitosan-based MSCs-microcarriers using a water-soluble chitosan lactate (ChLA) derivativeand in situ crosslinking in a microfluidic device using tripolyphosphate (TPP) and glycerylphytate (G1Phy) as ioniccrosslinkers. G1Phy is a powerful antioxidant,3 whose crosslinking ability has been evinced4. Our microgel synthesisallows for cell encapsulation, and G1Phy provided beneficial features to microgels in terms of MSCs survival, persistenceand secretome modulation

Electrospun Nanofibers Loaded with <i>Plantago major</i> L. Extract for Potential Use in Cutaneous Wound Healing

Plantago major L. is a plant available worldwide that has been traditionally used for several medical applications due to its wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This work aimed to develop and evaluate a nanostructured PCL electrospun dressing with P. major extract encapsulated in nanofibers for applications in wound healing. The extract from leaves was obtained by extraction in a mixture of water:ethanol = 1:1. The freeze-dried extract presented a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Staphylococcus Aureus susceptible and resistant to methicillin of 5.3 mg/mL, a high antioxidant capacity, but a low content of total flavonoids. Electrospun mats without defects were successfully produced using two P. major extract concentrations based on the MIC value. The extract incorporation in PCL nanofibers was confirmed using FTIR and contact angle measurements. The PCL/P. major extract was evaluated using DSC and TGA demonstrating that the incorporation of the extract decreases the thermal stability of the mats as well as the degree of crystallinity of PCL-based fibers. The P. major extract incorporation on electrospun mats produced a significant swelling degree (more than 400%) and increased the capacity of adsorbing wound exudates and moisture, important characteristics for skin healing. The extract-controlled release evaluated using in vitro study in PBS (pH, 7.4) shows that the P. major extract delivery from the mats occurs in the first 24 h, demonstrating their potential capacity to be used in wound healing