UNASSIGNED: Polymeric electrospun mats have been used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for the development of novel materials due to its characteristics. The usage of synthetic materials has gone in decline due to environmental problems associated with their synthesis and waste disposal. Biomaterials such as biopolymers have been used recently due to good compatibility on biological applications and sustainability.
UNASSIGNED: The purpose of this work is to obtain novel materials based on synthetic and natural polymers for applications on tissue engineering.
UNASSIGNED: Aloe vera mucilage was obtained, chemically characterized, and used as an active compound contained in electrospun mats. Polymeric scaffolds were obtained in single, coaxial and tri-layer structures, characterized and evaluated in cell culture.
UNASSIGNED: Mucilage loaded electrospun fibers showed good compatibility due to formation of hydrogen bonds between polymers and biomolecules from its structure, evidenced by FTIR spectra and thermal properties. Cell viability test showed that most of the obtained mats result on viability higher than 75%, resulting in nontoxic materials, ready to be used on scaffolding applications.
UNASSIGNED: Mucilage containing fibers resulted on materials with potential use on scaffolding applications due to their mechanical performance and cell viability results.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma poses a significant threat to human health, making the development of a safe and effective treatment a crucial challenge. Disulfiram (DS) is a proven anticancer drug that has shown effectiveness when used in combination with copper (DS-Cu complex).
OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on encapsulation of DS-copper complex into nanofiber scaffold from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (DS-Cu@PVA). In order to increase bioavailability towards melanoma cell lines and decrease its toxicity.
METHODS: The scaffold was fabricated through an electrospinning process using an aqueous solution, and subsequently analyzed using ART-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ART-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Additionally, cellular cytotoxicity, flow cytometry analysis, and determination of caspase 3 activity were conducted to further characterize the scaffold.
RESULTS: The results confirmed that encapsulation of DS-Cu complex into PVA was successful via different characterization. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the diameter of the nanofibers remained consistent despite the addition of DS-Cu. Additionally, ATR-FTIR confirmed that the incorporation of DS-Cu into PVA did not significantly alter the characteristic peaks of PVA. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assessment of the DS-Cu@PVA nanofibrous scaffold using human normal skin cells (HFB4) demonstrated its superior biocompatibility compared to DS-Cu-free counterparts. Notably, the presence of DS-Cu maintained its effectiveness in promoting apoptosis by increasing cellular reactive oxygen species, proapoptotic gene expression, and caspase 3 activity, while simultaneously reducing glutathione levels and oncogene expression in human and mouse melanoma cell lines (A375 and B16F10, respectively). Overall, these findings suggest that the addition of DS-Cu to PVA nanofibers enhances their biocompatibility and cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells, making them a promising candidate for biomedical applications.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the targeted delivery of DS-Cu onto a PVA nanofiber scaffold holds potential approach to enhance the efficacy of DS-Cu in combating melanoma.

We recently identified TMEM230 as a master regulator of the endomembrane system of cells. TMEM230 expression is necessary for promoting motor protein dependent intracellular trafficking of metalloproteins for cellular energy production in mitochondria. TMEM230 is also required for transport and secretion of metalloproteinases for autophagy and phagosome dependent clearance of misfolded proteins, defective RNAs and damaged cells, activities that decline with aging. This suggests that aberrant levels of TMEM230 may contribute to aging and regain of proper levels may have therapeutic applications. The components of the endomembrane system include the Golgi complex, other membrane bound organelles, and secreted vesicles and factors. Secreted cellular components modulate immune response and tissue regeneration in aging. Upregulation of intracellular packaging, trafficking and secretion of endosome components while necessary for tissue homeostasis and normal wound healing, also promote secretion of pro-inflammatory and pro-senescence factors. We recently determined that TMEM230 is co-regulated with trafficked cargo of the endomembrane system, including lysosome factors such as RNASET2. Normal tissue regeneration (in aging), repair (following injury) and aberrant destructive tissue remodeling (in cancer or autoimmunity) likely are regulated by TMEM230 activities of the endomembrane system, mitochondria and autophagosomes. The role of TMEM230 in aging is supported by its ability to regulate the pro-inflammatory secretome and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in tissue cells of patients with advanced age and chronic disease. Identifying secreted factors regulated by TMEM230 in young patients and patients of advanced age will facilitate identification of aging associated targets that aberrantly promote, inhibit or reverse aging. Ex situ culture of patient derived cells for identifying secreted factors in tissue regeneration and aging provides opportunities in developing therapeutic and personalized medicine strategies. Identification and validation of human secreted factors in tissue regeneration requires long-term stabile scaffold culture conditions that are different from those previously reported for cell lines used as cell models for aging. We describe a 3 dimensional (3D) platform utilizing non-biogenic and non-labile poly ε-caprolactone scaffolds that supports maintenance of long-term continuous cultures of human stem cells, in vitro generated 3D organoids and patient derived tissue. Combined with animal component free culture media, non-biogenic scaffolds are suitable for proteomic and glycobiological analyses to identify human factors in aging. Applications of electrospun nanofiber technologies in 3D cell culture allow for ex situ screening and the development of patient personalized therapeutic strategies and predicting their effectiveness in mitigating or promoting aging.

A novel scaffold for in situ electrochemical detection of cell biomarkers was developed using electrospun nanofibers and commercial adhesive polymeric membranes. The electrochemical sensing of cell biomarkers requires the cultivation of the cells on/near the (bio)sensor surface in a manner to preserve an appropriate electroactive available surface and to avoid the surface passivation and sensor damage. This can be achieved by employing biocompatible nanofiber meshes that allow the cells to have a normal behavior and do not alter the electrochemical detection. For a better mechanical stability and ease of handling, nylon 6/6 nanofibers were collected on commercial polymeric membranes, at an optimal fiber density, obtaining a double-layered platform. To demonstrate the functionality of the fabricated scaffold, the screening of cellular stress has been achieved integrating melanoma B16-F10 cells and the (bio)sensor components on the transducer whereas the melanin exocytosis was successfully quantified using a commercial electrode. Either directly on the surface of the (bio)sensor or spatially detached from it, the integration of cell cultures in biosensing platforms based on electrospun nanofibers represents a powerful bioanalytical tool able to provide real-time information about the biomarker release, enzyme activity or inhibition, and monitoring of various cellular events.

UNASSIGNED: Functional inorganic nanomaterials (NMs) are widely exploited as bioactive materials and drug depots. The lack of a stable form of application of NMs at the site of skin injury, may impede the removal of the debridement, elevate pH, induce tissue toxicity, and limit their use in skin repair. This necessitates the advent of innovative wound dressings that overcome the above limitations. The overarching objective of this study was to exploit strontium-doped mesoporous silicon particles (PSiSr) to impart multifunctionality to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/gelatin (PG)-based fibrous dressings (PG@PSiSr) for excisional wound management.
UNASSIGNED: Mesoporous silicon particles (PSi) and PSiSr were synthesized using a chemo-synthetic approach. Both PSi and PSiSr were incorporated into PG fibers using electrospinning. A series of structure, morphology, pore size distribution, and cumulative pH studies on the PG@PSi and PG@PSiSr membranes were performed. Cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, transwell migration, scratch wound healing, and delineated angiogenic properties of these composite dressings were tested in vitro. The biocompatibility of composite dressings in vivo was assessed by a subcutaneous implantation model of rats, while their potential for wound healing was discerned by implantation in a full-thickness excisional defect model of rats.
UNASSIGNED: The PG@PSiSr membranes can afford the sustained release of silicon ions (Si4+) and strontium ions (Sr2+) for up to 192 h as well as remarkably promote human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts migration. The PG@PSiSr membranes also showed better cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and significant formation of tubule-like networks of HUVECs in vitro. Moreover, PG@PSiSr membranes also facilitated the infiltration of host cells and promoted the deposition of collagen while reducing the accumulation of inflammatory cells in a subcutaneous implantation model in rats as assessed for up to day 14. Further evaluation of membranes transplanted in a full-thickness excisional wound model in rats showed rapid wound closure (PG@SiSr vs control, 96.1% vs 71.7%), re-epithelialization, and less inflammatory response alongside skin appendages formation (eg, blood vessels, glands, hair follicles, etc.).
UNASSIGNED: To sum up, we successfully fabricated PSiSr particles and prepared PG@PSiSr dressings using electrospinning. The PSiSr-mediated release of therapeutic ions, such as Si4+ and Sr2+, may improve the functionality of PLGA/Gel dressings for an effective wound repair, which may also have implications for the other soft tissue repair disciplines.

This study investigates the conversion of highly acetylated sugarcane bagasse into high-modulus carbon nanofibers (CnNFs) with exceptional electrical conductivity. By electrospinning the bagasse into nanofibers with diameters ranging from 80 nm to 800 nm, a cost-effective CnNFs precursor is obtained. The study reveals the transformation of the cellulose crystalline structure into a stable antiparallel chain arrangement of cellulose II following prolonged isothermal treatment, leading to a remarkable 50 % increase in CnNFs recovery with carbon contents ranging from 80 % to 90 %. This surpasses the performance of any other reported biomass precursors. Furthermore, graphitization-induced shrinkage of CnNFs diameter results in significant growth of specific surface area and pore volume in the resulting samples. This, along with a highly ordered nanostructure and high crystallinity degree, contributes to an impressive tensile modulus of 9.592 GPa, surpassing that of most petroleum-based CnNFs documented in the literature. Additionally, the prolonged isothermal treatment influences the d002 value (measured at 0.414 nm) and CnNFs degree of crystallinity, leading to an enhancement in electrical conductivity. However, the study observes no size effect advantages on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, possibly attributed to the potential presence of point defects in the ultrathin CnNFs. Overall, this research opens a promising and cost-effective pathway for converting sugarcane biomasses into high-modulus carbon nanofibers with outstanding electrical conductivity. These findings hold significant implications for the development of sustainable and high-performance materials for various applications, including electronics, energy storage, and composite reinforcement.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases due to their immunomodulatory and tissue regeneration capabilities. Despite their potential, the clinical application of MSC therapies is hindered by limited cell retention and engraftment at the target sites. Electrospun scaffolds, with their high surface area-to-volume ratio and tunable physicochemical properties, can be used as platforms for MSC delivery. However, synthetic polymers often lack the bioactive cues necessary for optimal cell-scaffold interactions. Integrating electrospun scaffolds and biological polymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and composites, combines the mechanical integrity of synthetic materials with the bioactivity of natural polymers and represents a strategic approach to enhance cell-scaffold interactions. The molecular interactions between MSCs and blended or functionalized scaffolds have been examined in recent studies, and it has been shown that integration can enhance MSC adhesion, proliferation, and paracrine secretion through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, such as FAK/Src, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and YAP/TAZ. Preclinical studies on small animals also reveal that the integration of electrospun scaffolds and natural polymers represents a promising approach to enhancing the delivery and efficacy of MSCs in the context of regenerating bone, cartilage, muscle, cardiac, vascular, and nervous tissues. Future research should concentrate on identifying the distinct characteristics of the MSC niche, investigating the processes involved in MSC-scaffold interactions, and applying new technologies in stem cell treatment and biofabrication to enhance scaffold design. Research on large animal models and collaboration among materials scientists, engineers, and physicians are crucial to translating these advancements into clinical use.

In order to treat most vascular diseases, arterial grafts are commonly employed for replacing small-diameter vessels, yet they often cause thrombosis. The growth of endothelial cells along the interior surfaces of these grafts (substrates) is critical to mitigate thrombosis. Typically, endothelial cells are cultured inside these grafts under laminar flow conditions to emulate the native environment of blood vessels and produce an endothelium. Alternatively, the substrate structure could have a similar influence on endothelial cell behavior as laminar flow conditions. In this study, we investigated whether substrates with aligned fiber structures could induce responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) akin to those elicited by laminar flow. Our observations revealed that HUVECs on aligned substrates displayed significant morphological changes, aligning parallel to the fibers, similar to effects reported under laminar flow conditions. Conversely, HUVECs on random substrates maintained their characteristic cobblestone appearance. Notably, cell migration was more significant on aligned substrates. Also, we observed that while vWF expression was similar between both substrates, the HUVECs on aligned substrates showed more expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31), laminin, and collagen IV. Additionally, these cells exhibited increased gene expression related to critical functions such as proliferation, extracellular matrix production, cytoskeletal reorganization, autophagy, and antithrombotic activity. These findings indicated that aligned substrates enhanced endothelial growth and behavior compared to random substrates. These improvements are similar to the beneficial effects of laminar flow on endothelial cells, which are well-documented compared to static or turbulent flow conditions.

Organochlorides and particularly chlorophenols are environmental pollutants that deserve special attention. Enzymatic membrane bioreactors may be alternatives for efficiently removing such hazardous organochlorides from aqueous solutions. We propose here a novel enzymatic membrane bioreactor comprising an ultrafiltration membrane GR81PP, electrospun fibers made of cellulose acetate, and laccase immobilized using an incubation and a fouling approach. Configurations of this biosystem exhibiting the highest catalytic activity were selected for removal of 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol from aqueous solution in an enzymatic membrane bioreactor under various process conditions. The highest removal of chlorophenols, at 88% and 74% for 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol, respectively, occurred at pH 5 and 30 ºC in the GR81PP/cellulose acetate/laccase biosystem with enzyme immobilized by the fouling method. Furthermore, the GR81PP/cellulose acetate/laccase biosystem with enzyme immobilized by the fouling method exhibited significant reusability and storage stability compared with the biosystem with laccase immobilized by the incubation method. The mechanism of enzyme immobilization is based on pore blocking and cake-layer formation, while the mechanism of chlorophenols removal was identified as a synergistic combination of membrane separation and enzymatic conversion. The importance of the conducted research is due to efficient removal of hazardous organochlorides using a novel enzymatic membrane bioreactor. The study demonstrates the biosystem\'s high catalytic activity, reusability, and stability, offering a promising solution for environmental pollution control.

Piezoelectric fiber yarns produced by electrospinning offer a versatile platform for intelligent devices, demonstrating mechanical durability and the ability to convert mechanical strain into electric signals. While conventional methods involve twisting a single poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene)(P(VDF-TrFE)) fiber mat to create yarns, by limiting control over the mechanical properties, an approach inspired by composite laminate design principles is proposed for strengthening. By stacking multiple electrospun mats in various sequences and twisting them into yarns, the mechanical properties of P(VDF-TrFE) yarn structures are efficiently optimized. By leveraging a multi-objective Bayesian optimization-based machine learning algorithm without imposing specific stacking restrictions, an optimal stacking sequence is determined that simultaneously enhances the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and failure strain by considering the orientation angles of each aligned fiber mat as discrete design variables. The conditions on the Pareto front that achieve a balanced improvement in both the UTS and failure strain are identified. Additionally, applying corona poling induces extra dipole polarization in the yarn state, successfully fabricating mechanically robust and high-performance piezoelectric P(VDF-TrFE) yarns. Ultimately, the mechanically strengthened piezoelectric yarns demonstrate superior capabilities in self-powered sensing applications, particularly in challenging environments and sports scenarios, substantiating their potential for real-time signal detection.