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Interactions of Cells with Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine, 4th Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 6847

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The biomaterials used for regenerative medicine applications should be non-toxic and biocompatible. Biocompatibility has a very broad meaning, including the non-toxicity of the materials; their ability to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation; as well as their non-immunogenic properties. Therefore, the evaluation of major cell–biomaterial interactions is a key factor in determining the biocompatibility and clinical usefulness of new biomaterials. It is important to know that in vitro tests can effectively replace animal models in the preliminary evaluation of the following: 1) cytotoxicity; 2) cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation on a biomaterial; 3) cell differentiation; and 4) immune response to a biomaterial. Despite the possibility of the use of in vitro cellular models for the evaluation of materials’ biocompatibility, researchers still preferentially choose in vivo animal tests for this purpose. Nevertheless, the use of animal models at a preliminary stage or for comparative purposes is against the principles of the ‘3Rs’, aiming to replace, reduce, and refine the use of animals wherever possible.

Leading by Prof. Dr. Agata Przekora-Kuśmierz and assisting by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Diana Torge (University of L’Aquila). The main goal of this Special Issue is to highlight the recent progress made in molecular biology and biotechnological techniques that allow a better exploitation of the potential of in vitro cellular models for the biocompatibility testing of novel biomaterials, suggesting molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion, proliferation, and biomaterial-induced activation of immune cells. All papers (reviews and original research articles) that deal with the in vitro and ex vivo determination of cell–biomaterial interactions are welcome. Manuscripts that present interactions of biomaterials with prokaryotic cells (e.g., antibiofilms or the antibacterial activity of a material) are also encouraged; however, some description of at least basic cytotoxicity tests with eukaryotic cells should be included.

Prof. Dr. Agata Przekora-Kuśmierz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • bioceramics
  • biopolymers
  • tissue engineering
  • bone scaffolds
  • wound dressings
  • skin substitutes
  • stem cells
  • cell culture models
  • cell-biomaterial interactions

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1329 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Mixture Based on Micronized Kaolinite and Ziziphora Essential Oil as a Promising Formulation for the Management of Infected Wounds
by Aigerim A. Karaubayeva, Tolkyn Bekezhanova, Karlygash Zhaparkulova, Katarzyna Susniak, Jan Sobczynski, Paulina Kazimierczak, Agata Przekora, Krystyna Skalicka-Wozniak, Łukasz Kulinowski, Anna Glowniak-Lipa, Zuryiadda B. Sakipova and Izabela Korona-Głowniak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313192 - 8 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Kaolinite stands out as a promising natural geomaterial for developing new therapeutic systems aimed at addressing global health challenges, such as multidrug-resistant infections. In this study, we report on the formulation and biological activity of a therapeutic mixture composed of white micronized kaolinite [...] Read more.
Kaolinite stands out as a promising natural geomaterial for developing new therapeutic systems aimed at addressing global health challenges, such as multidrug-resistant infections. In this study, we report on the formulation and biological activity of a therapeutic mixture composed of white micronized kaolinite (KAO) and Ziziphora essential oil (ZEO), intended for topical application on infected wounds. GC–MS analysis revealed that the primary component of ZEO is pulegone, constituting 72.98% of the oil. ZEO demonstrated good bioactivity against bacterial and fungal strains (MIC 1.25–5 mg/mL). Additionally, ZEO at a concentration of 0.0156% (0.156 mg/mL) was found to significantly stimulate collagen synthesis. The antimicrobial activity of the tested KAO–ZEO mixture formulation (30% KAO/0.25% ZEO in an excipient base) showed the highest effectiveness against Candida spp. (MIC 0.08–25 mg/mL) and Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 0.16–25 mg/mL), with lower activity against Gram-negative bacteria (MIC 25–50 mg/mL). Moreover, the KAO–ZEO mixture was nontoxic (cell viability near 100%) to human skin fibroblasts according to the ISO 10993-5 standard and promoted collagen synthesis by skin cells. This is the first documented formulation combining KAO and ZEO, demonstrating significant antimicrobial properties along with the ability to stimulate collagen production in fibroblasts. These properties highlight KAO–ZEO as a promising novel treatment, which may synergize with current care standards and improve wound healing outcomes. Full article
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27 pages, 57792 KiB  
Article
Titanium-Doped Diamond-like Carbon Layers as a Promising Coating for Joint Replacements Supporting Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
by Martina Travnickova, Elena Filova, Petr Slepicka, Nikola Slepickova Kasalkova, Tomas Kocourek, Margit Zaloudkova, Tomas Suchy and Lucie Bacakova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052837 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1501
Abstract
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are known for their high corrosion and wear resistance, low friction, and high biocompatibility. However, it is often necessary to dope DLC layers with additional chemical elements to strengthen their adhesion to the substrate. Ti-DLC layers (doped with 0.4, [...] Read more.
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are known for their high corrosion and wear resistance, low friction, and high biocompatibility. However, it is often necessary to dope DLC layers with additional chemical elements to strengthen their adhesion to the substrate. Ti-DLC layers (doped with 0.4, 2.1, 3.7, 6.6, and 12.8 at.% of Ti) were prepared by dual pulsed laser deposition, and pure DLC, glass, and polystyrene (PS) were used as controls. In vitro cell–material interactions were investigated with an emphasis on cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. We observed slightly increasing roughness and contact angle and decreasing surface free energy on Ti-DLC layers with increasing Ti content. Three-week biological experiments were performed using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) in vitro. The cell proliferation activity was similar or slightly higher on the Ti-doped materials than on glass and PS. Osteogenic cell differentiation on all materials was proved by collagen and osteocalcin production, ALP activity, and Ca deposition. The bmMSCs exhibited greater initial proliferation potential and an earlier onset of osteogenic differentiation than the ADSCs. The ADSCs showed a slightly higher formation of focal adhesions, higher metabolic activity, and Ca deposition with increasing Ti content. Full article
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17 pages, 5081 KiB  
Article
Gypsum-Related Impact on Antibiotic-Loaded Composite Based on Highly Porous Hydroxyapatite—Advantages and Disadvantages
by Justyna Zalewska, Vladyslav Vivcharenko and Anna Belcarz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417178 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Highly porous hydroxyapatite is sometimes considered toxic and useless as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration because of the high adsorption of calcium and phosphate ions from cell culture media. This negatively affects the osteoblast’s growth in such ion-deprived media and suggests “false [...] Read more.
Highly porous hydroxyapatite is sometimes considered toxic and useless as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration because of the high adsorption of calcium and phosphate ions from cell culture media. This negatively affects the osteoblast’s growth in such ion-deprived media and suggests “false cytotoxicity” of tested hydroxyapatite. In our recent study, we showed that a small addition of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) may compensate for this adsorption without a negative effect on other properties of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials. This study was designed to verify whether such CSD-supplemented biomaterials may serve as antibiotic carriers. FTIR, roughness, mechanical strength analysis, drug release, hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity against human osteoblasts, and antibacterial activity were evaluated to characterize tested biomaterials. The results showed that the addition of 1.75% gypsum and gentamicin caused short-term calcium ion compensation in media incubated with the composite. The combination of both additives also increased antibacterial activity against bacteria representative of bone infections without affecting osteoblast proliferation, hemocompatibility, and mechanical parameters. Thus, gypsum and antibiotic supplementation may provide advanced functionality for bone-regeneration materials based on hydroxyapatite of a high surface area and increasingly high Ca2+ sorption capacity. Full article
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Review

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18 pages, 2258 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Natural Biomaterial Nanocomposite Scaffolds: A Rising Prospect for Bone Replacement
by Maja A. Zaczek-Moczydłowska, Kamil Joszko, Mahboubeh Kavoosi, Aleksandra Markowska, Wirginia Likus, Saeid Ghavami and Marek J. Łos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413467 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 757
Abstract
Biomimetic natural biomaterial (BNBM) nanocomposite scaffolds for bone replacement can reduce the rate of implant failure and the associated risks of post-surgical complications for patients. Traditional bone implants, like allografts, and autografts, have limitations, such as donor site morbidity and potential patient inflammation. [...] Read more.
Biomimetic natural biomaterial (BNBM) nanocomposite scaffolds for bone replacement can reduce the rate of implant failure and the associated risks of post-surgical complications for patients. Traditional bone implants, like allografts, and autografts, have limitations, such as donor site morbidity and potential patient inflammation. Over two million bone transplant procedures are performed yearly, and success varies depending on the material used. This emphasizes the importance of developing new biomaterials for bone replacement. Innovative BNBM nanocomposites for modern bone fabrication can promote the colonization of the desired cellular components and provide the necessary mechanical properties. Recent studies have highlighted the advantages of BNBM nanocomposites for bone replacement; therefore, this review focuses on the application of cellulose, chitosan, alginates, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and synthetic polymers enhanced with nanoparticles for the fabrication of nanocomposite scaffolds used in bone regeneration and replacement. This work outlines the most up-to-date overview and perspectives of selected promising BNBM nanocomposites for bone replacement that could be used for scaffold fabrication and replace other biomorphic materials such as metallics, ceramics, and synthetic polymers in the future. In summary, the concluding remarks highlight the advantages and disadvantages of BNBM nanocomposites, prospects, and future directions for bone tissue regeneration and replacement. Full article
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34 pages, 4801 KiB  
Review
Designing Antibacterial-Based Quaternary Ammonium Coatings (Surfaces) or Films for Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances
by Georgia C. Lainioti and Denisa Druvari
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212264 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1440
Abstract
Antibacterial coatings based on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have been widely investigated in controlled release applications. Quaternary ammonium compounds are low-cost and easily accessible disinfectants that have been extensively used, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been a growing interest in developing [...] Read more.
Antibacterial coatings based on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have been widely investigated in controlled release applications. Quaternary ammonium compounds are low-cost and easily accessible disinfectants that have been extensively used, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been a growing interest in developing a clearer understanding of various aspects that need to be taken into account for the design of quaternary ammonium compounds to be used in the biomedical field. In this contribution, we outline the mechanism of action of those materials as well as the key design parameters associated with their structure and antibacterial activity. Moreover, emphasis has been placed on the type of antibacterial coatings based on QACs and their applications in the biomedical field. A brief outlook on future research guidelines for the development of dual-function antibacterial coatings is also discussed. Full article
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