Search Results (133)

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles, recognized for their versatile applications from catalysis to biomedicine, require synthesis methods that offer precise control over their properties while ensuring safety and scalability. This study explores a safer, industrially viable adaptation of the polyacrylamide gel synthesis route by utilizing magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) instead of conventional nitrates to mitigate explosion risks during calcination. A systematic study was conducted to evaluate the influence of key synthesis parameters, such as crosslinker ratio, initiator concentration, precursor loading, calcination conditions (including temperature, time, and heating rate), pH, and the use of chelating agents (EDTA and citric acid), on the purity, morphology, size distribution, and colloidal stability of the synthesized MgO nanoparticles. Characterization via X-ray spectroscopy XRF and XRD, acoustic spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption (BET), electronic microscopy SEM and TEM and dispersion stability analysis revealed that polymeric cell volume (controlled by crosslinker and initiator) significantly influences size distribution, while chelating agents in alkaline environments drastically reduce particle size to ~20 nm and alter morphology to platelets (EDTA) or polygonal shapes (citric acid). Crucially, a low heating rate (2.5 °C/min) was found to yield smaller particles (~30 nm) and higher purity. This work provides a comprehensive blueprint for the tailored, safe, and scalable synthesis of MgO nanoparticles with targeted properties for specific technological applications. Full article

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are promising carriers for bioactive agents like curcumin (Cur) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in wound healing. However, existing GelMA-based systems fail to achieve both rapid hemostasis and sustained anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we developed a Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel, and evaluated its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, hemostatic, and biocompatible properties. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) analysis showed that a 65% degree of substitution of GelMA is optimal for wound dressings. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform pore size, aiding inflammatory exudate removal. The Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel exhibited strong adhesion, stability, and antibacterial activity, reducing E. coli and S. aureus proliferation by 85% and 72%, respectively. Hemostatic effects were observed, with blood loss reduced to 238 ± 23 mg compared to 559 ± 18 mg in the untreated group. The ELISA results showed reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and increased IL-10. In vivo studies demonstrated 98% wound closure by day 14, enhanced granulation tissue formation, and a 70% thicker epidermis compared to controls. Mechanistically, ADP accelerates platelet activation and clot formation, while Cur modulates the inflammatory microenvironment, enabling synergistic hemostasis and immune regulation, thus promoting accelerated wound healing. Full article

Platelet-rich gel supernatants (PRGS) are increasingly used in veterinary medicine due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties; however, most studies focus on individual mediators and provide limited insight into their coordinated biological behavior. This study aimed to characterize the integrated inflammatory–regenerative signatures of bovine PRGS stored under different temperature conditions using a multivariate approach. Concentrations of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated in PRGS samples from six clinically healthy cows stored at −80, −20, 4, 21, and 37 °C for up to 326 h. Data were standardized and explored using hierarchical clustering and heatmaps, and principal component analysis (PCA) based on area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) was used to integrate temporal behavior. Temperature-dependent multivariate signatures were identified, with frozen PRGS clustering separately from samples stored at moderate temperatures. The first two principal components explained 43.0% and 28.9% of the variance and defined an inflammatory–regenerative gradient contrasting TGF-β1/IL-2 versus TNF-α/IL-6 profiles. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed that PC1 was significantly affected by temperature and time (p < 0.001), whereas PC2 was influenced by temperature, time, and their interaction (p ≤ 0.048). Differences among temperatures were minimal at early time points but became more pronounced from 48 to 96 h onward, following a temperature gradient with higher values at moderate temperatures and lower values under frozen conditions. These findings indicate that storage temperature reshapes the integrated biological profile of PRGS, rather than merely preserving mediator composition. Full article

Tendinopathy involves a dysregulated inflammatory microenvironment in which cytokines, growth factors (GF) and extracellular matrix components interact dynamically. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used as a regenerative therapy, but its mechanisms of action in inflamed tendon remain unclear. This study evaluated whether platelet-rich gel supernatant (PRGS) reprograms the inflammatory–anabolic mediator network in an equine in vitro tendon explant system stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tendon explants were cultured under six experimental conditions, including non-stimulated control, LPS-stimulated control, and LPS combined with 25% or 50% PRGS or platelet-poor gel supernatant (PPGS). Cytokines, GF, and hyaluronic acid (HA) were quantified at 1 h and 48 h and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, mediator ratios, correlation networks, and principal component analysis. PRGS contained higher concentrations of PDGF-BB (2044 pg/mL, 95% CI 1382–2706) and IL-1ra (1196 pg/mL, 95% CI 424–1967) compared with PPGS. In LPS-stimulated explants, PRGS significantly increased IL-1ra and PDGF-BB, while IL-1β and HA exhibited significant time-dependent changes (F = 8.675 and F = 10.752, respectively). The PDGF-BB:HA ratio remained consistently higher in PRGS-treated groups (F = 46.100, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the first two principal components explained 62% of the total variance and revealed coordinated shifts in mediator organization over time. These findings indicate that PRGS does not simply suppress inflammation but actively reprograms the tendon microenvironment toward a regulatory and reparative phenotype within this experimental system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds that fail to respond to standard wound care (SWC) remain a major clinical challenge. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an advanced regenerative therapy that delivers platelet-derived growth factors involved in angiogenesis and tissue repair. However, clinical data in Asian populations and evidence regarding ulcers associated with vasculitis or microangiopathic ischemia remain limited. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and treatment frequency of autologous PRP gel prepared using the newly approved AutoloGel System^® in Japan. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 20 patients with chronic ulcers unresponsive to ≥28 days of conventional therapy by a wound specialist. PRP gel was applied weekly for up to eight sessions under current insurance coverage. Primary outcomes were wound healing rate at 12 weeks after PRP initiation and healing duration. Healing time during specialist-directed conventional therapy was compared with that following PRP using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Twenty patients (mean age 60 ± 15 years) with diverse refractory ulcers—including diabetic foot ulcers, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, vasculitic ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and surgical site infections—were analyzed. All wounds achieved complete epithelialization within 12 weeks. Healing time decreased significantly from 87.2 ± 77.1 days during conventional therapy to 47.9 ± 28.5 days after PRP initiation (median 60 vs. 44 days, p = 0.0107). No treatment-related adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Weekly autologous PRP gel therapy prepared using the AutoloGel System^® was associated with improved healing outcomes in refractory chronic wounds. Favorable outcomes were observed in traditionally difficult-to-treat conditions, including vasculitis-associated and microangiopathic ischemic ulcers. These findings suggest the potential role of PRP in promoting angiogenesis and improving microcirculatory perfusion in wounds associated with microvascular dysfunction. Full article

Elevated levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms in fibrosis are implicated in driving a dysfunctional profibrotic fibroblast phenotype. This study investigated the differential effects of the five PDGF isoforms (AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) in inducing neonatal dermal and fetal lung fibroblast contraction, proliferation, cytokine production, myofibroblast differentiation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. All PDGF isoforms, except PDGF-AA, increased contraction of 3-dimensional collagen I gels by dermal (p < 0.01) and lung fibroblasts (p < 0.05) compared to media control. PDGF-AB, BB, and CC enhanced proliferation only in dermal fibroblasts (p < 0.05). PDGF-BB induced profibrotic IL-11 cytokine release in dermal and lung fibroblasts (p < 0.0001) and IL-6 cytokine release in dermal fibroblasts (p < 0.05) compared to media control. None of the PDGF isoforms affected ECM synthesis or myofibroblast differentiation. Dermal fibroblasts exhibited elevated PDGF Receptor-β (PDGFRβ) expression (p < 0.01) and increased basal ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p < 0.05) compared to lung fibroblasts. In summary, PDGF modulates fibroblast functions in a tissue-specific manner, with PDGF-BB driving profibrotic processes in dermal fibroblasts through high PDGFRβ expression and ERK1/2 signalling. Further research is needed to explore the benefit of tissue and isoform-specific PDGF inhibition strategies in skin and lung fibrosis. Full article

Platelet-rich gel (PRG) is a fibrin-based biobased biomaterial generated by activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP), yet its biological characterization has commonly relied on univariate measurements of isolated mediators. This study aimed to define the multivariate biological organization of PRG and related hemocomponents (PRP, chemically induced platelet lysate (CIPL), and plasma) in a canine model under single exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In a randomized crossover design (n = 6 dogs), hemocomponents were produced at baseline (0 h) and 6 h after administration of carprofen or firocoxib. Platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts, growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1)), and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-10) were integrated using linear mixed-effects modeling, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering. PRG was derived from a leukocyte-poor PRP precursor with moderate platelet enrichment (~1.6-fold vs. whole blood) and a marked WBC reduction (~8–9-fold). In mixed-effects modeling, hemocomponent type significantly influenced the PDGF-BB:TNF-α log-ratio, with PRG (estimate −1.12; 95% CI −1.34 to −0.90) and plasma (−2.06; 95% CI −2.28 to −1.84) lower than PRP, while CIPL did not differ. Time and NSAID effects were not supported. PCA identified two orthogonal axes explaining 61.3% of total variance (PC1 = 43.7%, PC2 = 18.6%), separating a platelet/trophic dimension (log(PDGF-BB), log(TGF-β1), platelet count, PDGF-BB:TNF-α log-ratio) from an inflammatory dimension (log(TNF-α), log(IL-1β)). Overall, hemocomponent composition emerged as the primary determinant of mediator organization, supporting the interpretation of PRG as a structured, biomaterial defined by coordinated mediator networks. Full article

Background: Cartilage defects remain a clinical challenge due to the limited intrinsic repair capacity of hyaline cartilage, driving increasing interest in blood-derived products, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Variability in PRP preparation and activation protocols limits reproducibility and clinical translation, particularly in large animal models where species-specific differences are an additional cue. This study aimed to standardize and optimize in pigs a protocol for plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), a leukocyte-poor PRP, aligned with current human clinical practice. Methods: Whole blood from six female pigs was processed via three centrifugation protocols and activated with varying CaCl₂ concentrations to evaluate gelation and morphology. PRGF was characterized through hematological analysis, ELISA-based quantification of soluble factors, and structural imaging of fibrin gel via histology and scanning electron microscopy. Data were further analyzed using protein–protein interaction networks, hierarchical clustering, and comparative human PRGF proteomic profiles. Results: Protocol with 400× g centrifugation followed by 13.3 mM CaCl₂ activation achieved the most favorable performance, yielding the highest platelet recovery, effective leukocyte clearance, and consistent formation of a well-organized fibrin network. Porcine activated PRGF showed substantial overlap in detected factors and concentration ranges with human activated PRGF prepared with the same protocol. Conclusions: These findings establish a robust, clinically aligned porcine PRGF protocol and support the pig as a relevant translational model for PRP-based regenerative strategies, providing a reliable platform for preclinical evaluation of cartilage therapies. Full article

Articular cartilage (AC) damage heals poorly and can progress to osteoarthritis. Implantation of AC fragments (Minced Cartilage Implantation, MCI) is a promising one-step repair technique but is constrained by the limited availability of healthy AC. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of MCI using nasal septal cartilage (NSC) as an alternative source of hyaline tissue with strong regenerative capacity. NSC obtained from rhinoplasties was decontaminated using a novel protocol, minced with or without Poloxamer 188 (P188), embedded in collagen I gel (0.5 mL per sample), and cultured for 42 days in platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-supplemented medium. The decontamination procedure with a combination of antibiotics was effective and did not impair cell viability. Histology of the resulting constructs confirmed robust cellular outgrowth and matrix deposition. Tissues produced from NSC and fragmented with P188 contained more cartilaginous matrix than those from NSC fragmented without P188 and those from AC fragmented with P188. NSC fragments embedded in a 1 mL hydrogel, sufficient for clinically relevant defect volumes, also demonstrated strong outgrowth and satisfactory matrix formation. Overall, the developed protocol supports the use of NSC as a viable tissue source in gel-based, injectable MCI grafts for focal cartilage repair. Full article

Background: Extended platelet-rich fibrin (e-PRF) membranes are a novel 100% autologous biomaterial with a longer resorption time (4–6 months) than traditional solid-PRF membranes (two weeks). In part 1 of this 2-part publication series, four clinical variations for using these novel e-PRF membranes for socket preservation were introduced. In this randomized clinical trial (RCT), all four iterations of e-PRF membranes were compared to traditional collagen membranes in alveolar ridge preservation for hard and soft tissue dimensional changes and early wound healing outcomes. Methods: A single-center RCT was conducted, including 55 patients requiring the extraction of a single tooth with planned implant placement. All sockets were grafted with a “sticky bone” (bone allograft mixed with PRF) and secured with either a collagen membrane (control) or e-PRF membranes utilizing the four variations present in Part 1 (both formed extra-orally or intra-orally, each with or without an overlying solid PRF membrane). The time of fabrication and application of each e-PRF iteration was recorded. Cone beam computed tomography was utilized to evaluate horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions at baseline and 3 months post-operatively, and soft tissue thickness was also measured at both time intervals utilizing an endodontic reamer. Early wound healing was recorded at 2 weeks, utilizing the Landry, Turnbull, and Howley Index by three blinded clinicians. Results: The results demonstrated that, at 3 months, the e-PRF membranes fabricated utilizing all 4 treatment variations demonstrated equal improvements in horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions and soft tissue thickness when compared to collagen membranes. Additionally, the membrane (p = 0.029) and membrane w/solid (p = 0.021) groups demonstrated statistically significant superior early wound healing compared to the collagen membrane group. Notably, the Bio-Filler groups demonstrated statistically significant reduction in fabrication/application time compared to the membrane groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this RCT, all e-PRF iterations performed comparably to collagen membranes in maintaining both hard and soft tissue ridge dimensions when combined with sticky bone, while also significantly improving soft tissue wound healing. Future RCTs with alternative grafting materials, direct wound-margin assessment, and evaluation of patient-reported outcomes are necessary to clarify the advantages of each membrane type. Full article

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous biomaterial utilized as an adjunct in dental implant surgeries owing to its significant biocompatibility, supra-physiological concentration of growth factors, and ability to speed either soft or hard tissue regeneration. Methods: Today, PRF is available in both solid and liquid forms with an average resorption period of roughly 2 weeks. While various research endeavors have attempted to utilize Solid-PRF as a barrier membrane in guided bone regeneration (GBR) and various other applications, its two-week resorption period has limited its use as a solo “barrier” membrane owing to its faster-than-ideal resorption properties. Results: Recent studies have demonstrated that by heating and denaturing Liquid-PRF/albumin, the resorption properties of the heated albumin gel could be extended from 2 weeks to 4–6 months by utilizing the Bio-Heat technology. This emerging technology was given the working name ‘extended-PRF’ or e-PRF, with many clinical indications being proposed for further study. Numerous clinicians have now utilized extended-PRF (e-PRF) membranes as a substitute for collagen barrier membranes in various clinical applications, such as guided tissue/bone regeneration, recession coverage, and lateral window sinus lifts. Conclusions: This two-part case series paper aims to first illustrate the evolution of techniques developed taking advantage of this new technology in clinical practice for alveolar ridge preservation. This includes four different methods of fabrication of e-PRF along with its application in clinical practice. This article discusses the clinical outcomes, including the advantages/disadvantages of utilizing each of the four separate techniques to prepare and utilize e-PRF membranes for ridge preservation. Full article

The clinical use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained increasing attention as a regenerative strategy in veterinary orthopedic surgery, yet its efficacy beyond osteoarthritis remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of liquid and gel PRP formulations as adjuncts in canine orthopedic procedures and to assess the methodological quality of the available evidence. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen eligible studies (six experimental in vivo and eight clinical investigations) including in vivo and clinical investigations of fracture and osteotomy repair and tendon or ligament reconstruction were critically analyzed. Overall, PRP demonstrated safety and biological activity, with early-phase improvements in tissue regeneration and inflammatory modulation; however, long-term functional outcomes were often similar to controls. Gel PRP showed practical advantages in handling, local retention, and the sustained release of growth factors, acting as a transient fibrin scaffold. Quality and risk-of-bias assessments following ARRIVE 2.0, CONSORT, and RoB 2.0 guidelines revealed moderate methodological rigor, with frequent omissions in blinding, sample-size calculation, and preregistration. However, the marked heterogeneity in PRP preparations and outcomes across studies, together with weak evidence for consistent long-term benefits, limits the strength of these conclusions. These findings highlight PRP, particularly in gel form, as a promising biological adjuvant for orthopedic repair in dogs, while emphasizing the need for standardized preparation protocols and harmonized outcome measures to advance its translational application. Full article

The rational design of highly efficient bifunctional SAPO-11 catalysts for hydroisomerization of n-C₁₆ requires unprecedented control over both acidic properties and diffusion characteristics. This work systematically investigates the influence of the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ molar ratio (0.1–0.4) in the initial gel on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of SAPO-11. Using a combination of characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, TEM-SAED, ²⁹Si MAS NMR, and IR-Py), it was established that this parameter serves as a simple tool for crystal engineering. The concentration of Brønsted acid sites and the external surface area demonstrate a non-linear dependency, reaching their maximum at SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 0.3. Further increase in silicon content reduces both crystallinity and acidity due to the transition to the dominant SM2 + SM3 incorporation mechanism and the formation of silicon islands. Notably, varying the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio enables control over crystal morphology—progressing systematically from truncated cones (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 0.1) to flat prismatic platelets (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 0.2) and ultimately hierarchical spherical aggregates (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 0.4). In n-C₁₆ hydroisomerization, the Pt/SAPO-11(0.2) catalyst demonstrated the highest yield of i-C₁₆ compared to other samples reaching 81%. The platelet morphology ensures a minimal diffusion path (<100 nm), effectively suppressing secondary hydrocracking. This finding underscores that morphology optimization is more critical than maximizing acidity for achieving high selectivity in the context of n-C₁₆ hydroisomerization over Pt/SAPO-11. Full article

Background/Objectives: RAPID^TM Biodynamic Haematogel is a platelet-based gel for wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. This study aimed to identify the processing parameters that impact on the quality of this autologous point-of-care manufactured product. Methods: An innovative design of experiments (DOE) approach utilizing a split-plot factorial design and linear mixed-effects models enabled the evaluation of six processing parameters on time to gel and the exudation of gel releasate. Results: Across all manufacturing conditions, time to gel was 181.3 ± 179.2 s (n = 28) and the total mass of releasate exuded in 2 h was 5.6 ± 2.1 g (n = 28). Two processing parameters (temperature 15–30 °C and pre-mixing of ascorbic acid and L-PRP) had a significant impact on releasate exudation and/or time to gel. The other processing parameters (time-to-thrombin use, mixing time, WBC content and filtering of the thrombin) had little effect. The amount of releasate exuded was affected by the interaction of the temperature and time-to-thrombin use. Time to gel was affected by the mixing time and by pre-mixing the ascorbic acid and L-PRP in conjunction with temperature. Conclusions: This study illustrates an optimization of DOE methodology to inform pharmaceutical product development and identify factors that influence variability in the RAPID Biodynamic Haematogel product. Full article

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effect of different types of platelet concentrates (autologous blood biomaterials) on the migration potential of human dental pulp stem (hDPSCs). Materials and Methods: Our team created a model of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Various types of AB biomaterials were produced from blood samples from volunteers using the protocols presented: A-PRF+, Gel A-PRF+, and Solid PRF. The scratch wound healing assay was used to examine the closure of the experimental wounds on day 1 and day 14. The wound areas were quantified using Image J software. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests, as the data did not follow a normal distribution, which was confirmed by the Shapiro–Wilk test (p < 0.05). Results: The results demonstrate significantly faster closure of the experimental wounds on day 14 of the studied biomaterials AB: A-PRF+, Gel A-PRF+, and Solid PRF compared to the control group of cells. Gel A-PRF+ exhibited the most pronounced stimulatory effect on cell migration (p = 0.0036 vs. control), followed by Solid PRF and A-PRF+. Conclusions: The results indicate that autologous blood platelet concentrates stimulate the migration of hDPSCs in vitro. Gel A-PRF+ demonstrated the strongest effect, underscoring its potential clinical relevance for applications in tissue engineering. Full article