BackgroundElectrospun fibrous matrices are of great importance for tissue engineering and drug delivery device. However, relatively low mechanical strength of the fibrous matrix is one of the major disadvantages. NDs with a positive charge were selected to enhance the mechanical property of a composited fibrous matrix by inducing the intermolecular interaction between NDs and polymer chain. We prepared ND-composited poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibrous matrices by electrospinning and evaluated their performance in terms of mechanical strength and cell behaviors.MethodsA predetermined amounts of NDs (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 wt%) were added into PCL solution in a mixture of chloroform and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (8:2). ND-composited PCL (ND/PCL) fibrous matrices were prepared by electrospinning method. The tensile properties of the ND/PCL fibrous matrices were analyzed by using a universal testing machine. Mouse calvaria-derived preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) was used for cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and Alizarin Red S staining.ResultsThe diameters of the fibrous matrices were adjusted to approximately 1.8 μm by changing process variables. The intermolecular interaction between NDs and PCL polymers resulted in the increased tensile strength and the favorable interfacial adhesion in the ND/PCL fibrous matrices. The ND/PCL fibrous matrix with 1 wt% of ND had the highest tensile strength among the samples and also improved proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.ConclusionsCompared to the other samples, the ND/PCL fibrous matrix with 1 wt% of ND concentration exhibited superior performances for MC3T3 cells. The ND/PCL fibrous matrix can be potentially used for bone and dental tissue engineering.

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We described the curcumin-loaded biodegradable polyurethane (PU) scaffolds modified with gelatin based on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for potential application of cartilage regeneration. The printing solution of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) triol (polyol) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol was printed through a nozzle in dimethyl sulfoxide phase with or without gelatin.The weight ratio of HMDI against PCL triol was varied as 3, 5, and 7 in order to evaluate its effect on the mechanical properties and biodegradation rate. A higher ratio of HMDI resulted in higher mechanical properties and a lower biodegradation rate. The use of gelatin increased the mechanical properties, biodegradation rate, and curcumin release due to the surface cross-linking, nanoporous structure, and surface hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. In vitro study revealed that the released curcumin enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocyte. The 3D-printed biodegradable PU scaffold modified with gelatin should thus be considered as a potential candidate for cartilage regeneration.

Background Transdermal delivery is of great importance for the effective delivery of bioactive or therapeutic agents into a body. The microporation device based on radiofrequency can be used to enhance delivery efficiency by removing the epidermis layer. Methods The micropores were developed on pig skin and human cadaver skin with dermal and epidermal layers by the microporation device. The regeneration of micropores in the human cadaver skin caused by microporation was confirmed using an optical microscope and haematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining. The permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextrans (FITC-dextrans) with different molecular weights through the pig and human cadaver skins were measured using Franz diffusion cell. Results The optical image and histological analysis confirmed that the micropores on the skin were recovered over time. The enhanced permeability through micropores was confirmed by Franz diffusion cell. The lower molecular weight of FITC-dextran permeated more on both human and pig skin. In addition, the permeation rate was higher in pig skin than in human skin. Conclusions We believe that the microporation device can be used as a potential technique for effective transdermal drug delivery.