Instytut Podstawowych Problemów Techniki

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Smart materials, especially light-responsive, have become a key research area due to their tunable properties. It is related to the ability to undergo physical or chemical changes in response to external stimuli. Among them, photothermal responsive materials have attracted great interest. This study focuses on the development of a multilayer system (MS) consisting of benzophenone-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) ring and a thermo-responsive core made of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-isopropylomethacrylamide) (P(NIPAAm-co-NIPMAAm)), gelatin, and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA). The system utilizes the thermal sensitivity of P(NIPAAm-co-NIPMAAm) and the photothermal effect of gold nanorods (AuNRs) to achieve an on-demand controlled release mechanism within 6 min of near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The mechanical properties investigated in the compression test show significant improvement in MS, reaching 60 times greater value than the material without a PDMS ring. In addition, NIR irradiation for 15 min activated the antimicrobial properties, eliminating 99.9% of E. Coli and 100% of S. Aureus, thus presenting pathogen eradication. This platform provides a versatile methodology for developing next-generation smart materials, advanced delivery mechanisms, and multifunctional nanostructured composites. This work highlights the potential of photosensitive materials to revolutionize the field of soft robotics, optics and actuators, and on-demand systems by providing precise control over release dynamics and improved material properties.

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Bacterial keratitis (BK) is a severe eye infection commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), posing a significant risk to vision, especially among contact lens wearers. This research introduces a novel smart nanoplatform (deMS@cNF), developed from demineralized mussel shells (deMS) and reinforced with chitin (CT) nanofibrils, specifically designed for portable photothermal disinfection of contact lenses. The nanoplatform leverages the photothermal properties of eumelanin in mussel shells (MS), which, when activated by a simple bike flashlight, rapidly heats to temperatures up to 95 °C, effectively destroying bacterial contamination. In vitro tests demonstrate that the nanoplatform is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for medical applications. This study highlights an innovative approach to converting marine biowaste into a safe, effective, and low-cost portable method for disinfecting contact lenses, showcasing the potential of the deMS@cNF platform for broader antimicrobial applications.

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Hierarchical nanostructures fabricate by electrospinning in combination with light-responsive agents offer promising scenarios for developing novel activable antibacterial interfaces. This study introduces an innovative antibacterial face mask developed from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanofibers integrated with indocyanine green (ICG), targeting the urgent need for effective antimicrobial protection for community health workers. The research focuses on fabricating and characterizing this nanofibrous material, evaluating the mask's mechanical and chemical properties, investigating its particle filtration, and assessing antibacterial efficacy under photothermal conditions for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The PHBV/ICG nanofibers are produced using an electrospinning process, and the nanofibrous construct's morphology, structure, and photothermal response are investigated. The antibacterial efficacy of the nanofibers is tested, and substantial bacterial inactivation under both near-infrared (NIR) and solar irradiation is demonstrated due to the photothermal response of the nanofibers. The material's photothermal response is further analyzed under cyclic irradiation to simulate real-world conditions, confirming its durability and consistency. This study highlights the synergistic impact of PHBV and ICG in enhancing antibacterial activity, presenting a biocompatible and environmentally friendly solution. These findings offer a promising path for developing innovative face masks that contribute significantly to the field of antibacterial materials and solve critical public health challenges.

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Skin allergies and diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), affect millions worldwide. Current treatments for AD are often expensive, leading to a need for cost-effective solutions. Here, using fiber-based patches to maintain and increase skin hydration is explored, which helps treat eczema and AD. Nanofiber membranes are manufactured via electrospinning of eight different polymers: nylon 6 (PA6), polyimide (PI), poly(3-hydroxybuty-rate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV), poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polystyrene (PS), and two molecular weights poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB). Further, their morphology is examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fibers, and pores diameter, wettability, and membrane thickness. Additionally, water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) are measured, and notably, skin hydration tests are conducted before and after using evening primrose oil-infused patches. The comparison and findings highlight the flexibility of electrospun patches, demonstrating their potential in maintaining skin hydration for 6 h and enhancing skin moisture, which are necessary in AD treatment. These insights, which focus on selecting the most effective performance patches, help improve skin moisture, leading to tailored treatments for AD, which can significantly impact the efforts to reduce healthcare costs and simplify skincare steps.

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The skin is a complex layer system and the most important barrier between the environment and the organism. In this review, we describe some widespread skin problems, with a focus on eczema, which are affecting more and more people all over the world. Most of treatment methods for atopic dermatitis (AD) are focused on increasing skin moisture and protecting from bacterial infection and external irritation. Topical and transdermal treatments have specific requirements for drug delivery. Breathability, flexibility, good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and efficacy are important for the patches used for skin. Up to today, electrospun fibers are mostly used for wound dressing. Their properties, however, meet the requirements for skin patches for the treatment of AD. Active agents can be incorporated into fibers by blending, coaxial or side-by-side electrospinning, and also by physical absorption post-processing. Drug release from the electrospun membranes is affected by drug and polymer properties and the technique used to combine them into the patch. We describe in detail the in vitro release mechanisms, parameters affecting the drug transport, and their kinetics, including theoretical approaches. In addition, we present the current research on skin patch design. This review summarizes the current extensive know-how on electrospun fibers as skin drug delivery systems, while underlining the advantages in their prospective use as patches for atopic dermatitis.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Słowa kluczowe:

atopic dermatitis, drug delivery, electrospinning, electrospun fibers, release, skin patches

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The cartilage tissue is neither supplied with blood nor innervated, so it cannot heal by itself. Thus, its reconstruction is highly challenging and requires external support. Cartilage diseases are becoming more common due to the aging population and obesity. Among young people, it is usually a post-traumatic complication. Slight cartilage damage leads to the spontaneous formation of fibrous tissue, not resistant to abrasion and stress, resulting in cartilage degradation and the progression of the disease. For these reasons, cartilage regeneration requires further research, including use of new type of biomaterials for scaffolds. This paper shows cartilage characteristics within its most frequent problems and treatment strategies, including a promising method that combines scaffolds and human cells. Structure and material requirements, manufacturing methods, and commercially available scaffolds were described. Also, the comparison of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and polyethersulfone (PES) 3D membranes obtained by a phase inversion method using nonwovens as a pore-forming additives were reported. The scaffolds' structure and the growth ability of human chondrocytes were compared. Scaffolds' structure, cells morphology, and protein presence in the membranes were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The metabolic activity of cells was tested with the MTT assay. The structure of the scaffolds and the growth capacity of human chondrocytes were compared. Obtained results showed higher cell activity and protein content for PES scaffolds than for PLLA. The PES membrane had better mechanical properties (e.g. ripping), greater chondrocytes proliferation, and thus a better secretion of proteins which build up the cartilage structure.

Słowa kluczowe:

3D-scaffolds, membrane structure, polyethersulfone, poly(L-lactide), chondrocyte culture, cartilage regeneration

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With the increasing demand for smart textile and sensor applications, the interest in printed electronics is rising. In this study, we explore the applicability of electrospun membranes, characterized by high porosity and hydrophobicity, as potential substrates for printed electronics. The two most common inks, silver and carbon, were used in inkjet printing to create a conductive paths on electrospun membranes. As substrates, we selected hydrophobic polymers, such as polyimide (PI), low- and high-molecular-weight poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB) and polystyrene (PS). Electrospinning of PI and PVB resulted in nanofibers in the range of 300–500 nm and PVB and PS microfibers (1–5 μm). The printed patterns were investigated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and resistance measurements. To verify the biocompatibility of printed electrodes on the membranes, an indirect cytotoxicity test with cells (MG-63) was performed. In this research, we demonstrated good printability of silver and carbon inks on flexible PI, PVB and PS electrospun membranes, leading to electrodes with excellent conductivity. The cytotoxicity study indicated the possibility of using manufactured printed electronics for various sensors and also as topical wearable devices.

Słowa kluczowe:

printed electronics, inkjet printing, electrospinning, fibers, hydrophobicity, cells, membrane

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Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) are widespread and affect people all over the world. Current treatments for dry and itchy skin are mostly focused on pharmaceutical solutions, while supportive therapies such as ointments bring immediate relief. Electrospun membranes are commonly used as a drug delivery system, as they have a high surface to volume area, resulting in high loading capacity. Within this study we present the manufacturing strategies of skin patches using polymer membranes with active substances for treating various skin problems. Here, we manufactured the skin patches using electrospun poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB) fibers blended and electrosprayed with urea. The highest cumulative release of urea was obtained from the PVB patches manufactured via blend electrospinning with 5% of the urea incorporated in the fiber. The maximum concentration of released urea was acquired after 30 min, which was followed up by 6 h of constant release level. The simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying limited the urea deposition and resulted in the lowest urea incorporation followed by the low release level. The urea-based patches, manufactured via blend electrospinning, exhibited a great potential as overnight treatment for various skin problems and their development can bring new trends to the textile-based therapies for AD.

Słowa kluczowe:

PVB, electrospinning, electrospray, fibers, urea

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Biodegradability or materials physicochemical stability are the key biomaterials selection parameters for various medical and tissue engineering applications. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a natural copolymer known from its biocompatibility with great support for cells growth and attachment on films and fibers. In our studies, the physicochemical properties of electrospun PHBV fibers and spin-coated films aged for 1, 4 and 8 weeks were analyzed using bulk (FTIR) and surface chemistry (XPS) methods and water contact angle. Further, we characterized the zeta potential changes after aging, by means of electrokinetic measurements, and cell responses to it, using NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Colorimetric MTS cell viability test allowed the assessment of cell proliferation. Additionally, the morphology of fibroblasts and biointerfaces were studied by confocal laser and electron scanning microscopy (CLSM and SEM). These studies indicated that the activity, attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts is independent of aging of PHBV fibers and films. PHBV films show very stable zeta potential over 8 weeks of aging, opposite to PHBV fibers. Importantly, the flat film of PHBV increases cell proliferation, while the fibrous meshes are an excellent support for their stretching. The results of the study revealed clear advantages of PHBV films and fibrous meshes in cell-material interaction.

Słowa kluczowe:

cell morphology, fibroblast, electrospun fibers, PHBV, Zeta potential

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