Potential roles of extracellular vesicles in brain cell-to-cell communication

Potential roles of extracellular vesicles in brain cell-to-cell communication Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released into thè extracellular space from both cancer and normal brain cells, and are probably able to modify thè phenotypic properties of receiving cells1. EVs released from astrocytes and neurons contain FGF2 and VEGF2'3 and induce a 'blood-brain barrier' (BBB) phenotype in cultured brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs, unpublished results), On thè other hand, EVs from G26/24 oligodendroglioma induce apoptosis in neurons and astrocytes4-5. These effects are probably due to Fas Ligand and TRAIL, present in G26/24 vesicles4-5. Moreover, G26/24 EVs contain extracellular matrix …

In vitro bioactivity study of composite scaffold prepared via thermally induced phase separation

Among porous materials suitable for Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) scaffolds, bioactive ceramics (hydroxyapatite, HA) and bioactive glasses (BG) have been used for their excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity and efficient osteointegration (1). However, their major limitations are brittleness, low mechanical stability and low dissolution rate (2). Recent evidences suggest that composite scaffold based on biodegradable polymers (e.g. Poly-lacticacid (PLLA)) simultaneously loaded with HA and BG hold promising potential as efficient osteoconductive implants (3, 4). In this work we investigated the possibility to produce composite PLLA-HA-BG scaffolds via Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIP…

Evaluation of hydroxyapatite distribution in a Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) scaffolds via Micro Computed Tomography (µCT)

Bone Tissue Engineering offers promising clinical alternative substitutes for bone defects, focusing on the use of polymer/ceramic composites. Hydroxyapatite (HA), a bioactive ceramic, has been implemented in bone substitution and regeneration due to its biocompatibility, osteoconductivity and close resemblance to the mineralized phase of human bone. Several techniques have been adopted to characterize composite scaffolds in terms of morphology, pore size and interconnection, filler content and distribution, but most of them are destructives. In this work, composite Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)-HA scaffolds (17.6 mm diameter and35.7 mm height) were prepared via Thermally Induced Phase Separati…

Tubular composite scaffolds produced via Diffusion Induced Phase Separation (DIPS) as a shaping strategy for anterior cruciate ligaments reconstruction

Injuries of tendons and ligaments are common, especially among the young population. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries do not heal due to its limited vascularization and hence, surgical intervention is usually required. The ideal scaffold for ligament tissue engineering (TE) should be biocompatible and possess mechanical and functional characteristics comparable to the native ACL. The Diffusion Induced Phase Separation (DIPS) technique allows the preparation of homogenous porous tubular scaffold with micro-pores using a rather simple procedure. Composites based on biodegradable polymers and bioglass have attracted much attention in tissue reconstruction and repair because of their b…

BIOGLASS® integration in Poly-L-Lactic-Acid scaffolds produced via Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS).

In this work, a method of integration of BG particles in polymeric scaffold was developed with a trial and error procedure. The main purpose was to obtain highly porous and mechanically stable bioactive devices.

BIOGLASS® pre-treatment improves its integration in polymeric scaffolds