Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are suitable materials for bioapplications due to their ability to emit visible light under near infrared (NIR) excitation, in the biological transparency range. Polycaprolactone(PCL)-based scaffolds are widely used in tissue engineering in combination with inorganic compounds to improve bioactivity and osteoconductive properties. This work proposes a 3D printed composite scaffold with upconversion property aiming at biomedical applications in therapy-stimulated bone repair and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The system combines PCL polymer, UCNPs-apatite and a PDT photosensitizer. Thermal and rheological behaviors of the composite were similar to pure PCL polymer. Mechanical properties were improved by adding UCNPs-apatite. The 3D printable composite presented upconversion property and potential for PDT application, which was demonstrated by singlet oxygen generation under 980 nm excitation. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity assays indicated no toxicological effects at low concentrations of rare earth elements. Taken together, a potential multifunctional material is proposed for biomedical applications.

ABSTRACT Bone substitutes based on hydroxyapatite (HA) and Bonefill® (BO - inorganic bovine bone) associated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (HA/PLGA and BO/PLGA) were evaluated concerning cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity as potential candidates for bone repair. The materials were developed and provided by Bionnovation Biomedical Products Ltda. Eluates from these bone substitutes were prepared for toxicity evaluations using eukaryotic cell cultures. HA/PLGA was used as a comparison for Bonefill®. Cell viability was evaluated by XTT assay and surviving fraction was calculated for clonogenic survival. Additionally, tail moment was used to assess genotoxicity (comet assay). The frequencies of binucleated cells with micronucleus (FBMN), micronucleus (FMN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), and nuclear buds (NBUDs) were analysed by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN assay). Results showed no statistical difference in cell viability compared with negative control (NC) The eluates did not promote delayed cytotoxicity whereas the surviving fraction rate for cultured cells was similar to NC. Furthermore, no genotoxicity or mutagenicity effects were observed for cultured cells with the Bonefill/PLGA and HA/PLGA eluates. In conclusion, the negative cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity results indicate that these bone substitutes presented interesting preliminary results as potential biomaterials for bone repair.

The development of drug delivery systems for photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly demanded due to the hydrophobicity presented by most of photosensitizers molecules. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a highly pure cellulose produced by bacteria, possesses the essential features for applications in drug delivery systems, such as large surface area and excellent loading capacity. BC membranes prepared containing a photosensitizer, chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc), were tested aiming applications as a drug delivery system for PDT skin cancer protocols. BC membranes production was optimized regarding thickness and optical transmission. Thinner membranes lead to higher relative incorporation efficiencies. Skin permeation and retention in vitro tests were performed by using pig's ears as a skin model. ClAlPc was retained at stratum corneum and epidermis/dermis, showing adequate properties for topical administration of ClAlPc. Photophysical studies showed that singlet oxygen production was not affected for ClAlPc compartmentalized in the BC array. BC-ClAlPc membranes did not present cytotoxic effects in vitro.

This study compares a wound dressing based on bacterial cellulose/collagen (BC/COL) hydrogel in rat dorsum with commercial collagenase ointment and untreated wound. The hydrogel was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier transformed - Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the In vivo test and macroscopic evaluation, BC/COL hydrogel showed a better repair of wounds and promoted statistically significant differences of tissue repair between treatments on the 7th day after surgery. Better quality, quantity and orientation evaluation of collagen fibers (p=0.0001) were observed in the BC/COL hydrogel and collagenase ointment groups in relation to the control group. The BC/COL hydrogel promoted better wound healing than collagenase and the control group, therefore, it can be considered a potential wound dressing for skin regeneration.

FUNDAMENTOS - Adesivos teciduais têm sido muito usados para síntese de ferida, em função de ser um método indolor, rápido e de fácil execução. OBJETIVOS -Analisar e comparar compatibilidade dos adesivos, etil- cianoacrilato (Super Bonder) e butilcianoacrilato (Histoacryl), e a reparação de incisões em dorso de ratos entre o fio de sutura e os respectivos adesivos. MÉTODOS - Foram usados 15 ratos. Realizaram-se duas lojas cirúrgicas no dorso. Em cada uma, foi implantado um tubo de polietileno (10mm x 1mm), os quais foram preenchidos com os adesivos Super Bonder (lado direito) e Histoacryl (lado esquerdo). As incisões, do lado esquerdo, foram coaptadas com Super Bonder, e as do lado direito, com Histoacryl. Uma incisão mediana, entre as duas incisões,foi realizada e suturada com fio de seda. Os animais foram mortos, depois de 7(sete), 35(trinta) e 120 (cento e vinte dia) dias. RESULTADOS: Os adesivos usados, no presente estudo, não promoveram reação inflamatória, quando usados para síntese das incisões. Porém, estes adesivos, quando implantados no subcutâneo, promoveram reação inflamatória até 120 (cento e vinte dia) dias, no entanto, a reação é mais intensa com Histoacryl. CONCLUSÕES: Super Bonder e Histoacryl permitem o processo cicatricial dos tecidos incisados; facilitam a sutura das incisões. Desta forma, estes podem ser utilizados para sínteses de feridas, lacerações ou incisões cutâneas.

BACKGROUND: Tissue adhesives have been used for the synthesis of wound due to their painless application and quick and easy handling. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the compatibility of the adhesives ethylcyanoacrylate (Super Bonder) and butyl-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl), and to compare the reparation of incisions in the dorsum of rats with suture and the respective adhesives. METHODS: Fifteen rats were used. Two surgical pockets were created in their dorsum. A polyethylene tube (10mm x 1mm) was implanted in each one. Each tube was filled with the adhesives Super Bonder(left side) and Histoacryl (right side). The incisions on the left side were closed with Super Bonder, and the incisions on the right side, with Histoacryl. A median incision between the two other incisions was made and closed with braided silk suture. The animals were killed after, 7, 35 and 120 days. RESULTS: The adhesives used in the present study did not promote inflammatory reaction when used for the synthesis of incisions. However, when implanted subcutaneously, they caused an inflammatory reaction within 120 days. Reaction is more severe with Histoacryl. CONCLUSIONS: Super Bonder and Histoacryl can be used effectively in the healing of incised tissues; they aid in the suture of incisions. However, these adhesives can be used for the synthesis of wounds, lacerations or cutaneous incisions.