1. Nanodelci hitozana kot potencialni protimikrobni premazZdenka Peršin Fratnik, Uroš Maver, Metod Kolar, Olivera Šauperl, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Boštjan Vihar, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Namen študije je bil ugotoviti protimikrobno učinkovitost hitozanskih nanodelcev v primerjavi s hitozansko raztopino in sled temu njihovo učinkovito rabo na medicinskih tekstilnih materialih.
Keywords: chitosan, nanoparticles, antimicrobial activity, coatings, medical textile materials
Published in DKUM: 07.01.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
 Full text (903,83 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
2. Kratek pregled platform za ADME testiranjeTina Maver, Boštjan Vihar, Uroš Maver, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: V zadnjem času je bil dosežen pomemben napredek pri razvoju ADME (absorpcija, distribucija, metabolizem, ekskrecija) modelov, vendar izziv ostaja vzpostaviti platforme, ki bi zmanjšale testiranje na živalih in stroške raziskav. Naraščajoča pomembnost farmakokinetičnih interakcij poudarja potrebo po zanesljivih in
ponovljivih ADME modelih, ki so vse bolj ključni za razvoj zdravil in zagotavljanje varnosti z željo po preprečevanju
resnih kliničnih zapletov in hospitalizacije.
Keywords: ADME, drug interaction studies, in vitro models, pharmacokinetics, multi-organ models
Published in DKUM: 07.01.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
Full text (405,16 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
3. Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from paediatric paravertebral adipose tissue show strong osteogenic potentialJan Rožanc, Lidija Gradišnik, Tomaž Velnar, Minja Gregorič, Marko Milojević, Boštjan Vihar, Boris Gole, Uroš Maver, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent the basis of novel clinical concepts in cellular therapy and tissue regeneration. Therefore, the isolation of MSCs from various tissues has become an important endeavour for stem cell biobanking and the development of regenerative therapies. Paravertebral adipose tissue is readily exposed during spinal procedures in children and could be a viable source of stem cells for therapeutic applications. Here, we describe the first case of MSCs isolated from paravertebral adipose tissue (PV-ADMSCs), obtained during a routine spinal surgery on a child. Using quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry, we show that PV-ADMSCs have different levels of stem marker expression compared to the MSCs from other sources while having the highest proliferation rate. Furthermore, we evaluate the multipotency of PV-ADMSCs by the three-lineage (adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic) differentiation and compare it to the multipotency of MSCs from other sources. It was found that the PV-ADMSCs have a strong osteogenic potential in particular. Taken together, our data indicate that PV-ADMSCs meet the criteria for successful cell therapy, defined by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), and thus, could provide a source of MSCs that is relatively easy to isolate and expand in culture. Due to their strong osteogenic potential, these cells provide a promising basis, especially for orthopaedic applications.
Keywords: mesenchymal stem cells, paediatric surgery, paravertebral adipose tissue, regenerative medicine, stem marker expression, osteogenic potential, differentiation
Published in DKUM: 16.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
Full text (3,70 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
4. Review of potential drug-eluting contact lens technologiesTina Lovrec-Krstič, Kristjan Orthaber, Uroš Maver, Tomislav Šarenac, 2023, review article Abstract: The field of ophthalmology is expanding exponentially, both in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, as well as the worldwide increasing incidence of eye-related diseases. Due to an ageing population and climate change, the number of ophthalmic patients will continue to increase, overwhelming healthcare systems and likely leading to under-treatment of chronic eye diseases. Since drops are the mainstay of therapy, clinicians have long emphasised the unmet need for ocular drug delivery. Alternative methods, i.e., with better compliance, stability and longevity of drug delivery, would be preferred. Several approaches and materials are being studied and used to overcome these drawbacks. We believe that drug-loaded contact lenses are among the most promising and are a real step toward dropless ocular therapy, potentially leading to a transformation in clinical ophthalmic practice. In this review, we outline the current role of contact lenses in ocular drug delivery, focusing on materials, drug binding and preparation, concluding with a look at future developments.
Keywords: contact lens materials, advanced ocular drug delivery, dropless ocular therapy, drug-laden contact lens
Published in DKUM: 03.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
Full text (4,80 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
5. Investigating the viability of epithelial cells on polymer based thin-filmsBoštjan Vihar, Jan Rožanc, Boštjan Krajnc, Lidija Gradišnik, Marko Milojević, Laura Činč Ćurić, Uroš Maver, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: The development of novel polymer-based materials opens up possibilities for several novel applications, such as advanced wound dressings, bioinks for 3D biofabrication, drug delivery systems, etc. The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of vascular and intestinal epithelial cells on different polymers as a selection procedure for more advanced cell-polymer applications. In addition, possible correlations between increased cell viability and material properties were investigated. Twelve polymers were selected, and thin films were prepared by dissolution and spin coating on silicon wafers. The prepared thin films were structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and goniometry. Their biocompatibility was determined using two epithelial cell lines (human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human intestinal epithelial cells), assessing the metabolic activity, cell density, and morphology. The tested cell lines showed different preferences regarding the culture substrate. No clear correlation was found between viability and individual substrate characteristics, suggesting that complex synergistic effects may play an important role in substrate design. These results show that a systematic approach is required to compare the biocompatibility of simple cell culture substrates as well as more complex applications (e.g., bioinks).
Keywords: HUIEC, HUVEC, morphology, polymers, thin films, viability
Published in DKUM: 18.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
Full text (20,37 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
6. Microvascular tissue engineering : a reviewJernej Vajda, Marko Milojević, Uroš Maver, Boštjan Vihar, 2021, review article Abstract: Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have come a long way in recent decades, but the lack of functioning vasculature is still a major obstacle preventing the development of thicker, physiologically relevant tissue constructs. A large part of this obstacle lies in the development of the vessels on a microscale%the microvasculature%that are crucial for oxygen and nutrient delivery. In this review, we present the state of the art in the field of microvascular tissue engineering and demonstrate the challenges for future research in various sections of the field. Finally, we illustrate the potential strategies for addressing some of those challenges.
Keywords: regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, vascularization, biomaterials, microvascularization, coculture, gradients
Published in DKUM: 18.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
Full text (6,81 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
7. In vitro disease models of the endocrine pancreasMarko Milojević, Jan Rožanc, Jernej Vajda, Laura Činč Ćurić, Eva Paradiž, Andraž Stožer, Uroš Maver, Boštjan Vihar, 2021, review article Abstract: The ethical constraints and shortcomings of animal models, combined with the demand to study disease pathogenesis under controlled conditions, are giving rise to a new field at the interface of tissue engineering and pathophysiology, which focuses on the development of in vitro models of disease. In vitro models are defined as synthetic experimental systems that contain living human cells and mimic tissue- and organ-level physiology in vitro by taking advantage of recent advances in tissue engineering and microfabrication. This review provides an overview of in vitro models and focuses specifically on in vitro disease models of the endocrine pancreas and diabetes. First, we briefly review the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the human pancreas, with an emphasis on islets of Langerhans and beta cell dysfunction. We then discuss different types of in vitro models and fundamental elements that should be considered when developing an in vitro disease model. Finally, we review the current state and breakthroughs in the field of pancreatic in vitro models and conclude with some challenges that need to be addressed in the future development of in vitro models.
Keywords: in vitro disease models, pancreas, islet of Langerhans, 3D cell culture, scaffolds, acute tissue slices
Published in DKUM: 01.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 7
Full text (4,42 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
8. Reinforcing ethyl cellulose aerogels with poly(lactic acid) for enhanced bone regenerationGabrijela Horvat, Jan Rožanc, Uroš Maver, Matjaž Finšgar, Željko Knez, Zoran Novak, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Developing double porous biodegradable and biocompatible scafolds that can incorporate and release drugs in a controlled manner holds immense potential in regenerative medicine. This study presents a synthesis method for preparing a macro-mesoporous scafold, where poly(lactic acid) adds to the macroporous region and mechanical properties, and ethyl cellulose adds to the surface area (182 m2 /g). High surface area enables the incorporation of model drug indomethacin with an entrapment efciency of 17.0% and its later controlled release profle. The resulting scafold has desirable mechanical properties in the range of a natural trabecular bone with a compressive modulus of 22.4 MPa. The material is stable in the simulated body fuids for 120 days before the slow degradation starts. In vitro studies demonstrate the material’s ability to support bone cell adhesion, proliferation, and diferentiation, promoting osteogenic activity. Overall, the unique combination of poly(lactic acid) and ethyl cellulose produces advanced materials with tailored macro and mesopore properties, remarkable mechanical properties, optimal degradation rate, and drug delivery potential, making it a promising candidate for bone scafolds in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
Keywords: bio composite, polymer-matrix composites (PMCs), polymers, porosity/voids, secondary ion mass spectrometry
Published in DKUM: 23.08.2024; Views: 130; Downloads: 6
Full text (2,87 MB) |
9. Novel magnetic iron oxide-dextran sulphate nanocomposites as potential anticoagulants: Investigating interactions with blood components and assessing cytotoxicityOlivija Plohl, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Boštjan Vihar, Alenka Vesel, Sašo Gyergyek, Uroš Maver, Irena Ban, Matej Bračič, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Examining the critical role of anticoagulants in medical practice, particularly their central function in preventing abnormal blood clotting, is of the utmost importance. However, the study of interactions between blood proteins and alternative anticoagulant nano-surfaces is still understood poorly. In this study, novel approach involving direct functionalisation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) as carriers with sulphated dextran (s-dext) is presented, with the aim of evaluating the potential of magnetically-responsive MNPs@s-dext as anticoagulants. The physicochemical characterisation of the synthesised MNPs@s-dext includes crystal structure analysis, morphology study, surface and electrokinetic properties, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic properties` evaluation, which confirms the successful preparation of the nanocomposite with sulfonate groups. The anticoagulant potential of MNPs@s-dext was investigated using a standardised activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test and a modified APTT test with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) which confirmed the anticoagulant effect. Time-resolved solid-liquid interactions between the MNPs@s-dext and model blood proteins bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen were also investigated, to gain insight into their hemocompatibility, and revealed protein-repellence of MNPs@s-dext against blood proteins. The study also addressed comprehensive cytotoxicity studies of prepared nanocomposites, and provided valuable insights into potential applicability of MNPs@s-dext as a promising magnetic anticoagulant in biomedical contexts.
Keywords: dextran sulphate, magnetic nanoparticles, blood protein interactions, clot formation, anticoagulants, cytotoxicity studies
Published in DKUM: 25.07.2024; Views: 107; Downloads: 20
Full text (892,02 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
10. Novel methacrylate-based multilayer nanofilms with incorporated FePt-based nanoparticles and the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil for skin cancer treatmentKristijan Skok, Tanja Zidarič, Kristjan Orthaber, Matevž Pristovnik, Nina Kostevšek, Kristina Žužek Rožman, Sašo Šturm, Lidija Gradišnik, Uroš Maver, Tina Maver, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Despite medical advances, skin-associated disorders continue to pose a unique challenge to physicians worldwide. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with more than one million new cases reported each year. Currently, surgical excision is its primary treatment; however, this can be impractical or even contradictory in certain situations. An interesting potential alternative could lie in topical treatment solutions. The goal of our study was to develop novel multilayer nanofilms consisting of a combination of polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA), polyhydroxypropyl methacrylate (PHPMA), sodium deoxycholate (NaDOC) with incorporated superparamagnetic iron–platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs), and the potent anticancer drug (5-fluorouracil), for theranostic skin cancer treatment. All multilayer systems were prepared by spin-coating and characterised by atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The magnetic properties of the incorporated FePt NPs were evaluated using magnetisation measurement, while their size was determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drug release performance was tested in vitro, and formulation safety was evaluated on human-skin-derived fibroblasts. Finally, the efficacy for skin cancer treatment was tested on our own basal-cell carcinoma cell line.
Keywords: nanomaterials, bimodal therapy, topical skin treatmen, magnetic nanoparticles, thin films, skin cancer, methacrylates
Published in DKUM: 04.07.2024; Views: 98; Downloads: 16
Full text (5,33 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
