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1.
Quasi-static and impact behaviour of polymer-metal interpenetrating phase TPMS composites
Nejc Novak, Oraib Al-Ketan, Anja Mauko, Lovre Krstulović-Opara, Shigeru Tanaka, Matej Borovinšek, Boštjan Vihar, Uroš Maver, Kazuyuki Hokamoto, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: Interpenetrating phase composites (IPC) are materials with two or more mutually continuous, interconnected phases. This structure allows each phase to retain its properties, while together they exhibit enhanced synergistic properties. In this work, polymer-metal IPCs with Triply Periodical Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures were fabricated and tested for their mechanical properties at different impact velocities (ranging from 0.1 mm/s to 250 m/s). Samples. The samples comprise a stainless steel reinforcement phase and two polymeric matrices (silicone and epoxy). Computed tomography was used to evaluate the internal structure and the fabrication quality. The results showed that the samples were thoroughly infiltrated with polymeric filler, achieving a high degree of homogeneity in the composite. The compression tests of silicone-filled IPCs showed an increase in stiffness. Still, the Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) was not improved due to the non-optimal stiffness ratio between the polymeric matrix and the metallic reinforcement phase. However, using epoxy as the matrix resulted in the SEA enhancement of 38 %. This is attributed to the interlocking mechanism between the two phases, which improved the macroscopic mechanical properties. The compression tests showed significant strain rate hardening due to the base material’s strain rate sensitivity and the inertia effects.
Keywords: TPMS, interpenetrating phase composite, polymer filler, hybrid structure, experimental testing, mechanical properties, strain rate effect
Published in DKUM: 26.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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2.
Artificial biomimetic electrochemical assemblies
Tanja Zidarič, Matjaž Finšgar, Uroš Maver, Tina Maver, 2022, review article

Abstract: Rapid, selective, and cost-effective detection and determination of clinically relevant biomolecule analytes for a better understanding of biological and physiological functions are becoming increasingly prominent. In this regard, biosensors represent a powerful tool to meet these requirements. Recent decades have seen biosensors gaining popularity due to their ability to design sensor platforms that are selective to determine target analytes. Naturally generated receptor units have a high affinity for their targets, which provides the selectivity of a device. However, such receptors are subject to instability under harsh environmental conditions and have consequently low durability. By applying principles of supramolecular chemistry, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can successfully replace natural receptors to circumvent these shortcomings. This review summarizes the recent achievements and analytical applications of electrosynthesized MIPs, in particular, for the detection of protein-based biomarkers. The scope of this review also includes the background behind electrochemical readouts and the origin of the gate effect in MIP-based biosensors.
Keywords: MIP-based biosensors, MIP, biosensors, molecularly imprinted polymer, biomolecules, electroanalysis
Published in DKUM: 15.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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3.
MFUM-BrTNBC-1, a newly established patient-derived triple-negative breast cancer cell line : molecular characterisation, genetic stability, and comprehensive comparison with commercial breast cancer cell lines
Kristijan Skok, Lidija Gradišnik, Helena Sabina Čelešnik, Marko Milojević, Uroš Potočnik, Gregor Jezernik, Mario Gorenjak, Monika Sobočan, Iztok Takač, Rajko Kavalar, Uroš Maver, 2022, original scientific article

Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast cancer (BC) subtype that accounts for approximately 15–20% of all BC cases. Cancer cell lines (CLs) provide an efficient way to model the disease. We have recently isolated a patient-derived triple-negative BC CL MFUM-BrTNBC-1 and performed a detailed morphological and molecular characterisation and a comprehensive comparison with three commercial BC CLs (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453). Light and fluorescence microscopy were used for morphological studies; immunocytochemical staining for hormone receptor, p53 and Ki67 status; RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR and STR analysis for molecular characterisation; and biomedical image analysis for comparative phenotypical analysis. The patient tissue-derived MFUMBrTNBC-1 maintained the primary triple-negative receptor status. STR analysis showed a stable and unique STR profile up to the 6th passage. MFUM-BrTNBC-1 expressed EMT transition markers and displayed changes in several cancer-related pathways (MAPK, Wnt and PI3K signalling; nucleotide excision repair; and SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling). Morphologically, MFUM-BrTNBC-1 differed from the commercial TNBC CL MDA-MB-231. The advantages of MFUM-BrTNBC-1 are its isolation from a primary tumour, rather than a metastatic site; good growth characteristics; phenotype identical to primary tissue; complete records of origin; a unique identifier; complete, unique STR profile; quantifiable morphological properties; and genetic stability up to (at least) the 6th passage.
Keywords: hormonal receptors, MFUM-BrTNBC-1, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453
Published in DKUM: 10.04.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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4.
Addressing the needs of the rapidly aging society through the development of multifunctional bioactive coatings for orthopedic applications
Tinkara Mastnak, Uroš Maver, Matjaž Finšgar, 2022, review article

Abstract: The unprecedented aging of the world’s population will boost the need for orthopedic implants and expose their current limitations to a greater extent due to the medical complexity of elderly patients and longer indwelling times of the implanted materials. Biocompatible metals with multifunctional bioactive coatings promise to provide the means for the controlled and tailorable release of different medications for patient-specific treatment while prolonging the material’s lifespan and thus improving the surgical outcome. The objective of this work is to provide a review of several groups of biocompatible materials that might be utilized as constituents for the development of multifunctional bioactive coatings on metal materials with a focus on antimicrobial, pain-relieving, and anticoagulant properties. Moreover, the review presents a summary of medications used in clinical settings, the disadvantages of the commercially available products, and insight into the latest development strategies. For a more successful translation of such research into clinical practice, extensive knowledge of the chemical interactions between the components and a detailed understanding of the properties and mechanisms of biological matter are required. Moreover, the cost-efficiency of the surface treatment should be considered in the development process.
Keywords: biomaterials, orthopedic implants, multifunctional coatings, drug delivery, antimicrobial, pain relief
Published in DKUM: 09.04.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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5.
Functionalization of polycaprolactone 3D scaffolds with hyaluronic acid glycine-peptide conjugates and endothelial cell adhesion
Tamilselvan Mohan, Fazilet Gürer, Doris Bračič, Florian Lackner, Chandran Nagaraj, Uroš Maver, Lidija Gradišnik, Matjaž Finšgar, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: This study enhances the bioactivity of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for tissue engineering by functionalizing them with oxidized hyaluronic acid glycine-peptide conjugates to improve endothelial cell adhesion and growth. Hyaluronic acid was conjugated with a glycine-peptide to create a bioactive interface on PCL (static water contact angle, SCA(H2O): 98°). The scaffolds were fabricated using a melt extrusion 3D printing technique. The HA-glycine peptide conjugates were oxidized and immobilized on aminolyzed PCL via Schiff-base chemistry, introducing hydrophilicity (SCA(H2O): 21°), multiple functional groups, and a negative zeta potential (-12.04 mV at pH 7.4). A quartz crystal microbalance confirmed chemical conjugation and quantified the mass (8.5-10.3 mg m-2) of oxidized HA-glycine on PCL. The functionalized scaffolds showed enhanced swelling, improved mechanical properties (2-fold increase in strength, from 26 to 51 MPa), and maintained integrity during degradation. In-vitro experiments demonstrated improved endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation and viability, suggesting the potential for vascularized tissue constructs.
Keywords: 3D printing, polycaprolactone, hyaluronic acid
Published in DKUM: 19.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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6.
Ketoprofen-loaded PLGA-based bioactive coating prepared by supercritical foaming on a TiAl6V4 substrate for local drug delivery in orthopedic applications
Katja Andrina Kravanja, Klodian Xhanari, Maša Knez Marevci, Uroš Maver, Matjaž Finšgar, 2024, original scientific article

Abstract: In this study, a novel biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid coating containing a model anti-inflammatory drug (ketoprofen) was prepared on TiAl6V4 substrate for use in orthopedic medicine by a two-step process combining drop casting and supercritical CO2-assisted foaming. The prepared coating was first investigated by surface analysis techniques using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The combined results confirmed the loading of ketoprofen and its homogeneous spatial distribution in the coating. 3D profilometry revealed increased surface roughness of the coating compared to the bare TiAl6V4 substrate, which is favorable for cell adhesion. Furthermore, the electrochemical measurements (i.e., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic curve measurements) demonstrated that the coating application significantly mitigated corrosion compared to the bare TiAl6V4 substrate. In vitro drug release tests revealed extended drug release in simulated body fluids with zero-order release kinetics. Finally, the promising cell testing results using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts confirmed the applicability of the coating for implants. Overall, the results of this study highlight the significant potential of the developed bioactive coating for future orthopedic applications.
Keywords: TiAlV, bioactive coating, implants, PLGA, supercritical foaming, ketoprofen
Published in DKUM: 14.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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7.
Design of in vitro hair follicles for different applications in the treatment of alopecia : a review
Matej Žnidarič, Žan Michel Žurga, Uroš Maver, 2021, review article

Abstract: The hair research field has seen great improvement in recent decades, with in vitro hair follicle (HF) models being extensively developed. However, due to the cellular complexity and number of various molecular interactions that must be coordinated, a fully functional in vitro model of HFs remains elusive. The most common bioengineering approach to grow HFs in vitro is to manipulate their features on cellular and molecular levels, with dermal papilla cells being the main focus. In this study, we focus on providing a better understanding of HFs in general and how they behave in vitro. The first part of the review presents skin morphology with an emphasis on HFs and hair loss. The remainder of the paper evaluates cells, materials, and methods of in vitro growth of HFs. Lastly, in vitro models and assays for evaluating the effects of active compounds on alopecia and hair growth are presented, with the final emphasis on applications of in vitro HFs in hair transplantation. Since the growth of in vitro HFs is a complicated procedure, there is still a great number of unanswered questions aimed at understanding the long-term cycling of HFs without losing inductivity. Incorporating other regions of HFs that lead to the successful formation of different hair classes remains a difficult challenge.
Keywords: hair follicle, alopecia, dermal papilla cells, hair transplantation, in vitro hair follicle models
Published in DKUM: 11.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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8.
Morphological, mechanical, and in-vitro bioactivity of gelatine/collagen/hydroxyapatite based scaffolds prepared by unidirectional freeze-casting
Yasir Beeran Potta Thara, Tomaž Vuherer, Uroš Maver, Vanja Kokol, 2021, original scientific article

Abstract: The fabrication of biomaterials to be used in segmental bone defects, mimicking the bone's organic-inorganic architecture and mechanical properties to induce osteogenesis, persists as a key challenge. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of a lightweight, morphologically graded, and multiphase self-standing scaffold structure prepared from a combination of gelatine (Gel), collagen type 1 (Col) and/or hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles by a unidirectional freeze-casting process at different temperatures (−20, −40, −60 °C), followed by carbodiimide induced cross-linking, on their in-vitro mechanical stability and bioactive properties. In addition, the rheological study of differently formulated Gel solutions has been performed to determine the effect of Col and HAP content on their microstructural arrangement, which, together with the freezing kinetic, affects Gel/Col orientation and cross-linking, and, thus, the scaffold's mechanical strength and stability. A bone-like anisotropic, interconnected, and graded porosity (from 120 to a few μm) scaffold structure with up to 30% total porosity and ~61 μm average pores' diameter is obtained by using a higher Col content (Col: Gel = 2:5) and freezing temperature (−20 °C) while forming a few μm thick close-to-parallel lamellae, separated with a 10–100 μm space when prepared at −60 °C. Such a structure influenced in-vitro stability strongly (lower swelling without weight loss), being accompanied with a ~76% increase of compression strength (to 37 kPa) and ~67% decrease of elastic modulus (to 17 kPa) when prepared with HAP and incubated in HBSS for 7 days. On the other hand, a significant reduction of both strength (~78%, to 15 kPa) and elasticity (~95%, to 5 kPa) was noted for a scaffold prepared with HAP at −60 °C, being related to faster degradation and the formation of a highly opened structure on the bottom, required to stimulate the bone ingrowth, while a more closed network structure on the top to adhere with the surrounding soft tissue. None of the scaffolds induced cytotoxicity to human bone-derived osteoblasts, even after 19 days of incubation, but rather improved their viability while promoting cells' adhesions, proliferation, and differentiation, being supported with an increased alkaline phosphatase activity and rod-like CaP formation.
Keywords: biomimetic scaffolds, rheology, unidirectional freeze-casting, morphology, compression properties, bioactivity
Published in DKUM: 10.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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9.
Nanodelci hitozana kot potencialni protimikrobni premaz
Zdenka 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: 25
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10.
Kratek pregled platform za ADME testiranje
Tina 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: 23
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