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Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) and porous scaffolds made from nanocellulosic materials hold significant potential in tissue engineering (TE). Here, we present a protocol for fabricating self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds designed for in vitro testing of cells from skin and cartilage tissues. We describe steps for preparation of nanocellulose ink, scaffold formation using 3D printing, and freeze-drying. We then detail post-processing procedures to enhance mechanical properties, stability, and biocompatibility. This protocol offers researchers a framework for developing versatile and sustainable biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
Keywords: tissue engineering, 3D scaffolds, nanocellulosic materials, biocompatibility
Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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Abstract: The construction sector emphasises circular economy principles that prioritise eco-design strategies, particularly the usage of secondary raw materials. The growing interest in using industrial hemp as a sustainable building material in the construction sector is driven by its versatility. Industrial hemp has been preferential in comparison to other traditional building materials due to its lower global warming impact. Claims regarding the environmental benefits of hemp-containing construction materials based on the single impact category could be misleading; therefore, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies including multiple environmental indicators should be implemented. This study aims to compare two alternative wall designs regarding their environmental impacts. The comparative LCA study for hempcrete and prefabricated walls used in residential buildings was assessed using IPCC and ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment methods. The study highlighted a significant discrepancy depending on the number of environmental indicators considered, as well as between characterised and weighted LCA results. A hempcrete wall was recognised as a slightly (13.63%) better alternative when assessed by the single-issue IPCC method, while its total burden assessed by the ReCiPe method was recognised to be significantly (2.78 times) higher. Based on the results from this case study, regulators could re-evaluate the appropriateness of reporting LCA results solely on the midpoint level, particularly when limited to a single impact indicator, while producers in the construction sector should recognise the threat of greenwashing when reporting using a single impact indicator only.
Keywords: sustainable materials, lifecycle assessment, hempcrete, prefabrication, case study
Published in DKUM: 24.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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Abstract: issue engineering faces the challenge of achieving effective vascularization within tissue constructs for sustained viability andoptimal function. The success of tissue-engineered constructs depends on selecting an optimal angiogenesis-stimulating ECMsubstitute material. This study compares four substrates made from three different biomacromolecules—fibrin, fibronectin,non-crosslinked, and crosslinked gelatin, and their effect on endothelial cells. Acknowledging the diverse range of endothelialcells that play a role in (micro)vascularization, human endothelial primary cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, andhuman microvascular endothelial cells are subjected to these materials for evaluation. Biocompatibility is assessed by measuringcell viability (Live/Dead assay), metabolic activity (alamarBlue assay), morphology (actin staining), phenotype expression(immunocytochemistry), and the production of von Willebrand factor, which promotes angiogenesis by promoting cell adhesionand migration. The results show that the use of biomaterials as culturing substrates significantly impacts the viability andmorphology of the cells. While the expression of angiogenic markers is shown to rely more on the cell lineage, the use of differentsubstrates has an impact on the expression timeline. Thus, combining cells and biomaterials in a favorable manner can be usedas a powerful tool for controlled vascularization in vitro, which requires the systematic assembly of different stimuli.
Keywords: biomacromolecules, endothelial cell types, materials, microvascularization, vascularization
Published in DKUM: 22.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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Abstract: The chapter focuses on vocabulary development in preschool children exploring multilingual literary and informative reading materials, namely a literary picture book and picture dictionaries. We conducted a case study to examine the familiarity with animals, i.e. the ability to name individual animals in Slovenian, in preschool children of the second age group (5–6 years). A total of 25 children (n = 25) participated in the study: 11 with Slovenian as their native language and 14 who learn Slovenian as a second language. The study results demonstrate significant differences in the naming of selected animals between children born in Slovenia and immigrant children. A particularly disquieting finding is that children who are soon to enter school have difficulty naming animals not only in Slovenian, but also in their mother tongue.
Keywords: kindergartens, immigrant children, naming ability, vocabulary, multilingual reading materials
Published in DKUM: 04.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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Abstract: Titanium and its alloys, as well as stainless steel, are commonly used materials for implants in the human body due to their excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. However, the long-term performance of these materials in the oral cavity can be affected by the complex oral environment, including the ingestion of food, beverages, and oral hygiene products, leading to the presence of various ions, pH fluctuations, and inflammatory processes. In this study, the corrosion properties of two biocompatible materials, Ti6Al4V and AISI 316L stainless steel, are investigated under varying oral inflammatory conditions. Using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), SEM, and EDS analysis, the corrosion behaviour of both materials was analysed in environments simulating mild and severe inflammation. Results indicate that Ti6Al4V exhibits superior corrosion resistance at low H2O2 concentrations mimicking mild inflammation, with significantly lower corrosion rates compared to AISI 316L. However, at higher H2O2 concentrations, which correspond to severe inflammation, AISI 316L shows better resistance despite its susceptibility to pitting corrosion. Both alloys show reduced passivation after 72 h, with corrosion products accumulating on the surface after 96 h, contributing to repassivation. These results emphasise the need for individualized material selection in dental applications based on a patient’s susceptibility to oral inflammation.
Keywords: corrosion, EIS, inflammatory conditions, titanium, stainless steel, dental materials
Published in DKUM: 19.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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