1. Protocol for the fabrication of self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds for tissue engineeringTamilselvan Mohan, Matej Bračič, Doris Bračič, Florian Lackner, Chandran Nagaraj, Andreja Dobaj-Štiglic, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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. Ključne besede: tissue engineering, 3D scaffolds, nanocellulosic materials, biocompatibility Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.11.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
Celotno besedilo (4,46 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of viscoelastic pseudopeptidoglycan networksPhilipp Loibner, David Bučak-Gasser, Katharina Schober, Tobias Alexander Steindorfer, Monika Brandtner, Tobias Dorn, Tanja Wrodnigg, Dmytro Neshchadin, Georg Gescheidt-Demner, Matej Bračič, Florian Lackner, Tamilselvan Mohan, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Rupert Kargl, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Bacterial peptidoglycans (PGs) are essential targets for antibiotics and immune cells. Chemical methods to reproduce PGs semisynthetically are tedious and wasteful. In this work, we describe a new approach to form pseudo-PGs (PPGs) using the protease papain and custom-made peptides conjugated to a glycan. The kinetics of formation is monitored by rheology and 1H NMR. Viscoelastic gels of controlled strength are formed, depending on the temperature and the number of peptide bridges between the glycan chains. We propose that the new method has a high impact on biomaterials research, since it could be used to deliver peptides, test antibiotic efficacy, or investigate human immune cell response. Ključne besede: biomaterials, bacterial peptidoglycans (PGs), chemo-enzymatic synthesis Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.11.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 7
Celotno besedilo (4,32 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. High oxygen barrier chitosan films neutralized by alkaline nanoparticlesUrška Jančič, Mojca Božič, Silvo Hribernik, Tamilselvan Mohan, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Selestina Gorgieva, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The most frequent neutralisation procedure, applied on chitosan (CS) films includes treatment with NaOH base. Such treatment endows CS films with stability in water, yet, same can significantly decrease the film performance. In the present paper, we investigate Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles as a neutralisation agent for CS solutions followed by casting into films. This is combined and compared with classical casting and film drying from nonneutralized solutions followed by NaOH treatment after film formation. The influence on the properties of resulting films is investigated in detail and large differences are found for structure and barrier properties. The stable, opaque-to-transparent CS films (depending on Mg(OH)2 content and post-treatment) were obtained by facile casting method of neat CS or CS–Mg(OH)2 dispersions, in the complete absence of cross-linkers and plasticizers. FTIR data demonstrate
the Mg(OH)2 and NaOH deprotonation effect, and strongly suggest intensive H-bonding interaction between CS and Mg(OH)2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed differences in the hydroxide content and protonation of CS nitrogen. The reduction of surface roughness and increase of homogeneity, the tensile strength and elongation, as well as thermal stability and excellent oxygen barrier properties were measured for CS enclosing the Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles. Further treatment with 1 M NaOH causes repacking of CS polymer chains, improving the crystallinity and water vapour barrier properties, degrading the mechanical properties by increasing the films brittleness and increasing the char formation due to reduced thermal stability. Ključne besede: CS films, Mg(OH)2, neutralization, oxygen barrier properties Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.10.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
Celotno besedilo (2,69 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Non-equilibrium plasma methods for tailoring surface properties of polyvinylidene fluoride : review and challengesAlenka Vesel, Rok Zaplotnik, Gregor Primc, Miran Mozetič, Tadeja Katan, Rupert Kargl, Tamilselvan Mohan, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, 2021, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Modification and functionalization of polymer surface properties is desired in numerous
applications, and a standard technique is a treatment with non-equilibrium gaseous plasma. Fluorinated polymers exhibit specific properties and are regarded as difficult to functionalize with polar
functional groups. Plasma methods for functionalization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are
reviewed and different mechanisms involved in the surface modification are presented and explained
by the interaction of various reactive species and far ultraviolet radiation. Most authors used argon
plasma but reported various results. The discrepancy between the reported results is explained
by peculiarities of the experimental systems and illustrated by three mechanisms. More versatile
reaction mechanisms were reported by authors who used oxygen plasma for surface modification
of PVDF, while plasma sustained in other gases was rarely used. The results reported by various
authors are analyzed, and correlations are drawn where feasible. The processing parameters reported
by different authors were the gas pressure and purity, the discharge configuration and power, while
the surface finish was predominantly determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and
static water contact angle (WCA). A reasonably good correlation was found between the surface
wettability as probed by WCA and the oxygen concentration as probed by XPS, but there is hardly
any correlation between the discharge parameters and the wettability. Ključne besede: polyvinylidene fluoride, gaseous plasma, surface modification, wettability, functionalization, activation plazma Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.06.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 8
Celotno besedilo (3,24 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Functional coatings with ethyl cellulose-calcium carbonate alkaline nanoparticles for deacidification and mechanical reinforcement of paper artifactsMatej Bračič, Jasna Malešič, Mihael Brunčko, Doris Bračič, Alenka Ojstršek, Tea Kapun, Sašo Gyergyek, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Tamilselvan Mohan, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Paper artifacts susceptible to acid hydrolysis and mechanical stress require effective conservation methods to ensure their longevity. In this study, a novel approach for the deacidification of acidic paper using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) [1,2]-ethylcellulose nanoparticles (CaCO3-EC NPs) dispersed in a non-aqueous ethyl acetate solution is presented. The dispersions were carefully prepared and applied to model acidic paper samples using a dipcoating method and then analyzed for their effectiveness. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of agglomerates containing quadrangular alkaline nanoparticles with diameters of 40 to 100 nm and a total agglomerate size of 250 nm. Hydrodynamic analyzes indicate the presence of a swollen ethyl cellulose coating on these agglomerates, which facilitates their dispersion. The results show the effectiveness of the CaCO3-EC NPs system in neutralizing acidic components (change of paper pH from 4.3 to 7) due to the homogeneous distribution within the paper substrates, effectively arresting the degradation processes. Acid-base titration showed a linear correlation between the concentration of alkaline nanoparticles and the alkaline reserve, emphasizing the role of ethylcellulose in facilitating particle transport within the paper matrix. In addition, ethylcellulose was found to improve the mechanical properties of the treated paper, as demonstrated by the standard mechanical tests. Importantly, the optical properties remained unchanged after treatment, as no adverse changes in color were observed. These results underline the effectiveness of the developed deacidification dispersions for the treatment of acidic paper and potentially other cellulose-based cultural heritage documents prone to acidic degradation. This approach offers promising implications for preserving and restoring valuable historical materials. Ključne besede: ethylcellulose, calcium carbonate, functional coating, deacidification, strengthening, cultural heritage Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
Celotno besedilo (184,18 KB) |
6. Functionalization of polycaprolactone 3D scaffolds with hyaluronic acid glycine-peptide conjugates and endothelial cell adhesionTamilselvan Mohan, Fazilet Gürer, Doris Bračič, Florian Lackner, Chandran Nagaraj, Uroš Maver, Lidija Gradišnik, Matjaž Finšgar, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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. Ključne besede: 3D printing, polycaprolactone, hyaluronic acid Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
Celotno besedilo (9,50 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Water uptake, thin-film characterization, and gravimetric pH-sensing of poly(vinylphosphonate)-based hydrogelsAnton S. Maier, Matjaž Finšgar, Beatrice De Chiara, Rupert Kargl, Bernhard Wolfrum, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Bernhard Rieger, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: superabsorbent hydrogels, pH-responsiveness, hydrogel thin films, quartz crystal microbalance, pH sensor, reversible swelling Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
Celotno besedilo (3,69 MB) |
8. Antithrombogenic polysaccharide coatings to improve hemocompatibility, protein-repellence, and endothelial cell responseMatej Bračič, Bence M. Nagy, Olivija Plohl, Florian Lackner, Tobias Alexander Steindorfer, Roland Fischer, Thomas Heinze, Andrea Olschewski, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Chandran Nagaraj, Tamilselvan Mohan, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Polyester biomaterials play a crucial in vascular surgery, but suffer from unspecific protein adsorption,
thrombogenicity, and inadequate endothelial cell response, which limit their success. To address these issues, we investigated the functionalization of polyester biomaterials with antithrombogenic polysaccharide coatings. A two-step and water-based method was used to coat cationized polycaprolactone with
different sulfated polysaccharides (SPS), which resulted in long-term stability, tunable morphology,
roughness, film thickness, chemical compositions, zeta potential, and water content. The coatings significantly increased the anticoagulant activity and reduced the thrombogenicity of polycaprolactone, particularly with highly sulfated heparin and cellulose sulfate. Less SPS, such as chondroitin sulfate, fucoidan,
and carrageenan, despite showing reduced anticoagulant activity, also exhibited lower fibrinogen adsorption. The adhesion and viability of human primary endothelial cells cultured on modified polycaprolactone
correlated with the type and sulfate content of the coatings. Ključne besede: polyester biomaterials, vascular surgery, antithrombogenic polysaccharide coatings Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.09.2024; Ogledov: 65; Prenosov: 22
Celotno besedilo (5,07 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Covalent modification of chitosan surfaces with a sugar amino acid and lysine analoguesTobias Dorn, Matjaž Finšgar, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Tobias Alexander Steindorfer, Martin Simon Thonhofer, Tanja Wrodnigg, Rupert Kargl, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This work explores the modifcation and characterization of chitosan thin flms as a model for functionalized polysaccharide
interfaces. The solid–liquid interface of oligo- and polysaccharides is crucial for various biological processes such as cell
adhesion and recognition. By covalent surface modifcation of the chitosan via amide formation with diferent small molecules containing carboxylic acids, e.g. specially designed glycoside hydrolase inhibitors, interactions with biomolecules and
living cells could potentially be controlled in the future. As a frst step towards this aim, three fuorescent compounds were
conjugated onto nanometric chitosan thin flms. The layers were analysed by fuorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy, time-of-fight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and atomic force microscopy, to proof the covalent attachment
of the target molecules. By this analysis, a uniform and chemically stable covalent attachment of the target molecules on
the chitosan thin flms could be demonstrated under various conditions. This publication serves as a proof-of-concept-study
for further biofunctionalization, pattering, and interaction studies involving polysaccharide interfaces, glycosidase inhibitors, proteins, or living cells. Ključne besede: carbohydrates, fluorescence spectroscopy, amino acid, chitosan, thin flm modifcation, C-Glycosides Objavljeno v DKUM: 07.08.2024; Ogledov: 127; Prenosov: 25
Celotno besedilo (2,03 MB) |
10. 3D-printed anisotropic nanofiber composites with gradual mechanical propertiesFlorian Lackner, Ivan Knechtl, Maximilian Novak, Chandran Nagaraj, Andreja Dobaj-Štiglic, Rupert Kargl, Andrea Olschewski, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Tamilselvan Mohan, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: 3D printing, anisotropy nanocomposites, biomedical applications, mechanical properties, nanocellulose alginate Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.06.2024; Ogledov: 132; Prenosov: 18
Celotno besedilo (4,26 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |