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
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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: 9
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3. Engineering Materials and Process Technologies : 2nd Conference of Programme Groups of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University of Maribor, Book of Abstracts2025 Opis: The publication presents an overview of the research achievements of Programm Groups of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: P2-0424 Design of Novel Properties of (Nano)Materials & Applications, P2-0063 Design of Cellular Structures, P2-0120 Technologies of Metastable Materials, P2-0118 Textile Chemistry and Advanced Textile Materials, and P2-0196 Research in Power, Process, and Environmental Engineering from 2024 to 2025. Members of the program group present their research innovations and progress achieved within the framework of the program group's activities.
Ključne besede: advanced textile materials, composites, nanomaterials, biotechnology, surface functionalization and modification, cellular structures, metastable materials, power, process and environmental engineering
Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.11.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 7
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4. Effect of phenolic anchor groups on enzymatic polymerization of coniferyl alcohol at cellulosic interfacesThomas Elschner, Jakob Schönrich, Matej Bračič, Tina Maver, Uroš Maver, Steffen Fischer, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The chemical recalcitrance of lignin limits the industrial processing of biomass, which could be addressed by so-called designer lignins. Dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) formed by artificial lignification of monolignols, enable studies on structure-property relationships independently of genetic information. Thin films of phenolic acid esters of cellulose were prepared and used for quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) experiments to investigate surface polymerization in real-time. The phenolic anchor groups significantly influenced lignification speed, deposited mass, and rigidity of resulting DHP layers. Linkage types in the lignin structure were quantified by HSQC NMR spectroscopy. Polymerization efficiency was increased in the order ferulate < p-coumarate < caffeate. Among the tested anchors, protocatechuate groups were excellently performing the reaction, while vanillate and p-hydroxybenzoate led to minimal deposition of DHPs. Lignification behavior could be correlated with radical stability of phenolic anchor groups and the formation of benzodioxane structures of caffeate moieties. The presence of caffeate units that undergo trapping reaction, prevents cross-linking of cell wall components and enhances digestibility. Moreover, the benzodioxane motif increased rigidity and linearity of lignin, which is advantageous for material science applications, e.g. for bio-based carbon fibers.
Ključne besede: artificial lignin, dehydrogenation polymerization, phenolic cellulose esters, QCM-D, thin films
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.09.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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5. Urinary catheters : state of the art and future perspectives – a narrative reviewKristijan Skok, Uroš Bele, Špela Pintar, Zdenka Peršin Fratnik, Katja Kuzmič, Matej Bračič, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Uroš Maver, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most frequent healthcare associated infection, arising from microbial adhesion to catheter surfaces, biofilm development, and the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. Many publications have addressed CAUTI epidemiology, biofilm biology, or biomaterials for catheters in isolation, yet there is little literature that connects these areas into a coherent translational perspective. This review seeks to fill that gap by combining an overview of biofilm pathophysiology with recent advances in material based innovations for catheter design, including nanostructured and responsive coatings, sensor enabled systems, additive manufacturing, and three dimensional printing. Established approaches such as hydrophilic or antimicrobial impregnated catheters are considered alongside bio inspired surface textures, zwitterionic polymers, and multifunctional hydrogels. Each strategy is evaluated in terms of maturity, clinical applicability, and barriers to translation, with a focus on shifting from antibiotic dependent treatment toward prevention of biofilm formation. By bringing together knowledge from microbiology, engineering, and clinical urology, the review outlines pathways for developing the next generation of catheters that improve outcomes and reduce infection rates.
Ključne besede: urinary catheters, urinary tract infection, antibiotic resistance, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.09.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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6. New approach for adsorptive removal of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin: carboxymethyl-dextran-functionalised magnetic iron oxide nanomaterialsErik Mihelič, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Marjana Simonič, Sašo Gyergyek, Alenka Vesel, Silvo Hribernik, Matej Bračič, Ivan Anžel, Olivija Plohl, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Antibiotic residues in environmental media pose a significant health, social and economic problem and require effective removal strategies. This study presents a novel approach for the removal of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin from water sources using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) synthesised by co-precipitation, and subsequently functionalised with the polysaccharide carboxymethyl-dextran (CMD). The prepared nanoadsorbent was characterised extensively by various physicochemical analyses, to evaluate its morphology, crystal structure, surface chemistry, electrokinetic properties, thermogravimetric properties and magnetic features. These analyses confirmed the successful functionalisation of the MNPs with CMD highlighting its potential for effective adsorption applications. The stability of CMD coating on MNPs was evaluated in terms of total carbon content, an important, yet often overlooked factor. The adsorption performance of MNPs@CMD for ciprofloxacin was investigated systematically by studying the effects of adsorbent dosage, pH, initial ciprofloxacin concentration, ionic strength, adsorption time and kinetics, temperature, and reusability. Under optimal conditions, nanoadsorbent exhibited a satisfactory maximum adsorption capacity of 14.71 mg/g, and maintained a removal eff iciency of 79 % after four cycles, with minimal desorption of CMD layer on the MNPs. These findings demonstrate the potential of this magnetic polysaccharide nanoadsorbent for effective removal of ciprofloxacin from aqueous environments, enabling magnetic recovery and reuse.
Ključne besede: Carboxymethyl-dextran-MNPs, ciprofloxacin, adsorption
Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 17
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7. 2nd Conference of the Slovenian Node of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science E-RIHS Slovenia : Book of Abstracts2025, zbornik Opis: Heritage science is an interdisciplinary field that brings together humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. It focuses on research, preservation, and sustainable use of cultural and natural heritage. By doing so, we enhance our understanding and care for heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations and improving its role in the lives of people today and in the future. In line with the mission of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS), ERIHS Slovenia also promotes collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines and facilitates access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, thereby strengthening the research culture. The book of abstracts is a collection of presentations held at the 2nd E-RIHS.si conference on the latest research in cultural heritage, including innovative solutions enabled using artificial intelligence.
Ključne besede: E-RIHS.si, book of abstracts, cultural heritage, artificial inteligence, conference
Objavljeno v DKUM: 13.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 178
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8. 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
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9. Alginate coatings suppress unspecific protein adhesion on PVCMatej Bračič, Alenka Vesel, Lidija Fras Zemljič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study involved oxygen plasma activation of PVC and its effect on alginate coating adhesion, analyzed using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The results demonstrated improved adhesion of alginate on plasma-activated PVC due to an increase of oxidized functional groups. Wettability measurements, conducted using optical contact angle goniometry and QCM-D, showed a significant increase in the wettability of PVC after alginate coating, with contact angles decreasing from 81.4 ± 1.1◦ to 37.3 ± 3.1◦ 3D-profilometry mapping revealed a uniform distribution of alginate on the PVC film. Real-time antifouling studies using QCM-D with two model proteins, bovine serum albumin and bovine fibrinogen, were performed to elucidate the surface interactions involved in protein inhibition. The results indicated a substantial reduction in protein adhesion on alginate-coated PVC. This reduction in protein adhesion is attributed to the high hydrophilicity of the alginate coatings and partial removal of the alginate, which together contribute to poor protein adhesion. This comprehensive approach advances the development of effective solutions for mitigating biofilm-related issues on PVC-based medical devices, offering significant implications for improving patient outcomes.
Ključne besede: alginate, coatings, polyvinyl chloride, biofouling, quartz crystal microbalance, protein adhesion
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 11
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10. Aktivacija adsorpcije hitozana na celulozo s plazmoLucija Flucher, 2024, diplomsko delo Opis: Naraščajoča skrb za zdravje in spremembe v življenjskem standardu so povečale zanimanje za razvoj protimikrobnih tekstilij, ki preprečujejo rast mikroorganizmov in delujejo preventivno proti okužbam, kot so okužbe kože in sluznic. Hitozan, naravni biopolimer, pridobljen iz hitina, se je izkazal za učinkovito protimikrobno sredstvo, saj preprečuje rast bakterij in gliv z vezavo na njihove celične stene ter zaviranjem njihovega metabolizma.
Diplomsko delo obravnava vpliv plazemske obdelave celuloznih vlaken na njihovo sposobnost adsorpcije hitozana. V raziskavi smo del celuloznih vlaken obdelali s plazmo, medtem ko smo preostali del pustili neobdelan. Obe vrsti vzorcev smo nato analizirali, da bi ocenili morebitno povečanje reaktivnosti in sposobnosti vezave hitozana kot posledico plazemske obdelave v primerjavi z neobdelanimi vlakni. Cilj raziskave je bil ugotoviti, ali plazemska obdelava vpliva na izboljšanje adsorpcijskih lastnosti celuloznih vlaken.
Za oceno učinkovitosti postopka smo uporablili naslednje metode: potenciometrična titracija za določanje vezave hitozana, UV-Vis analiza za merjenje koncentracije preostalega hitozana, merjenje togosti ploskih tekstilij za oceno uporabnih lastnosti obdelanih vlaken ter merjenje protimikrobnosti.
Rezultati so pokazali, da plazemska obdelava bistveno izboljša adsorpcijo hitozana na celulozo. Plazemska obdelava se je izkazala kot obetavna metoda za funkcionalizacijo tekstilij, ki omogoča ustvarjanje okolju prijaznih in učinkovitih zaščitnih materialov. Diplomska naloga s svojimi ugotovitvami prispeva k napredku na področju razvoja tekstilij z dodano vrednostjo in odpira nove možnosti za raziskave v tej smeri.
Ključne besede: hitozan, plazma, bombaž, protimikrobnost, desorpcija
Objavljeno v DKUM: 04.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 35
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