1. Exploring genital lichen sclerosus : navigating from pathophysiology to precise diagnostic approachesMaja Sever, Katarina Trčko, Tanja Zidarič, Tina Maver, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that predominantly affects the perineal and genital regions, although extragenital manifestations can occur. Despite its significant impact on patients’ quality of life, particularly affecting sexual and urinary function, LS remains underdiagnosed. Multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, immunological abnormalities, trauma, and urine irritation, contribute to its development and persistence. This review aims to clarify the complex pathophysiology of LS by exploring three main mechanisms: autoimmune dysregulation, sclerotic tissue formation, and oxidative stress. Autoimmune dysregulation involves T-cell infiltration and the roles of miR-155 and extracellular matrix protein 1 dysfunction, leading to chronic inflammation. miR-155 contributes to sclerotic tissue formation alongside galectin-7, promoting fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Oxidative stress results in tissue damage, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and an increased risk of carcinogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving LS management. Further research is needed to unravel the genetic basis, immune responses, and interactions between key mediators, ultimately advancing innovative therapeutic strategies and precision medicine in LS.
Ključne besede: lichen sclerosus, autoimmune dysregulation, sclerotic tissue, oxidative stress, genital disease
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.09.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 45
 Celotno besedilo (1,96 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. 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
Celotno besedilo (1,95 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. |
4. The impact of temperature and the duration of freezing on a hydrogel used for a 3d-bioprinted in vitro skin modelMaja Sever, Dominik Škrinjar, Tina Maver, Monika Belak, Franc Zupanič, Ivan Anžel, Tanja Zidarič, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Skin bioprinting has the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches for injuries and surgical procedures, while also providing a valuable platform for assessing and screening cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. This technology offers key advantages, including flexibility and reproducibility, which enable the creation of complex, multilayered scaffolds that closely mimic the intricate microenvironment of native skin tissue. The development of an ideal hydrogel is critical for the successful bioprinting of these scaffolds with incorporated cells. In this study, we used a hydrogel formulation developed in our laboratory to fabricate a 3D-bioprinted skin model. The hydrogel composition was carefully selected based on its high compatibility with human skin cells, incorporating alginate, methyl cellulose, and nanofibrillated cellulose. One of the critical challenges in this process, particularly for its commercialization and large-scale production, is ensuring consistency with minimal batch-to-batch variations. To address this, we explored methods with which to preserve the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels, with a focus on freezing techniques. We validated the pre-frozen hydrogels’ printability, rheology, and mechanical and surface properties. Our results revealed that extended freezing times significantly reduced the viscosity of the formulations due to ice crystal formation, leading to a redistribution of the polymer chains. This reduction in viscosity resulted in a more challenging extrusion and increased macro- and microporosity of the hydrogels, as confirmed by nanoCT imaging. The increased porosity led to greater water uptake, swelling, compromised scaffold integrity, and altered degradation kinetics. The insights gained from this study lay a solid foundation for advancing the development of an in vitro skin model with promising applications in preclinical and clinical research.
Ključne besede: in vitro skin model, 3D printing, hydrogels, preclinical and clinical medicine
Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.07.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
Celotno besedilo (4,94 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Artificial biomimetic electrochemical assembliesTanja Zidarič, Matjaž Finšgar, Uroš Maver, Tina Maver, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: 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.
Ključne besede: MIP-based biosensors, MIP, biosensors, molecularly imprinted polymer, biomolecules, electroanalysis
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
Celotno besedilo (5,11 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Razvoj in vitro modela kožeMaja Sever, Dominik Škrinjar, 2024, končno poročilo o rezultatih raziskav Opis: Tridimenzionalni (3D) biotiskani modeli kože se vse bolj uveljavljajo v predkliničnih in kliničnih raziskavah kot alternativa testiranju na živalih. Ključno za uspeh teh raziskav je zagotavljanje ponovljivosti in primerljivosti rezultatov, kar zahteva razvoj zanesljivih hidrogelov, ki omogočajo stabilno vključitev celic v 3D biotisk. Eden največjih izzivov pri tem je zagotavljanje konsistentnosti lastnosti hidrogela, ki je temeljni material za izdelavo 3D tiskanega in vitro modela kože, potrebnega za različne faze raziskav. Namen te raziskave je bil preučiti možnost priprave večje serije hidrogela ter raziskati načine njihovega dolgoročnega shranjevanja, s poudarkom na tehnikah zamrzovanja, z namenom ohranitve njihovih fizikalno-kemijskih lastnosti. Tako bi omogočili uporabo enotne serije hidrogela skozi celoten razvoj in vitro modela kože, kar bi zmanjšalo variacije, ki nastajajo pri posameznih pripravah hidrogelov za različne raziskovalne metode. Osredotočili smo se na vpliv temperature (-20 °C in -80 °C) ter trajanja shranjevanja (7 in 29 dni) na ključne lastnosti hidrogelov, kot so viskoznost, poroznost, sposobnost nabrekanja, degradacija in mehanske lastnosti po odmrznitvi. Potrditev teh hipotez bi prispevala k večji ponovljivosti in natančnosti 3D biotiskljivih in vitro modelov kože.
Ključne besede: in vitro model kože, 3D biotiskanje, hidrogel, predkinična in klinična raziskava
Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 21
Celotno besedilo (2,90 MB) |
7. Development of biomimetic sensors to determine the functionality of in vitro cell modelsMatjaž Frangež, Noah Emil Glisik, Maša Kaiser, Jaro Vezjak, Matic Žnidaršič, Tanja Zidarič, Tina Maver, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Advances in biomedical science have enabled the development of in vitro models that mimic human tissues. Non-invasive real-time monitoring of these models would provide valuable insights without disrupting the cellular environment. This study explores the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for this purpose, focusing on insulin and lactate as biomarkers of cellular metabolism. MIP sensors were created by electropolymerizing pyrrole around insulin or lactate templates on carbon electrodes. The sensors showed high sensitivity and selectivity, with detection ranges of 20.0–70.0 pM for insulin (LOD: 2.41 pM) and 0.5–3.0 mM for lactate. These findings highlight MIPs’ potential for personalized diagnostics and therapy monitoring.
Ključne besede: biomimetic sensors, molecular imprinting, polypyrrole matrix, insulin, MIP sensor
Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 18
Celotno besedilo (999,07 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Kratek pregled platform za ADME testiranjeTina Maver, Boštjan Vihar, Uroš Maver, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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.
Ključne besede: ADME, drug interaction studies, in vitro models, pharmacokinetics, multi-organ models
Objavljeno v DKUM: 07.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 26
Celotno besedilo (405,16 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več...
Gradivo je zbirka in zajema 1 gradivo! |
9. Advanced bio-based polymers for astrocyte cell modelsLidija Gradišnik, Roman Bošnjak, Tina Maver, Tomaž Velnar, 2021, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: The development of in vitro neural tissue analogs is of great interest for many biomedical engineering applications, including the tissue engineering of neural interfaces, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and in vitro evaluation of cell-material interactions. Since astrocytes play a crucial role in the regenerative processes of the central nervous system, the development of biomaterials that interact favorably with astrocytes is of great research interest. The sources of human astrocytes, suitable natural biomaterials, guidance scaffolds, and ligand patterned surfaces are discussed in the article. New findings in this field are essential for the future treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries.
Ključne besede: astrocytes, hydrogels, tissue engineering
Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.08.2024; Ogledov: 118; Prenosov: 8
Celotno besedilo (2,60 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
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, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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.
Ključne besede: nanomaterials, bimodal therapy, topical skin treatmen, magnetic nanoparticles, thin films, skin cancer, methacrylates
Objavljeno v DKUM: 04.07.2024; Ogledov: 98; Prenosov: 18
Celotno besedilo (5,33 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
