1. 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: 1
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2. 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
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3. 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: 4
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4. 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: 15
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5. 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: 20
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6. 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: 15
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7. 3D-printed collagen–nanocellulose hybrid bioscaffolds with tailored properties for tissue engineering applicationsAndreja Dobaj-Štiglic, Florian Lackner, Chandran Nagaraj, Marco Beaumont, Matej Bračič, Isabel Duarte, Veno Kononenko, Damjana Drobne, Balaraman Madhan, Matjaž Finšgar, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana-Kleinschek, Tamilselvan Mohan, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: assays, degradation, porosity, scaffolds, 3D printing Objavljeno v DKUM: 09.04.2024; Ogledov: 238; Prenosov: 799
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8. Functional 3D printed polysaccharide derivative scaffolds for vascular graft application : doctoral disertationFazilet Gürer, 2023, doktorska disertacija Opis: Tissue engineering (TE) is an interdisciplinary field that aims towards replacement, healing or reconstruction of damaged tissue and organs. Incurable diseases are currently treated with organ transplantation, that have the disadvantages of insufficient donors, immune response, and organ rejection after transplantation. TE imitate the functions of extracellular matrix (ECM) to develop biocompatible/biodegradable scaffolds with appropriate features which are utilized to provide mechanical support, cellular infiltration, migration, and tissue formation, and to mimic the biochemical and biophysical cues of cells. Several fabrication methods have been introduced to mimic the 3D structure of ECM and 3D printing is one of the additive manufacturing techniques, widely used in TE because of its feasibility to build complex tissue constructs and control over fabrication and cell distribution. The polysaccharide-peptide conjugate has gained enormous interest in recent years owing to its biocompatibility, degradability, flexibility, and structural matching to natural proteoglycans. In this context, we reported here on investigation of biocompatibility with HUVECs, surface modification of 3D printed PCL scaffolds with an amine group and chemically crosslinked oxidized HA-amino acid/peptide conjugates (OHACs) was used to develop a novel biomaterial for use as a tissue engineered vascular graft. Modified polysaccharides were characterized with respect to their chemical structure, charge, UV and fluorescence properties and cytotoxicity. The successful conjugation was demonstrated by XPS, and a decrease in the free amine peaks on the surface was observed after conjugation. In addition, the water contact angle measurements showed improved wetting, an indication that the conjugation to the PCL-A surface was successful. Finally, the biocompatibility of the novel scaffolds was characterized by the MTS and the live- dead assay. In both assays, proliferation of cells was observed after 7 days and cell spreading on the surface was detected by phalloidin staining of actin filaments. In conclusion, it was possible to prepare surface-active scaffolds by combining the advantages of biocompatibility and mechanical strength of polysaccharides and polyesters, respectively. Ključne besede: 3D tiskanje, karboksimetilceluloza, hialuronska kislina, polikaprolakton, kemija karbodiimida, kemija Shiffove baze, endotelizacija
3D printing, carboxymethyl cellulose, hyaluronic acid, polycaprolactone, carbodiimide chemistry, shiff-base chemistry, endothelialization Objavljeno v DKUM: 06.10.2023; Ogledov: 522; Prenosov: 56
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10. Preparation of Three Dimensional Structures of Polysaccharide Derivatives for Application in Regenerative Medicine : doctoral disertationAndreja Dobaj-Štiglic, 2022, doktorska disertacija Opis: Biocompatible polysaccharide scaffolds with controllable pore size, good mechanical properties, and no hazardous chemical crosslinkers are desirable for long-term tissue engineering applications. Despite decades of development of novel scaffolds, there are still many challenges to be solved regarding their production and optimization for specifically engineered tissues. Herein, we have fabricated several three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds using polysaccharide or polysaccharide-protein composite hydrogels or inks for 3D printing, featuring strong shear thinning behavior and adequate printability. The inks, composed of various combinations of chitosan, nanofibrillated cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, collagen, and citric acid, were 3D printed, freeze-dried, and dehydrothermally heat-treated to obtain dimensionally and mechanically stable scaffolds. The heat-assisted step induced the formation of covalent amide and ester bonds between the functional groups of chosen polysaccharides and protein collagen. Citric acid was chosen as a non-hazardous and „green” crosslinker to further tailor the mechanical properties and long-term stability of the scaffolds.
We have investigated how the complexation conditions, charge ratio, dehydrothermal treatment, and degree of crosslinking influence the scaffolds' chemical, surface, swelling, and degradation properties in the dry and hydrated states. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, dimensional stability and shape recovery of the (crosslinked) scaffolds increased significantly with balanced charge ratio, dehydrothermal treatment, and increased concentrations of citric acid crosslinker and collagen concentrations.
The prepared crosslinked scaffolds promoted (clustered) cell adhesion and showed no cytotoxic effects, as determined by cell viability assays and live/dead staining with human bone tissue-derived osteoblasts and human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The water-based and non-hazardous crosslinking methods presented here can be extended to all polysaccharide- or polysaccharide-protein-based materials to develop cell-friendly scaffolds with tailored properties suitable for various tissue engineering applications. Ključne besede: chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, citric acid, collagen, freeze drying, 3D printing, dehydrothermal treatment Objavljeno v DKUM: 11.10.2022; Ogledov: 675; Prenosov: 156
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