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Nanoparticles (NPs), due to their size, have a key position in nanotechnology as a spectrum of solutions in medicine. NPs improve the ability of active substances to penetrate various routes: transdermal, but also digestive (active endocytosis), respiratory and injection. Chitosan, an N-deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a natural biodegradable cationic polymer with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Cross-linked chitosan is an excellent matrix for the production of nanoparticles containing active substances, e.g., the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Chitosan nanoparticles with the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) were obtained by ion gelation using TPP as a cross-linking agent. The obtained product was characterized in terms of morphology and size based on SEM and Zeta Sizer analyses as well as an effective encapsulation of GBE in nanoparticles-FTIR-ATR and UV-Vis analyses. The kinetics of release of the active substance in water and physiological saline were checked. Biological studies were carried out on normal and cancer cell lines to check the cytotoxic effect of GBE, chitosan nanoparticles and a combination of the chitosan nanoparticles with GBE. The obtained nanoparticles contained and released GBE encapsulated in research media. Pure NPs, GBE and a combination of NPs and the extract showed cytotoxicity against tumor cells, with no cytotoxicity against the physiological cell line.

The article presents research on ergonomics, biophysical comfort and safety of protective clothing. The resistance of the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of five fabrics (CBXS400, GG200T, Twaron CT736, Dyneema HB26 and T1790C), differing in geometry and raw material composition used in space suits, to dangerous ionizing radiation (β and γ) occurring in space was tested. For both types of radiation, four identical one-time doses in the range of 25-100 kGy were used. The effect of the applied absorbed doses of β and γ radiation on the parameters of textiles influencing ergonomics and safety of the cosmonaut's work was verified by structural tests (micro-computed tomography and optical microcopy), thermal resistance tests (sweating guarded-hotplate) and strength tests (tensile testing machine). Experimental studies of thermal properties are supplemented with heat transport simulations using the finite volume method performed with 3D models of real textiles. The greatest reduction of thermal resistance for Twaron CT736 (-0.0667 m 2 ·°C·W -1 for 100 kGy of β-radiation) and Dyneema HB26 (-0.0347 m 2 ·°C·W -1 for 50 kGy of β-radiation) is observed. Strength tests have shown that all tested textiles are resistant to both types of radiation. Three textiles were selected to create a three-layer assembly with potential application in a cosmonaut's glove (Extravehicular Activity-EVA).

Preterm infants, due to immature and dysfunctional skin, have increased water loss through the skin and consequently a decreased body temperature. In order to develop protective garments for preterm infants, it is important to select materials that will protect the child against water and heat loss. The authors are currently involved in the development of protective garments for premature babies, which are similar to baby clothes and contain a membrane that is partially permeable for vapor in combination with textile materials. This article presents the study of materials intended for the production of protective garments for pre-term infants. Samples of materials were investigated to determine biophysical comfort (tests of heat resistance, vapor resistance according to PN-EN ISO 11092:2014-11 and air permeability according to PN-EN ISO 9237) and porosity, surface mass in accordance with PN-EN 12127, and thickness in accordance with PN-EN ISO 5084. In order to determine the porosity of materials and to visualize the structure, tests on computer microtomography were carried out. The mechanical properties of the tested materials and the evaluation of the total hand value were characterized; the samples were tested on the KES device. The aim of this study was to select the most suitable fabrics for protective garments for premature infants to prevent excessive heat and moisture loss from the body, which can lead to hypothermia. For laminates, the optimal results of vapor resistance and heat resistance were obtained for laminate (15 g·m -2 PE foil + 15 g·m -2 PP non-woven), with a level of thermal resistance of 0.0766 m 2 ·K·W -1 and vapor resistance of 188.729 m 2 ·Pa·W -1 , and for laminate (15 g·m -2 PE foil + 10 g·m -2 PP non-woven), with a level of thermal resistance of 0.0683 m 2 ·K·W -1 and vapor resistance of 164.085 m 2 ·Pa·W -1 . For knitted fabrics, knitwear single cotton 155 g·m -2 showed the highest thermal resistance (0.0296 m 2 ·K·W -1 ), and knitwear interlock polyester 120 g·m -2 showed the lowest thermal resistance (0.0179 m 2 ·K·W -1 ). Knitwear cotton 120 g·m -2 had the highest water vapor resistance (8.402 m 2 ·Pa·W -1 ), while knitwear interlock polyester 130 g·m -2 sample had the lowest resistance (6.356 m 2 ·Pa·W -1 ). Garments for premature babies should have moisture barrier properties and high thermal insulation. They should also be characterized by optimal air permeability properties. Sample two-layer laminate (15 g·m -2 PE foil + 15 g·m -2 PP non-woven) had the best vapor resistance and thermal insulation properties. Moreover, this sample was characterized by good air permeability and surface weight compared to the other laminate samples. During the design of garments for premature babies, it is important to reduce the surface weight to as low as possible. Among the knitted fabrics, a knitwear single cotton 120 g·m -2 knitwear polyester interlock 120 g·m -2 was selected for having the best THV or tactile comfort. In addition, these knits were chosen for their lower surface weight. Based on the conducted tests, two-layer laminate (15 g·m -2 PE foil + 15 g·m -2 PP non-woven), the knitwear single cotton 120 g·m -2, and knitwear polyester interlock 120 g·m -2 were selected for further research.

A knitted implant, unilaterally modified with plasma-assisted chemical-vapor deposition (PACVD), and with a nano-layer of fluorine derivative supplementation, for reducing the risk of complications related to adhesions, and the formation of a thick postoperative scar was prepared. The biological evaluation of designed or modified medical devices is the main aspect of preclinical research. If such studies use a medical device with prolonged contact with connective tissue (more than 30 days), biocompatibility studies require a safety assessment in terms of toxicity in vitro and in vivo, allergenicity, irritation, and cancerogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity. The ultimate aspect of biological evaluation is biofunctionality, and evaluation of the local tissue response after implantation, resulting in the determination of all aspects of local biocompatibility with the implemented synthetic material. The implantation of PACVD-modified materials in muscle allows us to estimate the local irritation effect on the connective tissue, determining the risk of scar formation, whereas implantation of the above-mentioned knitted fabric into the abdominal wall, assists with evaluating the risk of fistula formation-the main post-surgical complications. The research aimed to evaluate the local reaction of the soft tissues after the implantation of the knitted implants modified with PACVD of the fluoropolymer in the nanostuctural form. The local effect that occurred during the implantation of the designed implants was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated when PACVD unmodified (reference), and modified medical devices were implanted in the abdominal cavity (intra-abdominal position) for 12 or into the muscles for 56 weeks. The comparative semi-quantitative histological assessment included the severity of inflammatory cells (multinucleated cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, giant cells) and the tissue response (necrosis, neovascularization, fibrosis, and fat infiltration) on a five-point scale. The knitted implants modified by PACVD did not indicate cumulative tissue response when they were implanted in the muscle and intra-abdominally with direct contact with the viscera. They reduced local tissue reaction (score -2.71 after 56 weeks of the implantation) and internal organ adhesion (irritation score -2.01 and adhesion susceptibility -0.3 after 12 weeks of the implantation) compared with the reference (unmodified by PACVD) knitted implant, which had an identical structure and was made of the same source.

The thermal properties of clothing products are influenced by external environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air flow and parameters related to the user's body, which mainly include temperature and humidity. Depending on the type of raw material, its thickness and the material manufacturing technique, clothing products are characterised by certain insulating properties to protect the human body from external factors. A multilayer system made of different material groups can change the thermal insulating capacity significantly, which cannot be determined by the testing of individual layers used in the production. In order to determine the influence of weather conditions on thermal insulation and air permeability, tests were carried out for two types of sleeping bags (summer and autumn) produced by the same manufacturer, differing in insulation thickness. Simulations were carried out using SolidWorks and verified using a Newton thermal mannequin. During tests, both the temperature (range from -20 °C to 20 °C) and humidity values were changed (range 40-80% humidity). For sleeping bags, the effective thermal insulation decreases along with the increase of temperature and decrease of humidity. It can be observed, for the autumn sleeping bags, that for a temperature of 20 °C and humidity of 60%, the thermal insulation is 1.063 m 2 ·K·W -1 , while for a temperature of -20 °C and humidity of 60% thermal insulation increases significantly and amounts to 1.111 m 2 ·K·W -1 . A similar situation occurs for the effective thermal insulation of a summer sleeping bag (20 °C/60% thermal insulation is 0.794 m 2 ·K·W -1 , while for -20 °C/60%-0.851 m 2 ·K·W -1 . During the tests, the humidity and temperature between the layers of the clothing system were also controlled, in order to learn more about the influence of these parameters on the thermal insulation properties of the sleeping bags.

This article presents research on ergonomics and physiological comfort of protective clothing. Biophysical properties of selected three-layer textile assemblies that differ in geometry and raw material composition for the production of types of mummy sleeping bags for premature babies were investigated. The tests included measurements of air permeability, thermal resistance and water vapor resistance (both by means of human skin model), thermal insulation, and water vapor resistance (both using newborn manikin). Experimental research was supplemented by modeling the thermal insulation of the assemblies by designing their 3D models using selected CAD software and applying the finite volume method. The obtained results allowed the evaluation of the influence of different geometry and the raw material composition of the proposed assemblies on the performance parameters of protective clothing.

This article describes the development of transcutaneous nerve stimulating electrodes (TENS) by means of electrically conductive ink and conductive yarn. The scope of work covered a selection of three types of knitwear with a similar surface weight with different raw material composition. Stimulating electrodes were made by means of film printing and machine embroidery. The electrodes were verified after friction tests, washing, and mechanical deformation. Each process was followed by a check of the resistive properties and assessment of the sensations in order to evaluate their performance. Tests of the surface resistance of research materials confirmed the possibility of preparing textile electrodes for electrostimulation with the use of the film-printing technique and machine embroidery. Resistance of the electrodes made on all types of substrates ranged from approximately 1.00 × 10 -2 Ω to around 2.00 × 10 2 Ω, while the electrodes are commercially available at the level of approximately 3.5 × 10 5 Ω. This paper underpins the validation of the conclusion that operational processes do not adversely affect the functioning of the developed textile electrodes.

A parastomal hernia is a common complication following stoma surgery. Due to the large number of hernial relapses and other complications, such as infections, adhesion to the intestines, or the formation of adhesions, the treatment of hernias is still a surgical challenge. The current standard for the preventive and causal treatment of parastomal hernias is to perform a procedure with the use of a mesh implant. Researchers are currently focusing on the analysis of many relevant options, including the type of mesh (synthetic, composite, or biological), the available surgical techniques (Sugarbaker's, "keyhole", or "sandwich"), the surgical approach used (open or laparoscopic), and the implant position (onlay, sublay, or intraperitoneal onlay mesh). Current surface modification methods and combinations of different materials are actively explored areas for the creation of biocompatible mesh implants with different properties on the visceral and parietal peritoneal side. It has been shown that placing the implant in the sublay and intraperitoneal onlay mesh positions and the use of a specially developed implant with a 3D structure are associated with a lower frequency of recurrences. It has been shown that the prophylactic use of a mesh during stoma formation significantly reduces the incidence of parastomal hernias and is becoming a standard method in medical practice.

Introduction: Although micro-computed tomography (MCT) evaluation of the shaping ability of ProTaper Next (PTN) and Hyflex CM (HCM) files has been reported, to our knowledge, no study has assessed the performance of V-Taper 2H (VT) files. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the shaping ability of PTN, HCM, and VT systems in the mesial canals of mandibular molars using MCT., Methods and Materials: Thirty extracted first and second mandibular molars were scanned using MCT and randomly assigned to HCM, PTN, and VT groups. Images obtained before and after preparation were evaluated for the increase in the root canal volume, untouched surface area, and amount of accumulated hard tissue debris. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the variables in the groups ( α =5%)., Results: There were no statistically significant between-group differences in the postoperative measurements ( P >0.05). The canal volume increased in all three groups: PTN (73.84%), VT (73.48%), and HCM (49.29%). The largest and smallest untouched areas were observed in the PTN (41.37%) and VT (30.85%) groups, respectively ( P >0.05). The debris formed during canal preparation was 1.84%, 2.16%, and 2.42% in the VT, PTN, and HCM groups, respectively ( P >0.05)., Conclusions: Based on our in vitro study, the PTN, HCM, and VT systems showed similar shaping abilities. None of the tested canals were completely free from debris, while the untouched surface area was considerably large. The VT system had the most favorable results with the smallest untouched surface area and least debris were. We would recommend further trials to endorse these findings., Competing Interests: ‘None declared’., (© The Author(s).)

In this study, differences in the kinetics of the thermal-supported hydrolytic degradation of polylactide (PLA) wet spinning fibres due to material variance in the initial molecular and supramolecular structure were analysed. The investigation was carried out at the microstructural and molecular levels by using readily available methods such as scanning electron microscopy, mass erosion measurement and estimation of intrinsic viscosity. The results show a varying degree of influence of the initial structure on the degradation rate of the studied PLA fibres. The experiment shows that hydrolytic degradation at a temperature close to the cold crystallization temperature is, on a macroscopic level, definitely more rapid for the amorphous material, while on a molecular scale it is similar to a semi-crystalline material. Furthermore, for the adopted degradation temperature of 90 °C, a marginal influence of the pH of the degradation medium on the degradation kinetics was also demonstrated.

Active dressings based on natural polymers are becoming increasingly popular on the market. One of such polymers is alginate, which is characterized by biodegradability, resorbability, has no carcinogenic properties, does not have allergenic or hemostatic properties, and has a confirmed lack of toxicity. However, this polymer does not show biocidal and biostatic properties, therefore the purpose of this research was to select the appropriate conditions for the production of calcium alginate fibers modified with nano titanium dioxide and nano zinc oxide. It was assumed that the presence of nano metal oxide fillers will give antibacterial properties to formed fibers, which were used to form nonwovens. The following article presents a comparative analysis of nonwovens made of alginate fibers, without nano additives, with nonwovens made of alginate fibers containing in their structure 7% titanium dioxide and nonwovens made of alginate fibers containing 2% ZnO. The selection of the nano additive content was determined by the spinning ability of the developed polymer solutions. Based on the results contained in the article, it was found that the introduction of modifiers in the structure of fibers increases the diameter of the fiber pores, which improves the sorption and retention properties of the obtained fibers, and also gives differentiated antibacterial properties to the obtained nonwovens depending on the type of nano additive used. Greater activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus strains and Aspergillus Niger molds was shown in nonwovens made of 2% ZnO modified fibers compared to nonwovens made from TiO 2 modified fibers.

This study analyzed the structural changes of semicrystalline polylactide (PLA) in the form of spun-bonded mulching nonwovens, during outdoor composting. The investigation was carried out at the microstructural, supramolecular and molecular levels using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and the viscosity method, respectively. The obtained experimental results revealed how the popular outdoor composting method, realized under two different European climatic conditions (in Poland and in Bulgaria), affects the degradation of PLA nonwoven, designed for agriculture use. The results showed the insignificant influence of the climatic conditions and prepared compost mixtures on the molecular and micromorphological structure of PLA spun-bonded mulching nonwovens, with a visible increase in crystallinity after the first year of composting. Significant changes were observed only after the second year of composting, which indicates the resistance of semicrystalline PLA to degradation in outdoor composting conditions.

In this paper, the influence of the various degradation conditions, on the molecular and supramolecular structure of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) copolymer during degradation is described. The experiment was carried out by the use of injection molded samples and normalized conditions of biodegradation in soil, composting and artificial weathering. Materials were studied by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of the samples were determined. The performed experiments clearly show difference impacts of the selected degradation conditions on the macroscopic, supramolecular and molecular parameters of the studied aliphatic polyesters. The structural changes in PBS and PBSA explain the observed changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained injection molded samples., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The founding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

In response to the demand for new implant materials characterized by high biocompatibility and bioresorption, two prototypes of fibrous nanocomposite implants for osseous tissue regeneration made of a newly developed blend of poly(l-lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA) and syntheticpoly([ R,S ]-3-hydroxybutyrate), PLGA/PHB, have been developed and fabricated. Afibre-forming copolymer of glycolide and l-lactide (PLGA) was obtained by a unique method of synthesis carried out in blocksusing Zr(AcAc)₄ as an initiator. The prototypes of the implants are composed of three layers of PLGA or PLGA/PHB, nonwoven fabrics with a pore structure designed to provide the best conditions for the cell proliferation. The bioactivity of the proposed implants has been imparted by introducing a hydroxyapatite material and IGF1, a growth factor. The developed prototypes of implants have been subjected to a set of in vitro and in vivobiocompatibility tests: in vitro cytotoxic effect, in vitro genotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Rabbitsshowed no signs of negative reactionafter implantation of the experimental implant prototypes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

A bstracts: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactivity of two new prototype implants for bone tissue regeneration made from biodegradable fibrous materials. The first is a newly developed poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide), (PLGA), and the second is a blend of PLGA with synthetic poly([R,S]-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PLGA/PHB). The implant prototypes comprise PLGA or PLGA/PHB nonwoven fabrics with designed pore structures to create the best conditions for cell proliferation. The bioactivity of the proposed implants was enhanced by introducing a hydroxyapatite material and a biologically active agent, namely, growth factor IGF1, encapsulated in calcium alginate microspheres. To assess the biocompatibility and bioactivity, allergenic tests and an assessment of the local reaction of bone tissue after implantation were performed. Comparative studies of local tissue response after implantation into trochanters for a period of 12 months were performed on New Zealand rabbits. Based on the results of the in vivo evaluation of the allergenic effects and the local tissue reaction 12 months after implantation, it was concluded that the two implant prototypes, PLGA + IGF1 and PLGA/PHB + IGF1, were characterized by high biocompatibility with the soft and bone tissues of the tested animals., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The presented paper concerns scientific research on processing a poly(lactide- co -glycolide- co -trimethylene carbonate) copolymer (PLLAGLTMC) with thermally induced shape memory and a transition temperature around human body temperature. The material in the literature called terpolymer was used to produce smart, nonwoven fabric with the melt blowing technique. Bioresorbable and biocompatible terpolymers with shape memory have been investigated for its medical applications, such as cardiovascular stents. There are several research studies on shape memory in polymers, but this phenomenon has not been widely studied in textile products made from shape memory polymers (SMPs). The current research aims to explore the characteristics of the PLLAGLTMC nonwoven fabric in detail and the mechanism of its shape memory behavior. In this study, the nonwoven fabric was subjected to thermo-mechanical, morphological, and shape memory analysis. The thermo-mechanical and structural properties were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopic examination, and mercury porosimetry measurements. Eventually, the gathered results confirmed that the nonwoven fabric possessed characteristics that classified it as a smart material with potential applications in medicine., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

In this paper, the influence of the molecular structure of polylactide (PLA)-characterised by its molar mass and content of d-lactide isomer-on the molecular ordering and α'⁻α form transition during fibre manufacturing by the wet spinning method is described. Fibres were studied by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of the fibres were determined. This study also examines the preliminary molecular ordering and crystallisation of PLA fibres at various draw ratios. The performed experiments clearly show the dependence of the molecular ordering of PLA on the molar mass and d-lactide content during the wet spinning process. The fibres manufactured from PLA with the lowest content of d-lactide and the lowest molar mass were characterised by a higher tendency for crystallisation and a higher possibility to undergo the disorder-to-order phase transition (α' to α form). The structural changes in PLA explain the observed changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained fibres.

The unique properties of graphene, such as the high elasticity, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, very high electrical conductivity and transparency, make them it an interesting material for stretchable electronic applications. In the work presented herein, the authors used graphene and carbon nanotubes to introduce chemical sensing properties into textile materials by means of a screen printing method. Carbon nanotubes and graphene pellets were dispersed in water and used as a printing paste in the screen printing process. Three printing paste compositions were prepared-0%, 1% and 3% graphene pellet content with a constant 3% carbon nanotube mass content. Commercially available materials were used in this process. As a substrate, a twill woven cotton fabric was utilized. It has been found that the addition of graphene to printing paste that contains carbon nanotubes significantly enhances the electrical conductivity and sensing properties of the final product.

This work concerns the production of fibrous composite materials based on biodegradable polymers such as alginate, dibutyryl chitin (DBC) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL). For the production of fibres from these polymers, various spinning methods were used in order to obtain composite materials of different composition and structure. In the case of alginate fibres containing the nanoadditive tricalcium phosphate (TCP), the traditional method of forming fibres wet from solution was used. However in the case of the other two polymers the electrospinning method was used. Two model systems were tested for biocompatibility. The physicochemical and basic biological tests carried out show that the submicron fibres produced using PCL and DBC have good biocompatibility. The proposed hybrid systems composed of micrometric fibres (zinc and calcium alginates containing TCP) and submicron fibres (DBC and PCL) meet the requirements of regenerative medicine. The biomimetic fibre system, the presence of TCP nanoadditive, and the use of polymers with different resorption times provide a framework with specific properties on which bone cells are able to settle and proliferate.