Baboucarr Lowe

Preparation and characterization of chitosan-natural nano hydroxyapatite-fucoidan nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering.

Solid three dimensional (3D) composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering were prepared using the freeze-drying method. The scaffolds were composed of chitosan, natural nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and fucoidan in the following combinations: chitosan, chitosan-fucoidan, chitosan-nHA, and chitosan-nHA-fucoidan. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy (OM) were used to determine the physiochemical constituents and the morphology of the scaffolds. The addition of nHA into the chitosan-fucoidan composite scaffold reduced the water uptake and water retention. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of a phosphate group in the chitosan-nHA-fucoidan scaffold. This group is present because of the presence of nHA (isolated via alkaline hydrolysis from salmon fish bones). Microscopic results indicated that the dispersion of nHA and fucoidan in the chitosan matrix was uniform with a pore size of 10-400μm. The composite demonstrated a suitable micro architecture for cell growth and nutrient supplementation. This compatibility was further elucidated in vitro using periosteum-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs). The cells demonstrated high biocompatibility and excellent mineralization for the chitosan-nHA-fucoidan scaffold. We believe that a chitosan-nHA-fucoidan composite is a promising biomaterial for the scaffold that can be used for bone tissue regeneration.

Isolation and Characterization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite from Salmon Fish Bone

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHA) was isolated from salmon bone by alkaline hydrolysis. The resulting nHA was characterized using several analytical tools, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to determine the purity of the nHA sample. The removal of organic matter from the raw fish was confirmed by TGA. FT-IR confirmed the presence of a carbonated group and the similarities to synthetic Sigma HA. XRD revealed that the isolated nHA was amorphous. Microscopy demonstrated that the isolated nHA possessed a nanostructure with a size range of 6–37 nm. The obtained nHA interacted with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and was non-toxic. Increased mineralization was observed for nHA treated MSCs compared to the control group. These results suggest that nHA derived from salmon is a promising biomaterial in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Global Constraints, Prospects, and Perspectives of Marine Sponge Research

Marine sponges play important roles in maintaining a stable marine microenvironment by factor of their symbiosis with other organisms. These ecological roles are indispensable. They are source of numerous bioactive compounds of therapeutics and biotechnology importance, revolutionizing research in these sectors at great depth. In this chapter, we highlighted the perspectives in research limitations, constraints, and global response towards marine sponge research and conservation. We examine the challenges faced by scientists in their quest to explore the ecological roles played by these ubiquitous benthos metazoans in marine ecosystems.

Application of Diatom Biosilica in Drug Delivery

Various materials are widely used for targeted drug delivery, including silica and liposomes. Diatom biosilica has gained much attention for drug delivery due to its pore size and drug-holding capacity. This chapter discusses the diatom culture method, the diatom biosilica isolation and characterization method, and also the proper application for drug delivery. Diatom biosilica can be used to load several anti-inflammatory drugs and release them at a sustainable rate. Based on the available research, biosilca-based biomaterials appear to be promising for drug-delivery applications.

Bone tissue engineering using functional marine biomaterials

Abstract Natural polymers are becoming increasingly important in the field of tissue engineering. Marine-derived natural polymers have been used for the development of suitable biocompatible composite scaffolds for use in bone tissue regeneration. They are composed of bioactive compounds as well as bioresorbable materials, which can mimic the natural function of bone and activate in vivo mechanisms for bone regeneration. They can be easily functionalized spanning their application potentials and improve biomineralization roles of bone. Chitosan is a polymer obtained from renewable marine resources; hydroxyapatite and collagen are major constituents of natural bone and have bioactive as well as biomimetic properties. In this chapter, we have discussed sources of these marine-derived natural polymers, isolation methods, and functional roles they play in bone tissue regeneration.