Magdalena Kucharska

Chitosan–hydroxyapatite composites

Bone repair or regeneration is a common and complicated clinical problem in orthopedic surgery. The importance of natural polymers such as chitosan and its derivatives, and minerals such as calcium phosphates has grown significantly over the last two decades due to its renewable and biodegradable source, increasing the knowledge and functionality of composites in technological and biomedical applications. The properties of bone in health and disease attract much attention. A great proportion of the population need those medical devices for hard tissue regeneration and/or replacement, the pressure on the health systems in all countries became substantial. The short review focus in biomaterials such as chitosan and calcium phosphates composites with excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biofunctionality, and non-antigenic, showing the feasibility and ideal material to treat musculoskeletal disorders for hard tissue regeneration.

Reduction of post-traumatic neuroma and epineural scar formation in rat sciatic nerve by application of microcrystallic chitosan

Injury of peripheral nerve is associated with the development of post‐traumatic neuroma at the end of the proximal stump, often being the origin of neuropathic pain. This type of pain is therapy‐resistant and therefore extremely nagging for patients. We examined the influence of the microcrystallic chitosan gel applied to the proximal stump of totally transected sciatic nerve on the neuroma formation and neuropathic pain development in rats. In 14 rats, right sciatic nerve was transected and the distal stump was removed to avoid spontaneous rejoining. In the chitosan (experimental) group (n = 7), the proximal stump was covered with a thin layer of the microcrystallic chitosan gel. In control animals (n = 7), the cut nerve was left unsecured. Autotomy, an animal model of neuropathic pain, was monitored daily for 20 weeks following surgery. Then, the animals were perfused transcardially and the proximal stumps of sciatic nerves were dissected and subjected to histologic evaluation. The presence, size, and characteristics of neuromas as well as extraneural fibrosis were examined. In chitosan group, the incidence and the size of the neuroma were markedly reduced, as compared with the control group; however, there was no difference in autotomy behavior between groups. In addition, extraneural fibrosis was significantly reduced in chitosan group when compared to the control group. The results demonstrate beneficial influence of microcrystallic chitosan applied to the site of nerve transection on the development of post‐traumatic neuroma and reduction of extraneural fibrosis, however without reduction of neuropathic pain.

Chitin and chitosan as functional biopolymers for industrial applications

Chitin research and development seems to be under intensive progress during the last years. Attractive properties of chitin and its derivative—chitosan, for example, biological behavior, and development of their applications caused increased interest of scientists and companies. More and more practical development has been applied on the market, mainly in medicine and food. Firstly, this chapter reviews processing, isolation, and purification of chitin/chitosan. Then it discusses applicable forms of chitin and chitosan and chitosan derivatives. The main part of this chapter contains applications of chitin and chitosan in food, medicine, agriculture, bionanotechnology, and cosmetics. Future trends in chitin and its derivatives in medicine are presented and the end of this book includes research conducted within the EPNOE.

GPC Studies of Chitosan Degradation

Abstract Investigated were the changes in the molecular character of chitosan resulting from its degradation by the hydrolytic, radiation, and hydrolytic-enzymatic methods. It was found that under the influence of γ-60Co radiation, degradation proceeds in a manner implying a random breakup of the polymer chains with a systematic decline of sample polydispersity with increasing irradiation dose. In the hydrolytic and hydrolytic-enzymatic degradation processes the differences in the resulting changes depend on chain length. While the short macromolecules degrade similarly as by radiation, the longer chains degrade less readily, which can be inferred from the molecular weight distribution curves as well as from the polydispersity

Biodegradation Study of Microcrystalline Chitosan and Microcrystalline Chitosan/β-TCP Complex Composites

Bone repair or regeneration is a common and complicated clinical problem in orthopedic surgery. The importance of natural polymers, such as microcrystalline chitosan, and minerals such as HAp and β-TCP, has grown significantly over the last two decades due to their renewable and biodegradable source, increasing the knowledge and functionality of composites in technological and biomedical applications. This study compares the biodegradation process, bioactivity, structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of microcrystalline chitosan and microcrystalline chitosan/β-TCP complex; the latter according to the new method of preparation. The complex showed a homogeneous network structure with regular pores, good bioactivity, even after 60 days of conducting the hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation process, showing a bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. The complex indicates that it could be used successfully as a base for implants and scaffolds production in orthopedic surgery.

Estimation of the performance stability of the newly developed topical haemostatic agents based on the chitosan/alginate fibrids

Designing medical devices requires a wide range of verification steps for estimation of the performance and safety. Designing the research program needs a rational selection of appropriate testing methods (in preclinical and clinical studies) for determination of the risk of potential incompatibilities resulting in adverse events. The significance of the appropriate selection of the testing method is increased in advanced medical devices. The presented research considers the verification of the functional properties of recently developed topical haemostatic agents with the use of the chitosan/alginate fibrids, based on the previously elaborated risk analysis made according to the guidelines of the PN-EN-ISO 14971:2012 and PN-EN ISO 22442-1:2008 standards. The aim of this research was to verify the stability of the performance of the newly developed haemostatic agents during storage. The defined aim of the study arose from the thesis that the appropriate selection of raw materials and a new manner of reprocessing them enabled keeping the usability of the final product for at least two years.

Biological Dressings Based on Natural Polymers

FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2016; 24, 6(120): 170-174. DOI: 10.5604/12303666.1221753 170 Biological Dressings Based on Natural Polymers *Magdalena Kucharska 1, Kinga Brzoza-Malczewska 1, Maria Wiśniewska-Wrona 1, Beata Pałys 1, Marcin H. Struszczyk 2, Magdalena Cichecka 2, Bożena Wilbik-Hałgas 2, Ewa Karuga-Kuźniewska 3, Danuta Paluch 3, Zbigniew Rybak 3 Abstract The article presents a method for producing a IV generation hemostatic dressing in the form of powder consisted of fibrous, which ensures a high level of security in application. The dressing material was developed on the basis of natural polymers of the polysaccharide group such as chitosan and calcium sodium alginate in the form of microand nanofibrids. The dressing structure, utility properties and biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, irritation and sensitization) were studied.

Hemostatic, Resorbable Dressing of Natural Polymers-Hemoguard

Abstract Investigations are presented for the preparation of a model hemostatic dressing that would exhibit an adequate hemostatic capacity in injuries and surgical wounds, an antibacterial activity to prevent primary and secondary infections, and offer safety in use. The Hemoguard dressing has been designed as a powder prepared from the complex chitosan/alginate Na/Ca in the form of micro- and nano-fibrids. Useful antibacterial and hemostatic properties of Hemoguard, which would qualify the material as first aid dressing and a temporary protection of injury wounds in field conditions, were assessed. Biocompatibility of the dressing was confirmed by biological in vitro examinations.

Modified Cellulose Products for Application in Hygiene and Dressing Materials (Part I)

Modification of commercial cellulose products commonly used in homes and hospitals was the main purpose of the research herein presented. Enhanced moisture sorption and antimicrobial properties were conferred upon regular commercial gauze. Nanoparticles of microcrystalline chitosan and complex chitosan/alginateNa/Ca were used in the modification. A method was elaborated for the preparation of polymeric materials with a particle size below 1 µm by means of an ultrasonic reactor (Hielscher UP 200S). Modified commercial dressing materials were obtained charecterised by a largely increased absorption capacity, thus easing the transportation of moisture to the outside of the dressing and providing an environment optimal for wound healing. Thanks to the internal surface developed and adequately selected composition, the modified cellulosic materials exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Design of New-Generation Usable Forms of Topical Haemostatic Agents Containing Chitosan

Designing usable forms of topical haemostatic agents is the most important activity during the design process, resulting in strengthened functional properties of the final medical devices. This study aimed to propose indications for a research programme based on risk management supporting the development of two usable forms of a topical haemostatic agent: chitosan/alginate lyophilized foam and chitosan/alginate impregnated gauze. Both of the usable forms of the topical haemostatic agent, being the main part of the modified combat gauze, were fabricated using the chitosan/alginate complex. Risk analysis is helpful in developing an appropriate research programme, significantly reducing the risk to an acceptable level.