Subhas C. Kundu

Electrospinning: a fascinating fiber fabrication technique.

With the emergence of nanotechnology, researchers become more interested in studying the unique properties of nanoscale materials. Electrospinning, an electrostatic fiber fabrication technique has evinced more interest and attention in recent years due to its versatility and potential for applications in diverse fields. The notable applications include in tissue engineering, biosensors, filtration, wound dressings, drug delivery, and enzyme immobilization. The nanoscale fibers are generated by the application of strong electric field on polymer solution or melt. The non-wovens nanofibrous mats produced by this technique mimics extracellular matrix components much closely as compared to the conventional techniques. The sub-micron range spun fibers produced by this process, offer various advantages like high surface area to volume ratio, tunable porosity and the ability to manipulate nanofiber composition in order to get desired properties and function. Over the years, more than 200 polymers have been electrospun for various applications and the number is still increasing gradually with time. With these in perspectives, we aim to present in this review, an overview of the electrospinning technique with its promising advantages and potential applications. We have discussed the electrospinning theory, spinnable polymers, parameters (solution and processing), which significantly affect the fiber morphology, solvent properties and melt electrospinning (alternative to solution electrospinning). Finally, we have focused on varied applications of electrospun fibers in different fields and concluded with the future prospects of this efficient technology.

Silk fibroin biomaterials for tissue regenerations

Regeneration of tissues using cells, scaffolds and appropriate growth factors is a key approach in the treatments of tissue or organ failure. Silk protein fibroin can be effectively used as a scaffolding material in these treatments. Silk fibers are obtained from diverse sources such as spiders, silkworms, scorpions, mites and flies. Among them, silk of silkworms is a good source for the development of biomedical device. It possesses good biocompatibility, suitable mechanical properties and is produced in bulk in the textile sector. The unique combination of elasticity and strength along with mammalian cell compatibility makes silk fibroin an attractive material for tissue engineering. The present article discusses the processing of silk fibroin into different forms of biomaterials followed by their uses in regeneration of different tissues. Applications of silk for engineering of bone, vascular, neural, skin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, cardiac, ocular, and bladder tissues are discussed. The advantages and limitations of silk systems as scaffolding materials in the context of biocompatibility, biodegradability and tissue specific requirements are also critically reviewed.

Cell proliferation and migration in silk fibroin 3D scaffolds

Pore architecture in 3D polymeric scaffolds is known to play a critical role in tissue engineering as it provides the vital framework for the seeded cells to organize into a functioning tissue. In this report, we investigated the effects of different freezing temperature regimes on silk fibroin protein 3D scaffold pore microstructure. The fabricated scaffolds using freeze-dry technique were used as a 3D model to monitor cell proliferation and migration. Pores of 200-250microm diameter were formed by slow cooling at temperatures of -20 and -80 degrees C but were found to be limited in porosity and pore interconnectivity as observed through scanning electron microscopic images. In contrast, highly interconnected pores with 96% porosity were observed when silk solutions were rapidly frozen at -196 degrees C. A detailed study was conducted to assess the affect of pore size, porosity and interconnectivity on human dermal fibroblast cell proliferation and migration on these 3D scaffolds using confocal microscopy. The cells were observed to migrate within the scaffold interconnectivities and were found to reach scaffold periphery within 28 days of culture. Confocal images further confirmed normal cell attachment and alignment of actin filaments within the porous scaffold matrix with well-developed nuclei. This study indicates rapid freeze-drying technique as an alternative method to fabricate highly interconnected porous scaffolds for developing functional 3D silk fibroin matrices for potential tissue engineering, biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Silk fibroin nanoparticles for cellular uptake and control release

Silk nanoparticles were prepared from silk fibroin solutions of domesticated Bombyx mori and tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta and investigated in respect to its particle size, surface charge, stability and morphology along with its cellular uptake and release of growth factors. The nanoparticles were stable, spherical, negatively charged, 150-170nm in average diameter and exhibited mostly Silk II (beta-sheet) structure and did not impose any overt toxicity. Cellular uptake studies showed the accumulation of fluorescence isothiocyanate conjugated silk nanoparticles in the cytosol of murine squamous cell carcinoma cells. In vitro VEGF release from the nanoparticles showed a significantly sustained release over 3 weeks, signifying the potential application as a growth factor delivery system.

The potential of celecoxib-loaded hydroxyapatite-chitosan nanocomposite for the treatment of colon cancer

Celecoxib has shown potential anticancer activity against most carcinomas, especially in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and precancerous disease of the colon. However, serious side effects of celecoxib restrict its generalized use for cancer therapy. In order to resolve these issues and develop an alternative strategy/preliminary approach, chitosan modified hydroxyapatite nanocarriers-mediated celecoxib delivery represents a viable strategy. We characterized the nanoparticle for morphology, particle size, zeta potential, crystalinity, functional group analysis, entrapment efficiency, drug release and hemocompatibility. The effects of celecoxib-loaded nanoparticles on colon cancer cell proliferation, morphology, cytoskeleton, cellular uptake and apoptosis were analysed in vitro. Further, we evaluated the antiproliferative, apoptotic and tumor inhibitory efficacy of celecoxib-loaded nanocarriers in a nude mouse human xenograft model. Nanoparticles exhibited small, narrow hydrodynamic size distributions, hemocompatibility, high entrapment efficiencies and sustained release profiles. In vitro studies showed significant antiproliferation, apoptosis and time-dependent cytoplasmic uptake of celecoxib-loaded Hap-Cht nanoparticles in HCT 15 and HT 29 colon cancer cells. Additional in vivo studies demonstrated significantly greater inhibition of tumor growth following treatment with this modified nanoparticle system. The present study indicates a promising, effective and safe means of using celecoxib, and potentially other therapeutic agents for colon cancer therapy.

Silk protein fibroin from Antheraea mylitta for cardiac tissue engineering

The human heart cannot regenerate after an injury. Lost cardiomyocytes are replaced by scar tissue resulting in reduced cardiac function causing high morbidity and mortality. One possible solution to this problem is cardiac tissue engineering. Here, we have investigated the suitability of non-mulberry silk protein fibroin from Indian tropical tasar Antheraea mylitta as a scaffold for engineering a cardiac patch in vitro. We have tested cell adhesion, cellular metabolic activity, response to extracellular stimuli, cell-to-cell communication and contractility of 3-days postnatal rat cardiomyocytes on silk fibroin. Our data demonstrate that A. mylitta silk fibroin exhibits similar properties as fibronectin, a component of the natural matrix for cardiomyocytes. Comparison to mulberry Bombyx mori silk protein fibroin shows that A. mylitta silk fibroin is superior probably due to its RGD domains. 3D scaffolds can efficiently be loaded with cardiomyocytes resulting in contractile patches. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that A. mylitta silk fibroin 3D scaffolds are suitable for the engineering of cardiac patches.

Potential of 3-D tissue constructs engineered from bovine chondrocytes/silk fibroin-chitosan for in vitro cartilage tissue engineering.

The use of cell-scaffold constructs is a promising tissue engineering approach to repair cartilage defects and to study cartilaginous tissue formation. In this study, silk fibroin/chitosan blended scaffolds were fabricated and studied for cartilage tissue engineering. Silk fibroin served as a substrate for cell adhesion and proliferation while chitosan has a structure similar to that of glycosaminoglycans, and shows promise for cartilage repair. We compared the formation of cartilaginous tissue in silk fibroin/chitosan blended scaffolds seeded with bovine chondrocytes and cultured in vitro for 2 weeks. The constructs were analyzed for cell viability, histology, extracellular matrix components glycosaminoglycan and collagen types I and II, and biomechanical properties. Silk fibroin/chitosan scaffolds supported cell attachment and growth, and chondrogenic phenotype as indicated by Alcian Blue histochemistry and relative expression of type II versus type I collagen. Glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulated in all the scaffolds and was highest in the silk fibroin/chitosan (1:1) blended scaffolds. Static and dynamic stiffness at high frequencies was higher in cell-seeded constructs than non-seeded controls. The results suggest that silk/chitosan scaffolds may be a useful alternative to synthetic cell scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.

Novel silk sericin/gelatin 3-D scaffolds and 2-D films: fabrication and characterization for potential tissue engineering applications.

In this study, we report for the first time the fabrication of novel 3-D sericin/gelatin scaffolds and 2-D films using non-mulberry Antheraea mylitta silk cocoon sericin protein. The matrices were fabricated, biophysically characterized and optimized for cell culture applications. Blended sericin/gelatin 3-D scaffolds were highly porous with an optimum pore size of 170+/-20 microm. The scaffolds were robust with enhanced mechanical strength and showed high compressibility. Swelling studies showed high swellability along with complete degradation in the presence of phosphate-buffered saline. Cytocompatibility of the matrices was evaluated using feline fibroblasts showing normal spreading and proliferation as assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle analysis showed cytocompatibility without any cell cycle arrests. Low immunogenicity of the matrices as observed through tumor necrosis factor alpha release reveal its potential as future biopolymeric graft material. The results of this novel study lay the foundation for the use of the silk cocoon protein sericin as a biocompatible biopolymer for tissue engineering applications.

Nonmulberry silk biopolymers

The silk produced by silkworms are biopolymers and can be classified into two types--mulberry and nonmulberry. Mulberry silk of silkworm Bombyx mori has been extensively explored and used for century old textiles and sutures. But for the last few decades it is being extensively exploited for biomedical applications. However, the transformation of nonmulberry silk from being a textile commodity to biomaterials is relatively new. Within a very short period of time, the combination of load bearing capability and tensile strength of nonmulberry silk has been equally envisioned for bone, cartilage, adipose, and other tissue regeneration. Adding to its advantage is its diverse morphology, including macro to nano architectures with controllable degradation and biocompatibility yields novel natural material systems in vitro. Its follow on applications involve sustained release of model compounds and anticancer drugs. Its 3D cancer models provide compatible microenvironment systems for better understanding of the cancer progression mechanism and screening of anticancer compounds. Diversely designed nonmulberry matrices thus provide an array of new cutting age technologies, which is unattainable with the current synthetic materials that lack biodegradability and biocompatibility. Scientific exploration of nonmulberry silk in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biotechnological applications promises advancement of sericulture industries in India and China, largest nonmulberry silk producers of the world. This review discusses the prospective biomedical applications of nonmulberry silk proteins as natural biomaterials.

Non-bioengineered silk fibroin protein 3D scaffolds for potential biotechnological and tissue engineering applications.

This paper describes a new source for fabricating high-strength, non-bioengineered silk gland fibroin 3D scaffolds from Indian tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta using SDS for dissolution. The scaffolds were fabricated by freeze drying at different prefreezing temperatures for pore size and porosity optimization. Superior mechanical properties with compressive strength in the range of 972 kPa were observed. The matrices were degraded by proteases within 28 d of incubation. Biocompatibility was assessed by feline fibroblast culture in vitro and confocal microscopy further confirmed adherence, spreading, and proliferation of primary dermal fibroblasts. Results indicate nonmulberry 3D silk gland fibroin protein as an inexpensive, high-strength, slow biodegradable, biocompatible, and alternative natural biomaterial. [Figure: see text].