Platelet-rich plasma accelerates skin wound healing by promoting re-epithelialization

Background:Autologous platelet-rich plasma(PRP)has been suggested to be effective for wound healing.However,evidence for its use in patients with acute and chronic wounds remains insufficient.The aims of this study were to comprehensively examine the effectiveness,synergy and possible mechanism of PRP-mediated improvement of acute skin wound repair.Methods:Full-thickness wounds were made on the back of C57/BL6 mice.PRP or saline solution as a control was administered to the wound area.Wound healing rate,local inflammation,angiogenesis,re-epithelialization and collagen deposition were measured at days 3,5,7 and 14 after skin injury.The biological character of epidermal stem cells(ESCs),which reflect the potential for re-epithelialization,was further evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Results:PRP strongly improved skin wound healing,which was associated with regulation of local inflammation,enhancement of angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.PRP treatment significantly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17A and interleukin-1β.An increase in the local vessel intensity and enhancement of re-epithelialization were also observed in animals with PRP administration and were associated with enhanced secretion of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1.Moreover,PRP treatment ameliorated the survival and activated the migration and proliferation of primary cultured ESCs,and these effects were accompanied by the differentiation of ESCs into adult cells following the changes of CD49f and keratin 10 and keratin 14.Conclusion:PRP improved skin wound healing by modulating inflammation and increasing angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.However,the underlying regulatory mechanism needs to be investigated in the future.Our data provide a preliminary theoretical foundation for the clinical administration of PRP in wound healing and skin regeneration.

Photodynamic therapy accelerates skin wound healing through promoting re-epithelialization

Background:Epidermal stem cells(EpSCs)that reside in cutaneous hair follicles and the basal layer of the epidermis are indispensable for wound healing and skin homeostasis.Little is known about the effects of photochemical activation on EpSC differentiation,proliferation and migration during wound healing.The present study aimed to determine the effects of photodynamic therapy(PDT)on wound healing in vivo and in vitro.Methods:We created mouse full-thickness skin resection models and applied 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA)for PDT to the wound beds.Wound healing was analysed by gross evaluation and haematoxylin–eosin staining in vivo.In cultured EpSCs,protein expression was measured using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.Cell migration was examined using a scratch model;apoptosis and differentiation were measured using flow cytometry.Results:PDT accelerated wound closure by enhancing EpSC differentiation,proliferation and migration,thereby promoting re-epithelialization and angiogenesis.PDT inhibited inflammatory infiltration and expression of proinflammatory cytokines,whereas the secretion of growth factors was greater than in other groups.The proportion of transient amplifying cells was significantly greater in vivo and in vitro in the PDT groups.EpSC migration was markedly enhanced after ALAinduced PDT.Conclusions:Topical ALA-induced PDT stimulates wound healing by enhancing re-epithelialization,promoting angiogenesis as well as modulating skin homeostasis.This work provides a preliminary theoretical foundation for the clinical administration of topical ALA-induced PDT in skin wound healing.

Influences of multiphoton absorption and freecarrier effects on frequency-comb generation in normal dispersion silicon microresonators

We investigate frequency-comb generation in normal dispersion silicon microresonators from the near-infrared to mid-infrared wavelength range in the presence of multiphoton absorption and free-carrier effects. It is found that parametric oscillation is inhibited in the telecom wavelength range resulting from strong two-photon absorption.On the contrary, beyond the wavelength of 2200 nm, where three-and four-photon absorption are less detrimental,a comb can be generated with moderate pump power, or free-carriers are swept out by a positive-intrinsic-negative structure. In the temporal domain, the generated combs correspond to flat-top pulses, and the pulse duration can be easily controlled by varying the laser detuning. The reported comb generation process shows a high conversion efficiency compared with anomalous dispersion regime, which can guide and promote comb formation in materials with normal dispersion. As the comb spectra cover the mid-infrared wavelength range, they can find applications in comb-based radiofrequency photonic filters and mid-infrared spectroscopy.

Numerical simulation and temporal characterization of dual-pumped microringresonator-based optical frequency combs

Dual-pumped microring-resonator-based optical frequency combs(OFCs) and their temporal characteristics are numerically investigated and experimentally explored. The calculation results obtained by solving the driven and damped nonlinear Schr?dinger equation indicate that an ultralow coupled pump power is required to excite the primary comb modes through a non-degenerate four-wave-mixing(FWM) process and, when the pump power is boosted, both the comb mode intensities and spectral bandwidths increase. At low pump powers, the field intensity profile exhibits a cosine variation manner with frequency equal to the separation of the two pumps, while a roll Turing pattern is formed resulting from the increased comb mode intensities and spectral bandwidths at high pump powers. Meanwhile, we found that the power difference between the two pump fields can be transferred to the newly generated comb modes, which are located on both sides of the pump modes, through a cascaded FWM process. Experimentally, the dual-pumped OFCs were realized by coupling two self-oscillating pump fields into a microring resonator. The numerically calculated comb spectrum is verified by generating an OFC with 2.0 THz mode spacing over 160 nm bandwidth. In addition, the formation of a roll Turing pattern at high pump powers is inferred from the measured autocorrelation trace of a 10 free spectral range(FSR) OFC. The experimental observations accord well with the numerical predictions. Due to their large and tunable mode spacing, robustness,and flexibility, the proposed dual-pumped OFCs could find potential applications in a wide range of fields,including arbitrary optical waveform generation, high-capacity optical communications, and signal-processing systems.

P311 promotes typeⅡtransforming growth factor-βreceptor mediated fibroblast activation and granulation tissue formation in wound healing

Background:P311,a highly conserved 8 kDa intracellular protein,has recently been reported to play an important role in aggravating hypertrophic scaring by promoting the differentiation and secretion of fibroblasts.Nevertheless,how P311 regulates the differentiation and function of fibroblasts to affect granulation tissue formation remains unclear.In this work,we studied the underlying mechanisms via which P311 affects fibroblasts and promotes acute skin wound repair.Methods:To explore the role of P311,both in vitro and in vivo wound-healing models were used.Full-thickness skin excisional wounds were made in wild-type and P311−/−C57 adult mice.Wound healing rate,re-epithelialization,granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition were measured at days 3,6 and 9 after skin injury.The biological phenotypes of fibroblasts,the expression of target proteins and relevant signaling pathways were examined both in vitro and in vivo.Results:P311 could promote the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts,enhance the ability of myofibroblasts to secrete extracellular matrix and promote cell contraction,and then facilitate the formation of granulation tissue and eventually accelerate skin wound closure.Importantly,we discovered that P311 acts via up-regulating the expression of type II transforming growth factor-βreceptor(TGF-βRII)in fibroblasts and promoting the activation of the TGF-βRII-Smad signaling pathway.Mechanistically,the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway is closely implicated in the regulation of the TGF-βRII-Smad pathway in fibroblasts mediated by P311.Conclusions:P311 plays a critical role in activation of the TGF-βRII-Smad pathway to promote fibroblast proliferation and differentiation as well as granulation tissue formation in the process of skin wound repair.

A systematic and quantitative method for wound-dressing evaluation

Background:For patients with skin defects such as burns,wound dressing plays important roles in protecting the wound.Before a novel wound dressing is applied to a patient,a series of tests should be performed to ensure its safety and efficacy.Different types of animal wound-healing models have been used to study the bio-function of different wound dressings;however,a systematic way to evaluate the effect of a wound dressing on wound healing and cutaneous regeneration is lacking.Methods:In the study presented here,full-thickness wound models were established in mice,and a systematic way to quantitatively analyze the wound-healing process and the histological results is described.Results:It was found that the rate of wound healing in the tested wound dressing(TWD)group was higher than that in the control group,and the re-epithelialization and the formation of granulation tissue were enhanced when the TWD was applied.Meanwhile,the inflammatory response was attenuated in the TWD group,and more mature and better aligned collagen fibers in the healed wound tissue was found in the TWD group compared with that in the control group.Conclusions:A systematic,quantitative way to analyze the effect of a wound dressing on wound healing was established.And it might be helpful for the design of wound dressing in the future.

Synthesis of graphene oxide-quaternary ammonium nanocomposite with synergistic antibacterial activity to promote infected wound healing

Background: Bacterial infection is one of the most common complications in burn, trauma, and chronic refractory wounds and is an impediment to healing. The frequent occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria due to irrational application of antibiotics increases treatment cost and mortality. Graphene oxide (GO) has been generally reported to possess high antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria in vitro. In this study, a graphene oxide-quaternary ammonium salt (GO-QAS) nanocomposite was synthesized and thoroughly investigated for synergistic antibacterial activity, underlying antibacterial mechanisms and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The GO-QAS nanocomposite was synthesized through amidation reactions of carboxylic group end-capped QAS polymers with primary amine-decorated GO to achieve high QAS loading ratios on nanosheets. Next, we investigated the antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of GO-QAS in vitro and in vivo. Results: GO-QAS exhibited synergistic antibacterial activity against bacteria through not only mechanical membrane perturbation, including wrapping, bacterial membrane insertion, and bacterial membrane perforation, but also oxidative stress induction. In addition, it was found that GO-QAS could eradicate multidrug-resistant bacteria more effectively than conventional antibiotics. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity tests indicated that GO-QAS did not exhibit obvious toxicity towards mammalian cel s or organs at low concentrations. Notably, GO-QAS topically applied on infected wounds maintained highly efficient antibacterial activity and promoted infected wound healing in vivo. Conclusions: The GO-QAS nanocomposite exhibits excellent synergistic antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. The antibacterial mechanisms involve both mechanical membrane perturbation and oxidative stress induction. In addition, GO-QAS accelerated the healing process of infected wounds by promoting re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Overall, the results indicated that the GO-QAS nanocomposite could be applied as a promising antimicrobial agent for infected wound management and antibacterial wound dressing synthesis.

A chemo-mechanical switchable valve on microfluidic chip based on a thermally responsive block copolymer

Microfluidic devices have become a powerful tool for chemical and biologic applications.To control different functional parts on the microchip,valve plays a key role in the device.In conventional methods,physio-mechanical valves are usually used on microfluidic chip.Herein,we reported a chemo-mechanical switchable valve on microfluidic chip by using a thermally responsive block copolymer.The wettability changes of capillary with copolymer modification on inner surface were investigated to verify the function as a valve.Capillaries with modification of poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate)(P(NIPAAm-co-HFIPA))with a 20%HFIPA was demonstrated capable of control aqueous solution stop or go through.Then short capillaries with copolymer modification were integrated in microchannels as valves.With the temperature changing around lower critical solution temperature(LCST),the integrated chemo-mechanical switchable valve exhibited excellent“OPEN–CLOSE”behavior for microflow control.After optimization of the block copolymer sequences and molar ratio,a switching time as low as 20 s was achieved.The developed micro valve was demonstrated effective for flow control on microchip.

Highly dispersed CeO_(2-x)nanoparticles with rich oxygen vacancies enhance photocatalytic performance of g-C_(3)N_(4)toward methyl orange degradation under visible light irradiation

CeO_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalysts have attracted tremendous attention in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.The design and construction of highly active CeO_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalysts without harsh conditions are still challenging.Herein,highly dispersed CeO_(2-x)nanoparticles with rich oxygen vacancies were successfully precipitated on the surface of g-C_(3)N_(4)under mild conditions.The fabricated CeO_(2-x)/g-C_(3)N_(4)exhibits remarkable activity and stability for photocatalytic degradation of MO pollutant.The optimal rate constant of MO degradation over CeO_(2-x)/g-C_(3)N_(4)is about 0.031 min^(-1),which is three times higher than that of g-C_(3)N_(4).A negligible activity decrease is observed after three cycling runs.The enhanced catalytic performance can be ascribed to the excellent dispersion of CeO_(2-x)with rich oxygen vacancies that benefit O_(2)adsorption and visible light absorption.In addition,the proper band alignment between CeO_(2-x)and gC_(3)N_(4)is conducive to the highly efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.

Obstruction of the formation of granulation tissue leads to delayed wound healing after scald burn injury in mice

Background:Delayed wound healing remains a common but challenging problem in patients with acute or chronic wound following accidental scald burn injury.However,the systematic and detailed evaluation of the scald burn injury,including second-degree deep scald(SDDS)and thirddegree scald(TDS),is still unclear.The present study aims to analyze the wound-healing speed,the formation of granulation tissue,and the healing quality after cutaneous damage.Methods:In order to assess SDDS and TDS,the models of SDDS and TDS were established using a scald instrument in C57BL/6 mice.Furthermore,an excisional wound was administered on the dorsal surface in mice(Cut group).The wound-healing rate was first analyzed at days 0,3,5,7,15 and 27,with the Cut group as a control.Then,on the full-thickness wounds,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,Masson staining,Sirius red staining,Victoria blue staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine re-epithelialization,the formation of granulation tissue,vascularization,inflammatory infiltration and the healing quality at different time points in the Cut,SDDS and TDS groups.Results:The presented data revealed that the wound-healing rate was higher in the Cut group,when compared with the SDDS and TDS groups.H&E staining showed that re-epithelialization,formation of granulation tissue and inflammatory infiltration were greater in the Cut group,when compared with the SDDS and TDS groups.Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of CD31,vascular endothelial growth factor A,transforming growth factor-βandα-smooth muscle actin reached preferential peak in the Cut group,when compared with other groups.In addition,Masson staining,Sirius red staining,Victoria blue staining,Gordon-Sweets staining and stress analysis indicated that the ratio of collagen I to III,reticular fibers,failure stress,Young’s modulus and failure length in the SDDS group were similar to those in the normal group,suggesting that healing quality was better in the SDDS group,when compared with the Cut and TDS groups.Conclusion:Overall,the investigators first administered a comprehensive analysis in the Cut,SDDS and TDS groups through in vivo experiments,which further proved that the obstacle of the formation of granulation tissue leads to delayed wound healing after scald burn injury in mice.