Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are suitable materials for bioapplications due to their ability to emit visible light under near infrared (NIR) excitation, in the biological transparency range. Polycaprolactone(PCL)-based scaffolds are widely used in tissue engineering in combination with inorganic compounds to improve bioactivity and osteoconductive properties. This work proposes a 3D printed composite scaffold with upconversion property aiming at biomedical applications in therapy-stimulated bone repair and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The system combines PCL polymer, UCNPs-apatite and a PDT photosensitizer. Thermal and rheological behaviors of the composite were similar to pure PCL polymer. Mechanical properties were improved by adding UCNPs-apatite. The 3D printable composite presented upconversion property and potential for PDT application, which was demonstrated by singlet oxygen generation under 980 nm excitation. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity assays indicated no toxicological effects at low concentrations of rare earth elements. Taken together, a potential multifunctional material is proposed for biomedical applications.

Abstract The development of a biodegradable material with antimicrobial properties for local applications is required in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to produce blends of poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) synthetic polymer associated with several antimicrobials, as an alternative in the prevention and treatment of infections, as well as to evaluate its cytotoxicity, release of antimicrobials and inhibit bacteria growth. Blends of PLLA added with 20% Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Clindamycin or Azithromicyn were used to produce Films (F) or Meshs (M) by casting and electrospinning methods, respectively. Standardized discs of the films and meshs were stored in buffer solutions (pH 5 or 7.4) and aliquots were analyzed by high performance chromatography (HPLC) during 168 hours. Cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts was tested after 24, 48 and 72h by MTT reaction. The antimicrobial capacity was determined against P. gingivalis and S. pyogenes. The specimens were weighed after 3 and 6 months of storage for degradation analysis. SEM was performed to control interfaces and degradation. Antimicrobials presented a continuous and exponential drug release. Analysis showed that both M and F were able to inhibit S. pyogenes and P. gingivalis growth, indicating the release of active antimicrobial agents. The products were not toxic to the fibroblasts. Amoxicillin-film showed more degradation than PLLA at both pHs (p < 0.05), whereas Azithromycin-meshes were more degraded than PLLA at pH 7.4 (p < 0.05). PLLA association with antimicrobials is biocompatible and may represent a potential tool for the local delivery of antimicrobials.

Hydrogels micro, sub-micro and nanoparticles are of great interest for drug encapsulation and delivery or as embolotherapic agents. In this work it is described the preparation of nano and sub-microparticles of pre-formed, high molecular weight and monomer free poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) encapsulated inside the core of lecithin vesicles. The hydrogel particles are formed with a very narrow diameter distribution, of about 800 nm, and a moderate swelling ratio, of approximately 10.