Berniak, Krzysztof
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inżynieria biomedyczna
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Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Modulating Surface Properties and Osteoblast Responses in Bone Regeneration via Positive and Negative Charges during Electrospinning of Poly(L‑lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) Scaffolds(2026) Marszalik, Katarzyna; Polak, Martyna; Berniak, Krzysztof; Knapczyk-Korczak, Joanna; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Marzec, Mateusz M.; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejThe global demand for faster and more effective bone regeneration calls for biomimetic scaffolds that actively guide cell behavior beyond providing structural support. Electrospinning offers unique opportunities to tailor scaffold properties, yet the influence of positive and negative voltage polarities during fabrication on cell−material interactions remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffolds, a statistical copolymer combining strength and elasticity, produced under positive (PLCL+) and negative (PLCL−) polarity. Both scaffold types display comparable morphologies and bulk chemistry. However, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals charge dependent surface chemistry, with PLCL− enriched in O C and O−C groups. Zeta potential results highlight pronounced voltage polarity effects under aqueous conditions at pH 7.5, showing −29.19 mV for PLCL+ and −34.77 mV for PLCL−. Biologically, both scaffolds support rapid osteoblast attachment, with robust filopodia and collagen type I deposition by day 14. Strikingly, PLCL+ scaffolds promote deeper cellular infiltration and broader cytoskeletal distribution, whereas PLCL− scaffolds enhance proliferation, but with a flatter cell morphology. These findings reveal that subtle, charge-driven surface chemical differences in random copolymer scaffolds profoundly modulate osteoblast behavior. This work identifies electrospinning voltage polarity as a powerful yet underutilized design parameter for engineering next-generation scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Modulating cell adhesion and infiltration in advanced scaffold designs based on PLLA fibers with rGO and MXene (Ti3C2Tx)(2025) Polak, Martyna; Berniak, Krzysztof; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Knapczyk-Korczak, Joanna; Marzec, Mateusz M.; Purbayanto, Muhammad Abiyyu Kenichi; Jastrzębska, Agnieszka M.; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejThe development of electrospun scaffolds that support cell adhesion and infiltration remains a critical challenge in tissue engineering. In this study, we investigate the influence of two-dimensional (2D) fillers—reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MXene (Ti3C2Tx)—incorporated into poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun fibers on their properties and osteoblast responses. The presence of fillers modified fiber arrangement and created varying inter-fiber spacing due to surface charge repulsion and agglomeration. Importantly, surface potential measurements via Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) of PLLA fibers show a significant shift caused by the incorporation of Ti3C2Tx to ∼400 mV compared to ∼50 mV for rGO. In vitro tests indicate that rGO-modified scaffolds support osteoblast infiltration up to ∼100 μm, unlike PLLA fibers, which limit cell infiltration to a maximum of ∼70 μm. However, Ti3C2Tx promotes even deeper (∼120 μm) and more uniform cell's infiltration due to changes in scaffold architecture. High-resolution confocal imaging confirmed that PLLA-Ti3C2Tx fosters larger, elongated adhesion site clusters of cells, whereas rGO increases cell's adhesion site density in relation to PLLA scaffolds without any filler. Our findings highlight the distinct roles of rGO and Ti3C2Tx in modulating scaffold geometry, mechanical behavior, and cellular interactions. Tailoring the composition and distribution of conductive fillers in fibers offers a promising strategy for optimizing scaffold performance in tissue engineering applications.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Interfacial blending in co-axially electrospun polymer core-shell fibers and their interaction with cells via focal adhesion point analysis(2024) Polak, Martyna; Ura, Daniel Paweł; Berniak, Krzysztof; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Marzec, Mateusz M.; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejElectrospun polymer scaffolds have gained prominence in biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound dressings, due to their customizable properties. As the interplay between cells and materials assumes fundamental significance in biomaterials research, understanding the relationship between fiber properties and cell behaviour is imperative. Nevertheless, altering fiber properties introduces complexity by intertwining mechanical and surface chemistry effects, challenging the differentiation of their individual impacts on cell behaviour. Core-shell fibers present an appealing solution, enabling the control of mechanical properties of scaffolds, flexibility in material and drug selection, efficient encapsulation, strong protection of bioactive drugs against harsh environments, and controlled, prolonged drug release. This study addresses a key challenge in core-shell fiber design related to the blending effect between core and shell polymers. Two types of fibers, PMMA and core-shell PC-PMMA, were electrospun, and thorough analyses confirmed the desired core-shell structure in PC-PMMA fibers. Surface chemistry analysis revealed PC diffusion to the PMMA shell of the core-shell fiber during electrospinning, subsequently prompting an investigation of the fiber’s surface potential. Conducting cellular studies on osteoblasts by super-resolution confocal microscopy provided insights into the direct influence of interfacial polymer blending and, consequently, altered fiber surface and mechanical properties on cell focal adhesion points, bridging the gap between material attributes and cell responses in core-shell fibers.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Controlled therapeutic cholesterol delivery to cells for the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes(2024) Moradi, Ahmadreza; Lichawska-Cieslar, Agata; Szukala, Weronika; Jura, Jolanta; Berniak, Krzysztof; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejThe challenge of enhancing wound healing and skin regeneration, particularly in conditions like burns and diabetic wounds, necessitates innovative solutions. Cholesterol, often associated with cardiovascular diseases, plays vital roles in cellular functions, maintaining skin integrity and preserving the skin barrier. Here, we explore cholesterol's significance, its influence on keratinocytes, and its potential application in skin regeneration. The study utilizes electrospun polyimide (PI) fibers as a cholesterol carrier model and investigates its impact on HaCaT keratinocytes, marking the first time tracked cholesterol delivery from the scaffold into cells. We demonstrate that an optimal concentration of 0.7 mM cholesterol in the medium enhances cell proliferation, while higher concentrations have negative effects. Cholesterol-enriched scaffolds significantly increase cell proliferation and replicative activity, especially in a 3D culture environment. Moreover, cholesterol influences keratinocyte differentiation, promoting early differentiation while inhibiting late differentiation. These findings suggest that cholesterol-loaded scaffolds can have applications in wound healing by promoting cell growth, regulating differentiation, and potentially accelerating wound closure. Further research in this area will lead to innovative wound management and tissue regeneration strategies.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Skin regeneration and wound healing by plant protein-based electrospun fiber scaffolds and patches for tissue engineering applications(2025) Marszalik, Katarzyna; Polak, Martyna; Knapczyk-Korczak, Joanna; Berniak, Krzysztof; Nabil Gayed Ibrahim, Monica; Su, Qi; Li, Xiaoran; Ding, Bin; Stachewicz, UrszulaPlant protein-based electrospun fibers are emerging as promising biomaterials for skin regeneration and wound healing due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, antimicrobial effects, and anti-inflammatory activity. This review examines four widely used plant-derived proteins: zein, soy, wheat gluten, and pea protein, focusing on their role in tissue engineering. For designing advanced biomaterials with tailored properties to accelerate tissue repair, the stages of wound healing are introduced. The electrospinning of plant proteins is described, along with the modifications that enhance key properties such as mechanical strength and stability in wet environments. Their biodegradability makes them ideal for temporary applications, such as wound dressings and drug delivery systems, enabling the controlled and sustained release of antibacterial nanoparticles, antioxidants, and antibiotics. Moreover, the enhancement of skin regeneration by plant protein fibers is highlighted, focusing on their physicochemical properties, drug delivery capabilities, swelling behavior, and moisturizing effects. Furthermore, in vitro studies are discussed, demonstrating their ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, promote blood vessel formation, and facilitate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leading to accelerated tissue repair. Finally, in vivo studies are reviewed, highlighting the potential of plant protein fibers for tissue repair applications.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Comparative Physicochemical Characterization of Electrospun PCL, PLLA, and PLCL Scaffolds and Cell Responses for Tissue Engineering Applications(2026) Polak, Martyna; Neela, Nagalekshmi Uma Thanu Krishnan; Berniak, Krzysztof; Knapczyk-Korczak, Joanna; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Marzec, Mateusz M.; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejIn tissue engineering, electrospun scaffolds are valued for their tunable features, which direct cell behavior. Within this study, we electrospun scaffolds from three common polyesters: polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL), to identify differences in cell–material interactions. PLLA fibers had the largest average diameter (2.6 ± 0.2 µm), PLCL fiber diameter was intermediate (2.2 ± 0.5 µm), and PCL was the smallest (1.1 ± 0.6 µm). Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed distinct surface chemistries that are correlated with streaming potential results at pH 7.4. PLCL fibers showed the most negative zeta potential (−36.4 ± 0.7 mV), followed by PLLA (−28.4 ± 0.8 mV) and PCL (−24.0 ± 0.5 mV). Mechanical testing indicates the highest strength for PLCL mats (5.6 ± 0.9 MPa), then PLLA (3.5 ± 0.3 MPa) and PCL (1.9 ± 0.1 MPa). Cell studies indicated lower initial adhesion of osteoblasts on PLCL (∼53%↓) and PLLA (∼73.6%↓) vs. PCL, likely reflecting PCL scaffold morphology; however, viability at 3 and 7 days was significantly higher on PLCL and PLLA. Microscopy studies confirmed greater filopodia and cell spreading on PLCL and PLLA. Overall, all three are suitable scaffold materials, with PLCL and PLLA supporting cytoskeleton organization and viability better.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Multifunctional, Flexible and Interactive PVDF Fibers with Tunable Conductivity via CNT Coatings for Sensing and Smart Textile Applications(2025) Kopacz, Michał; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Długoń, Elżbieta; Berniak, Krzysztof; Nizioł, Jacek; Jeleń, Piotr; Sitarz, Maciej; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejIntegrating electronics into textiles has the potential to revolutionize wearable devices, but achieving conductivity without compromising breathability and flexibility remains a challenge. Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers offer a porous and flexible scaffold but are inherently insulating. Previous methods for adding conductivity often reduce vapor permeability and mechanical performance. Here, this study reports a two-step fabrication strategy using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto electrospun PVDF fibers, resulting in highly conductive (80 $\pm$ 6 $\Omega$), porous, and stretchable mats (elongation of ≈600%). The EPD process enables tunable conductivity while preserving fiber structure and water vapor transmission. The mats achieve significantly lower impedance and enhanced mechanical performance compared to existing coatings. This study demonstrates the use of these composites as sensors capable of detecting pressure, motion, respiration, and temperature. This multifunctionality, combined with scalable fabrication, highlights their potential in smart textiles. These findings open new opportunities for designing wearable sensors that unite functionality, user comfort, and durability.Item type:Article, Access status: Open Access , Flexible and thermally insulating porous materials utilizing hollow double-shell polymer fibers(2024) Knapczyk-Korczak, Joanna; Szewczyk, Piotr K.; Berniak, Krzysztof; Marzec, Mateusz M.; Frąc, Maksymilian; Pichór, Waldemar; Stachewicz, Urszula
Wydział Inżynierii Metali i Informatyki PrzemysłowejThe global climate change is mainly caused by carbon dioxide ($CO_{2}$) emissions. To help reduce $CO_{2}$ emissions and conserve thermal energy, sustainable materials based on flexible thermal insulation are developed to minimize heat flux, drawing inspiration from natural systems such as polar bear hairs. The unique structure of hollow double-shell fibers makes it possible to achieve low thermal conductivity in the material while retaining exceptional elasticity, allowing it to adapt to insulation systems of any shape. The layered system of porous mats reaches a thermal conductivity coefficient of $0.031 W∙m^{−1}∙K^{−1}$ and enables to reduce the heat transfer. The results achieved using scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) correlate with the simulated heat flow in the case of individual fibers. This research study brings new insights into the energy efficiency of domestic environments, thereby addressing the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance insulation materials for saving energy loss and reducing pollution footprint.