Maryam Rahmati

• Rahmati, Maryam; Blaker, Jonathan James; Lyngstadaas, Ståle Petter; Mano, Joao F. & Haugen, Håvard Jostein (2020). Designing multigradient biomaterials for skin regeneration. Materials Today Advances.  5 . doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2019.100051 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Skin defects are amongst the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which account for significantly high socioeconomic costs. Today, much attention is being paid to tissue engineering and biomaterials strategies for skin regeneration, and among them, there is increasing interest in using multigradient biomaterials. Gradient-based approaches are an emerging trend in tissue engineering for the homogeneous delivery of therapeutic agents by using biomaterials. Several studies have acknowledged that wound repair mechanisms could be enhanced through biomimicking physicochemical properties of different skin layers. In addition, in different layers of skin tissue, cells experience various physicochemical gradients, which potentially regulate their behaviors. Therefore, interface tissue engineering and biomaterials approaches are gaining increasing attention for skin regeneration through the incorporation of physicochemical gradients within the engineered constructs. This review first presents a necessary overview of the biological properties of skin tissue and its changes during repair in different tissue injuries. Fundamental issues and necessities of using different types of gradient scaffolds and interface tissue engineering strategies for skin regeneration are addressed. The focus of this review is on describing current progress in designing gradient scaffolds for controlling and directing cellular and molecular responses in skin tissue. The main used fabrication approaches, including both traditional and advanced methods for designing multigradient scaffolds, are also discussed.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Frank, Matthias Johannes; Walter, Martin Sebastian; Monjo Cabrer, Marta; Satué, María; Reseland, Janne Elin; Lyngstadaas, Ståle Petter & Haugen, Håvard Jostein (2020). Osteoimmunomodulatory effects of enamel matrix derivate and strontium coating layers: A short- and long-term in vivo study. ACS Applied Bio Materials (AABM).  ISSN 2576-6422.  3, s 5169- 5181 . doi: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00608 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Over the past few years, surface modification of implant surface has gained substantial attention as a promising solution to avoid the failure of biomaterials after implantation. Although researchers suggest several strategies for surface functionalization of titanium based implants, only few studies have compared the osteoimmunomodulatory effects of ionic nanostructure and biofunctionalization in the same biological model. Enamel matrix derivate (EMD) and strontium are both known for their positive influences on bone cell responses. In this study, we functionalized the titanium-zirconium implant surface with EMD and strontium using an electrochemical cathodic polarization method. Afterwards, we evaluated the osteoimmunomodulatory effects of EMD or strontium coated titanium zirconium implants in the tibia of eight Grey Bastard Chinchillas rabbits. We performed 2&3D micro-CT, wound fluid, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses on bone tissues after 4- and 8-weeks implantation. Although the results could indicate some differences between groups regarding the bone quality, there was no difference in bone amount or volume. EMD stimulated higher ALP activity and lower cytotoxicity in wound fluid, as well as a lower expression of inflammatory markers after 8 weeks indicating its osteoimmunomodulatory effects after implantation. Overall, the results suggested that ionic nanostructure modification and biofunctionalization might be useful in regulating the immune responses to implants.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Lyngstadaas, Ståle Petter; Reseland, Janne Elin; Andersbakken, Ingrid; Haugland, Heidi Straume; López-peña, Mónica; Cantalapiedra, Antonio gonzalez; Muñoz, Fernando maria guzon & Haugen, Håvard Jostein (2020). Coating doxycycline on titanium-based implants: two in vivo studies. Bioactive Materials.  ISSN 2452-199X.  5(4), s 787- 797 . doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.05.007 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Regardless of the substantial progress in designing titanium-based dental implants and aseptic techniques, infection remains as the most common complication after implantation surgeries. Although, having a weakened immune system or systematic diseases is not seen as contraindicated for dental implants anymore, controlling the immune system is required to avoid surgical site infections after implantation. These patients have to control the surgical site infections by taking a high daily dose of oral antibiotics after dental implantation. The antibiotics oral administration has many side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, skin rashes and thrush. Coating antibiotics on the biomaterials surface could be a promising solution to reduce these disadvantages through locally releasing antibiotics in a controlled manner. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of doxycycline coating layer on titanium-zirconium alloy surfaces in vitro and in vivo. In our previous studies, we demonstrated the chemical presence of doxycycline layer in vitro. In this study, we examined its physical presence using field emission scanning electron microscope and confocal microscope. We also analyzed its controlled released manner using Nano-Drop UV Vis spectrometer. After in vitro characterization of the coating layer, we evaluated its effects on the implant osseointegration in dogs and rabbits. The histological and histomorphometrical results exhibited no significant difference between doxycycline coated and uncoated groups regarding the implants osseointegration and biocompatibility for dental applications. Therefore, coating a doxycycline layer on TiZr implants could be favorable for reducing or removing the antibiotics oral administration after the implantation surgery.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Mills, David K.; Urbanska, Aleksandra M.; Saeb, Mohammad reza; Reddy Venugopal, Jayarama; RamaKrishna, Seeram & Mozafari, Masoud (2020). Electrospinning for tissue engineering applications. Progress in Materials Science.  ISSN 0079-6425.  s 1- 39 . doi: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2020.100721 Show summary

  Tissue engineering makes use of the principles of medicine, biology and engineering and integrates them into the design of biological substitutes to restore, maintain and improve the functions of tissue. To fabricate a functional tissue, the engineered structures have to be able to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), provide the tissue with oxygen and nutrient circulation as well as remove metabolic wastes in the period of tissue regeneration. Continued efforts have been made in order to fabricate advanced functional three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering. Electrospinning has been recognized and served as one of the most useful techniques based on the resemblance between electrospun fibers and the native tissues. Over the past few decades, a bewildering variety of nanofibrous scaffolds have been developed for various biomedical applications, such as tissue regeneration and therapeutic agent delivery. The present review aims to provide with researchers an in-depth understanding of the promising role and the practical region of applicability of electrospinning in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by highlighting the outcomes of the most recent studies performed in this field. We address the current strategies used for improving the physicochemical interactions between the cells and the nanofibrous surface. We also discuss the progress and challenges associated with the use of electrospinning for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Silva, Eduardo A.; Reseland, Janne Elin; Heyward, Catherine Anne & Haugen, Håvard Jostein (2020). Biological responses to physicochemical properties of biomaterial surface. Chemical Society Reviews.  ISSN 0306-0012.  49(15), s 5178- 5224 . doi: 10.1039/d0cs00103a Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  Biomedical scientists use chemistry-driven processes found in nature as an inspiration to design biomaterials as promising diagnostic tools, therapeutic solutions, or tissue substitutes. While substantial consideration is devoted to the design and validation of biomaterials, the nature of their interactions with the surrounding biological microenvironment is commonly neglected. This gap of knowledge could be owing to our poor understanding of biochemical signaling pathways, lack of reliable techniques for designing biomaterials with optimal physicochemical properties, and/or poor stability of biomaterial properties after implantation. The success of host responses to biomaterials, known as biocompatibility, depends on chemical principles as the root of both cell signaling pathways in the body and how the biomaterial surface is designed. Most of the current review papers have discussed chemical engineering and biological principles of designing biomaterials as separate topics, which has resulted in neglecting the main role of chemistry in this field. In this review, we discuss biocompatibility in the context of chemistry, what it is and how to assess it, while describing contributions from both biochemical cues and biomaterials as well as the means of harmonizing them. We address both biochemical signal-transduction pathways and engineering principles of designing a biomaterial with an emphasis on its surface physicochemistry. As we aim to show the role of chemistry in the crosstalk between the surface physicochemical properties and body responses, we concisely highlight the main biochemical signal-transduction pathways involved in the biocompatibility complex. Finally, we discuss the progress and challenges associated with the current strategies used for improving the chemical and physical interactions between cells and biomaterial surface.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Alipanahi, Zahra & Mozafari, Masoud (2019). Emerging Biomedical Applications of Algal Polysaccharides. Current pharmaceutical design.  ISSN 1381-6128.  25(11), s 1335- 1344 . doi: 10.2174/1381612825666190423160357 Show summary

  Abstract: Background: Over the past two decades, there have been substantial progress and a growing body of research on using natural polymeric biomaterials in emerging biomedical applications. Among different natural biopolymers, polysaccharides have gained considerable attraction among biomedical scientists and surgeons due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In recent years, algalbased polysaccharides including agar, alginate, and carrageenan, have been broadly suggested for different biomedical applications. Methods: The aim of this paper is discussing various possible applications of algal-based polysaccharides in biomedical engineering particularly in controlled drug delivery systems. The main properties of each algal polysaccharide will be discussed, and particular drug delivery applications will be presented. Results: Algal polysaccharides can be detected in a group of photosynthetic unite as their key biomass constituents. They provide a range of variety in their size, shape, liquefaction, chemical stability, and crosslinking ability. In addition, algal polysaccharides have shown exceptional gelling properties including stimuli-responsive behavior, softness, and swelling properties. Conclusion: All the mentioned properties of alga polysaccharides lead to their successful usage in biomedical applications specially targeted and controlled drug delivery systems such as particles, capsules, and gels.

• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2019). Biocompatibility of alumina‐based biomaterials–A review. Journal of Cellular Physiology.  ISSN 0021-9541. . doi: 10.1002/jcp.27292 Show summary

  In today's medicine world, alumina‐based biomaterials owing to their excellent biomechanical, and biocompatibility properties play a key role in biomedical engineering. However, the literature still suffers from not having a valid database regarding the protein adsorption and subsequently cell responses to these surfaces. Proteins by adsorption on biomaterials surfaces start interpreting the construction and also arranging the biomaterials surfaces into a biological language. Hence, the main concentration of this review is on the protein adsorption and subsequently cell responses to alumina’s surface, which has a wide range biomedical applications, especially in dentistry and orthopedic applications. In the presented review article, the general principles of foreign body response mechanisms, and also the role of adsorbed proteins as key players in starting interactions between cells and alumina‐based biomaterials will be discussed in detail. In addition, the essential physicochemical, and mechanical properties of alumina surfaces which significantly impact on proteins and cells responses as well as the recent studies that have focused on the biocompatibility of alumina will be given. An in depth understanding of how the immune system interacts with the surface of alumina could prove the pivotal importance of the biocompatibility of alumina on its success in tissue engineering after implantation in body.

• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2019). Biological Response to Carbon-Family Nanomaterials: Interactions at the Nano-Bio Interface. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.  ISSN 2296-4185. . doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00004 Full text in Research Archive. Show summary

  During the last few decades, several studies have suggested that carbon-based nanomaterials, owing to their unique properties, could act as promising candidates in biomedical engineering application. Wide-ranging research efforts have investigated the cellular and molecular responses to carbon-based nanomaterials at the nano-bio interfaces. In addition, a number of surface functionalization strategies have been introduced to improve their safety profile in the biological environment. The present review discusses the general principles of immunological responses to nanomaterials. Then, it explains essential physico-chemical properties of carbon-familynanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, fullerene, carbon quantum dots (CDs), diamond-like carbon (DLC), and mesoporous carbon biomaterials (MCNs), which significantly affect the immunological cellular and molecular responses at the nano-bio interface. The discussions also briefly highlight the recent studies that critically investigated the cellular and molecular responses to various carbon-based nanomaterials. It is expected that the most recent perspective strategies for improving the biological responses to carbon-based nanomaterials can revolutionize their functions in emerging biological applications.

• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2019). Nano-immunoengineering: Opportunities and challenges. Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering.  ISSN 2468-4511.  10, s 51- 59 . doi: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.02.001 Show summary

  Over the past few years, with the rapid progress in the field of nano-biotechnology and also increasing concerns regarding nanosafety, suggesting new strategies for modulating the toxicity of nanomaterials has attracted much attentions among biomedical engineering scientists. Recently, designing nanomaterials with high biocompatibility is a great challenge in the biomedicine world. It is crucial to investigate operative approaches for modulating the effects of nanomaterials’ surfaces on the cellular and molecular responses. Unlike many toxicological investigations and chemistry synthesis, the biocompatibility of nanomaterials still remains in its infancy. This short review addresses the current research concerning using nanomaterials in biomedical engineering applications. A general overview of the immunological responses to nanomaterials will be concisely discussed.

• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2019). Selective contribution of bioactive glasses to molecular and cellular pathways. ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering.  ISSN 2373-9878.  6(1), s 4- 20 . doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01078 Show summary

  Over the past few decades, biomedical scientists and surgeons have given substantial attention to bioactive glasses as promising, long-lasting biomaterials that can make chemical connections with the neighboring hard and soft tissues. Several studies have examined the cellular and molecular responses to bioactive glasses to determine if they are suitable biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this regard, different ions and additives have been used recently to induce specific characteristics for selective cellular and molecular responses. This Review briefly describes foreign-body response mechanisms and the role of adsorbed proteins as the key players in starting interactions between cells and biomaterials. It then explains the physicochemical properties of the most common bioactive glasses, which have a significant impact on their cellular and molecular responses. It is expected that, with the development of novel strategies, the physiochemical properties of bioactive glasses can be engineered to precisely control proteins’ adsorption and cellular functions after implantation.

• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2018). A critical review on the cellular and molecular interactions at the interface of zirconia-based biomaterials. Ceramics International.  ISSN 0272-8842. . doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2018.06.196 Show summary

  In the past few years, zirconia has gained a great attention among biomedical scientists due to its extraordinary strength and fracture toughness, negligible thermal conductivity, good biocompatibility and chemical inertness. In this regard, there is still room for the manipulation of zirconia-based biomaterials regarding the protein adsorption and subsequently cell responses to the surface. Protein adsorption on biomaterials surfaces start interpreting the construction and also arranging the surface characteristics into a biological language. In this review, the role of adsorbed proteins as key players in starting interactions between cells and zirconia-based biomaterials will be discussed in detail. The discussion will then highlight discussions on the implementation of innovative strategies to engineer the physiochemical properties of this class of biomaterials. It is expected that these promising solutions can better control proteins adsorption and cellular functions after implantation in the body.

• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2018). Protein adsorption on polymers. Materials Today Communications.  ISSN 2352-4928. . doi: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2018.10.024 Show summary

  Although a promising progress has been recently accomplished in polymer science, cell biology, immunology and biotechnology, the biocompatibility of biomaterials still remains a critical issue to address. At present, some polymeric biomaterials are still encountering with the difficulty of foreign body responses (FBRs) including blood–material interactions, inflammation, and immune system responses. It has been widely reported that controlling the physiochemical properties of biomaterials could potentially lead to having a precise control over the kind, quantity, conformation, and duration of adsorbed proteins onto the polymer’s surface. It has been well accepted that the interactions between biomaterials and immune cells could be to a great extent controlled through regulating the protein adsorption mechanism. In this review, the role of adsorbed proteins, as important players in the initiation of interactions between cells and polymers, will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, the critical physicochemical properties of the polymer’s surface which significantly impact on the functions of proteins and cells will be given. The discussion will then address the recent contradicting reports, for which a range of engineering solutions have been suggested. There are promising ways for controlling the proteins adsorption and subsequent cellular responses to polymeric biomaterials.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Pennisi, Cristian pablo; Mobasheri, Ali & Mozafari, Masoud (2018). Bioengineered Scaffolds for Stem Cell Applications in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, In Kursad Turksen (ed.),  Cell Biology and Translational Medicine, Volume 3.  Springer Nature.  ISBN 978-3-030-04185-4.  5. Show summary

  Stem cell-based therapies, harnessing the ability of stem cells to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues, are under wide-ranging consideration for regenerative medicine applications. However, limitations concerning poor cell persistence and engraftment upon cell transplantation still remain. During the recent years, several types of biomaterials have been investigated to control the fate of the transplanted stem cells, aiming to increase their therapeutic efficiency. In the present chapter we focus on the general properties of some of these biomaterials, which include polymers, ceramics, and nano-biomaterials. In the first part of the chapter, a brief explanation about stem cell biology, sources, and their microenvironment is provided. The second part of the chapter presents some of the most recent studies investigating different types of biomaterials and approaches that aim to mimic the stem cell microenvironment for a more precise control of the stem cell fate.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Pennisi, Cristian pablo; Mobasheri, Ali & Mozafari, Masoud (2018). Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine: Historical Perspectives and Current Trends, In Kursad Turksen (ed.),  Cell Biology and Translational Medicine, Volume 4.  Springer Nature.  ISBN 978-3-030-10486-3.  1. Show summary

  Biomaterials are key components in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, with the intended purpose of reducing the burden of disease and enhancing the quality of life of a large number of patients. The success of many regenerative medicine strategies, such as cell-based therapies, artificial organs, and engineered living tissues, is highly dependent on the ability to design or produce suitable biomaterials that can support and guide cells during tissue healing and remodelling processes. This chapter presents an overview about basic research concerning the use of different biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Starting from a historical perspective, the chapter introduces the basic principles of designing biomaterials for tissue regeneration approaches. The main focus is set on describing the main classes of biomaterials that have been applied in regenerative medicine, including natural and synthetic polymers, bioactive ceramics, and composites. For each class of biomaterials, some of the most important physicochemical and biological properties are presented. Finally, some challenges and concerns that remain in this field are presented and discussed.

• Sefat, Farshid; Raja, Tehmeena israr; Zafar, Muhammad sohail; Khurshid, Zohaib; Najeeb, Shariq; Zohaib, Sana; Ahmadi, Ehsaneh daghigh; Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2018). Nanoengineered biomaterials for cartilage repair, In Masoud Mozafari; Jayakumar Rajadas & David l Kaplan (ed.),  Nanoengineered Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine.  Elsevier.  ISBN 9780128133569.  3. Show summary

  Cartilage disorders are among the primary causes of severe joint pain, physical disability, and quality of life impairments in the world's aging population. Although many approaches have been suggested for treating cartilage diseases, these approaches generally have acted only as painkillers and have failed to completely cure the disorders. Consequently, tissue engineering and biomaterial approaches aimed at cartilage regeneration have gained a great deal of attention among scientists. Several studies have reported positive results when using different kinds of 3D scaffolds for cartilage regeneration, such as polymeric-based scaffolds. In addition, recent nanotechnological developments have offered potential opportunities to greatly improve the properties of tissue-engineered scaffolds. Nanoscience approaches are focused on suggesting some novel substitutes that could more precisely mimic the ECM conditions of natural cartilage. This chapter serves as an introduction to the key factors related to cartilage tissue, including its anatomy, histology, and physiology, that biomaterials scientists need to take into account to successfully mimic the ECM of cartilage tissue. In addition, the progress of biomaterials and tissue engineering in this tissue will be discussed. The discussion will then emphasize the nanotechnological strategies, advancements, and drawbacks involved in cartilage regeneration.

• Alasvand, Neda; Urbanska, Aleksandra M; Rahmati, Maryam; Saeidifar, Maryam; Gungor-ozkerim, P selcan; Sefat, Farshid; Rajadas, Jayakumar & Mozafari, Masoud (2017). Therapeutic Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Anticancer Drugs, In Alexandru Grumezescu (ed.),  Multifunctional Systems for Combined Delivery, Biosensing and Diagnostics.  Elsevier.  ISBN 9780323527262.  13. Show summary

  It has been frequently shown that nanoparticles are able to increase the efficiency of antitumor drugs, decrease their side effects, and control distribution profile of drug molecules. In addition, these particular systems can enhance pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of drugs through a physical pathway. This novel strategy can prevent drugs entering systemic circulation, and can confine the access of drugs to a specific target. Various polymeric nanoparticles have been used for the encapsulation of anticancer drugs. This chapter reviews different types of anticancer drugs and engineering techniques for obtaining efficient delivery systems in cancer treatment. It also introduces the salient features of this approach, the hurdles that must be overcome, the hopes associated with it, and practical constraints.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Brouki milan, Peiman; Samadikuchaksaraei, Ali; Goodarzi, Vahabodin; Saeb, Mohammad reza; Kargozar, Saeid; Kaplan, David l & Mozafari, Masoud (2017). Ionically crosslinked Thermoresponsive chitosan hydrogels formed in situ: a conceptual basis for deeper understanding. Macromolecular materials and engineering (Print).  ISSN 1438-7492. . doi: 10.1002/mame.201700227 Show summary

  In situ formation and the performance of ionically crosslinked thermosensitive chitosan‐based hydrogels are presented. Experimental analyses, together with mechanistic descriptions of the events during hydrolysis, are employed to uncover the role of urea and isobutanol as chemical modifiers by comparing three classes of hydrogels formed in chitosan/β‐glycerolphosphate (β‐GP) solutions. Rheological measurements demonstrate that urea caused an increase in gelation time and temperature of chitosan/β‐GP systems, while isobutanol has an inverse effect. Interpretations based on increase in pH and chemical bonding of components in chitosan solutions provide further insight into hydrogel network formation. Urea can hinder the hydrophobic characteristics of chitosan‐based hydrogels, whereas isobutanol has the opposite effect. The shape retaining strategy applied here helps in simulation and interpretation of performance of thermosensitive hydrogels for biomedical purposes.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Nalesso, Giovanna; Mobasheri, Ali & Mozafari, Masoud (2017). Aging and osteoarthritis: Central role of the extracellular matrix. Ageing Research Reviews.  ISSN 1568-1637. . doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2017.07.004 Show summary

  Osteoarthritis (OA), is a major cause of severe joint pain, physical disability and quality of life impairment in the aging population across the developed and developing world. Increased catabolism in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the articular cartilage is a key factor in the development and progression of OA. The molecular mechanisms leading to an impaired matrix turnover have not been fully clarified, however cellular senescence, increased expression of inflammatory mediators as well as oxidative stress in association with an inherently limited regenerative potential of the tissue, are all important contributors to OA development. All these factors are linked to and tend to be maximized by aging. Nonetheless the role of aging in compromising joint stability and function in OA has not been completely clarified yet. This review will systematically analyze cellular and structural changes taking place in the articular cartilage and bone in the pathogenesis of OA which are linked to aging. A particular emphasis will be placed on age-related changes in the phenotype of the articular chondrocytes.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Mobasheri, Ali & Mozafari, Masoud (2016). Inflammatory mediators in osteoarthritis: A critical review of the state-of-the-art, current prospects, and future challenges. Bone.  ISSN 8756-3282. . doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.01.019 Show summary

  Osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been defined as a prototypical non-inflammatory arthropathy, but today there is compelling evidence to suggest that it has an inflammatory component. Many recent studies have shown the presence of synovitis in a large number of patients with OA and demonstrated a direct association between joint inflammation and the progression of OA. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide, matrix degrading enzymes and biomechanical stress are major factors responsible for the progression of OA in synovial joints. The aim of this review is to discuss the significance of a wide range of implicated inflammatory mediators and their contribution to the progression of OA. We also discuss some of the currently available guidelines, practices, and prospects. In addition, this review argues for new innovation in methodologies and instrumentation for the non-invasive detection of inflammation in OA by modern imaging techniques. We propose that identifying early inflammatory events and targeting these alterations will help to ameliorate the major symptoms such as inflammation and pain in OA patients.

• Rahmati, Maryam; Mozafari, Masoud & Samadikuchaksaraei, Ali (2016). Insight into the interactive effects of β-glycerophosphate molecules on thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogels. Bioinspired, Biomimetic and Nanobiomaterials.  ISSN 2045-9858. . doi: 10.1680/jbibn.15.00022 Show summary

  The purpose of the present study was to provide insights into the interactive effects of β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) molecules on thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogels, which experience sol–gel transformation around the physiological temperature. This study also investigated the influence of β-GP as a physical cross-linker and pH modifier on chitosan-based hydrogels by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with the aim of achieving a better understanding of the effect of β-GP action mechanism. For this purpose, some solutions with 2% (w/v) chitosan were mixed with different amounts of β-GP in the range of 0–20% (w/v) concentrations. It was shown that by further addition of β-GP, the anionic phosphate units of β-GP in combination with the cationic amine units of chitosan could provide electrostatic cross-linking for making chitosan-based hydrogels. All the β-GP–chitosan solutions remained at the physiological pH after complete mixing. In addition, the viability of 3T3 fibroblast cells determined by MTT assay and scanning suggested that the samples containing 12% β-GP would show optimum biological characteristics. This study demonstrated that the synthesized chitosan–β-GP is a biocompatible thermosensitive system, which can be potentially used for tissue engineering applications in different areas, such as cartilage injections, and that injectability and appropriate gelation behavior are important factors.

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• Rahmati, Maryam; Mobasheri, Ali & Mozafari, Masoud (2017). Reply to" Comment on: Inflammatory mediators in osteoarthritis: A critical review of the state-of-the art, prospects, and future challenges". Bone.  ISSN 8756-3282. . doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.08.013
• Rahmati, Maryam & Mozafari, Masoud (2015). The association between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: in bad company. Journal of Osteoporosis and Physical Activity.  ISSN 2329-9509.  3(134) . doi: 10.4172/2329-9509.1000134

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