@article {19830,
	title = {Biofunctional Nanofibrous Substrate for Local TNF-Capturing as a Strategy to Control Inflammation in Arthritic Joints},
	journal = {Nanomaterials},
	volume = {9},
	year = {2019},
	month = {2019-04-08 00:00:00},
	pages = {667},
	abstract = {<p><span>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the synovial cavity of joints, and its pathogenesis is associated with an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). It has been clinically shown to have an adequate response to systemic administration of TNF-α inhibitors, although with many shortcomings. To overcome such limitations, the immobilization of a TNF-α antibody on a nanofibrous substrate to promote a localized action is herein proposed. By using this approach, the antibody has its maximum therapeutic efficacy and a prolonged therapeutic benefit, avoiding the systemic side-effects associated with conventional biological agents{\textquoteright} therapies. To technically achieve such a purpose, the surface of electrospun nanofibers is initially activated and functionalized, allowing TNF-α antibody immobilization at a maximum concentration of 6 {\textmu}g/mL. Experimental results evidence that the biofunctionalized nanofibrous substrate is effective in achieving a sustained capture of soluble TNF-α over time. Moreover, cell biology assays demonstrate that this system has no deleterious effect over human articular chondrocytes metabolism and activity. Therefore, the developed TNF-capturing system may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the local management of severely affected joints.</span></p>},
	keywords = {Antibody immobilization, electrospun nanofibers, Human articular chondrocytes, rheumatoid arthritis, TNF-α capture},
	issn = {2079-4991},
	doi = {10.3390/nano9040567},
	url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/9/4/567/htm},
	author = {Bacelo, E. and Alves da Silva, M. and Cunha, C. and Faria, S. and Carvalho, A. and Reis, R. L. and Martins, A. and Neves, N. M.}
}
