| Project | SPARTAN :: publications list | 
| Title | Biofunctional Nanofibrous Substrate for Local TNF-Capturing as a Strategy to Control Inflammation in Arthritic Joints | 
| Publication Type | Papers in Scientific Journals | 
| Year of Publication | 2019 | 
| Authors | Bacelo E., Alves da Silva M., Cunha C., Faria S., Carvalho A., Reis R. L., Martins A., and Neves N. M. | 
| Abstract | 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’ 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 µg/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. | 
| Journal | Nanomaterials | 
| Volume | 9 | 
| Issue | 4 | 
| Pagination | 667 | 
| Date Published | 2019-04-08 | 
| ISSN | 2079-4991 | 
| DOI | 10.3390/nano9040567 | 
| URL | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/9/4/567/htm | 
| Keywords | Antibody immobilization, electrospun nanofibers, Human articular chondrocytes, rheumatoid arthritis, TNF-α capture | 
| Rights | openAccess | 
| Peer reviewed | yes | 
| Status | published |