Institute of Fundamental Technological Research
Polish Academy of Sciences

Staff

Seyed Shahrooz Zargarian, PhD

Department of Biosystems and Soft Matter (ZBiMM)
Division of Modelling in Biology and Medicine (PMBM)
position: Assistant Professor
telephone: (+48) 22 826 12 81 ext.: 330
room: 320
e-mail:
ORCID: 0000-0001-5378-3406

Recent publications
1.  Rybak D., Rinoldi C., Nakielski P., Du J., Haghighat Bayan Mohammad A., Zargarian Seyed S., Pruchniewski M., Li X., Strojny-Cieślak B., Ding B., Pierini F., Injectable and self-healable nano-architectured hydrogel for NIR-light responsive chemo- and photothermal bacterial eradication, JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B , ISSN: 2050-7518, DOI: 10.1039/D3TB02693K, pp.1-21, 2024

Abstract:
Hydrogels with multifunctional properties activated at specific times have gained significant attention in the biomedical field. As bacterial infections can cause severe complications that negatively impact wound repair, herein, we present the development of a stimuli-responsive, injectable, and in situ-forming hydrogel with antibacterial, self-healing, and drug-delivery properties. In this study, we prepared a Pluronic F-127 (PF127) and sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogel that can be targeted to a specific tissue via injection. The PF127/SA hydrogel was incorporated with polymeric short-filaments (SFs) containing an anti-inflammatory drug – ketoprofen, and stimuli-responsive polydopamine (PDA) particles. The hydrogel, after injection, could be in situ gelated at the body temperature, showing great in vitro stability and self-healing ability after 4 h of incubation. The SFs and PDA improved the hydrogel injectability and compressive strength. The introduction of PDA significantly accelerated the KET release under near-infrared light exposure and extended its release validity period. The excellent composites’ photo-thermal performance led to antibacterial activity against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, resulting in 99.9% E. coli and S. aureus eradication after 10 min of NIR light irradiation. In vitro, fibroblast L929 cell studies confirmed the materials’ biocompatibility and paved the way toward further in vivo and clinical application of the system for chronic wound treatments.

Affiliations:
Rybak D. - IPPT PAN
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Du J. - University of California (US)
Haghighat Bayan Mohammad A. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian Seyed S. - IPPT PAN
Pruchniewski M. - other affiliation
Li X. - Donghua University (CN)
Strojny-Cieślak B. - other affiliation
Ding B. - Donghua University (CN)
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
2.  Haghighat Bayan Mohammad A., Rinoldi C., Rybak D., Zargarian Seyed S., Zakrzewska A., Cegielska O., Põhako-Palu K., Zhang S., Stobnicka-Kupiec A., Górny Rafał L., Nakielski P., Kogermann K., De Sio L., Ding B., Pierini F., Engineering surgical face masks with photothermal and photodynamic plasmonic nanostructures for enhancing filtration and on-demand pathogen eradication, Biomaterials Science, ISSN: 2047-4849, DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01125a, pp.1-15, 2024

Abstract:
The shortage of face masks and the lack of antipathogenic functions has been significant since the recent pandemic's inception. Moreover, the disposal of an enormous number of contaminated face masks not only carries a significant environmental impact but also escalates the risk of cross-contamination. This study proposes a strategy to upgrade available surgical masks into antibacterial masks with enhanced particle and bacterial filtration. Plasmonic nanoparticles can provide photodynamic and photothermal functionalities for surgical masks. For this purpose, gold nanorods act as on-demand agents to eliminate pathogens on the surface of the masks upon near-infrared light irradiation. Additionally, the modified masks are furnished with polymer electrospun nanofibrous layers. These electrospun layers can enhance the particle and bacterial filtration efficiency, not at the cost of the pressure drop of the mask. Consequently, fabricating these prototype masks could be a practical approach to upgrading the available masks to alleviate the environmental toll of disposable face masks.

Affiliations:
Haghighat Bayan Mohammad A. - IPPT PAN
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Rybak D. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian Seyed S. - IPPT PAN
Zakrzewska A. - IPPT PAN
Cegielska O. - IPPT PAN
Põhako-Palu K. - other affiliation
Zhang S. - other affiliation
Stobnicka-Kupiec A. - other affiliation
Górny Rafał L. - other affiliation
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Kogermann K. - other affiliation
De Sio L. - Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Ding B. - Donghua University (CN)
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
3.  Ziai Y., Lanzi M., Rinoldi C., Zargarian Seyed S., Zakrzewska A., Kosik-Kozioł A., Nakielski P., Pierini F., Developing strategies to optimize the anchorage between electrospun nanofibers and hydrogels for multi-layered plasmonic biomaterials, Nanoscale Advances, ISSN: 2516-0230, DOI: 10.1039/d3na01022h, pp.1-13, 2024

Abstract:
Polycaprolactone (PCL), a recognized biopolymer, has emerged as a prominent choice for diverse biomedical endeavors due to its good mechanical properties, exceptional biocompatibility, and tunable properties. These attributes render PCL a suitable alternative biomaterial to use in biofabrication, especially the electrospinning technique, facilitating the production of nanofibers with varied dimensions and functionalities. However, the inherent hydrophobicity of PCL nanofibers can pose limitations. Conversely, acrylamide-based hydrogels, characterized by their interconnected porosity, significant water retention, and responsive behavior, present an ideal matrix for numerous biomedical applications. By merging these two materials, one can harness their collective strengths while potentially mitigating individual limitations. A robust interface and effective anchorage during the composite fabrication are pivotal for the optimal performance of the nanoplatforms. Nanoplatforms are subject to varying degrees of tension and physical alterations depending on their specific applications. This is particularly pertinent in the case of layered nanostructures, which require careful consideration to maintain structural stability and functional integrity in their intended applications. In this study, we delve into the influence of the fiber dimensions, orientation and surface modifications of the nanofibrous layer and the hydrogel layer's crosslinking density on their intralayer interface to determine the optimal approach. Comprehensive mechanical pull-out tests offer insights into the interfacial adhesion and anchorage between the layers. Notably, plasma treatment of the hydrophobic nanofibers and the stiffness of the hydrogel layer significantly enhance the mechanical effort required for fiber extraction from the hydrogels, indicating improved anchorage. Furthermore, biocompatibility assessments confirm the potential biomedical applications of the proposed nanoplatforms.

Affiliations:
Ziai Y. - IPPT PAN
Lanzi M. - University of Bologna (IT)
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian Seyed S. - IPPT PAN
Zakrzewska A. - IPPT PAN
Kosik-Kozioł A. - IPPT PAN
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
4.  Rinoldi C., Ziai Y., Zargarian Seyed S., Nakielski P., Zembrzycki K., Haghighat Bayan Mohammad A., Zakrzewska A., Fiorelli R., Lanzi M., Kostrzewska-Księżyk A., Czajkowski R., Kublik E., Kaczmarek L., Pierini F., In Vivo Chronic Brain Cortex Signal Recording Based on a Soft Conductive Hydrogel Biointerface, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, ISSN: 1944-8244, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17025, Vol.15, No.5, pp.6283-6296, 2023

Abstract:
In neuroscience, the acquisition of neural signals from the brain cortex is crucial to analyze brain processes, detect neurological disorders, and offer therapeutic brain–computer interfaces. The design of neural interfaces conformable to the brain tissue is one of today’s major challenges since the insufficient biocompatibility of those systems provokes a fibrotic encapsulation response, leading to an inaccurate signal recording and tissue damage precluding long-term/permanent implants. The design and production of a novel soft neural biointerface made of polyacrylamide hydrogels loaded with plasmonic silver nanocubes are reported herein. Hydrogels are surrounded by a silicon-based template as a supporting element for guaranteeing an intimate neural-hydrogel contact while making possible stable recordings from specific sites in the brain cortex. The nanostructured hydrogels show superior electroconductivity while mimicking the mechanical characteristics of the brain tissue. Furthermore, in vitro biological tests performed by culturing neural progenitor cells demonstrate the biocompatibility of hydrogels along with neuronal differentiation. In vivo chronic neuroinflammation tests on a mouse model show no adverse immune response toward the nanostructured hydrogel-based neural interface. Additionally, electrocorticography acquisitions indicate that the proposed platform permits long-term efficient recordings of neural signals, revealing the suitability of the system as a chronic neural biointerface.

Keywords:
brain−machine interface,conductive hydrogels,nanostructured biomaterials,in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility,long-term neural recording

Affiliations:
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Ziai Y. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian Seyed S. - IPPT PAN
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Zembrzycki K. - IPPT PAN
Haghighat Bayan Mohammad A. - IPPT PAN
Zakrzewska A. - IPPT PAN
Fiorelli R. - IPPT PAN
Lanzi M. - University of Bologna (IT)
Kostrzewska-Księżyk A. - other affiliation
Czajkowski R. - other affiliation
Kublik E. - other affiliation
Kaczmarek L. - other affiliation
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
5.  Ziai Y., Zargarian Seyed S., Rinoldi C., Nakielski P., Sola A., Lanzi M., Truong Yen B., Pierini F., Conducting polymer-based nanostructured materials for brain–machine interfaces, WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology, ISSN: 1939-0041, DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1895, Vol.15, No.5, pp.e1895-1-33, 2023

Abstract:
As scientists discovered that raw neurological signals could translate into bioelectric information, brain–machine interfaces (BMI) for experimental and clinical studies have experienced massive growth. Developing suitable materials for bioelectronic devices to be used for real-time recording and data digitalizing has three important necessitates which should be covered. Biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and having mechanical properties similar to soft brain tissue to decrease mechanical mismatch should be adopted for all materials. In this review, inorganic nanoparticles and intrinsically conducting polymers are discussed to impart electrical conductivity to systems, where soft materials such as hydrogels can offer reliable mechanical properties and a biocompatible substrate. Interpenetrating hydrogel networks offer more mechanical stability and provide a path for incorporating polymers with desired properties into one strong network. Promising fabrication methods, like electrospinning and additive manufacturing, allow scientists to customize designs for each application and reach the maximum potential for the system. In the near future, it is desired to fabricate biohybrid conducting polymer-based interfaces loaded with cells, giving the opportunity for simultaneous stimulation and regeneration. Developing multi-modal BMIs, Using artificial intelligence and machine learning to design advanced materials are among the future goals for this field.

Keywords:
3D printing,brain–machine interface,conductive hydrogels,electrospinning,neural recording

Affiliations:
Ziai Y. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian Seyed S. - IPPT PAN
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Sola A. - other affiliation
Lanzi M. - University of Bologna (IT)
Truong Yen B. - other affiliation
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
6.  Zakrzewska A., Zargarian S.S., Rinoldi C., Gradys A.D., Jarząbek D.M., Zanoni M., Gualandi C., Lanzi M., Pierini F., Electrospun Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Conductive Semi-interpenetrating Polymer Network Fibrous Hydrogel: A Toolbox for Optimal Cross-Linking, ACS Materials Au, ISSN: 2694-2461, DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00025, Vol.3, No.5, pp.464-482, 2023

Abstract:
Cross-linking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) creates a three-dimensional network by bonding adjacent polymer chains. The cross-linked structure, upon immersion in water, turns into a hydrogel, which exhibits unique absorption properties due to the presence of hydrophilic groups within the PVA polymer chains and, simultaneously, ceases to be soluble in water. The properties of PVA can be adjusted by chemical modification or blending with other substances, such as polymers, e.g., conductive poly[3-(potassium-5-butanoate)thiophene-2,5-diyl] (P3KBT). In this work, PVA-based conductive semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) are successfully fabricated. The systems are obtained as a result of electrospinning of PVA/P3KBT precursor solutions with different polymer concentrations and then cross-linking using “green”, environmentally safe methods. One approach consists of thermal treatment (H), while the second approach combines stabilization with ethanol and heating (E). The comprehensive characterization allows to evaluate the correlation between the cross-linking methods and properties of nanofibrous hydrogels. While both methods are successful, the cross-linking density is higher in the thermally cross-linked samples, resulting in lower conductivity and swelling ratio compared to the E-treated samples. Moreover, the H-cross-linked systems have better mechanical properties─lower stiffness and greater tensile strength. All the tested systems are biocompatible, and interestingly, due to the presence of P3KBT, they show photoresponsivity to solar radiation generated by the simulator. The results indicate that both methods of PVA cross-linking are highly effective and can be applied to a specific system depending on the target, e.g., biomedical or electronic applications.

Keywords:
poly(vinyl alcohol),poly[3-(potassium-5-butanoate)thiophene-2.5-diyl],electrospun nanofibers,cross-linking,fibrous hydrogel,semi-IPN

Affiliations:
Zakrzewska A. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian S.S. - IPPT PAN
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Gradys A.D. - IPPT PAN
Jarząbek D.M. - IPPT PAN
Zanoni M. - other affiliation
Gualandi C. - University of Bologna (IT)
Lanzi M. - University of Bologna (IT)
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
7.  Rinoldi C., Zargarian S.S., Nakielski P., Li X., Liguori A., Petronella F., Presutti D., Wang Q., Costantini M., De Sio L., Gualandi C., Ding B., Pierini F., Nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery: from nucleic acid therapeutics to COVID-19 vaccines, Small Methods, ISSN: 2366-9608, DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100402, Vol.5, No.9, pp.2100402-1-49, 2021

Abstract:
In recent years, the main quest of science has been the pioneering of the groundbreaking biomedical strategies needed for achieving a personalized medicine. Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are outstanding bioactive macromolecules identified as pivotal actors in regulating a wide range of biochemical pathways. The ability to intimately control the cell fate and tissue activities makes RNA-based drugs the most fascinating family of bioactive agents. However, achieving a widespread application of RNA therapeutics in humans is still a challenging feat, due to both the instability of naked RNA and the presence of biological barriers aimed at hindering the entrance of RNA into cells. Recently, material scientists’ enormous efforts have led to the development of various classes of nanostructured carriers customized to overcome these limitations. This work systematically reviews the current advances in developing the next generation of drugs based on nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery. The features of the most used RNA molecules are presented, together with the development strategies and properties of nanostructured vehicles. Also provided is an in-depth overview of various therapeutic applications of the presented systems, including coronavirus disease vaccines and the newest trends in the field. Lastly, emerging challenges and future perspectives for nanotechnology-mediated RNA therapies are discussed.

Affiliations:
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Zargarian S.S. - IPPT PAN
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Li X. - Donghua University (CN)
Liguori A. - University of Bologna (IT)
Petronella F. - other affiliation
Presutti D. - Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (PL)
Wang Q. - Donghua University (CN)
Costantini M. - Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
De Sio L. - Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Gualandi C. - University of Bologna (IT)
Ding B. - Donghua University (CN)
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN

Conference papers
1.  Zargarian S.S., Rinoldi C., Ziai Y., Nakielski P., and Pierini F., DEVELOPMENT OF CONDUCTIVE STIMULI-RESPONSIVE FIBROUS HYDROGELS FOR NEURAL INTERFACES, TERMIS-EU 2022, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society European Chapter Conference 2022, 2022-06-28/07-01, Kraków (PL), No.2022, pp.2, 2022

Conference abstracts
1.  Zargarian S.S., Rinoldi C., Ziai Y., Nakielski P., Pierini F., Synthesis and Fabrication of Thermoresponsive Cross-linkable Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide-Co-Glycidyl Methacrylate), Chemeet, International Chemistry Conference, 2022-06-27/06-29, Madrid, Spain. Hybrid Conference (ES), No.2022, pp.3-4, 2022

Abstract:
Due to their importance in various fields of bio-nanotechnology, the synthesis of thermoresponsive smart polymers has been the focus of recent research. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is a well-known thermal-stimulus responsive polymer that has attracted much attention. For PNIPAAm hydrogels to acquire fast thermo-responsive properties, water molecules must have quick access to the entire material. However, isotropic PNIPAAm-based hydrogels have a slow stimulus-responsivity. Hydrophilic cross-linkable nanostructures are gaining interest as a viable alternative to traditional hydrogels to address this issue. System miniaturization via electrospinning exhibits nanostructures with significantly larger porosity and specific surface area. If the constituting hydrophilic polymer of the electrospun fibrous material were cross-linkable, the resulting would display a rapid hydration/dehydration response. As a result, developing a new class of cross-linkable PNIPAAm copolymers is highly desired.

Affiliations:
Zargarian S.S. - IPPT PAN
Rinoldi C. - IPPT PAN
Ziai Y. - IPPT PAN
Nakielski P. - IPPT PAN
Pierini F. - IPPT PAN
2.  Zargarian S.S., Rinoldi C., Ziai Y., Nakielski P., and Pierini F., Development of Conductive Fibrous Hydrogels for Neural Interfaces, 4th INTERDISCIPLINARY FNP CONFERENCE, 2022-10-06/10-07, Warsaw (PL), No.2022, pp.8, 2022
3.  Zargarian S., Rinoldi C., Ziai Y., Nakielski P., Pierini F., Fabrication of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate) electrospun hydrogel fibers, NanoInnovation 2021 Conference, 2021-09-21/09-24, Rome (IT), pp.89, 2021

Patents
Filing No./Date
Filing Publication
Autors
Title
Protection Area, Applicant Name
Patent Number
Date of Grant
pdf
446216
2023-09-25
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Pierini F., Zargarian S., Rinoldi C., Ziai Y., Nakielski P.
Przewodzące nanowłókna hydrożelowe o współ przenikającej sieci (semi-IPN) do pokrywania sond neuronowych oraz sposób ich wytwarzania
PL, Instytut Podstawowych Problemów Techniki PAN
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