Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Venkata Sai Prabhu Suraj Nanduru, Nagalla Siva Ramakrishna, Ramineni Surendra Babu, P. Dinesh Babu, P. Marimuthu, Sandeep Miryala, C. S. Srinandan
Summary: This study examined the use of laser micro-machining to create surface texture patterns on titanium specimens for controlling biofilm formation. The findings suggest that laser textured surfaces could potentially reduce biofilm development on surfaces, providing a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical antifouling methods.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mads Lichtenberg, Lasse Kvich, Sara Louise Borregaard Larsen, Tim Holm Jakobsen, Thomas Bjarnsholt
Summary: The study investigated how initial bacterial concentration influences the microenvironment and aggregate development in a biofilm model. Results showed differences in metabolic activity and antibiotic tolerance based on the inoculum, indicating the importance of microenvironmental characteristics in shaping bacterial phenotypes.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanjay Kumar, Dijendra Nath Roy, Vidyut Dey
Summary: This article discusses the impact of biofilms on microbial attachment and how modifying the antimicrobial properties of biomaterial surfaces can inhibit microbial-mediated corrosion. Techniques such as vapor deposition, sol-gel process, and plasma deposition are used to create surfaces that repel microbes and prevent corrosion.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Caixiang Chen, Shumei Wen, Zhihui Wang, Dongmei Zhang, Jinming Zhang, Chenghu Yan, Wei Cong
Summary: A series of cellulose films with rough surface and high porosity were prepared using the dissolution and regeneration method in an ionic liquid. The films exhibited excellent adhesion properties for microalgae, promoting their growth and biofilm formation.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Paulina Kazimierczak, Joanna Golus, Joanna Kolmas, Michal Wojcik, Dorota Kolodynska, Agata Przekora
Summary: Development of bone scaffolds with antibacterial activity and non-toxicity to human cells remains challenging. In this study, three variants of Zn-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanopowder were synthesized to produce macroporous chitosan/agarose/nanoHA biomaterials with high antibacterial activity. The scaffold with low zinc content showed gradual release of Zn2+ ions, preventing toxic concentration and providing prolonged antibacterial activity. The developed biomaterial was non-toxic to human cells and showed antibacterial activity against various bacteria.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Demet Sahin, Ceren Deger, Burcu Oglakci, Metehan Demirkol, Bedri Onur Kucukyildirim, Mehtikar Gursel, Evrim Eliguzeloglu Dalkilic
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of a novel nanohydroxyapatite gel and Er: YAG laser on the surface roughness, surface morphology, and elemental content after dentin hypersensitivity treatments. The results show that laser treatment can result in smoother surfaces, which can help prevent dental plaque accumulation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Soroosh Danaee, Hamideh Ofoghi, Seyed Mohammad Heydarian
Summary: Biofilm-based microalgal cultivation is being explored due to its low cost, but attachment rates are a challenge. This research introduced novel methods to enhance polymeric surfaces for microalgal adhesion, with acid treatment showing the most significant improvement in attachment rate for one microalgal species.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sriram Kumar, Anh Tuan Nguyen, Subir Goswami, Jack Ferracane, Dipankar Koley
Summary: This study describes a noninvasive electrochemical impedance approach for real-time monitoring of complex microbial biofilms derived from dental plaque on a range of substrates. The method can be applied to glass, dental filling resin, and Ca2+-releasing resin composites. Changes in impedance can be used to monitor biofilm volume in real-time, and the technique can also measure local pH changes at the biofilm-substrate interfaces. This impedance-based method is a useful tool for tracking biofilm growth on various substrates.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Dan Wang, Jian Yu, He Liu, Tian Zhang, Evan F. Haney, Robert E. W. Hancock, Lin Peng, Ya Shen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of DJK-5-D enantiomeric antibiofilm peptide on the corrosion resistance of titanium with different surface roughness. The results showed that DJK-5 effectively enhanced the corrosion resistance of titanium while killing S. mutans biofilms, with smooth surfaces more susceptible to peptide treatment.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Jinghao Hu, Jian Yu, He Liu, Zhejun Wang, Markus Haapasalo, Evan F. Haney, Robert E. W. Hancock, Shuli Deng, Ya Shen
Summary: This study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of commercially available mouthrinses and a D-enantiomeric peptide on oral multispecies biofilms. The results showed that DJK-5 demonstrated the highest percentage of dead bacteria and may be a potential candidate for future mouthrinses.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreas Wiessner, Torsten Wassmann, Johanna Maria Wiessner, Andrea Schubert, Bernhard Wiechens, Tristan Hampe, Ralf Buergers
Summary: The formation of biofilms on dental implant surfaces can lead to implant failure. This study investigated biofilm formation on conventional (titanium and zirconia) and innovative (PEEK) implant abutment materials. The results showed that zirconia had the lowest biofilm formation, followed by titanium, PEEK, and PEEK-BioHPP. The choice of abutment material can help reduce the risk of peri-implantitis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abhishek Singh, Satish Kumar, Tusar Kanta Acharya, Chandan Goswami, Luna Goswami
Summary: This study developed a polysaccharide-based biomaterial with nanohydroxyapatite as a filler. The physicochemical characterization showed that the material is biocompatible towards nonosteoblasts and osteoblasts cells and exhibit no cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, this biomaterial enhances the in vitro biomineralization of osteoblast cells under osteoinductive conditions.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dawid Lysik, Piotr Deptula, Sylwia Chmielewska, Robert Bucki, Joanna Mystkowska
Summary: This study investigated the biofilm formation of C. krusei and S. mutans on the surface of PLA and PCL immersed in artificial saliva. The mass and topography of the biofilm were assessed using microscopic observations and spectrometric measurements. The findings showed that the biofilm, especially S. mutans, promoted polymer degradation, highlighting the need for additional antimicrobial strategies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zi Hua, Frank Younce, Juming Tang, Dojin Ryu, Barbara Rasco, Ines Hanrahan, Mei-Jun Zhu
Summary: The study demonstrated that steam treatment was effective in inactivating L. innocua biofilm on various food-contact surfaces, with different reduction levels depending on the surface type. Organic soil did not compromise the bactericidal effects of steam on all tested surfaces.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
J. P. Pathirajah, S. Balamurugan, L. Arvaj, J. Weiss, S. Barbut
Summary: The biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes on different stainless steel surfaces was investigated. It was found that there was no significant correlation between surface roughness and the number of adhering cells. Roughness values cannot be used to predict the degree of L. monocytogenes attachment to a specific stainless steel surface.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tania Peixoto, Daniel Silva, Miguel Rodrigues, Miguel Neto, Rui Silva, Maria C. Paiva, Liliana Grenho, Maria Helena Fernandes, Maria A. Lopes
Summary: This study investigates the surface functionalization of polymeric braids to improve their application in tendon repair. By incorporating amine groups, the researchers successfully enhance the interaction between cells and the material, potentially improving the biointegration of the braids. The NH3 plasma approach is considered more environmentally friendly, faster, and easier to scale-up.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao P. F. Venancio, Sara Ribeirinho-Soares, Luisa C. Lopes, Luis M. Madeira, Olga C. Nunes, Carmen S. D. Rodrigues
Summary: In this study, a combination of coagulation/flocculation and Fenton processes was used for tertiary treatment of urban wastewater. The results showed that the best removals of turbidity and enterobacteria were achieved with a coagulant dosage of 120 mg/L and the natural pH of the effluent. The treated water met the strictest limit for E. coli, but had a high relative abundance of potentially hazardous bacteria, emphasizing the need for microbiological characterization before reuse.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Celia M. Manaia, Diana S. S. Aga, Eddie Cytryn, William H. H. Gaze, David W. W. Graham, Jianhua Guo, Anne F. C. Leonard, Liguan Li, Aimee K. K. Murray, Olga C. C. Nunes, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Edward Topp, Tong Zhang
Summary: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are prevalent environmental contaminants. Factors driving the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance are not well understood. ARB and ARGs are often found in areas impacted by human activity, particularly in environments affected by fecal wastes or mixed chemical contaminants. Our review explores the relationship between chemical contaminants and ARB/ARGs, including co-occurrence, potential biostimulation, selective pressure effects, and mitigation strategies. We also discuss evidence and strategies for assessing human health risks associated with environmental antibiotic resistance.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Catarina Costa, Patricia Mafalda Alves, Fernando Jorge Monteiro, Christiane Salgado
Summary: Oral-maxillofacial tumor removal can result in bone defects and functional problems. This study developed a bioengineered construct loaded with dental stem cells and a biomimetic hydrogel for tissue imaging in live animals. The bioconstruct promoted oral osteomucosa tissue regeneration and provided insights for patient-specific therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nuno Alegrete, Susana R. R. Sousa, Tatiana Padrao, Angela Carvalho, Raquel Lucas, Raphael F. F. Canadas, Catarina Lavrador, Nuno Alexandre, Fatima Gartner, Fernando J. J. Monteiro, Manuel Gutierres
Summary: The treatment for osteomyelitis usually involves surgical debridement, tissue coverage, and long-term administration of antibiotics. V-HEPHAPC, a composite material containing vancomycin, has shown promising results in vitro as a local antibiotic carrier and bone scaffold. In this study, V-HEPHAPC granules were successfully used to treat MRSA osteomyelitis in a sheep model.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Pia Ferraz
Summary: This review summarizes the various materials used for bone defect replacement or repair in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Factors such as tissue viability, size, shape, and defect volume influence the choice of material. Autologous bone is the gold standard for bone grafting but has limitations. Alternatives include allografts, xenografts, and synthetic materials. Calcium-phosphate-based ceramics, especially hydroxyapatite, are commonly used due to their similarity to natural bone. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of grafting materials in dentistry and discusses their properties, advantages, and challenges.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Nuno Alegrete, Susana R. Sousa, Barbara Peleteiro, Fernando J. Monteiro, Manuel Gutierres
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining antibiotics with ceramic biomaterials in treating osteomyelitis in an infected animal model and determined the most suitable model and protocol for in vivo experiments. The results showed that the combination of antibiotics with bioceramic bone substitutes tended to prevent or cure bone infection while promoting biomaterial osteointegration. This suggests that the combination of antibiotics with bioceramic bone substitutes may be appropriate for the treatment of bone infection when applied locally.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tiago P. Ribeiro, Miguel Flores, Sara Madureira, Francesca Zanotto, Fernando J. Monteiro, Marta S. Laranjeira
Summary: Bone tissue engineering is a solution for treating bone defects and promoting tissue regeneration. The development of scaffolds and coatings that stimulate cell growth and differentiation is the foundation of this field. Various materials, including polymers and ceramics, have been used to create scaffolds that provide physical support and chemical stimuli for bone regeneration. Additionally, magnetic stimulation has been shown to enhance bone regeneration, either through external magnetic fields or the use of magnetic materials. This review summarizes the studies on magnetic stimulation for bone regeneration, investigating the effects of magnetic fields on bone cells and exploring the combination with magnetic nanoparticles, scaffolds, and coatings. The potential role of magnetic fields in regulating blood vessel growth is also discussed, offering new possibilities for the treatment of conditions such as bone fractures and osteoporosis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catarina Ferreira, Lara Luzietti, Sara Ribeirinho-Soares, Olga C. Nunes, Ivone Vaz-Moreira, Celia M. Manaia
Summary: This study compared the behavior of a clinical and an environmental K. pneumoniae strain harboring the blaKPC-3 gene in water. The abundance of the genes phoE and blaKPC-3 was monitored in urban runoff water and sterile ultra-pure water microcosms to assess survival, blaKPC-3 persistence, and the effect of the water microbiota. The results showed that K. pneumoniae and the blaKPC-3 gene decreased in urban runoff water, indicating competition with native microbiota, but the bacteria could still survive for at least one week.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andre Torres-Pinto, Inmaculada Velo-Gala, Sara Ribeirinho-Soares, Olga C. Nunes, Claudia G. Silva, Joaquim L. Faria, Adrian M. T. Silva
Summary: Graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) is a promising optical semiconductor with excellent photoactivity under visible light irradiation. This study successfully improved the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activities of GCN through thermal and chemical modification, leading to efficient organic micropollutant removal and microorganism inactivation in contaminated water.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lorena Castro Mariano, Liliana Grenho, Maria Helena Fernandes, Pedro de Sousa Gomes
Summary: Osteomyelitis is a bone disease characterized by infection and tissue destruction. This study successfully established a new ex vivo bone infection model using embryonic chicken femurs colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating the model's responsiveness at various levels of analysis.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Helena M. Amaro, Eva M. Salgado, Olga C. Nunes, Jose C. M. Pires, Ana F. Esteves
Summary: Water, the most valuable resource, faces threats from anthropogenic activities that generate high levels of pollutants. Conventional wastewater treatment systems are not efficient in removing these pollutants. Microalgal systems have been seen as an environmentally friendly solution to remove pollutants, antibiotics, coliforms, and antibiotic resistance genes. Recent studies have evaluated the effectiveness of microalgal systems in various types of wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Matheus da Silva Bullmann, Victor Velho de Castro, Daniel Augusto Krieger Coutinho, Fernanda Cortez Lopes, Natasha Maurmann, Marcelo B. Pereira, Miguel Rodrigues, Patricia Pranke, Maria Pia Ferraz, Maria Ascensao Lopes, Leliz Ticona Arenas, Celia de Fraga Malfatti
Summary: This study prepared films on Ti6Al4V alloy using cold plasma polymerization with eucalyptus essential oil and evaluated their characterization, antibacterial activity, and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) viability. The films had low roughness and a contact angle of 85°. The coating incorporated oxygenated functional groups (OH and CO). The degradation of the polymer under ultraviolet radiation, ethylene oxide, autoclave, and air plasma sterilization was assessed. Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus was reduced on the film surface without toxicity to MSCs. The results suggest potential application of this coating in biomaterials.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Pia Ferraz
Summary: The human microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, particularly in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of atopic dermatitis.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joana Abreu-Silva, Sara Ribeirinho-Soares, Ines Oliveira-Inocencio, Marta Pedrosa, Adrian M. T. Silva, Olga C. Nunes, Celia M. Manaia
Summary: This study investigated the performance of three types of filtering membranes (PC, CN, and PES) for bacterial analysis in demineralized and disinfected waters. CN or PES membranes required shorter filtration periods compared to PC membranes, although they had slightly lower DNA extraction yields. However, there were no significant differences in the abundance of genes per volume of water. CN membranes are a cost-effective alternative for analyzing waters with low microbial loads.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)