Article
Infectious Diseases
Miljana Mirkovic, Suzana Filipovic, Ana Kalijadis, Pavle Maskovic, Jelena Maskovic, Branislav Vlahovic, Vladimir Pavlovic
Summary: Due to the global increase in people infected with the new coronavirus, which weakens immunity, there has been a rise in bacterial infections. Therefore, it is crucial to study simple and low-cost synthesis methods for materials with good structural and antimicrobial properties. This investigation explores three different synthesis routes for the preparation of hydroxyapatite/titanium dioxide nanomaterials. The characterization of morphology, chemical composition, and structure reveals the excellent antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties of the obtained materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Steluta Carmen Ciobanu, Daniela Predoi, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Mihai Valentin Predoi, Marcela Popa, Krzysztof Rokosz, Steinar Raaen, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Haw-Ming Huang
Summary: In this study, sage-coated zinc-doped hydroxyapatite was incorporated into a dextran matrix for investigation of its physico-chemical and antimicrobial activities. The stability and characteristic diffraction peak of the nanocomposite suspension were evaluated. The morphology, chemical composition, functional groups, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility of the 7ZnHAp-SD were examined. The preliminary results suggested that these nanoparticles could be potential candidates for biomedical/antimicrobial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Simona Liliana Iconaru, Carmen Steluta Ciobanu, Gabriel Predoi, Krzysztof Rokosz, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Coralia Bleotu, George Stanciu, Radu Hristu, Steinar Raaen, Stefania Mariana Raita, Liliana Ghegoiu, Monica Luminita Badea, Daniela Predoi
Summary: This study reports the development and characterization of composite layers based on magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite in a chitosan matrix, and evaluates their physico-chemical properties and biological effects. The results show that the composite layers have promising potential for biomedical applications in both implantology and dentistry, as they exhibit good biocompatibility and antifungal properties at certain magnesium ion concentrations.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Simona Liliana Iconaru, Carmen Steluta Ciobanu, Daniela Predoi, Mikael Motelica-Heino, Constantin Catalin Negrila, Monica Luminita Badea, Mihai Valentin Predoi, Carmen Mariana Chifiriuc, Marcela Popa
Summary: This research presents the results of a study on hydroxyapatite thin films co-doped with nitrogen and bromine for the first time, obtained through an adapted co-precipitation method. The thin layers showed superior morphological properties and exhibited good antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains in vitro. The successful obtainment of N and Br co-doped hydroxyapatite suspension was highlighted, showing potential for applications in biomaterials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sudip Chakraborty, Georgio Katsifis, Iman Roohani, Cyrille Boyer, David McKenzie, Mark D. P. Willcox, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficacy of an antibacterial polymer as a coating material for hydroxyapatite and glass surfaces, which are widely used in orthopedics and biomedical sciences. Both physical and covalent attachment modes of the polymer to the material surfaces were explored. The modified surfaces showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and the activity persisted for a prolonged period on the covalently modified materials' surfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sandeep Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Niraj Bala
Summary: In this study, iron oxide particles were combined with hydroxyapatite to produce a coating that enhanced the antimicrobial and bioactive properties of magnesium implants. The composite coating was found to be blood compatible and could potentially be widely utilized in biomedical implant applications.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Soo-Ling Bee, Yazmin Bustami, A. Ul-Hamid, Keemi Lim, Z. A. Abdul Hamid
Summary: The study successfully developed an antibacterial silver nanoparticle-decorated hydroxyapatite nanocomposite through chemical reduction and thermal calcination approaches. The synthesized nanocomposite showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and enhanced bioactivity, making it a promising biomaterial for dentistry and orthopedic implantology.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhihao Liu, Xiaolin Li, Yan Jin, Tiegui Nan, Yuyang Zhao, Luqi Huang, Yuan Yuan
Summary: This study evaluated Artemisia absinthium as an alternative to classical antibiotics. The methanol extracts of A. absinthium exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity. Chemical analysis identified 90 compounds, 69 of which were described for the first time in A. absinthium. The study provides new evidence for the use of A. absinthium in addressing bacterial resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yuandi Hu, Pan Ma, Youfa Wang
Summary: In this study, Sr-doped hydroxyapatite microspheres were prepared and berberine hydrochloride was loaded to enhance their osteogenic activity and antibacterial property. The results showed that Sr ions could promote cell differentiation, and a material with good biological properties was successfully constructed.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Mariappan, P. Pandi, R. Rajeswarapalanichamy, K. Neyvasagam, Shanmugam Sureshkumar, Mansour K. Gatasheh, Ashraf Atef Hatamleh
Summary: Silver doped hydroxyapatite and titanium oxide nanocomposites with novel antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities have been successfully obtained using sol-gel techniques.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Agnieszka Szparaga, Slawomir Kocira, Ireneusz Kapusta, Grzegorz Zagula
Summary: Several alternative solutions for sustainable agriculture have emerged in recent years, aiming to increase crop yield while reducing environmental pollution. Extracts from Artemisia absinthium leaves were found to be effective biostimulants for soybean cultivation, showing improvement in crop yield and economic benefits.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniela Predoi, Simona-Liliana Iconaru, Mihai-Valentin Predoi, Nicolas Buton
Summary: The objective of this study was to develop new materials with antimicrobial properties at the nanometric scale. Stable suspensions with narrow size distribution and antimicrobial properties were obtained and characterized. The suspensions exhibited exceptional antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, and the antimicrobial effect increased with incubation time.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
H. Sirajunisha, P. Sakthivel, T. Balakrishnan
Summary: This study prepared a series of hydroxyapatite nanocomposites using the sol-gel method and investigated their structural, morphological, optical, antimicrobial properties. The results showed that the addition of Zn and rGO affected the crystallite size and optical properties, as well as the antibacterial activity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
B. Krishna Sarath Kumar, M. Jagannatham, B. Venkateswarlu, Ravikumar Dumpala, B. Ratna Sunil
Summary: Ion-substituted hydroxyapatite (HAP) has advantages over pure HAP due to lower calcium content, leading to higher degradation in physiological environments. In this study, strontium-substituted HAP (Sr-HAP) was prepared and characterized, showing potential antimicrobial properties. Further research is needed to explore the applications of Sr-HAP in biomedical and drug delivery systems based on these promising results.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Burcu Doymus, Gizem Kerem, Ayten Yazgan Karatas, Fatma Nese Kok, Sakip Onder
Summary: A functional coating composed of chitosan microspheres and nano hydroxyapatite was prepared to enhance the antimicrobial and bioactive properties of titanium implants. The choice of drug release rate and nHA precipitation both influenced the antimicrobial activity of the modified surfaces, with the best results seen in samples without nHA layer and when the drug was loaded by diffusion.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Elena Ionica, Gisela Gaina, Mihaela Tica, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc, Gratiela Gradisteanu-Pircalabioru
Summary: Patient stratification is crucial for achieving primary endpoints in clinical studies. However, in the case of multifactorial diseases with unknown or partially identified mechanisms, the selection criteria are not sufficient for straightforward selection, resulting in difficult prediction of intervention efficacy and often random subject selection. Colorectal cancer is highly heterogeneous and involves multiple steps with genetic alterations. Gut microbiome plays a role in colorectal cancer evolution, maintaining gut mucosal homeostasis and contributing to inflammation. Personalized approaches have advanced in colorectal cancer screening, treatment, and prevention.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Dana Gingasu, Ioana Mindru, Adelina-Carmen Ianculescu, Lucian Diamandescu, Vasile-Adrian Surdu, Gabriela Marinescu, Cristina Bartha, Silviu Preda, Marcela Popa, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: Nanosized CoFe1.8RE0.2O4 ferrites were successfully synthesized through wet ferritization method, exhibiting good crystalline structure and magnetic properties. These nanoparticles showed antimicrobial efficacy and have potential for the development of novel anti-biofilm agents and materials.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina F. Alistar, Ionela C. Nica, Mihai Nita-Lazar, Gabriela Geanina Vasile, Stefania Gheorghe, Alexa-Maria Croitoru, Georgiana Dolete, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Anton Ficai, Nicolai Craciun, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Miruna S. Stan, Anca Dinischiotu
Summary: This study compared the changes in intestine samples of fish collected from different artificial lakes in Bucharest. The results showed that fish from leisure lakes had higher oxidative stress and affected antioxidant enzyme activities, while fish from protected lakes did not have these issues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Roxana Filip, Marian Constantin, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Coralia Bleotu, Liliana Burlibasa, Elena Ionica, Nicolae Corcionivoschi, Grigore Mihaescu
Summary: Antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance share common targets, mechanisms, and mechanisms of resistance. The stress responses triggered by drug resistance involve complex intercellular communication processes and interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Bacterial experimental models can be used to study the evolution and adaptation of malignant cells to antineoplastic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Silviu Adrian Predoi, Steluta Carmen Ciobanu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Mikael Motelica-Heino, Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru
Summary: Water contamination is a global problem due to its negative effects on human organisms and the environment. Hydroxyapatite shows potential in decontaminating water by immobilizing pollutants. In this study, synthesized hydroxyapatite was used to remove Sr2+ ions from contaminated solutions. Batch adsorption experiments confirmed the strong affinity of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for Sr2+ ions. Furthermore, cytotoxic assays showed no harmful effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on HeLa cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Georgiana Alexandra Grigore, Ilda Czobor Barbu, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc, Octavian Savu
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts intestinal microbiota, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes, leading to more severe disease outcomes. The infection results in changes in the gut microbiome, with an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. Additionally, certain members of the microbiota are associated with the severity of the disease and inflammatory markers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu, Bogdan Serban, Irina Gheorghe-Barbu, Ilda Czobor Barbu, Roxana Elena Cristian, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Catalin Cirstoiu
Summary: The number of implanted prosthetic joints is increasing due to longer life spans and increased mobility in older individuals. Unfortunately, the number of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), a severe complication after joint replacement surgery, is also on the rise. Efficient protocols for managing these infections can lead to preventive measures and effective diagnostic methods using laboratory tests. This review discusses current methods for PJI diagnosis and emerging synovial biomarkers used for prognosis, prophylaxis, and early detection of periprosthetic infections, as well as factors contributing to treatment failure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilda Czobor Barbu, Irina Gheorghe-Barbu, Georgiana Alexandra Grigore, Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: This article provides an overview of the antibiotic resistance profiles and epidemiology of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria circulating in Romania, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacterales strains. The study highlights the urgent need for therapeutic strategies against these pathogens, as they pose a global threat and have established resistance genes in different geographical areas of Romania.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriela Dorcioman, Valentina Grumezescu, George E. Stan, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Gratiela Pircalabioru Gradisteanu, Florin Miculescu, Elena Matei, Gianina Popescu-Pelin, Irina Zgura, Valentin Craciun, Faik Nuzhet Oktar, Liviu Duta
Summary: Novel biomaterials with excellent bone regeneration potential were synthesized from marine-derived hydroxyapatite by pulsed laser deposition. The rough surfaces of the thin films promoted cell adhesion and implant anchorage. The thin films exhibited strong hydrophilic behavior, superior bonding strength adherence, low cytotoxicity, and effective antimicrobial activity. These cost-effective materials from sustainable sources are recommended for the development of innovative coatings for metallic dental implants.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriela Marinescu, Daniela C. Culita, Teodora Mocanu, Raul-Augustin Mitran, Simona Petrescu, Miruna S. Stan, Mariana C. Chifiriuc, Marcela Popa
Summary: A series of nanostructured materials were obtained by functionalizing SBA-15 mesoporous silica with Ru(II) and Ru(III) complexes bearing Schiff base ligands. The resulting materials showed antitumoral activity against lung tumor cells and inhibitory effects against bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandru Bujor, Anamaria Hanganu, Victorita Tecuceanu, Augustin M. Madalan, Madalina Tudose, Luminita Marutescu, Marcela Popa, Carmen Mariana Chifiriuc, Irina Zarafu, Petre Ionita
Summary: 4-Aminodiphenylamino derivatives were studied for their antioxidant and hydrophobic properties, as well as their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Novel derivatives were obtained by reacting the starting material with NBD-chloride. A comprehensive structural analysis was conducted using various techniques, and the hydrophobicity of the compounds was measured experimentally or calculated. The results showed a correlation between the experimental and computed properties. Additionally, some of the synthesized compounds exhibited antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Roxana Roman, Lucia Pintilie, Miron Teodor Caproiu, Florea Dumitrascu, Diana Camelia Nuta, Irina Zarafu, Petre Ionita, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Cornel Chirita, Alina Morosan, Marcela Popa, Coralia Bleotu, Carmen Limban
Summary: New N-acyl thiourea derivatives with heterocyclic rings were synthesized and characterized. In vitro tests showed antibiofilm and antioxidant activities for compound 1d. A RP-HPLC method was optimized for quantitative determination of compound 1d. The promising potential of these derivatives will be further investigated for drug development.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ioana Cristina Marinas, Eliza Oprea, Diana Madalina Gaboreanu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Mihaela Buleandra, Eugenia Nagoda, Irinel Adriana Badea, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: The essential oil of Achillea setacea was extracted and characterized by GC-MS. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated, as well as its biocompatibility. The oil showed antimicrobial effects against various important microbial strains and demonstrated potential applications beyond the clinical field.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dana Gingasu, Daniela C. C. Culita, Jose Maria Calderon Moreno, Gabriela Marinescu, Cristina Bartha, Ovidiu Oprea, Silviu Preda, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Marcela Popa
Summary: This study investigated a new method called wet ferritization to produce magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) using eucalyptus leaves aqueous extract. The prepared samples showed single cubic phases of cobalt ferrite confirmed by various analysis techniques. The biosynthesized CoFe2O4 showed potential for biomedical applications with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina Negut, Gratiela Gradisteanu-Pircalabioru, Mihaela Dinu, Bogdan Bita, Anca Constantina Parau, Valentina Grumezescu, Carmen Ristoscu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: This study reports the use of MAPLE synthesized thin films based on BG and VD3 to enhance osseointegration and corrosion protection of Ti-like implant surfaces. The results show that the films have good chemical stability and biocompatibility, with favorable cell adhesion and no inflammatory response. The films also demonstrate good wettability, facilitating interaction with biological fluids.
