Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Karan Razdan, Jorge Garcia-Lara, V. R. Sinha, Kamalinder K. Singh
Summary: This review focuses on the mechanism of biofilm formation and the role of biofilms in chronic wounds, as well as various formulation strategies and delivery systems used to eradicate or disperse biofilms. The clinical research on the treatment of biofilm-infected chronic wounds is also discussed.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Georgiana-Madalina Lemnaru (Popa), Ludmila Motelica, Roxana Doina Trusca, Cornelia Ioana Ilie, Alexa-Maria Croitoru, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu Oprea, Anicuta Stoica-Guzun, Anton Ficai, Lia-Mara Ditu, Bianca-Maria Tihauan
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop antimicrobial dressings using bacterial cellulose loaded with nutmeg and fir needle essential oils. The excellent properties of bacterial cellulose, such as biocompatibility, stability, and water absorption, make it a suitable support material. The results demonstrated that the dressings inhibited the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thermal analysis and infrared characterization confirmed the binding of essential oils to the membrane.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manuel Horue, Jhonatan Miguel Silva, Ignacio Rivero Berti, Larissa Reis Brandao, Hernane da Silva Barud, Guillermo R. R. Castro
Summary: Bacterial cellulose (BC), produced by microorganisms, can be modified to produce different cellulosic formats. BC has advantages for biomedical applications such as easy moldability, high biocompatibility, and tailoring ability. Its hydroxyl residues and nanoporous morphology make it ideal for wound healing. This article discusses the characteristics of different BC structures, recent advances in BC composites, and the development of antimicrobial BC and drug delivery systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina Dydak, Adam Junka, Agata Dydak, Malwina Brozyna, Justyna Paleczny, Karol Fijalkowski, Grzegorz Kubielas, Olga Aniolek, Marzenna Bartoszewicz
Summary: This study compared the activity of commonly used antiseptic molecules against various bacterial and yeast strains, finding that chlorhexidine and polyhexanide performed the best in different experimental methods. Additionally, BC dressings chemisorbed with polyhexanide, octenidine, or povidone-iodine showed similar or greater antibiofilm activity compared to a control dressing containing silver molecules, indicating their high applicability in eradicating biofilm from chronic wounds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Moien Alizadehgiashi, Carine R. Nemr, Mahshid Chekini, Daniel Pinto Ramos, Nitesh Mittal, Sharif U. Ahmed, Nancy Khuu, Shana O. Kelley, Eugenia Kumacheva
Summary: This study reports 3D-printed multicomponent biocomposite hydrogel wound dressings with independently controlled release of different biologically active agents. The results demonstrate that these dressings can improve granulation tissue formation, regulate vascular density, and be applied for personalized treatment of various wound types.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yuqing Cai, Xiaodong Xu, Minmin Wu, Jiaqi Liu, Jie Feng, Jing Zhang
Summary: Diabetic infected wounds are a major threat to public health, but traditional wound dressings have limited effectiveness due to single treatment principle and limited penetration depth. We developed a novel type of degradable and removable zwitterionic microneedle dressings that can achieve multi-effective treatment of diabetic chronic wounds with a single application. The dressings' substrates are composed of zwitterionic polymer polysulfobetaine methacrylate (PSBMA) and photothermal hair particles (HMPs) that can absorb wound exudate, form a barrier to bacterial environment, and exhibit excellent photothermal bactericidal effects to promote wound healing. By loading zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and asiaticoside in needle tips, the drugs diffuse in the wound area as the tips degrade, resulting in highly effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects for deep wound healing and tissue regeneration. Application of these microneedles (MNs) in diabetic rats with Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds demonstrated accelerated tissue regeneration, collagen deposition, and significant wound healing.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanmiao Fan, Mads Luchow, Yuning Zhang, Jinjian Lin, Lisa Fortuin, Soumitra Mohanty, Annelie Brauner, Michael Malkoch
Summary: Biocompatible and degradable dual-delivery gel systems based on HBDLDs were constructed via thiol-ene click chemistry, allowing tunable elasticity of the gels and co-delivery of NB and CIP. The innovative hybrid hydrogels showed promise in treating bacterial infections and as wound dressing materials with enhanced cell proliferation and biodegradability.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shirin Nour, Rana Imani, Mehrnaz Mehrabani, Atefeh Solouk, Maryam Iranpour, Sasan Jalili-Firoozinezhad, Ali Mohammad Sharifi
Summary: By developing a hybrid double-layer nanofibrous scaffold loaded with niosomal Deferoxamine (NDFO), this study demonstrated enhanced angiogenesis and wound healing. The controlled and sustained release of DFO from the scaffold promoted vascular sprouting and accelerated wound healing both in vitro and in vivo. This biomimetic hybrid scaffold holds great promise for the treatment of full-thickness wounds and soft tissue regeneration.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paula Ossowicz-Rupniewska, Rafal Rakoczy, Anna Nowak, Maciej Konopacki, Joanna Klebeko, Ewelina Swiatek, Ewa Janus, Wiktoria Duchnik, Karolina Wenelska, Lukasz Kucharski, Adam Klimowicz
Summary: The study investigated the potential of bacterial cellulose as a carrier for the transdermal delivery of ibuprofen, showing that ibuprofen incorporated in BC membranes exhibited lower permeation rates compared to its amino acid ester salts. The BC membranes had homogeneous surface morphology, were easy to apply, and were simple to prepare.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Daria Ciecholewska-Jusko, Anna Zywicka, Adam Junka, Radoslaw Drozd, Peter Sobolewski, Pawel Migdal, Urszula Kowalska, Monika Toporkiewicz, Karol Fijalkowski
Summary: This study introduces a novel ex situ modification method for bacterial cellulose (BC) polymer, significantly enhancing its water absorption capacity through a single and cost-effective crosslinking process. The optimized crosslinked BC showed superior water capacity compared to modern commercial dressings, making it a potentially valuable material for super-absorbent dressings designed for chronic wounds.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sam Swingler, Abhishek Gupta, Hazel Gibson, Marek Kowalczuk, Grazyna Adamus, Wayne Heaselgrave, Iza Radecka
Summary: This study explored the incorporation of thymoquinone within bacterial cellulose using cyclodextrins as a solubilizing agent for hydrophobic compounds. The resulting inclusion complex was found to be soluble in water, thermally stable, and capable of being loaded into the bacterial cellulose matrix, with potential application in pharmaceutically active wound dressings.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuya Liang
Summary: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a polysaccharide produced by certain bacteria, possessing unique physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics. Its biocompatibility, purity, strength, water absorption, and porous structure make it suitable for biomedical applications. However, native BC has limitations, leading to the need for modifications to enhance its properties. This review provides an introduction to BC, production and fabrication methods, and discusses up-to-date modification techniques. The potential applications of BC as a drug delivery system are also highlighted.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiaxin Yao, Pengfei Zou, Yanan Cui, Liangzhu Quan, Chunsheng Gao, Zhiping Li, Wei Gong, Meiyan Yang
Summary: Bacterial infection is a common clinical disease, and antibiotics are effective in fighting against bacteria. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug resistance, posing a significant threat to human health. Recent studies have explored various strategies to combat drug-resistant bacteria, including nano-drug delivery systems. This review summarizes the mechanistic insights of using different strategies, highlights recent advancements in antimicrobial materials and drug delivery systems for different carriers, and discusses the challenges and future perspectives in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fazli Wahid, Xiang-Jun Zhao, Xue-Qing Zhao, Xiao-Fang Ma, Na Xue, Xiao-Zhi Liu, Feng-Ping Wang, Shi-Ru Jia, Cheng Zhong
Summary: The study showed that BC membranes functionalized with epsilon-polylysine (epsilon-PL) and mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) exhibited strong antibacterial properties, potential for promoting infected wound healing, and enhanced thickness and smoothness of newborn skin.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Concetta Di Natale, Vincenza De Gregorio, Elena Lagreca, Francesca Mauro, Brunella Corrado, Raffaele Vecchione, Paolo Antonio Netti
Summary: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly pure form of cellulose that possesses good mechanical properties and high chemical flexibility, allowing it to assemble into nanostructures. It plays a crucial role in the biomedical field and drug delivery applications, as it can modulate the release of drugs and biomolecules to improve clinical outcomes when applied to the skin.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Spoiala, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Denisa Ficai, Anton Ficai, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: Honey has been used since ancient times for therapeutic and nutritional purposes. It has significant antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and wound-healing properties. Scientific researchers have focused on using bee products for apitherapy to strengthen the immune system. Honey's composition, including antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, plays a significant role in its biological activity and potential health benefits.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ludmila Motelica, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Anton Ficai, Denisa Ficai, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: In this paper, the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by forced solvolysis in different alcohols was reported, and the influence of alcohol type (n-butanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerin) on the size and properties of the NPs was studied. The photocatalytic activity of the NPs against a dye mixture and their antibacterial effects were also investigated. The results showed that the NPs exhibited good photocatalytic activity, with degradation efficiency reaching 99.99%, and strong inhibition of bacterial growth, indicating their potential applications in water purification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Angela Spoiala, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Augustin Semenescu, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Anton Ficai
Summary: Cancer is a devastating disease that has been a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide since ancient times. Traditional therapies for cancer have limitations, but the use of nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and treatment has shown significant advancements, overcoming these limitations. Nanoparticles can be used for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment, providing early detection and selective destruction of cancer cells. Choosing the best cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management methods is crucial.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriela Petrisor, Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Roxana Doina Trusca, Vasile-Adrian Surdu, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Andreea-Luiza Mirt, Gabriel Vasilievici, Augustin Semenescu, Anton Ficai, Lia-Mara Ditu
Summary: Two types of mesoporous materials, MCM-41 and MCM-48, were functionalized using APTES as a modifying agent. The obtained mesoporous silica materials were loaded with FA and characterized using various techniques. The release behavior of FA was evaluated in vitro at different pH values, and the antimicrobial activity was tested against several microorganisms. The results suggest that these functionalized mesoporous materials can be used as controlled release systems for polyphenols from natural sources.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bogdan-Stefan Negreanu-Pirjol, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Ticuta Negreanu-Pirjol, Florentina Nicoleta Roncea, Ana-Maria Prelipcean, Oana Craciunescu, Andreea Iosageanu, Victoria Artem, Aurora Ranca, Ludmila Motelica, Anca-Cristina Lepadatu, Madalina Cosma, Dan Razvan Popoviciu
Summary: Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are rich in bioactive compounds and have numerous health benefits. L. caerulea has higher antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid level compared to commonly consumed berries like blackberries and strawberries. A. melanocarpa is known for its high antioxidants content, surpassing other fruits like currants, cranberries, blueberries, elderberries, and gooseberries. This review aims to highlight the potential health benefits of these fruits and promote their cultivation and processing as nutraceutical sources.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Spoiala, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Georgiana Dolete, Gabriela Petrisor, Roxana-Doina Trusca, Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Anton Ficai, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Mara-Lia Ditu
Summary: Due to the impact of water pollution on the environment and human health, there is a pressing need for the development of innovative membranes. This study aimed to create adsorbent composite membranes using a biodegradable polymer, alginate, for the removal of toxic pollutants, with a focus on lead. The composite membranes were successfully obtained and exhibited antimicrobial activity due to the presence of silver nanoparticles and caffeic acid. The membranes were characterized using various techniques and their capability for water treatment and antimicrobial treatment was evaluated.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra Elena Stoica (Oprea), Delia Albulet, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Florin Iordache, Anton Ficai, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Ecaterina Andronescu, Florica Marinescu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: In this study, an electrospun nanofibrous mesh based on PVA, chitosan, and usnic acid was fabricated for wound healing. The obtained nanofibers mesh was physicochemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro biological assays were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the samples using the MIC assay and evaluating the influence of fabricated meshes on the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development, as well as their biocompatibility (demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy results, an XTT assay, and a glutathione (GSH) assay).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Denisa-Maria Radulescu, Vasile-Adrian Surdu, Anton Ficai, Denisa Ficai, Alexandru-Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in nanotechnology, particularly in tissue engineering. Metallic nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their antibacterial properties and ability to control the features of scaffolds. However, the environmental impact of traditional synthesis methods is a concern, leading to the development of greener and cleaner approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ionela C. Voinea, Cristina F. Alistar, Alina Banciu, Roua G. Popescu, Sorina N. Voicu, Mihai Nita-Lazar, Gabriela Geanina Vasile, Stefania Gheorghe, Alexa -Maria Croitoru, Georgiana Dolete, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Anton Ficai, Marcela Popa, Luminita Marutescu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Nicolae Craciun, Sorin Avramescu, George Catalin Marinescu, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc, Miruna S. Stan, Anca Dinischiotu
Summary: In recent decades, increased contamination intake and habitat destruction have caused significant changes in aquatic ecosystems. The accumulation of environmental contaminants in aquatic organisms has disrupted the antioxidant/prooxidant balance in fish. This study evaluated the levels of organic, inorganic, and microbiological pollutants in four leisure lakes in Bucharest, Romania, to compare their impact on hepatopancreas and gill metabolism and antioxidant defense.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Georgiana-Madalina Lemnaru (Popa), Ludmila Motelica, Roxana Doina Trusca, Cornelia Ioana Ilie, Alexa-Maria Croitoru, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu Oprea, Anicuta Stoica-Guzun, Anton Ficai, Lia-Mara Ditu, Bianca-Maria Tihauan
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop antimicrobial dressings using bacterial cellulose loaded with nutmeg and fir needle essential oils. The excellent properties of bacterial cellulose, such as biocompatibility, stability, and water absorption, make it a suitable support material. The results demonstrated that the dressings inhibited the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thermal analysis and infrared characterization confirmed the binding of essential oils to the membrane.
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rebecca Alexandra Puiu, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Valentina Grumezescu, Liviu Duta, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Alina Maria Holban, Ariana Hudita, Bianca Galateanu, Paul Catalin Balaure, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: We conducted a comparative in vitro study on the selective cytotoxicity of silver-based nanocoatings against MCF7 tumor cells and normal VERO cells. The nanocoatings were loaded with cytostatic drugs and essential oils, and their effectiveness was evaluated through various tests and analyses. The results showed that nanocoatings containing rosemary and thyme essential oils exhibited remarkable and statistically significant selective cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina Chircov, Iulia Alexandra Dumitru, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Alina Maria Holban, Roxana Cristina Popescu
Summary: Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been well studied for biomedical applications, particularly as drug delivery systems for infections. The focus has now shifted towards controlling the synthesis reaction to ensure uniform sizes and shapes. This study successfully obtained antibiotic-loaded MNPs using a microfluidic device, and evaluated their structural properties, antibiotic loading, release profiles, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. The results demonstrated uniformity, good biocompatibility, and promising antimicrobial activity, representing a step forward in the development of effective nanostructured systems for antimicrobial therapies.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alexandra-Cristina Burdusel, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Cristina Chircov, Alexandru-Mihai Grumezescu, Alina Maria Holban, Carmen Curutiu, Lia Mara Ditu, Miruna Stan, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) based biomaterials with different compositions, Hap-Ce and Hap-Mg, were synthesized using hydrothermal maturation. The materials were characterized and found to have favorable morphology and structure, promoting proliferation and morphological changes in osteoblast cells, and exhibiting antimicrobial effects. Therefore, HAp-Ce and HAp-Mg samples are proposed as biomaterials with enhanced osseo integration and reduced infection risks.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
