Review
Dermatology
Marjan Mirhaj, Sheyda Labbaf, Mohamadreza Tavakoli, Alexander Marcus Seifalian
Summary: Wound healing is a complex process, and the current treatment strategies face challenges. Dressings and skin substitutes are the most effective, convenient, and cost-effective method for treating chronic wounds, and advances in materials science offer hope for treatment. There is a need to improve current treatment strategies to meet the increasing demands of the aging population and diabetes-related wounds.
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matthew McGrath, Karolina Zimkowska, Katelyn J. Genoud, Jack Maughan, Javier Gutierrez Gonzalez, Shane Browne, Fergal J. O'Brien
Summary: A biomimetic, bilayered antimicrobial collagen-based scaffold was developed to deal with the etiology of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The scaffold exhibited high structural stability, successfully inhibited the growth and infiltration of Staphylococcus aureus, and supported the proliferation of epidermal cells and vascularization. These results suggest that the bilayered scaffold is a promising candidate for enhancing diabetic wound healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hursima Izgis, Elif Ilhan, Cevriye Kalkandelen, Emrah Celen, Mehmet Mucahit Guncu, Hilal Turkoglu Sasmazel, Oguzhan Gunduz, Denisa Ficai, Anton Ficai, Gabriel Constantinescu
Summary: In this research, environmentally and cost-effective antimicrobial zinc oxide nanoparticles were produced using a green synthesis method. The nanoparticles were examined for their morphology and chemical properties, and loaded into nanofibers for tissue engineering applications such as wound dressings. The antimicrobial activity of the nanofibers was tested against representative strains of bacteria and fungi. The strength and degradation behavior of the nanofibers were also assessed. The findings suggest that the zinc oxide nanoparticle-loaded nanofibers can be successfully used in tissue engineering applications.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Murugan Prasathkumar, Subramaniam Sadhasivam
Summary: Biomaterials play a crucial role in regenerative medicine, enhancing tissue development, repair, angiogenesis, and wound healing. These bioactive compounds derived from natural resources like chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, etc., exhibit significant effects in wound healing and antimicrobial activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joel Yupanqui Mieles, Cian Vyas, Enes Aslan, Gavin Humphreys, Carl Diver, Paulo Bartolo
Summary: Honey is experiencing a resurgence in evaluation for antimicrobial and wound healing applications due to its ability to inhibit various bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as promote wound healing. Its activity is attributed to the enzymatic generation of hydrogen peroxide and other non-peroxide factors. The development of tissue engineering approaches has been driven by the difficulty of delivering honey's active ingredients to the wound site.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Archita Sharma, Dhavan Sharma, Feng Zhao
Summary: Impaired wound healing after trauma, disorders, and surgeries is a major challenge in chronic wound management. Novel adjuvant therapies, including topical agents, skin substitutes, growth factor delivery, and stem cell therapies, are being explored to overcome delayed wound healing. However, a comprehensive review summarizing the clinical outcomes of these therapies is lacking. This study aims to provide a statistically comprehensive understanding of the commercially available wound care products and their performance in clinical trials for chronic wounds, which will guide the development of next-generation technologies for wound management.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alma Akhmetova, Andrea Heinz
Summary: With the aging population increasing globally, chronic wounds are becoming a greater burden on healthcare systems. Electrospun polymeric wound dressings with nano- and micrometer fibers have shown properties that support and accelerate wound healing, as well as exhibit antimicrobial activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelly McElvain, Joshua Klister, Alessandra Ebben, Sandeep Gopalakrishnan, Mahsa Dabagh
Summary: Chronic wounds have a significant impact on individuals' health-related quality of life and healthcare systems worldwide. This study investigates the influence of mechanotransduction on the healing process in chronic wounds through the development of three-dimensional tissue models. The results demonstrate that wound dressings with lower stiffness promote force transmission within the wound tissue, with larger dressings exerting higher stresses. These findings highlight the importance of dressing characteristics in promoting healing and provide insights for the design of precision dressings.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Raheleh Hazrati, Soodabeh Davaran, Yadollah Omidi
Summary: Wound healing is a complex process that involves various cells and biomolecules. The use of stem cells and advanced biomaterials has revolutionized this field. Different types of stem cells have been successfully delivered to wounds using biocompatible scaffolds made from bioactive materials. This review discusses the recent advancements in the application of biopolymers for wound healing and skin regeneration.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Fatemeh Poustchi, Hamed Amani, Zainab Ahmadian, Seyyed Vahid Niknezhad, Soraya Mehrabi, Helder A. Santos, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi
Summary: Combination therapy offers advantages such as simultaneous alteration of biological pathways, reduced drug resistance, and lower treatment costs. Injectable hydrogels serve as an excellent carrier for delivering therapeutic payloads and improving therapeutic responses by forming depots in the body.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mustafa Nakipoglu, Aysen Tezcaner, Christopher H. Contag, Nasim Annabi, Nureddin Ashammakhi
Summary: Bioadhesives with antimicrobial properties enable easier and safer treatment of wounds. However, designing these biomaterials with the required properties can be challenging. Developing bioadhesives with tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties is crucial for future advancements.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Mohammad Hadi Norahan, Sara Cristina Pedroza-Gonz, Monica Gabriela Sanchez-Salazar, Mario Moises Alvarez, Grissel Trujillo de Santiago
Summary: Chronic wounds have become a major problem in healthcare systems, leading to death worldwide. Engineering wound dressings with hydrogels can significantly improve healing time, reduce infections, and lower costs. Hydrogels provide a protective barrier, mimic the extracellular matrix, and create a moist environment. Different fabrication methods and properties of hydrogels have been extensively studied for wound healing applications, including the use of additives to enhance tissue regeneration. Hydrogel engineering offers smart solutions for effective wound healing, with capabilities such as inhibiting bacterial growth, promoting re-epithelialization, and improving tissue functionality.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seyedeh Sara Ashraf, Kazem Parivar, Nasim Hayati Roodbari, Shohre Mashayekhan, Naser Amini
Summary: This study aimed to fabricate and characterize a nanofiber skin substitute with enhanced mechanical properties and cellular compatibility. The scaffold consisted of collagen, sodium alginate, and exopolysaccharides produced by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa sp. GUMS16. The cross-linked nanofibers were characterized and tested for cell viability and proliferation. The results showed that the incorporation of GUMS16-produced exopolysaccharides increased cell viability and proliferation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Tingyu Hu, Amy C. Y. Lo
Summary: Alginate and collagen are commonly used biomaterials with their own advantages. Combining the two can overcome their individual shortcomings and play important roles in tissue engineering and biomedical sciences.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Vahid Mansouri, Nima Beheshtizadeh, Maliheh Gharibshahian, Leila Sabouri, Mohammad Varzandeh, Nima Rezaei
Summary: Regenerative medicine plays a crucial role in cancer treatment by providing novel therapies that alleviate patient suffering and accelerate healing. This field's development will continue to advance our understanding of cancer and promote future research in the field.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: Whether caused by trauma, illness, or surgery, wounds are common throughout life. Novel approaches in wound management, such as using biomaterials in various forms, have shown promising results in accelerating wound healing and improving tissue properties. This paper aims to review recent studies and introduce suitable biomaterial dressings and scaffolds for wound management application.
Article
Polymer Science
Denisa-Maria Radulescu, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru-Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: In recent years, the development and characterization of biomaterials for regenerative medicine and controlled release have posed significant challenges. Hydrogels are considered optimal applications in the biomedical field, particularly in tissue engineering. However, their delicate nature and low mechanical strength limit their use. Therefore, developing stronger and more stable hydrogels with increased biocompatibility is essential. Natural and synthetic polymers both have limitations, but the development of hydrogels based on mixtures of these materials can optimize their properties. Incorporating different nanoparticles can improve stability and yield various biological effects. Essential oils and drug molecules can facilitate desired biological effects and even produce a synergistic effect. The main purpose of this study is to identify the key properties required to develop sustainable polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering without adverse environmental effects.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cristina Chircov, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: This paper provides an overview of MEMS technology, including its main materials and fabrication techniques, as well as its common biomedical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: Chitosan and alginate, two natural polymers, have attracted significant interest for their various applications in nano form. They have shown potential in biomedical, environmental protection, and food industry fields, serving as delivery vehicles, antimicrobial agents, and more. This paper discusses the latest applications of chitosan-alginate-based nanomaterials and serves as a starting point for further research.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandra-Cristina Burdusel, Oana Gherasim, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Anton Ficai
Summary: Modern biomedicine aims to develop integrated solutions for the specific, selective, and accurate management of medical conditions using medical, biotechnological, materials science, and engineering concepts. Nanotechnology opens a new era in bone treatment, repair, and regeneration by enabling the fabrication of complex nanostructures similar to natural bone with multifunctional bioactivity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Corina Dana Dumitru, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: Bee products such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, etc., have significant antibacterial activity and great potential in skin tissue regeneration. Combining with conventional medication can deliver better results and minimize side effects. Further research is needed to determine the potential of their mixture.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raluca Ioana Teleanu, Manuela Daniela Preda, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Oana Vladacenco, Crina Ioana Radu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Daniel Mihai Teleanu
Summary: The blood-brain barrier is a significant obstacle to brain medication delivery, but it can be disturbed in certain pathological conditions. This study provides an overview of current brain medication delivery techniques and stimulates readers to explore new ways of delivering medications to the brain. It discusses the construction and function of the blood-brain barrier, as well as controversial questions about nanoparticle and non-nanoparticle options for drug delivery.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mara Caciandone, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Valentina Grumezescu, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Ionut Cosmin Ghica, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Ovidiu Oprea, Ionela Cristina Nica, Miruna Silvia Stan, Alina Maria Holban, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ion Anghel, Alina Georgiana Anghel
Summary: This study fabricated four promising magnetite-based antibiotic delivery systems for ENT applications, which showed good biocompatibility and antimicrobial effect. The presence of a polymeric coat enhanced biocompatibility while slightly reducing antimicrobial efficiency.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bogdan Costachescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Raluca Ioana Teleanu, Bogdan Florin Iliescu, Marius Radulescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Marius Gabriel Dabija
Summary: This article introduces the harm of low back pain and the pathogenesis and treatment methods of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), focusing on bioactive compounds, cell therapy, and other emerging treatment options.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Daniela Preda, Maria Leila Popa, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Octav Ginghina
Summary: There is an increasing interest in developing protective textiles and clothes to protect wearers from various risks. Electrospun fibers and membranes have shown great potential in developing protective materials and garments, providing thermal comfort and protection against environmental threats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oana Gherasim, Valentina Grumezescu, Stefan Andrei Irimiciuc
Summary: Due to the life-threatening side effects of microbial infections, conventional anti-infective therapy is not sufficient. This has led to the urgent need for advanced antimicrobials and antimicrobial devices. The development of biostatic or biocide agents and biomaterials using biopolymers has been successful in overcoming these limitations. Biopolymers have attractive properties and can be used as carriers for drug delivery and can be processed in different forms for modern anti-infective applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Leila Popa, Manuela Daniela Preda, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Octav Ginghina
Summary: Microfluidics enables precise synthesis of micro-/nanostructures, with a wide range of applications in bioengineering and medicine. This review article compares traditional and microfluidic synthesis methods of zinc oxide (ZnO) in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, applications, reaction parameters, reagents, and device materials. It discusses how microfluidic approaches can overcome challenges faced by traditional synthesis methods, such as synthesis precision, bulk materials, and reproducibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gabriela Dorcioman, Ariana Hudita, Bianca Galateanu, Doina Craciun, Ionel Mercioniu, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Irina Negut, Valentina Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Lia Mara Ditu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: In this study, wound dressings were improved by applying magnetite-based nanostructured coatings, which were functionalized with Nigella sativa and dicloxacillin. The combination of materials aimed to reduce microbial contamination and promote rapid wound healing. The stability, thermal degradation, morphology, and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized using various analytical techniques. The antimicrobial effect, biocompatibility, and regenerative properties of the nanostructured coatings were evaluated through in vitro experiments, showing enhanced antimicrobial effects against opportunistic bacteria.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandra Catalina Birca, Cristina Chircov, Adelina Gabriela Niculescu, Herman Hildegard, Cornel Balta, Marcel Rosu, Bianca Mladin, Oana Gherasim, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu, Anca Oana Hermenean
Summary: Hydrogel-based dressings have suitable properties for wound healing, and enriching them with therapeutic components can generate synergistic effects. This study focused on diabetic wound healing using a Matrigel-enriched alginate hydrogel embedded with PLA microspheres containing H2O2. Through synthesis and characterization, the composite material demonstrated its efficiency for wound dressing by accelerating wound healing and promoting angiogenesis in diabetic skin injuries, as confirmed through in vivo biological tests.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Denisa Alexandra Florea, Valentina Grumezescu, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Mihaela Musat, Cristina Chircov, Miruna S. Stan, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: The study developed a coating composed of magnesium phosphate and silver nanoparticles, aiming to promote osteoblast proliferation and possess antibacterial properties. Characterization and evaluation showed that the composite coating exhibited good biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, effectively preventing orthopedic implant-associated infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
