Review
Chemistry, Physical
Decai Zhao, Nailiang Yang, Lekai Xu, Jiang Du, Yang Yang, Dan Wang
Summary: Hollow structures show great potential in drug delivery due to their unique features such as high surface-to-volume ratio, low density, large cavities, and hierarchical pores. They are widely used in targeting recognition, smart response, and drug release, with advantages including large loading capacity, controllable release, and flexibility in application. Hollow multishelled structures are particularly promising for their unique loading and releasing properties induced by multiple physical barriers and chemical interactions.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Turdimuhammad Abdullah, Gulmire Ilyasoglu, Adnan Memic
Summary: There is a need for circular and sustainable economies in high-tech industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals, by utilizing sustainable and renewable resources. Lignin, previously used as a low-grade burning fuel, has gained attention for biomedical applications due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This review provides an overview of designing different forms of lignin-based biomaterials and their applications in drug delivery.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Skopinska-Wisniewska, Silvia De la Flor, Justyna Kozlowska
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels are water-swelled materials held together by reversible, non-covalent interactions, offering unique properties and potential applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dania Niewolik, Barbara Bednarczyk-Cwynar, Piotr Ruszkowski, Alicja Kazek-Kesik, Grzegorz Dzido, Katarzyna Jaszcz
Summary: This paper describes the preparation and characterization of polymer-drug systems based on polymeric microspheres obtained from poly(betulin disuccinate-co-sebacic acid). The microspheres showed suitable shape and color, with encapsulation efficacy and drug loading depending on the ratio of the drug and the size of the microspheres. The concentration of the drug in the microspheres was enough to exhibit bactericidal effects against bacteria.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Babu Bhagath Yerramathi, Beulah Annem Muniraj, Manjula Kola, Kranthi Kumar Konidala, Praveen Kumar Arthala, Tata Sanjay Kanna Sharma
Summary: Alginate-based biopolymer products play a vital role in protecting and delivering bioactive components in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Their potential in delivering a wide range of functional food ingredients and nutraceutical components offers promising perspectives for future investigations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Michal Dziadek, Kinga Dziadek, Kamila Checinska, Barbara Zagrajczuk, Monika Golda-Cepa, Monika Brzychczy-Wloch, Elzbieta Menaszek, Aneta Kopec, Katarzyna Cholewa-Kowalska
Summary: Polymeric and bioactive glass-modified composite films loaded with polyphenols extracted from sage have been successfully developed. The polyphenolic compounds significantly altered material properties and exhibited biological activity. PPh can act as plasticizers for PCL and coupling agents in composite materials, improving mechanical performance.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dong Wang, Zhihao Fan, Haofeng Min, Xinhao Wang, Hui Li, Jiqian Wang
Summary: Delivery of antitumor drugs to tumor cells by targeted lipopeptide carriers, which can be specifically degraded by MMP-7, enables targeted release of hydrophobic drugs and improves chemotherapy efficiency. Different encapsulation and release behaviors are observed due to the different hydrophobicity of lipopeptides and antitumor drugs. This study demonstrates the biocompatibility and low toxicity of enzyme-sensitive targeting lipopeptides, indicating their potential in efficient drug delivery for biomedical oncology therapy. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruslan Kashapov, Yuliya Razuvayeva, Nadezda Kashapova, Albina Ziganshina, Vadim Salnikov, Anastasiia Sapunova, Alexandra Voloshina, Lucia Zakharova
Summary: This study reports a simple method for the supramolecular self-assembly of RNA with a three-dimensional macrocycle from the calixarene family, resulting in the formation of nanosized particles. The self-assembly of these nanoparticles was achieved through cooperative supramolecular interactions under mild conditions. The obtained nanoparticles are capable of binding various hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, leading to enhanced cytotoxic properties. This work demonstrates the promising route to bottom-up assembly of novel supramolecular soft matter by utilizing the intermolecular interactions between flexible RNA and rigid calixarene, expanding the design possibilities of nanoscale drug carriers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuoer Wang, Aiyou Hao, Pengyao Xing
Summary: The researchers successfully realized chiroptical properties in the near-infrared (NIR) region using a charge-transfer strategy and applied it to photothermal agents. They self-assembled pyrene-conjugated amino acid derivatives into helical structures with supramolecular tilt chirality. By manipulating the amino acid domains, they achieved chiroptical activity evolution in the NIR region and controlled the photothermal performance using circularly polarized NIR light.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Gianluca Ciarleglio, Federica Cinti, Elisa Toto, Maria Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: Alginate-based beads containing a porous zeolite filler were developed as carriers of bioactive compounds with hydrophobic nature, such as curcumin. The beads showed good sphericity and diameter when fabricated under optimized process parameters. The addition of chitosan coating improved stability and controlled degradation behavior, while the zeolite filler reinforced the beads. This study suggests that pH-responsive alginate gel beads have the potential to deliver lipophilic drugs to specific inflammatory sites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongyan Wang, Yuna Shang, Hongjing Luo, Cuihong Yang, Zhimou Yang, Chunhua Ren, Jianfeng Liu
Summary: This study presents a novel strategy of achieving higher hierarchical structures through cooperative self-assembly of hydrophobic tripeptides with reverse sequences, showing a low-to-high hierarchical structure transformation. The cooperation between different sequences also allows different morphological transitions, promoting a more compact molecular arrangement by creating more hydrogen bond interactions and in-register π-π stacking in the anti-parallel β-sheet conformation. This work provides a handy approach for controlled hierarchical assembly and the development of various functional bionanomaterials.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Natalia Pajares-Chamorro, Yadav Wagley, Neal Hammer, Kurt Hankenson, Xanthippi Chatzistavrou
Summary: The study aims to develop a site-specific drug delivery multifunctional vehicle with the ability to clear resistant bacteria and promote tissue healing. The Ag-BG@vanc conjugate showed strong antibacterial properties against vancomycin-resistant MRSA strains, providing new hope in combating antibiotic resistance.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hossein Zare, Sepideh Ahmadi, Amir Ghasemi, Mohammad Ghanbari, Navid Rabiee, Mojtaba Bagherzadeh, Mahdi Karimi, Thomas J. Webster, Michael R. Hamblin, Ebrahim Mostafavi
Summary: Carbon nanotubes have unique properties that make them suitable for drug and gene delivery, as well as applications in cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, and phototherapy. However, concerns about nanotoxicity and environmental impact remain, despite decades of research and potential benefits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Roger Borges, Agatha Maria Pelosine, Ana Carolina Santos de Souza, Joel Machado Jr, Giselle Zenker Justo, Lionel Fernel Gamarra, Juliana Marchi
Summary: The treatment of bone cancer involves tumor resection, bone reconstruction, and adjuvant treatments. Bioactive glasses have been used as drug carriers for bone regeneration. Different types of drugs can be delivered using techniques such as micro/nanoparticulation or mesoporous bioactive glass systems. Further research is needed on the combination of kinase inhibitors or antibody-conjugated drugs with bioactive glasses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelsey G. DeFrates, Joakim Engstrom, Nivedina A. Sarma, Athiyya Umar, Jisoo Shin, Jing Cheng, Weiran Xie, Darrin Pochan, Ahmad K. Omar, Phillip B. Messersmith
Summary: Supramolecular self-assemblies have been widely used for drug delivery, but the encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics are limited. In this study, amphiphilic prodrugs based on poly(ethylene glycol) and a proregenerative drug were designed and synthesized to overcome these limitations. The physical state of the prodrugs in water and the release and cellular transport of the drug were found to be strongly influenced by the molecular architecture and the hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic ratio of the conjugates.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Fernanda Gomes, Guilherme Eustaquio Furtado, Mariana Henriques, Liliana Baptista Sousa, Paulo Santos-Costa, Rafael Bernardes, Joao Apostolo, Pedro Parreira, Anabela Salgueiro-Oliveira
Summary: This study identified the relationship between pressure ulcer risk factors, stages, anatomical locations, and microbial cohabitation. The prevention and monitoring of pressure ulcers are crucial for avoiding infections and reducing healthcare costs. Infection in pressure ulcers is characterized by polymicrobial biofilm-associated infection and resistance to antimicrobials.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Daniela Araujo, Dalila Mil-Homens, Maria Elisa Rodrigues, Mariana Henriques, Per Trolle Jorgensen, Jesper Wengel, Sonia Silva
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of five different LNA-based antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) in controlling EFG1 gene expression and modulating filamentation and virulence of Candida albicans. The results showed that all LNA-ASOs significantly reduced filamentation and controlled EFG1 gene expression in vitro. In an in vivo model, important differences were observed in terms of reducing C. albicans virulence among the five LNA-ASOs.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ricardo Oliveira, Eva Pinho, Ana Luisa Sousa, Jeffrey J. DeStefano, Nuno Filipe Azevedo, Carina Almeida
Summary: This article discusses the advantages and limitations of using nucleic acid mimics to enhance the versatility of aptamers, including the applicability of existing engineered polymerases to replicate nucleic acid mimics and methodologies to improve aptamers. It also explores the limitations of existing methods for sequencing nucleic acid mimic sequences and bioinformatic tools for predicting aptamer structures.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rita Ribeiro, Liliana Fernandes, Raquel Costa, Carlos Cavaleiro, Ligia Salgueiro, Mariana Henriques, Maria Elisa Rodrigues
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of several essential oils (EOs) from Thymus spp. on Candida auris biofilm. Results showed different antifungal activities among the EOs, and the differences in their chemical compositions could explain these variations. Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis oils demonstrated the greatest antifungal effects and could be promising alternatives for the treatment of C. auris infections.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Angela Fernandes, Nuno Azevedo, Andreia Valente, Marisol Dias, Ana Gomes, Cristina Nogueira-Silva, Mariana Henriques, Sonia Silva, Bruna Goncalves
Summary: This study highlights the importance of understanding the epidemiology, microbiology, antifungal susceptibility, and risk factors of VVC, in order to improve prevention and treatment strategies for this globally significant infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ricardo Oliveira, Eva Pinho, Ana Luisa Sousa, Oscar Dias, Nuno Filipe Azevedo, Carina Almeida
Summary: This study describes an easy-to-apply workflow using free software and web servers to predict the tertiary conformation and docking of NAM, DNA, and RNA aptamers. The workflow was validated with experimental data, demonstrating its effectiveness in assisting rational nucleotide modification and enhancing the development of aptamers.
Review
Immunology
Joao M. Vindeirinho, Eva Pinho, Nuno F. Azevedo, Carina Almeida
Summary: This review summarizes the latest developments in nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on isothermal and non-isothermal amplification-based diagnostics. The review provides a detailed assessment of the steps and instruments involved in amplification and detection technologies, including discussions on different types of molecular reactions and instruments required for DNA detection. Benchmarking commercial tests contributes to the discussion by addressing technical aspects and providing additional information.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna Goncalves, Ana Barbosa, Ana Raquel Soares, Mariana Henriques, Sonia Silva
Summary: This study reveals the regulatory role of the transcription factor Sfi1 on Candida albicans biofilms under acidic conditions. Despite being a filamentation repressor, Sf1 is required for maximal biofilm formation under acidic conditions. The study also identifies the complex regulatory network of Sfi1 in acidic biofilms, involving positive and negative regulation of transcription factors and their targets.
Article
Mycology
Liliana Fernandes, Raquel Costa, Mariana Henriques, Maria Elisa Rodrigues
Summary: Candida species maintained the same biofilm formation capacity and morphology in both simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB), and the effect of vapor phase of oregano and white thyme essential oils (VP-EOs) was not affected by the SVF medium, suggesting their potential application as prophylactic or therapeutic treatment for biofilm-related vulvovaginal candidiasis.
JOURNAL DE MYCOLOGIE MEDICALE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alexandra Catarina Pinto, Mariana Henriques, Pedro Gomes, Juliana Cruz, Fernanda Gomes
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and durability of silver-modified textiles functionalized using fiber extrusion and exhaustion methods, and to investigate the influence of knitting structure and wash/dry conditions. The results showed that both methods achieved good antibacterial activity but had low durability to washing cycles. Additionally, knitting structure and washing/drying conditions affected the durability of antibacterial activity.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anderson da Silva Rego, Guilherme Eustaquio Furtado, Rafael A. Bernardes, Paulo Santos-Costa, Rosana A. Dias, Filipe S. Alves, Alar Ainla, Luisa M. Arruda, Ines P. Moreira, Joao Bessa, Raul Fangueiro, Fernanda Gomes, Mariana Henriques, Maria Sousa-Silva, Alexandra C. Pinto, Maria Boucanova, Vania Isabel Fernande Sousa, Carlos Jose Tavares, Rochelne Barboza, Miguel Carvalho, Luisa Filipe, Liliana B. Sousa, Joao A. Apostolo, Pedro Parreira, Anabela Salgueiro-Oliveira
Summary: This paper aims to present the eight phases of a project that focuses on the development of a new type of smart clothing for individuals with reduced mobility and/or who are bedridden in order to prevent pressure injuries.
Review
Health Policy & Services
Eduardo Silva, Margarida F. Pereira, Joana T. Vieira, Joao Ferreira-Coimbra, Mariana Henriques, Nuno F. Rodrigues
Summary: The emergency department is a vital healthcare entrance point with unpredictable demand. Accurate forecasting of ED visits is crucial for effective management strategies and resource utilization. This review investigates the factors and models that affect ED visit forecasting outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tania Ferreira, Ana Catarina Vale, Alexandra C. Pinto, Rita V. Costa, Vania Pais, Diana Sousa, Fernanda Gomes, Graca Pinto, Jose Guilherme Dias, Ines P. Moreira, Carlos Mota, Joao Bessa, Joana C. Antunes, Mariana Henriques, Fernando Cunha, Raul Fangueiro
Summary: The development of advanced facemasks is a top priority for enhancing healthcare preparedness. This study characterized different polypropylene non-woven fabrics and used zinc oxide nanoparticles to functionalize the selected fabric for improved antimicrobial properties. The functionalized fabric showed promising results, with the ability to eradicate bacteria and inhibit virus growth. A three-layered facemask with antimicrobial capacity was developed and evaluated for filtration efficiency and breathability. These findings demonstrate the potential of these advanced facemasks for individual protection.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helena Oliveira, Fabio Scacchetti, Fabricio Bezerra, Jorge Santos, Graca Soares
Summary: This study comprehensively assessed the adsorption performance of HKUST-1, a metal-organic framework, on different classes of textile dyes. The results showed that HKUST-1 exhibited highly efficient adsorption capabilities for all dye classes. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of dyes followed a pseudo-second-order model, and most dyes adhered to the Langmuir isotherm. Importantly, the study demonstrated the feasibility of reusing HKUST-1, highlighting its potential as an exceptional adsorbent for removing hazardous textile dyes from effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alice Ferreira, Daniela Silva, Carina Almeida, Maria Elisa Rodrigues, Sonia Silva, Joana Castro, Dalila Mil-Homens, Isidro Garcia-Menino, Azucena Mora, Mariana Henriques, Ana Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of phage vB_EcoM_FJ1 (FJ1) in reducing the load of pathogenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and found that encapsulated FJ1 in microparticles significantly reduced the quantity of ETEC. Bacteriophage-insensitive mutants (BIMs) displayed weaker adaptability in the pig model.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)