Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pengfei Ma, Wenjing Wu, Yu Wei, Le Ren, Shuxian Lin, Junhua Wu
Summary: The study focuses on creating composite scaffolds using gelatin, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and nano-hydroxyapatite to mimic natural bone structure and properties. These composite scaffolds exhibit improved mechanical strength and biocompatibility, promoting cell growth and adhesion in bone tissue engineering applications.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nuraziemah Ahmad, Chua Eng Wee, Lam Kok Wai, Noraziah Mohamad Zin, Fazren Azmi
Summary: Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising source for new antimicrobial agents, but their clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and toxicity. This study addresses these limitations by designing a new series of chitosan derivatives that mimic the structure of AMPs, with one derivative showing the most potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria while causing minimal cell death in tested cell lines. The results confirm the importance of cationicity and lipophilicity for selective bacteria targeting with the potential for chitosan nanoparticles as a new class of AMPs mimics effective against Gram-negative bacteria.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Theodore Manouras, Varvara Platania, Anthie Georgopoulou, Maria Chatzinikolaidou, Maria Vamvakaki
Summary: The antimicrobial activity of partially quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) copolymers against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated, showing a mild bactericidal effect achieved by disrupting the outer membrane of bacterial cells to release proteins.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Matilde Concilio, Ramon Garcia Maset, Laia Pasquina Lemonche, Vito Kontrimas, Ji-Inn Song, Santhosh Kalash Rajendrakumar, Freya Harrison, C. Remzi Becer, Sebastien Perrier
Summary: Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have become a significant global health concern, demanding the development of new treatments. Synthetic nanoengineered antimicrobial polymers (SNAPs) show promise as an alternative to antimicrobial peptides, with high activity against Staphylococcus aureus and good biocompatibility. The lead compounds disrupt the cell membrane of S. aureus, while leaving the cell wall unaffected. In addition, there is a potential interaction of the compounds with bacterial DNA, suggesting implications on bacterial division. Finally, one of the compounds exhibits high efficacy in vivo in an insect infection model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Lucas D. Dias, Antonio S. N. Aguiar, Nicolas J. de Melo, Natalia M. Inada, Leonardo L. Borges, Gilberto L. B. de Aquino, Ademir J. Camargo, Vanderlei S. Bagnato, Hamilton B. Napolitano
Summary: This study evaluated the action of curcumin as a photosensitizer against S. aureus through both experimental and computational methods. The results showed that the photodynamic effects and photobleaching process of curcumin were related to its molecular orbital energies. In addition, molecular docking analysis demonstrated that curcumin could bind to the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase of S. aureus. Overall, this study provided insights into the mechanism of action of curcumin as a photosensitizer for the inactivation of S. aureus bacteria.
PHOTODIAGNOSIS AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Merilin Rosenberg, Meeri Visnapuu, Kristjan Saal, Dmytro Danilian, Rainer Parna, Angela Ivask, Vambola Kisand
Summary: In the context of healthcare-acquired infections and the spread of antibiotic resistance, additional passive measures are urgently needed to prevent pathogen carryover. Antimicrobial high-touch surfaces, such as photocatalytic nano-ZnO and nano-ZnO/Ag-based surfaces with significant reduction in bacterial viability, show potential for mitigating the spread of bacteria. It is important to critically evaluate and select appropriate efficacy assessment methods based on end-use conditions for these surfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Camilo Jaramillo-Correa, Viviana M. Posada, Jordan Nashed, Ana Civantos, Jean Paul Allain
Summary: This study conducted a quantitative analysis of the outcomes from plasma nanotexturing and investigated the influence of topography on antibacterial efficacy and cell alignment. The nanotextured surfaces exhibited a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion and growth, highlighting their potential for clinical applications. Additionally, the surfaces induced preferential cell alignment, indicating their potential for innovative biomedical applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evgeny Apartsin, Abdul Akhir, Grace Kaul, Deepanshi Saxena, Regis Laurent, Kishore Kumar Srivastava, Serge Mignani, Jean-Pierre Majoral, Sidharth Chopra
Summary: The global increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major challenge for healthcare systems, with predictions of alarming growth and significant economic losses by 2050. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections have higher mortality rates compared to drug-susceptible S. aureus, and there is a lack of available therapies. The synthesized cationic-phosphorus dendrimer AE4G0 shows potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and Enterococcus sp., without inducing resistance, making it a potential novel therapeutic option for drug-resistant S. aureus infections.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabella Hernandez-Aristizabal, Ivan Dario Ocampo-Ibanez
Summary: The emergence of bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics, especially VRSA and VISA strains, poses a serious threat to global health. Developing new antimicrobial alternatives, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), is urgently needed as a promising therapeutic strategy to combat resistant strains. Evaluating natural, artificial, and synthetic AMPs against VRSA and VISA strains shows great potential for clinical application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marisa Gomes, Rita Teixeira-Santos, Luciana C. Gomes, Francisca Sousa-Cardoso, Fabio M. Carvalho, Andreia R. Tome, Olivia S. G. P. Soares, Kathryn A. Whitehead, Filipe J. Mergulhao
Summary: Chemically modified carbon nanotubes incorporated into a PDMS matrix show effective antibacterial activity against biofilms. The antimicrobial activity of the nanotubes can be efficiently tailored through nitric acid functionalization and thermal treatment. The composites exhibit increased antimicrobial activity without surface carboxylic groups, and their redox activity contributes to the enhancement of the antimicrobial properties. The nanomaterials can change the membrane permeability and induce ROS production in bacteria, while remaining biocompatible with human kidney cells.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Guanhua Chen, Zhengzheng Wang, Mei Deng, Fangbin Xiao, Xuekun Bai, Hengyi Xu
Summary: In this study, a novel method was developed to capture foodborne pathogenic bacteria using biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles. The method showed high detection sensitivity and capture ability, making it suitable for early screening of pathogenic bacteria in food samples.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Teuku Rihayat, Agung Efriyo Hadi, Nurhanifa Aidy, Aida Safitri, Januar Parlaungan Siregar, Tezara Cionita, Agustinus Purna Irawan, Mohammad Hazim Mohamad Hamdan, Deni Fajar Fitriyana
Summary: The study focuses on producing biodegradable PLA-based composites with chitosan and Turmeric Essential Oil as an antimicrobial biomaterial. The addition of TEO creates intermolecular hydrogen bonds within the polymer matrix, improving antibacterial properties. Through FTIR and TGA analysis, it was observed that the biofilm with 4g chitosan, 0.3mL TEO, and 0.5mL glycerol displayed the highest thermal stability at 315.74°C. SEM analysis confirmed that the added TEO bound chitosan molecules, enhancing antibacterial activity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arun Teotia, Isabella Lauren, Sedigheh Borandeh, Jukka Seppala
Summary: Cationic polysaccharides, specifically quaternary chitosans (QCs), have shown significant antimicrobial properties and can be potential antiviral agents. This study aimed to develop metal-free and environmentally friendly QCs with long-lasting virucidal activity. The influence of quaternary functional group, charge density, and molecular weight on the antiviral properties of QCs was investigated. The findings demonstrated that heterogeneously functionalized chitosan derivatives exhibited excellent antiviral activity and have promising potential in various biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xinghong Zhao, Xinyi Zhong, Shinong Yang, Kai Deng, Lu Liu, Xu Song, Yuanfeng Zou, Lixia Li, Xun Zhou, Renyong Jia, Juchun Lin, Huaqiao Tang, Gang Ye, Jianqing Yang, Shan Zhao, Yifei Lang, Hongping Wan, Zhongqiong Yin, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: Brevicidine, a bacterial cyclic lipopeptide, exhibits potent and selective antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative pathogens. However, little was known about its mechanism of action before our investigations. We found that brevicidine exerts its bactericidal activity by interacting with lipopolysaccharide, targeting phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin, and disrupting the proton motive force of bacteria.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Somaye Rashki, Hossein Safardoust-Hojaghan, Hamed Mirzaei, Waleed K. Abdulsahib, Makarim A. Mahdi, Masoud Salavati-Niasari, Azad Khaledi, Ahmad Khorshidi, Seyyed Gholam Abbas Mousavi
Summary: This study focused on the fabrication of LL37-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS/LL37-NPs) using an ionotropic gelation method. The results showed that CS/LL37-NPs exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and prolonged half-life for LL37, as well as inhibitory effects on biofilm formation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Aura-Catalina Mocanu, Florin Miculescu, George E. Stan, Teddy Tite, Marian Miculescu, Mircea Horia Tierean, Alexandru Pascu, Robert-Catalin Ciocoiu, Tudor Mihai Butte, Lucian-Toma Ciocan
Summary: The superior mechanical and tribological features of Ti and its alloys make them attractive, but they lack biocompatibility and inertness when implanted in the body for a long time. Surface modification with ceramic coatings is necessary to improve their biomedical features. This study proposed the prospect of coating Ti6Al4V substrates with bovine-bone derived hydroxyapatite (HA) using laser cladding technique. The structural analysis confirmed the formation of calcium titanate as the main phase and the presence of HA only in samples prepared with 100% HA ratio at low to medium laser powers. The optimal technological parameters for ceramic cladded layers with potential compatibility with regenerative medicine applications were determined.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
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
Chemistry, Physical
Liviu Nedelcu, Jose M. F. Ferreira, Adrian-Claudiu Popa, Luminita Amarande, Bo Nan, Liliana-Marinela Balescu, Cezar Dragos Geambasu, Marius-Cristian Cioangher, Lucia Leonat, Mihai Grigoroscuta, Daniel Cristea, Hermine Stroescu, Robert Catalin Ciocoiu, George E. Stan
Summary: This study conducted a comparative analysis of various sintered piezoceramic materials using multi-parametric unitary methods. The aim was to identify the most promising biocompatible piezoelectric material for use in 3D printed macro-porous ceramic scaffolds. The results showed that the BCTZ solid solution had the best combination of functional properties and compatibility with osteoblast cell cultures. Using the selected piezoceramic as a base material, 3D macro-porous scaffolds with promising compressive strength and excellent cell colonization capability were fabricated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edoardo Cianflone, Fabien Brouillet, David Grossin, Jeremy Soulie, Claudie Josse, Sanjana Vig, Maria Helena Fernandes, Christophe Tenailleau, Benjamin Duployer, Carole Thouron, Christophe Drouet
Summary: Biomimetic apatites have high reactivity and can be modulated by ion substitutions for in vivo response. A novel approach was developed to combine bioactive ions in a spatially controlled manner for subsequent releases. The concept was validated by developing core-shell particles with antibacterial ions in the outer shell and pro-angiogenic or osteogenic ions in the inner core.
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.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mrutyunjay Nayak, Kristin Bergum, George E. Stan, In-Hwan Lee, Andrej Kuznetsov
Summary: Sub-stochiometric nickel oxide (NiOx) films were investigated as a hole selective contact in silicon (Si) heterojunction solar cells. Numerical simulations were performed to assess the effects of NiOx electronic properties and NiOx/Si interface defect density (D-it) on device performance. The simulations showed that the best performance is achieved with wide bandgaps (E-g) and high valence band edge (E-VB) positions in the NiOx films. Experimental data revealed that an increase in nickel vacancy concentrations ([V-Ni]) led to an increase in conductivity, as well as a decrease in E-g and E-VB of the sputtered NiOx films. Therefore, the performance of the sputtered NiOx/Si heterojunction solar cell is limited by high D-it, narrow E-g, and low E-VB.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Irina Negut, Carmen Ristoscu
Summary: Bioactive glasses have been developed into various items for treating medical problems. They are not only used in healing hard tissues but also gaining popularity in soft tissue healing. They accelerate skin regeneration and have positive effects on wound healing stages. They can adhere to hard tissues and aid in their regeneration by forming a calcium-phosphate-like layer.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Mehmet Can Arpak, Sibel Daglilar, Cevriye Kalkandelen, Liliana-Marinela Balescu, Hilal Turkoglu Sasmazel, Iuliana Pasuk, George E. Stan, Kagan Durukan, Oguzhan Gunduz
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of Mn doping on the morpho-structural features, mechanical performance, and in vitro biological response of β-TCP derived bioceramics. Mn doping above 0.05 wt.% improved densification, while densification remained constant at sintering temperatures of 1200 - 1300°C. Structural analysis revealed that samples sintered at 1000 and 1100°C consisted mainly of β-TCP with a minor amount of HA. At higher temperatures (1200 and 1300°C), the formation of α-TCP was observed at the expense of β-TCP and HA. Mn doping was confirmed by lattice parameter changes. Mn doping decreased the mechanical performance of the β-TCP-based ceramics. Osteoblastic cells showed higher metabolic activity and viability in ceramics with Mn doping levels below 0.1 wt.%. No cytotoxic effects were observed up to 21 days. Mn-doped β-TCPs exhibited significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity compared to pure β-TCP.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(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
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.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
George E. Stan, Maziar Montazerian, Adam Shearer, Bryan W. Stuart, Francesco Baino, John C. Mauro, Jose M. F. Ferreira
Summary: Bioactive glasses have the ability to form strong bonds with tissues and release therapeutic ions. However, their biomechanical compatibility limits their use in load-bearing applications. The use of magnetron sputtering technology to fabricate BG coatings shows promise in improving their efficacy and potential for application.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nicolae A. Enaki, Ion Munteanu, Tatiana Paslari, Marina Turcan, Elena Starodub, Sergiu Bazgan, Diana Podoleanu, Carmen Ristoscu, Sinziana Anghel, Maria Badiceanu, Ion N. Mihailescu
Summary: Nowadays, there is considerable interest in using metamaterials for fluid decontamination and pathogen annihilation. The novelty of this research lies in the significant increase in depollution effects achieved by packing metamaterials and using UVC irradiation. Packing smaller elements between larger elements allows for deeper penetration of radiation into the fluid and optimal dispersion of this radiation, promoting enhanced depollution against pathogen agents.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sinziana-Andreea Anghel, Mihai Oane, Cristian N. Mihailescu, Bogdan A. Sava, Mihail Elisa, Natalia Mihailescu, Dorina Ticos, Alexandra M. I. Trefilov, Carmen Ristoscu, Ana V. Filip, Ion N. Mihailescu
Summary: The ultrafast fs laser pulse heating of thin metal films is studied for the first time using the two-temperature model based on the Fokker-Planck formalism. The predictions are intended for experimentalists in various fields who can benefit from the understanding of the interdependence between the target's size, the phonon/lattice characteristics, and the coefficient beta. The study highlights the importance of nano-sized spatial dimensions of the metal sample.
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.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
James W. Mckeage, Andrew Z. H. Tan, Andrew J. Taberner
Summary: Needle-free jet injection is a promising alternative drug delivery technique that offers rapid, non-invasive, and large-volume injections. The study presents a prototype multi-orifice nozzle and a computational fluid dynamic model to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)