International Journal of Biomaterials最新文献

The present study focuses on developing novel gradient thin films for surface-based magnetic resonance imaging of fluids such as water. Four types of magnetic-polymer colloids were investigated as T2 contrast agents, including Janus magnetic-polystyrene and core-shell magnetic-poly(styrene/divinylbenzene/methacrylic acid) particles. These colloids were coated with amino dextran to enhance their performance. Key factors such as emulsion composition, particle size, and surface properties were systematically examined. Gradient thin films were fabricated on glass slides using a layer-by-layer self-assembled multilayer (LbL-SAMu) technique. The films consisted of positively charged poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) and negatively charged magnetic-polymer colloids. The developed colloids and thin films were characterized by their surface wettability, surface morphology, and zeta potential. These films exhibited relatively improved hydrophilicity and T2 contrast. The utilization of such gradient thin films as molecular probes could enhance clinical MRI for in vitro diagnosis. This study indicated that thin-film gradients can offer a facile technique for unique cellular imaging via a lab-on-chip device to enable effective point-of-care molecular diagnostics.

Introduction: Chronic musculoskeletal problems necessitate long-term symptomatic treatments. In such cases, diclofenac (D_fNa) is frequently prescribed. However, its demand for frequent administration might result in serious dose-dependent complications. Furthermore, most patients with these illnesses are elderly and may have difficulty swallowing. Such factors can contribute to patients' noncompliance. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a sustained-release orally disintegrating D_fNa tablet using locally accessible excipients.

Methods: D_fNa microspheres were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Several parameters, including drug-to-polymer ratio (DPR), stirring speed (SS), internal phase volume, and polyethylene glycol content, were explored for their effect on microsphere characteristics. Significant factors were then selected and further optimized to produce microspheres with desirable responses. Eventually, the optimized microspheres were compressed into orally disintegrating tablets with appropriate excipients through direct compression.

Results: Preliminary studies indicated that the DPR and SS significantly influenced the response variables. Consequently, their effects on the selected response variables (entrapment efficiency [EE] and Z) were further optimized. This optimization identified optimal conditions at a DPR of 1:1.41 and SS of 905.17 rpm with a predicted EE (69.44%) and Z (175.33 μm). Confirmation tests indicated that the experimental results are in agreement with the predicted values (a percentage error below 5%). Furthermore, the three confirmation batches showed no significant difference in their characteristics, indicating remarkable reproducibility. The microspheres exhibited a non-Fickian anomalous release mechanism, best described by the Higuchi model. All the orally disintegrating tablets prepared from the microspheres met the USP specifications. However, FT1 (compressed at 10 KN) showed a release profile and kinetics similar to those of the uncompressed microspheres. Therefore, it was selected as the best formulation of D_fNa in this study.

Conclusion: This study successfully formulated microsphere-based sustained-release orally disintegrating D_fNa tablets that sustained drug release for at least 12 h.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/ijbm/3568968.].

Nowadays, plastic has become an integral part of our daily used products. Packaging is the sector where a significant portion of plastics are being used, and it has increased many folds after the recent pandemic. The plastic-based cutlery, cups, bowls, and plates have been commonly used in ready-to-eat packaged food, and they include mostly single-use plastic; thus, there is an urgent need for substitution with eco-friendly alternatives. The edible cups, bowls, and cutlery could be a promising alternative to the plastic counterparts. This review debated the current scenario in edible cutlery fabrication and characterization. The plant-based, eco-friendly edible flour materials are commonly used for fabricating edible cutlery such as bowls, cups, and spoons. The fortification and enrichment of additives into the edible cutlery and tableware were promising to improve the physical and functional performance. To develop edible cutlery, various flours such as millet, wheat, and rice have already been explored, and the results are promising for attaining sustainable development. The edible spoons prepared by using various flours such as finger millet and wheat flour with ashwagandha powder showed high proximate composition, including protein 5.96% and carbohydrates 85.73%. Similarly, the edible cutlery prepared using rice flour, wheat flour, and banana blossom powder resulted in a high water absorption capacity of 31.59% and showed high biodegradable capacity and decayed in 5 days. The use of this edible tableware not only reduces plastic waste issues but also makes our food healthier and nutrition-rich. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of edible cutlery's needs and current status.

Plant-derived compounds have attracted considerable attention in the field of antimicrobial therapy. This interest is primarily due to their natural origin and historical evidence of their use in traditional medicine systems. These derivatives are a rich reservoir of chemical diversity that has a promising potential for the development and production of new antimicrobial agents with the least amount of side effects and risks of drug resistance. However, the delivery of plant-derived antimicrobial agents, especially through the topical route, poses significant challenges. As the largest organ of the body, the skin acts as a first barrier against the entrance of microbial pathogens. A primary limitation to transdermal delivery of plant-derived antimicrobial agents is their complex molecular structures, which often prevent effective absorption through the skin. Therefore, developing and promoting an effective local drug delivery system to increase the potential of antimicrobial therapy is very important and effective in public health. This review discusses delivery strategies for plant-derived antimicrobial agents aimed at the bioavailability and stability of these compounds as well as their mode of action, ensuring targeted delivery to the site of infection with long-lasting effects and minimizing side effects. Besides, various topical drug delivery platforms are analyzed, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and innovative application methods such as microneedles.

The drying of medicinal plants is a crucial step in their processing since it preserves the active ingredients and increases their shelf life. Traditional drying methods often exhibit limitations such as extended drying time, loss of bioactive components, and decreased product quality. Novel drying methods have recently come to light as possible alternatives for drying medicinal plants. Reduced drying time, greater bioactive ingredient preservation, and improved product quality are just a few benefits of these novel methods. The bioactive components of medicinal plants can be preserved using these modern drying methods, which also provide possibilities for improved processing efficiency, less energy utilization, and increased product stability. However, while choosing a drying method, it is important to take into account the distinctive features of the medicinal plant, the desired quality attributes, and the economic feasibility. This review gives an overview of novel techniques such as microwave drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, refractance window drying, Osmo drying, supercritical CO₂ drying, and spray drying for drying medicinal plants and some potential applications.

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique physicochemical properties that have enabled their engineering for loading drugs, contrast agents, and targeting moieties for cellular and intracellular components, highlighting their emerging role as versatile tools in managing neurological disorders. In therapeutic applications, the surface plasmon resonance characteristics of gold and silver NPs and the responsiveness of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to external magnetic fields facilitate the disruption of protein aggregates and the eradication of cancer cells. For diagnostic purposes, the inherent high electron density of metallic NPs makes them effective contrast agents in imaging technologies. Moreover, these NPs have proven their capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and interact with central nervous system (CNS) components. Despite their extensive scientific exploration and promising applications, metallic NPs have not yet achieved widespread clinical implementation, especially in comparison to polymer-based NPs. This article presents an in-depth examination of the physicochemical properties of metallic NPs relevant to neurological applications. It summarizes their roles in diagnosis and therapy, focusing on gold, magnetic, silver, titanium, and cerium NPs. Additionally, this document explains the incorporation of metal NPs in their application and their effect on the human body.

Background: This study compared the shaping ability and apical debris extrusion of four nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) single-file systems in simulated curved root canals. Methods: Forty simulated curved root canals in resin blocks were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10): Reciproc Blue (RCB), V-Blue, One Plex, and S-ONE. Images of the simulated root canals were captured before and after instrumentation. The two layers were processed and superimposed using specialized software. Eleven points (Levels 0-10) were selected at 1-mm intervals starting from the apex for evaluation. The amount of resin removed from both the inner (X1) and outer sides (X2) of the root canal, as well as the final canal width (Y), were measured. The centering ratio was calculated using the formula (X1 - X2)/Y to assess the centering ability of the instruments. Apically extruded debris was collected during the root preparation. Results: The preparation times for the root canal were as follows: One Plex > RCB > V-Blue > S-ONE (p < 0.001). All four Ni-Ti files were effective in straightening the root canal, with no significant difference in curvature change (p > 0.05). At the apex, One Plex exhibited significantly greater deviation compared with the other three groups (p < 0.05). At Levels 7-8, the deviation with RCB was significantly greater than with One Plex and S-ONE (p < 0.01). The amount of apical debris extrusion in the One Plex group was significantly higher than that in the others (p < 0.01). Conclusions: S-ONE demonstrated the best centering ability compared with other groups. In contrast, One Plex produced the highest amount of apical debris extrusion and exhibited transportation at the apical foramen. At Levels 6-8, RCB exhibited excessive removal of the inner canal wall relative to S-ONE and One Plex.

The advancement of science and technology has helped humans solve different problems related to their health. Among these applications are biomaterials, which are materials synthesized by humans for medical or biological use, representing a market and innovation with potential. The best known biomaterials are calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) that are used as bone substitutes, which show a similarity to bone minerals such as apatites such as dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and it was synthesized and tested in previously prepared simulated intestinal and body fluids to analyze its stability under specific physiological conditions. Purity was determined by the ash method, giving an average of 73% and 85% in the different tests carried out. The characterization study was involved using ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDS where changes were observed in the crystalline structure, in the bonds of the functional groups present on the surface and the morphology of Brushite causing the interaction with the different simulated fluids transformation into monetite, amorphous dicalcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite.

Bacterial infections pose significant threats to human health, and the rising issue of antibiotic resistance necessitates exploring alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, Ferula assa-foetida essential oil (EO) as an herbal medicine was first analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Polycaprolactone-gelatin nanofibers were then prepared via electrospinning. Biological efficacies (antioxidant and antibacterial properties) of nanofibers impregnated with the nanogel containing the EO were finally investigated. As a result, the five major identified compounds were ethyl trifluoromethyl disulfide (33.6%), β-pinene (15.1%), δ-3-carene (6.6%), dihydro-β-agarofuran (6.0%), and γ-eudesmol (5.5%). Nanogel was developed from a primary nanoemulsion, with a 55 ± 7 nm droplet size and a zeta potential of -31 ± 2 mV. Nanofibers with a hydrophobic surface (contact angle (θ) 107°) impregnated with the nanogel demonstrated remarkable antibacterial efficacy, inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by nearly 100% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 90%. These findings suggest that the developed formulation has the potential to serve as an effective antibacterial wound dressing, warranting further investigation.