International Journal of Biomaterials最新文献

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.

This study evaluated the effects of the biofunctional monomer CMET on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of MDPC-23, odontoblast-like cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system using type I collagen. CMET (0.3%, w/v) facilitated the early adhesion and spreading of the cells in type I collagen gels. It significantly promoted cell proliferation in 0.2% and 0.3% concentrations. ALP activity also increased in the 0.3% CMET group. The 0.3% CMET group markedly enhanced odontogenic differentiation by upregulating mRNA of odontogenic differentiation markers such as DSPP and DSP-1. Mineral nodule formation in MDPC-23 cells grown in the 0.3% CMET group was markedly increased compared to that in the control group. After treating the cells with the three MAPK inhibitors, the ability of CMET to stimulate ALP activity in MDPC-23 cells was totally suppressed to control levels by the p38 inhibitor, SB202190. The enhancement of mineralization of MDPC-23 by CMET was partially impeded by SB202190. The results demonstrated that the biofunctional monomer CMET induced proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of odontoblast-like cells in a 3D culture system using type I collagen gel at a concentration of 0.3%. Thus, combining CMET and type I collagen gel as a scaffold does not exhibit apparent cytotoxicity and is suggested to have immense potential for dentin regeneration.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in recent years, greatly impacting medicine and healthcare with innovative solutions for complex diseases. Among these advancements, protein-based metal nanoparticles have shown exceptional promise in treating chronic illnesses, owing to their high biocompatibility, biodegradability, customizable surface properties, and precise drug delivery capabilities. Recent studies have highlighted advancements in targeting efficiency and controlled release, alongside the ability of protein-based metal nanoparticles to bypass the first-pass metabolism, enhancing bioavailability through novel administration routes. Cutting-edge research has also focused on functionalizing protein nanostructures with therapeutic metal ions, particularly silver, with a longstanding antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory history. New combinations of silver with protein-based nanoparticles are now showing significant potential in managing chronic and life-threatening conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest synthesis methods, toxicity assessments, therapeutic applications, administration pathways, and advanced characterization techniques for protein-based silver nanoparticles, addressing the evolving landscape of nanomedicine.

Cancer is a pervasive and devastating disease affecting various parts of the body, posing significant challenges to human societies. Recently, the development of novel magnetic and biocompatible nanoparticles has emerged as a promising approach for magnetic hyperthermia in cancer treatment, complementing existing therapeutic methods. In the present work, Cu_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ mixed spinel nanoparticles were produced via a sol-gel combustion route. The produced magnetic nanopowders were studied via FTIR, SEM, XRD, and VSM techniques. XRD results confirmed the formation of the spinel structure of ferrites. Microstructural investigations showed that the synthesized nanoparticles have a particle size ranging from 20 to 200 nm. The VSM results displayed that the saturation magnetization and coercivity of Cu_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles were 57 emu/g and 24 Oe, respectively. Saturation magnetization for the Cu_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ specimens improved with increasing heat treatment temperature. In order to examine the samples' heating effectiveness for magnetic hyperthermia therapy, various magnetic fields were used. The temperature of the Cu_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ powders increased from 37°C to 47°C in 10 min when exposed to a 400-Oe magnetic field and 200-kHz frequency. Results showed that the fabricated products have the potential to be used as hyperthermia agents for cancer therapy. The novelty of this study focuses on the use of Cu_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ mixed spinel as a new hyperthermia agent with more biocompatible constituent elements.

Tooth discolouration is addressed as a serious consequence of different traumatic injuries as well as an undesirable outcome of various dental and maxillofacial treatments. In addition, the colour changes of teeth are one of the major concerns and chief complaints of dental patients, specifically when the corresponding injuries and/or treatments occur in the aesthetic zone. Endodontic therapy plays a major role in the formation of discolouration inside and outside the involved teeth since the dehydration of dental structure and the use of different biomaterials in Endodontics and related treatments have shown to result in the creation of colour changes in the involved tooth. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) modalities, as ultraconservative approaches in Endodontics, have demonstrated to simplify endodontic procedures and seem to be able to preserve the dental tissue; however, it has been shown that pulp bleeding and (bio)materials used in VPT could cause different degrees of tooth discolouration mainly due to the residual blood products and components within the formula of the (bio)material, penetrating deep into dentinal tubules while changing the colour of the remaining structure. Consequently, when VPT modalities are considered for the treatment of compromised pulp, their pitfalls should be thoroughly elaborated, especially when the aesthetic zone is involved. Therefore, a thorough understanding of potential factors causing tooth discolouration and possible preventive measures in VPT is mandatory to prevent tooth colour changes, particularly in the anterior teeth or sites where aesthetics is of utmost importance.

Nanocarrier systems have gained significant attention in recent decades as an alternative to conventional drug delivery methods, which often suffer from various limitations. In this study, Fe₃O₄/chitosan/TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized as a novel nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery. The loading efficiency and controlled release behavior of vancomycin from the nanocarrier were evaluated under in vitro conditions using HeLa cancer cells. The in vitro study of the drug release behavior showed that the implementation of a titania coating significantly diminishes the drug release rate. Specifically, approximately 90 ± 0.2% of the drug is released over a period of 16 h for samples without the titania coating, while samples with the coating exhibit a release time of 25 h. The MTT assay indicates that the application of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the nanocarrier resulted in a decrease in cell viability from 90 ± 3% to 50 ± 2% at concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the Fe₃O₄/chitosan/TiO₂ nanocarrier as an efficient system for controlled and targeted drug delivery applications.