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16 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cu Modified Textile Structures on Antibacterial and Antiviral Protection

by Małgorzata Cieślak, Dorota Kowalczyk, Małgorzata Krzyżowska, Martyna Janicka, Ewa Witczak and Irena Kamińska

Materials 2022, 15(17), 6164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15176164 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2582

Abstract

Textile structures with various bioactive and functional properties are used in many areas of medicine, special clothing, interior textiles, technical goods, etc. We investigated the effect of two different textile woven structures made of 90% polyester with 10% polyamide (PET) and 100% cotton [...] Read more.

Textile structures with various bioactive and functional properties are used in many areas of medicine, special clothing, interior textiles, technical goods, etc. We investigated the effect of two different textile woven structures made of 90% polyester with 10% polyamide (PET) and 100% cotton (CO) modified by magnetron sputtering with copper (Cu) on bioactive properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and four viruses and also on the some comfort parameters. PET/Cu and CO/Cu fabrics have strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. CO/Cu fabric has good antiviral activity in relation to vaccinia virus (VACV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and influenza A virus H1N1 (IFV), while its antiviral activity against mouse coronavirus (MHV) is weak. PET/Cu fabric showed weak antiviral activity against HSV-1 and MHV. Both modified fabrics showed no significant toxicity in comparison to the control medium and pristine fabrics. After Cu sputtering, fabric surfaces became hydrophobic and the value of the surface free energy was over four times lower than for pristine fabrics. The modification improved thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity, facilitated water vapour transport, and air permeability did not decrease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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16 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrating Capabilities of the Biopolymers Produced by the Marine Thermophilic Bacillus horneckiae SBP3 as Evaluated by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy

by Maria Teresa Caccamo, Vincenzo Zammuto, Antonio Spanò, Concetta Gugliandolo and Salvatore Magazù

Materials 2022, 15(17), 5988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175988 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

The surfactin-like lipopeptide (BS-SBP3) and the exopolysaccharide (EPS-SBP3) produced by the polyextremophilic Bacillus horneckiae SBP3 (DSM 103063) have been recently described as valuable biopolymers useful in biotechnological applications. To investigate the hydrating capabilities of BS-SBP3 and EPS-SBP3, here we evaluated (i) their wetting [...] Read more.

The surfactin-like lipopeptide (BS-SBP3) and the exopolysaccharide (EPS-SBP3) produced by the polyextremophilic Bacillus horneckiae SBP3 (DSM 103063) have been recently described as valuable biopolymers useful in biotechnological applications. To investigate the hydrating capabilities of BS-SBP3 and EPS-SBP3, here we evaluated (i) their wetting properties, measuring the contact angle; (ii) their moisture uptake abilities using the gravimetric method; and (iii) their hydrating states (from 0 to 160% w/w of water content) using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. BS-SBP3 reduced the water contact angle on a hydrophobic surface from 81.7° to 51.3°, whereas the contact angle in the presence of EPS-SBP3 was 72.9°, indicating that BS-SBP3 improved the wettability of the hydrophobic surface. In the moisture uptake tests, EPS-SBP3 absorbed more water than BS-SBP3, increasing its weight from 10 mg to 30.1 mg after 36 h of 100% humidity exposure. Spectral distance and cross-correlation analyses were used to evaluate the molecular changes of the two biopolymers during the hydration process. As the water concentration increased, BS-SBP3 spectra changed in intensity in the two contributions of the OH-stretching band named “closed” and “open” (3247 and 3336 cm⁻¹, respectively). Differently, the spectra of EPS-SBP3 exhibited a broader peak (3257 cm⁻¹), which shifted at higher water concentrations. As evaluated by the spectral distance and the wavelet cross-correlation analysis, the OH-stretching bands of the BS-SBP3 and EPS-SBP3 changed as a function of water content, with two different sigmoidal trends having the inflection points at 80% and 48%, respectively, indicating peculiar water-properties of each biopolymer. As wetting agents, these biopolymers might replace industrially manufactured additives in agriculture and the food and cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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20 pages, 6924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Functionalisation of Dental Implants with a Composite Coating of Alendronate and Hydrolysed Collagen: DFT and EIS Studies

by Željka Petrović, Ankica Šarić, Ines Despotović, Jozefina Katić, Robert Peter, Mladen Petravić, Mile Ivanda and Marin Petković

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155127 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

The success of the osseointegration process depends on the surface characteristics and chemical composition of dental implants. Therefore, the titanium dental implant was functionalised with a composite coating of alendronate and hydrolysed collagen, which are molecules with a positive influence on the bone [...] Read more.

The success of the osseointegration process depends on the surface characteristics and chemical composition of dental implants. Therefore, the titanium dental implant was functionalised with a composite coating of alendronate and hydrolysed collagen, which are molecules with a positive influence on the bone formation. The results of the quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory level confirm a spontaneous formation of the composite coating on the titanium implant, ∆G*_INT = −8.25 kcal mol⁻¹. The combination of the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations reveals the structure of the coating. The alendronate molecules dominate in the outer part, while collagen tripeptides prevail in the inner part of the coating. The electrochemical stability and resistivity of the implant modified with the composite coating in a contact with the saliva depend on the chemical nature of alendronate and collagen molecules, as well as their inter- and intramolecular interactions. The formed composite coating provides a 98% protection to the implant after the 7-day immersion in the artificial saliva. From an application point of view, the composite coating could effectively promote osseointegration and improve the implant’s resistivity in contact with an aggressive environment such as saliva. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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17 pages, 2699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stimulation of Metabolic Activity and Cell Differentiation in Osteoblastic and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Nanohydroxyapatite Paste Bone Graft Substitute

by Carolina Herranz-Diez, Aileen Crawford, Rebecca L. Goodchild, Paul V. Hatton and Cheryl A. Miller

Materials 2022, 15(4), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041570 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2709

Abstract

Advances in nanotechnology have been exploited to develop new biomaterials including nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) with physical properties close to those of natural bone mineral. While clinical data are encouraging, relatively little is understood regarding bone cells’ interactions with synthetic graft substitutes based on [...] Read more.

Advances in nanotechnology have been exploited to develop new biomaterials including nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) with physical properties close to those of natural bone mineral. While clinical data are encouraging, relatively little is understood regarding bone cells’ interactions with synthetic graft substitutes based on this technology. The aim of this research was therefore to investigate the in vitro response of both osteoblast cell lines and primary osteoblasts to an nHA paste. Cellular metabolic activity was assessed using the cell viability reagent PrestoBlue and quantitative, real-time PCR was used to determine gene expression related to osteogenic differentiation. A potential role of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in the response of osteoblastic cells to nHA was also investigated. Indirect contact of the nHA paste with human osteoblastic cells (Saos-2, MG63, primary osteoblasts) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhanced the cell metabolic activity. The nHA paste also stimulated gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2, collagen 1, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, thereby indicating an osteogenic response. CaSR was not involved in nHA paste-induced increases in cellular metabolic activity. This investigation demonstrated that the nHA paste has osteogenic properties that contribute to clinical efficacy when employed as an injectable bone graft substitute. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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9 pages, 2282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemically Deposited Zinc (Tetraamino)phthalocyanine as a Light-activated Antimicrobial Coating Effective against S. aureus

by Ivan Gusev, Marli Ferreira, Davy-Louis Versace, Samir Abbad-Andaloussi, Sandra Pluczyk-Małek, Karol Erfurt, Alicja Duda, Przemysław Data and Agata Blacha-Grzechnik

Materials 2022, 15(3), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030975 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2870

Abstract

Light-activated antimicrobial coatings are currently considered to be a promising approach for the prevention of nosocomial infections. In this work, we present a straightforward strategy for the deposition of a photoactive biocidal organic layer of zinc (tetraamino)phthalocyanine (ZnPcNH₂) in an electrochemical [...] Read more.

Light-activated antimicrobial coatings are currently considered to be a promising approach for the prevention of nosocomial infections. In this work, we present a straightforward strategy for the deposition of a photoactive biocidal organic layer of zinc (tetraamino)phthalocyanine (ZnPcNH₂) in an electrochemical oxidative process. The chemical structure and morphology of the resulting layer are widely characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, while its ability to photogenerate reactive oxygen species (ROS) is investigated in situ by UV–Vis spectroscopy with α-terpinene or 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran as a chemical trap. It is shown that the ZnPcNH₂ photosensitizer retained its photoactivity after immobilization, and that the reported light-activated coating exhibits promising antimicrobial properties towards Staphyloccocus aureus (S. aureus). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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12 pages, 1017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Identification of Cytotoxic Compounds Present in Biomaterial Life^®

by Maria Beatriz Ferreira, Nelson A. M. Pereira, Carlos Miguel Marto, Miguel Cardoso, Inês Amaro, Ana Coelho, José Saraiva, Gianrico Spagnuolo, Manuel Marques Ferreira, Marta Piñeiro, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho e Melo, Maria Filomena Botelho, Eunice Carrilho, Anabela Paula and Mafalda Laranjo

Materials 2022, 15(3), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030871 - 24 Jan 2022

Viewed by 3427

Abstract

Direct pulp capping consists of a procedure in which a material is directly placed over the exposed pulp to maintain dental vitality. Although still widely used in clinical practice, previous in vitro studies found that the biomaterial Life^® presented high cytotoxicity, leading [...] Read more.

Direct pulp capping consists of a procedure in which a material is directly placed over the exposed pulp to maintain dental vitality. Although still widely used in clinical practice, previous in vitro studies found that the biomaterial Life^® presented high cytotoxicity, leading to cell death. This study aimed to identify the Life^® constituents responsible for its cytotoxic effects on odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23). Aqueous medium conditioned with Life^® was subjected to liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. After solvent removal, cells were treated with residues isolated from the organic and aqueous fractions. MTT and Trypan blue assays were carried out to evaluate the metabolic activity and cell death. The organic phase residue promoted a significant decrease in metabolic activity and increased cell death. On the contrary, no cytotoxic effects were observed with the mixture from the aqueous fraction. Spectroscopic and spectrometric methods allowed the identification of the toxic compounds. A mixture of the regioisomers ortho, para, and meta of N-ethyl-toluenesulfonamide was identified as the agent responsible for the toxicity of biomaterial Life^® in MDPC-23 cells. These findings contribute to improving biomaterial research and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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14 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilisation of Carp Skin Post-Production Waste in Binary Films Based on Furcellaran and Chitosan to Obtain Packaging Materials for Storing Blueberries

by Magdalena Janik, Ewelina Jamróz, Joanna Tkaczewska, Lesław Juszczak, Piotr Kulawik, Michał Szuwarzyński, Karen Khachatryan and Pavel Kopel

Materials 2021, 14(24), 7848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247848 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3260

Abstract

The aim of the study was to develop and characterise an innovative three-component biopolymer film based on chitosan (CHIT), furcellaran (FUR) and a gelatin hydrolysate from carp skins (Cyprinus carpio) (HGEL). The structure and morphology were characterised using the Fourier transform [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to develop and characterise an innovative three-component biopolymer film based on chitosan (CHIT), furcellaran (FUR) and a gelatin hydrolysate from carp skins (Cyprinus carpio) (HGEL). The structure and morphology were characterised using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The FT-IR test showed no changes in the matrix after the addition of HGEL, which indicates that the film components were compatible. Based on the obtained AFM results, it was found that the addition of HGEL caused the formation of grooves and cracks on the surface of the film (reduction by ~21%). The addition of HGEL improved the antioxidant activity of the film (improvement by up to 2.318% and 444% of DPPH and FRAP power, respectively). Due to their properties, the tested films were used as active materials in the preservation of American blueberries. In the active films, the blueberries lost mass quickly compared to the synthetic film and were characterised by higher phenol content. The results obtained in this study create the opportunity to use the designed CHIT–FUR films in developing biodegradable packaging materials for food protection, but it is necessary to test their effectiveness on other food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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21 pages, 5588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Conductive Threads-Based Embroidered Electrodes on Textiles as Moisture Sensors for Fluid Detection in Biomedical Applications

by Saima Qureshi, Goran M. Stojanović, Mitar Simić, Varun Jeoti, Najeebullah Lashari and Farooq Sher

Materials 2021, 14(24), 7813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247813 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4819

Abstract

Wearable sensors have become part of our daily life for health monitoring. The detection of moisture content is critical for many applications. In the present research, textile-based embroidered sensors were developed that can be integrated with a bandage for wound management purposes. The [...] Read more.

Wearable sensors have become part of our daily life for health monitoring. The detection of moisture content is critical for many applications. In the present research, textile-based embroidered sensors were developed that can be integrated with a bandage for wound management purposes. The sensor comprised an interdigitated electrode embroidered on a cotton substrate with silver-tech 150 and HC 12 threads, respectively, that have silver coated continuous filaments and 100% polyamide with silver-plated yarn. The said sensor is a capacitive sensor with some leakage. The change in the dielectric constant of the substrate as a result of moisture affects the value of capacitance and, thus, the admittance of the sensor. The moisture sensor’s operation is verified by measuring its admittance at 1 MHz and the change in moisture level (1–50) µL. It is observed that the sensitivity of both sensors is comparable. The identically fabricated sensors show similar response and sensitivity while wash test shows the stability of sensor after washing. The developed sensor is also able to detect the moisture caused by both artificial sweat and blood serum, which will be of value in developing new sensors tomorrow for smart wound-dressing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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16 pages, 6548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Biological Properties of Magnesium- and Silicon-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds

by Sanosh Kunjalukkal Padmanabhan, Paola Nitti, Eleonora Stanca, Alessio Rochira, Luisa Siculella, Maria Grazia Raucci, Marta Madaghiele, Antonio Licciulli and Christian Demitri

Materials 2021, 14(22), 6942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14226942 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2503

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg)- and silicon (Si)-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were synthesized using the sponge replica method. The influence of Mg²⁺ and SiO₄⁴⁻ ion substitution on the microstructural, mechanical and biological properties of HA scaffolds was evaluated. All synthesized scaffolds exhibited porosity [...] Read more.

Magnesium (Mg)- and silicon (Si)-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were synthesized using the sponge replica method. The influence of Mg²⁺ and SiO₄⁴⁻ ion substitution on the microstructural, mechanical and biological properties of HA scaffolds was evaluated. All synthesized scaffolds exhibited porosity >92%, with interconnected pores and pore sizes ranging between 200 and 800 μm. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that β-TCP was formed in the case of Mg substitution. X-ray fluorescence mapping showed a homogeneous distribution of Mg and Si ions in the respective scaffolds. Compared to the pure HA scaffold, a reduced grain size was observed in the Mg- and Si-substituted scaffolds, which greatly influenced the mechanical properties of the scaffolds. Mechanical tests revealed better performance in HA-Mg (0.44 ± 0.05 MPa), HA-Si (0.64 ± 0.02 MPa) and HA-MgSi (0.53 ± 0.01 MPa) samples compared to pure HA (0.2 ± 0.01 MPa). During biodegradability tests in Tris-HCl, slight weight loss and a substantial reduction in mechanical performances of the scaffolds were observed. Cell proliferation determined by the MTT assay using hBMSC showed that all scaffolds were biocompatible, and the HA-MgSi scaffold seemed the most effective for cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, ALP activity and osteogenic marker expression analysis revealed the ability of HA-Si and HA-MgSi scaffolds to promote osteoblast differentiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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15 pages, 1943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Adper^™ Scotchbond^™ 1 XT, Clearfil^™ SE Bond 2 and Scotchbond^™ Universal in Odontoblasts

by Miguel Cardoso, Ana Coelho, Carlos Miguel Marto, Ana Cristina Gonçalves, Anabela Paula, Ana Bela Sarmento Ribeiro, Manuel Marques Ferreira, Maria Filomena Botelho, Mafalda Laranjo and Eunice Carrilho

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6435; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216435 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2607

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of commercially available adhesive strategies—etch-and-rinse (Adper^™ Scotchbond^™ 1 XT, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA, SB1), self-etch (Clearfil^™ SE Bond 2, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Tokyo, Japan, CSE), and universal (Scotchbond^™ Universal, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of commercially available adhesive strategies—etch-and-rinse (Adper^™ Scotchbond^™ 1 XT, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA, SB1), self-etch (Clearfil^™ SE Bond 2, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc., Tokyo, Japan, CSE), and universal (Scotchbond^™ Universal, 3M Deutschland GmbH, Neuss, Germany, SBU). MDPC-23 cells were exposed to adhesives extracts in different concentrations and exposure times. To access cell metabolic activity, viability, types of cell death, and cell cycle, the MTT assay, SRB assay, double labeling with annexin V and propidium iodide, and labeling with propidium iodide/RNAse were performed, respectively. Cultures were stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa for qualitative cytotoxicity assessment. The SB1, CSE, and SBU extracts determined a significant reduction in cell metabolism and viability. This reduction was higher for prolonged exposures, even for less concentrated extracts. CSE extracts significantly reduced the cell’s metabolic activity at higher concentrations (50% and 100%) from 2 h of exposure. After 24 and 96 h, a metabolic activity reduction was verified for all adhesives, even at lower concentrations. These changes were dependent on the adhesive, its concentration, and the incubation time. Regarding cell viability, SBU extracts were the least cytotoxic, and CSE was significantly more cytotoxic than SB1 and SBU. The adhesives determined a reduction in viable cells and an increase in apoptotic, late apoptosis/necrosis, and necrotic cells. Moreover, on cultures exposed to SB1 and CSE extracts, a decrease in the cells in S and G2/M phases and an increase in the cells in G0/G1 phase was observed. Exposure to SBU led to an increase of cells in the S phase. In general, all adhesives determined cytotoxicity. CSE extracts were the most cytotoxic and were classified as having a higher degree of reactivity, leading to more significant inhibition of cell growth and destruction of the cell’s layers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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16 pages, 6061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wool Keratin Hydrolysates for Bioactive Additives Preparation

by Carmen Gaidau, Maria Stanca, Mihaela-Doina Niculescu, Cosmin-Andrei Alexe, Marius Becheritu, Roxana Horoias, Cristian Cioineag, Maria Râpă and Ioana Rodica Stanculescu

Materials 2021, 14(16), 4696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164696 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4348

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to select keratin hydrolysate with bioactive properties by using the enzymatic hydrolysis of wool. Different proteolytic enzymes such as Protamex, Esperase, and Valkerase were used to break keratin molecules in light of bioactive additive preparation. The enzymatic [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper was to select keratin hydrolysate with bioactive properties by using the enzymatic hydrolysis of wool. Different proteolytic enzymes such as Protamex, Esperase, and Valkerase were used to break keratin molecules in light of bioactive additive preparation. The enzymatic keratin hydrolysates were assessed in terms of the physico-chemical characteristics related to the content of dry substance, total nitrogen, keratin, ash, cysteic sulphur, and cysteine. The influence of enzymatic hydrolysis on molecular weight and amino acid composition was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Antimicrobial activity of keratin hydrolysates was analysed against Fusarium spp., a pathogenic fungus that can decrease the quality of plants. The bioactivity of enzymatic hydrolysates was tested on maize plants and allowed us to select the keratin hydrolysates processed with the Esperase and Valkerase enzymes. The ratio of organised structures of hydrolysate peptides was analysed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) deconvolution of the amide I band and may explain the difference in their bioactive behaviour. The most important modifications in the ATR spectra of maize leaves in correlation with the experimentally proven performance on maize development by plant length and chlorophyll index quantification were detailed. The potential of enzymatic hydrolysis to design additives with different bioactivity was shown in the case of plant growth stimulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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24 pages, 6931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Fe₃O₄@Carbon Nanoparticles and Their Biological Screening Related to Oral Administration

by Daniel Pop, Roxana Buzatu, Elena-Alina Moacă, Claudia Geanina Watz, Simona Cîntă Pînzaru, Lucian Barbu Tudoran, Fran Nekvapil, Ștefana Avram, Cristina Adriana Dehelean, Marius Octavian Crețu, Mirela Nicolov, Camelia Szuhanek and Anca Jivănescu

Materials 2021, 14(13), 3556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14133556 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3615

Abstract

The current study presents the effect of naked Fe₃O₄@Carbon nanoparticles obtained by the combustion method on primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and primary gingival keratinocytes (PGKs)—relevant cell lines of buccal oral mucosa. In this regard, the objectives of this [...] Read more.

The current study presents the effect of naked Fe₃O₄@Carbon nanoparticles obtained by the combustion method on primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and primary gingival keratinocytes (PGKs)—relevant cell lines of buccal oral mucosa. In this regard, the objectives of this study were as follows: (i) development via combustion method and characterization of nanosized magnetite particles with carbon on their surface, (ii) biocompatibility assessment of the obtained magnetic nanoparticles on HGF and PGK cell lines and (iii) evaluation of possible irritative reaction of Fe₃O₄@Carbon nanoparticles on the highly vascularized chorioallantoic membrane of a chick embryo. Physicochemical properties of Fe₃O₄@Carbon nanoparticles were characterized in terms of phase composition, chemical structure, and polymorphic and molecular interactions of the chemical bonds within the nanomaterial, magnetic measurements, ultrastructure, morphology, and elemental composition. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of magnetite as phase pure without any other secondary phases, and Raman spectroscopy exhibit that the pre-formed magnetic nanoparticles were covered with carbon film, resulting from the synthesis method employed. Scanning electron microscopy shown that nanoparticles obtained were uniformly distributed, with a nearly spherical shape with sizes at the nanometric level; iron, oxygen, and carbon were the only elements detected. While biological screening of Fe₃O₄@Carbon nanoparticles revealed no significant cytotoxic potential on the HGF and PGK cell lines, a slight sign of irritation was observed on a limited area on the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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17 pages, 2911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cashew Gum Polysaccharide Nanoparticles Grafted with Polypropylene Glycol as Carriers for Diclofenac Sodium

by Cassio Nazareno Silva da Silva, Maria Carolina Bezerra Di-Medeiros, Luciano Morais Lião, Kátia Flávia Fernandes and Karla de Aleluia Batista

Materials 2021, 14(9), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092115 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

This investigation focuses on the development and optimization of cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) nanoparticles grafted with polypropylene glycol (PPG) as carriers for diclofenac sodium. The optimization of parameters affecting nanoparticles formulation was performed using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). It was demonstrated [...] Read more.

This investigation focuses on the development and optimization of cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) nanoparticles grafted with polypropylene glycol (PPG) as carriers for diclofenac sodium. The optimization of parameters affecting nanoparticles formulation was performed using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). It was demonstrated that the best formulation was achieved when 10 mg of CGP was mixed with 10 μL of PPG and homogenized at 22,000 rpm for 15 min. The physicochemical characterization evidenced that diclofenac was efficiently entrapped, as increases in the thermal stability of the drug were observed. The CGP-PPG@diclofenac nanoparticles showed a globular shape, with smooth surfaces, a hydrodynamic diameter around 275 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.342, and a zeta potential of −5.98 mV. The kinetic studies evidenced that diclofenac release followed an anomalous transport mechanism, with a sustained release up to 68 h. These results indicated that CGP-PPG nanoparticles are an effective material for the loading/release of drugs with similar structures to diclofenac sodium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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14 pages, 10163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Silver Modified Bioactive Glassy Materials with Antibacterial Properties via Facile and Low-Temperature Route

by Isabel Gonzalo-Juan, Fangtong Xie, Malin Becker, Dilshat U. Tulyaganov, Emanuel Ionescu, Stefan Lauterbach, Francesca De Angelis Rigotti, Andreas Fischer and Ralf Riedel

Materials 2020, 13(22), 5115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13225115 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2520

Abstract

There is an increasing clinical need to develop novel biomaterials that combine regenerative and biocidal properties. In this work, we present the preparation of silver/silica-based glassy bioactive (ABG) compositions via a facile, fast (20 h), and low temperature (80 °C) approach and their [...] Read more.

There is an increasing clinical need to develop novel biomaterials that combine regenerative and biocidal properties. In this work, we present the preparation of silver/silica-based glassy bioactive (ABG) compositions via a facile, fast (20 h), and low temperature (80 °C) approach and their characterization. The fabrication process included the synthesis of the bioactive glass (BG) particles followed by the surface modification of the bioactive glass with silver nanoparticles. The microstructural features of ABG samples before and after exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF), as well as their ion release behavior during SBF test were evaluated using infrared spectrometry (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopies (TEM and SEM) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The antibacterial properties of the experimental compositions were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results indicated that the prepared ABG materials possess antibacterial activity against E. coli, which is directly correlated with the glass surface modification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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Review

Jump to: Research

33 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessReview

Strontium Functionalization of Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering Purposes: A Biological Point of View

by Giorgia Borciani, Gabriela Ciapetti, Chiara Vitale-Brovarone and Nicola Baldini

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051724 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 5360

Abstract

Strontium (Sr) is a trace element taken with nutrition and found in bone in close connection to native hydroxyapatite. Sr is involved in a dual mechanism of coupling the stimulation of bone formation with the inhibition of bone resorption, as reported in the [...] Read more.

Strontium (Sr) is a trace element taken with nutrition and found in bone in close connection to native hydroxyapatite. Sr is involved in a dual mechanism of coupling the stimulation of bone formation with the inhibition of bone resorption, as reported in the literature. Interest in studying Sr has increased in the last decades due to the development of strontium ranelate (SrRan), an orally active agent acting as an anti-osteoporosis drug. However, the use of SrRan was subjected to some limitations starting from 2014 due to its negative side effects on the cardiac safety of patients. In this scenario, an interesting perspective for the administration of Sr is the introduction of Sr ions in biomaterials for bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. This strategy has attracted attention thanks to its positive effects on bone formation, alongside the reduction of osteoclast activity, proven by in vitro and in vivo studies. The purpose of this review is to go through the classes of biomaterials most commonly used in BTE and functionalized with Sr, i.e., calcium phosphate ceramics, bioactive glasses, metal-based materials, and polymers. The works discussed in this review were selected as representative for each type of the above-mentioned categories, and the biological evaluation in vitro and/or in vivo was the main criterion for selection. The encouraging results collected from the in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations are outlined to highlight the potential applications of materials’ functionalization with Sr as an osteopromoting dopant in BTE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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24 pages, 1941 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Developments in Effective Antioxidants: The Structure and Antioxidant Properties

by Monika Parcheta, Renata Świsłocka, Sylwia Orzechowska, Monika Akimowicz, Renata Choińska and Włodzimierz Lewandowski

Materials 2021, 14(8), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081984 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 207 | Viewed by 13625

Abstract

Since the last few years, the growing interest in the use of natural and synthetic antioxidants as functional food ingredients and dietary supplements, is observed. The imbalance between the number of antioxidants and free radicals is the cause of oxidative damages of proteins, [...] Read more.

Since the last few years, the growing interest in the use of natural and synthetic antioxidants as functional food ingredients and dietary supplements, is observed. The imbalance between the number of antioxidants and free radicals is the cause of oxidative damages of proteins, lipids, and DNA. The aim of the study was the review of recent developments in antioxidants. One of the crucial issues in food technology, medicine, and biotechnology is the excess free radicals reduction to obtain healthy food. The major problem is receiving more effective antioxidants. The study aimed to analyze the properties of efficient antioxidants and a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of antioxidant processes. Our researches and sparing literature data prove that the ligand antioxidant properties complexed by selected metals may significantly affect the free radical neutralization. According to our preliminary observation, this efficiency is improved mainly by the metals of high ion potential, e.g., Fe(III), Cr(III), Ln(III), Y(III). The complexes of delocalized electronic charge are better antioxidants. Experimental literature results of antioxidant assays, such as diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing activity power assay (FRAP), were compared to thermodynamic parameters obtained with computational methods. The mechanisms of free radicals creation were described based on the experimental literature data. Changes in HOMO energy distribution in phenolic acids with an increasing number of hydroxyl groups were observed. The antioxidant properties of flavonoids are strongly dependent on the hydroxyl group position and the catechol moiety. The number of methoxy groups in the phenolic acid molecules influences antioxidant activity. The use of synchrotron techniques in the antioxidants electronic structure analysis was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive and Functional Materials)

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