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9 pages, 2894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiscale Spectral Analysis on Lysozyme Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of PolyEthyleneGlycol

by Maria Teresa Caccamo and Salvatore Magazù

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8760; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248760 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

Infrared spectroscopy measurements were performed on Lysozyme aqueous solutions also in the presence of PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG 400) as a function of an increasing temperature from T = 27 °C to 90 °C, and, successively in sequence, by decreasing temperatures from T = [...] Read more.

Infrared spectroscopy measurements were performed on Lysozyme aqueous solutions also in the presence of PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG 400) as a function of an increasing temperature from T = 27 °C to 90 °C, and, successively in sequence, by decreasing temperatures from T = 90 °C to 27 °C. Data were analyzed by evaluating the spectral difference with respect to the initial spectrum collected at 27 °C. This procedure allows to quantitatively evaluate the thermal restraint related to the thermal scan from T = 27 °C to 90 °C, as well as to introduce a spectral resilience concerning the entire increasing and decreasing thermal paths which allow to highlight the bioprotectant effectiveness of low molecular weight PEG. In particular, the main purpose of the present work is to highlight the effects of a thermal treatment on a mixture of Lysozyme/water and of Lysozyme/water/PEG 400 during an increasing temperature scan, and then after a successive decreasing temperature scan, in order to highlight the bioprotectant role of PEG 400. On that score, an evaluation of the spectral distances of the registered spectra as a function of increasing and decreasing temperatures has been performed and analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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11 pages, 2836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stabilization Effects Induced by Trehalose on Creatine Aqueous Solutions Investigated by Infrared Spectroscopy

by Maria Teresa Caccamo and Salvatore Magazù

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6310; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196310 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1589

Abstract

Creatine is a very popular amino acid widely utilized in the sports world due to its functions mainly related to muscle building and increasing performance. The present work investigates the behavior of creatine aqueous solutions and of creatine aqueous in the presence of [...] Read more.

Creatine is a very popular amino acid widely utilized in the sports world due to its functions mainly related to muscle building and increasing performance. The present work investigates the behavior of creatine aqueous solutions and of creatine aqueous in the presence of trehalose as a function of time changes by means of Infrared spectroscopy. Infrared spectra have been gathered and studied over time for both the full spectrum and the intramolecular OH-stretching region for the two mixtures. This latter region was studied more specifically using a cutting-edge technique called Spectral Distance (SD). From this analysis of the spectral features of the investigated samples, it emerges that trehalose has a significant stabilizing effect on creatine aqueous solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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12 pages, 2394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanomechanical Properties of Articular Cartilage Due to the PRP Injection in Experimental Osteoarthritis in Rabbits

by Mikhail Ihnatouski, Jolanta Pauk, Boris Karev and Dmitrij Karev

Molecules 2020, 25(16), 3734; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25163734 - 15 Aug 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2927

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold. Firstly, we proposed a measurement protocol for the atomic force microscopy (AFM) method to determine the nanomechanical properties of articular cartilage in experimental osteoarthritis in rabbits. Then, we verified if mechanical properties can be evaluated with [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was twofold. Firstly, we proposed a measurement protocol for the atomic force microscopy (AFM) method to determine the nanomechanical properties of articular cartilage in experimental osteoarthritis in rabbits. Then, we verified if mechanical properties can be evaluated with AFM shortly after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. We hypothesized that the modulus determined by AFM indentation experiments could be utilized as a progressive disease marker during the treatment of osteoarthritis. The rabbits were equally divided into three groups of six: control (group 1); injections of saline (0.5 mL) and 10% surgical talc (Talcum Pharmaceutical^®, Minsk, Belarus) were delivered into the right knee under the patella (group 2 and 3); and PRP was injected into the right knee (group 3). In group 2, the arithmetic average of absolute values (Ra) change was a 25% increase; the maximum peak height (Rp) increased by over 102%, while the mean spacing between local peaks (S) increased by 28% (p < 0.05). In group 3, Ra increased by 14% and Rp increased by 32%, while S decreased by 75% (p < 0.05). The Young’s modulus of the surface layers decreased by 18% as a result of induced model of osteoarthritis (IMO) (p < 0.05), and it increased by 9% (p < 0.05) as a result of PRP therapy, which means that the mechanical properties of cartilage were partially recovered. This research demonstrates that Young’s modulus utilized on a nanometer scale has potential to be a progressive disease marker during the treatment of osteoarthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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Review

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19 pages, 2395 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Electrospun Water-Soluble Synthetic Polymers for Multifunctional Air Filters and Face Masks

by Gerardo Grasso, Daniela Zane, Sabrina Foglia and Roberto Dragone

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8753; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248753 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1818

Abstract

The worsening of air quality is an urgent human health issue of modern society. The outbreak of COVID-19 has made the improvement of air quality even more imperative, both for the general achievement of major health gains and to reduce the critical factors [...] Read more.

The worsening of air quality is an urgent human health issue of modern society. The outbreak of COVID-19 has made the improvement of air quality even more imperative, both for the general achievement of major health gains and to reduce the critical factors in the transmission of airborne diseases. Thus, the development of solutions for the filtration of airborne pollutants is pivotal. Electrospinning has gained wide attention as an effective fabrication technique for preparing ultrafine fibers which are specifically tailored for air filtration. Nevertheless, the utilization of harmful organic solvents is the major barrier for the large-scale applicability of electrospinning. The use of water-soluble synthetic polymers has attracted increasing attention as a ‘green’ solution in electrospinning. We reported an overview of the last five years of the scientific literature on the use of water-soluble synthetic polymers for the fabrication of multifunctional air filters layers. Most of recent studies have focused on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Various modifications of electrospun polymers have been also described. The use of water-soluble synthetic polymers can contribute to the scalability of electrospinning and pave the way to innovative applications. Further studies will be required to fully harness the potentiality of these ‘greener’ electrospinning processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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41 pages, 9233 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Stimuli-Responsive Smart Materials for Wearable Technology in Healthcare: Retrospective, Perspective, and Prospective

by Valentina Trovato, Silvia Sfameni, Giulia Rando, Giuseppe Rosace, Sebania Libertino, Ada Ferri and Maria Rosaria Plutino

Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5709; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175709 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6541

Abstract

In recent years thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for the development of miniaturized and wearable sensors has skyrocketed. Among them, novel sensors for wearable medical devices are mostly needed. The aim of this review is to summarize the advancements [...] Read more.

In recent years thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for the development of miniaturized and wearable sensors has skyrocketed. Among them, novel sensors for wearable medical devices are mostly needed. The aim of this review is to summarize the advancements in this field from current points of view, focusing on sensors embedded into textile fabrics. Indeed, they are portable, lightweight, and the best candidates for monitoring biometric parameters. The possibility of integrating chemical sensors into textiles has opened new markets in smart clothing. Many examples of these systems are represented by color-changing materials due to their capability of altering optical properties, including absorption, reflectance, and scattering, in response to different external stimuli (temperature, humidity, pH, or chemicals). With the goal of smart health monitoring, nanosized sol–gel precursors, bringing coupling agents into their chemical structure, were used to modify halochromic dyestuffs, both minimizing leaching from the treated surfaces and increasing photostability for the development of stimuli-responsive sensors. The literature about the sensing properties of functionalized halochromic azo dyestuffs applied to textile fabrics is reviewed to understand their potential for achieving remote monitoring of health parameters. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are discussed to envisage the developed strategies for the next generation of functionalized halochromic dyestuffs with biocompatible and real-time stimuli-responsive capabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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30 pages, 5199 KiB

Open AccessReview

Functional Nanohybrids and Nanocomposites Development for the Removal of Environmental Pollutants and Bioremediation

by Giulia Rando, Silvia Sfameni, Maurilio Galletta, Dario Drommi, Simone Cappello and Maria Rosaria Plutino

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4856; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154856 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4207

Abstract

World population growth, with the consequent consumption of primary resources and production of waste, is progressively and seriously increasing the impact of anthropic activities on the environment and ecosystems. Environmental pollution deriving from anthropogenic activities is nowadays a serious problem that afflicts our [...] Read more.

World population growth, with the consequent consumption of primary resources and production of waste, is progressively and seriously increasing the impact of anthropic activities on the environment and ecosystems. Environmental pollution deriving from anthropogenic activities is nowadays a serious problem that afflicts our planet and that cannot be neglected. In this regard, one of the most challenging tasks of the 21st century is to develop new eco-friendly, sustainable and economically-sound technologies to remediate the environment from pollutants. Nanotechnologies and new performing nanomaterials, thanks to their unique features, such as high surface area (surface/volume ratio), catalytic capacity, reactivity and easy functionalization to chemically modulate their properties, represent potential for the development of sustainable, advanced and innovative products/techniques for environmental (bio)remediation. This review discusses the most recent innovations of environmental recovery strategies of polluted areas based on different nanocomposites and nanohybrids with some examples of their use in combination with bioremediation techniques. In particular, attention is focused on eco-friendly and regenerable nano-solutions and their safe-by-design properties to support the latest research and innovation on sustainable strategies in the field of environmental (bio)remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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40 pages, 4090 KiB

Open AccessReview

Synthesis, Chemical–Physical Characterization, and Biomedical Applications of Functional Gold Nanoparticles: A Review

by Ileana Ielo, Giulia Rando, Fausta Giacobello, Silvia Sfameni, Angela Castellano, Maurilio Galletta, Dario Drommi, Giuseppe Rosace and Maria Rosaria Plutino

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 5823; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195823 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 8165

Abstract

Relevant properties of gold nanoparticles, such as stability and biocompatibility, together with their peculiar optical and electronic behavior, make them excellent candidates for medical and biological applications. This review describes the different approaches to the synthesis, surface modification, and characterization of gold nanoparticles [...] Read more.

Relevant properties of gold nanoparticles, such as stability and biocompatibility, together with their peculiar optical and electronic behavior, make them excellent candidates for medical and biological applications. This review describes the different approaches to the synthesis, surface modification, and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) related to increasing their stability and available features useful for employment as drug delivery systems or in hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. The synthetic methods reported span from the well-known Turkevich synthesis, reduction with NaBH₄ with or without citrate, seeding growth, ascorbic acid-based, green synthesis, and Brust–Schiffrin methods. Furthermore, the nanosized functionalization of the AuNP surface brought about the formation of self-assembled monolayers through the employment of polymer coatings as capping agents covalently bonded to the nanoparticles. The most common chemical–physical characterization techniques to determine the size, shape and surface coverage of AuNPs are described underlining the structure–activity correlation in the frame of their applications in the biomedical and biotechnology sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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17 pages, 7788 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Different Facets of Triclocarban: A Review

by Domenico Iacopetta, Alessia Catalano, Jessica Ceramella, Carmela Saturnino, Lara Salvagno, Ileana Ielo, Dario Drommi, Elisabetta Scali, Maria Rosaria Plutino, Giuseppe Rosace and Maria Stefania Sinicropi

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2811; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092811 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 5118

Abstract

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, it was discovered that the substitution on aromatic rings of hydrogen atoms with chlorine yielded a novel chemistry of antimicrobials. However, within a few years, many of these compounds and formulations showed adverse effects, including human [...] Read more.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, it was discovered that the substitution on aromatic rings of hydrogen atoms with chlorine yielded a novel chemistry of antimicrobials. However, within a few years, many of these compounds and formulations showed adverse effects, including human toxicity, ecotoxicity, and unwanted environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, quickly leading to regulatory bans and phase-outs. Among these, the triclocarban, a polychlorinated aromatic antimicrobial agent, was employed as a major ingredient of toys, clothing, food packaging materials, food industry floors, medical supplies, and especially of personal care products, such as soaps, toothpaste, and shampoo. Triclocarban has been widely used for over 50 years, but only recently some concerns were raised about its endocrine disruptive properties. In September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned its use in over-the-counter hand and body washes because of its toxicity. The withdrawal of triclocarban has prompted the efforts to search for new antimicrobial compounds and several analogues of triclocarban have also been studied. In this review, an examination of different facets of triclocarban and its analogues will be analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Healthcare)

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