Submit to Nanomaterials Review for Nanomaterials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Published Papers

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 30356

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Rafał Jakub Wiglusz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-901 Warszawa, Poland
2. Department of Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, 44100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: biomaterials; biomimetics; biopolymers; hydrogels; nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Anna Lukowiak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Spectroscopy of Excited States, Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Okólna St. 2, 50-422 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: sensors; laser spectroscopy; optics; nanoparticles; material characterization; nanomaterials; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committees of the 1st International Conference on Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications, AMBRA 2022, to be held on May 16–19, 2022 in Wroclaw, Poland, we have the great pleasure to invite you to became a participant (https://ambra.intibs.pl/).

The AMBRA 2022 conference will be organized for the first time by the interdisciplinary scientific community of the city of Wroclaw, Poland. During the event, we would like to initiate a forum for discussion on advanced materials that find applications in many biological and medical fields. Thus, we hope to meet experts working in nanotechnology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, maxillofacial engineering, microbiology, pharmacy, agriculture, and other areas.

The Scope of the AMBRA 2022 Conference:

The aim and mission of the AMBRA 2022 conference is to present the current state of progress in R&D in the field of biomedical sciences and materials engineering, and to create a forum between the participants to discuss cooperation and progress on the subject of the meeting. The conference's subject matter gives hope and looks toward solving the dilemmas related to modern biomaterials, especially in the areas of nanotechnology, advanced biomaterials, orthopaedics, cardiac surgery, tissue engineering, facial-jaw engineering, pharmaceuticals and biomechanics, and medical equipment.

Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to:

Biomaterials
Nanomaterials
Bioimaging
Biological applications
Medical applications

Prof. Dr. Rafał Jakub Wiglusz
Dr. Anna Lukowiak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (14 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 3285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Photovoltage Response of ZnO to Phosphate-Buffered Saline Solution with and without Presence of Staphylococcus aureus

by Dustin A. Johnson, John M. Reeks, Alexander J. Caron, Shauna M. McGillivray, Rafal J. Wiglusz and Yuri M. Strzhemechny

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(10), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13101652 - 16 May 2023

Viewed by 1003

Abstract

Nano- and microscale zinc oxide (ZnO) exhibits significant potential as a novel antibacterial agent in biomedical applications. However, the uncertainty regarding the underlying mechanisms of the observed antimicrobial action inhibits the realization of this potential. Particularly, the nature of interactions at the free crystalline surface and the influence of the local bacterial environment remains unclear. In this investigation, we utilize ZnO particles synthesized via tunable hydrothermal growth method as a platform to elucidate the effects of interactions with phosphate-rich environments and differentiate them from those with bacteria. This is achieved using the time- and energy-dependent surface photovoltage (SPV) to monitor modifications of the surface electronic structure and surface charge dynamics of the ZnO particles due to these interactions. It is found that there exists a dramatic change in the SPV transients after exposure to phosphate-rich environments. It also presents differences in the sub-bandgap surface electronic structure after these exposures. It can be suggested that these phenomena are a consequence of phosphate adsorption at surface traps corresponding to zinc deficiency defects. This effect is shown to be suppressed in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Our results support the previously proposed model of the competitive nature of interactions between S. aureus and aqueous phosphates with the free surface of ZnO and bring greater clarity to the effects of phosphate-rich environments on bacterial growth inhibition of ZnO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Investigation of Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Phosphate–Vanadate Hydroxyapatite Co-Doped with Tb³⁺ and Sr²⁺ Ions

by Natalia Charczuk, Nicole Nowak and Rafal J. Wiglusz

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030457 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1331

Abstract

Searching for biocompatible materials with proper luminescent properties is of fundamental importance, as they can be applied in fluorescent labeling and regenerative medicine. In this study, we obtained new phosphate–vanadate hydroxyapatites (abbr. HVps) co-doped with Sr²⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions via the hydrothermal method. We focused on examining the effect of various annealing temperatures (500, 600 and 700 °C) on the spectroscopic properties and morphology of the obtained HVps. To characterize their morphology, XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction), SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectrometry), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy and ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry) techniques were used. A further study of luminescent properties and cytocompatibility showed that the obtained HVps co-doped with Sr²⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions are highly biocompatible and able to enhance the proliferation process and can therefore be potentially used as fluorescent probes or in regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 5591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Fertilization by the Sol-Gel Particles Containing Cu and Zn

by Beata Borak, Krzysztof Gediga, Urszula Piszcz and Elżbieta Sacała

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010165 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Silica particles with the size of 150–200 nm containing Ca, P, Cu or Zn ions were synthesized with the sol-gel method and tested as a foliar fertilizer on three plant species: maize Zea mays, wheat Triticum sativum and rape Brassica napus L. var napus growing on two types of soils: neutral and acidic. The aqueous suspensions of the studied particles were sprayed on the chosen leaves and also on the whole tested plants. At a specific stage of plant development determined according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale, the leaves and the whole plants were harvested and dried, and the content of Cu and Zn was determined with the AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy) method. The engineered particles were compared with a water solution of CuSO₄ and ZnSO₄ (0.1%) used as a conventional fertilizer. In many cases, the copper-containing particles improved the metal supply to plants more effectively than the CuSO₄. The zinc-containing particles had less effect on both the growth of plants and the metal concentration in the plants. All the tested particles were not toxic to the examined plants, although some of them caused a slight reduction in plants growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cation-Exchange in Metal-Organic Framework as a Strategy to Obtain New Material for Ascorbic Acid Detection

by Weronika Bodylska, Marzena Fandzloch, Rafał Szukiewicz and Anna Lukowiak

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4480; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244480 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an important biomolecule, the deficiency or maladjustment of which is associated with the symptoms of many diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease or cancer). Therefore, there is a need to develop a fluorescent probe capable of detecting AA in aqueous media. Here, we report the synthesis, structural, and spectroscopic characterization (by means of, e.g., XRD, XPS, IR and Raman spectroscopy, TG, SEM, and EDS analyses), as well as the photoluminescent properties of a metal–organic framework (MOF) based on Cu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions. The ion-exchange process of the extraframework cation in anionic Cu-based MOF is proposed as an appropriate strategy to obtain a new material with a nondisturbed structure and a sensitivity to interaction with AA. Accordingly, a novel Eu[Cu₃(μ₃-OH)(μ₃-4-carboxypyrazolato)₃] compound for the selective optical detection of AA with a short detection time of 5 min is described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 5512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural, Spectroscopic, and Biological Characterization of Novel Rubidium(I) and Europium(III) Co-Doped Nano-Hydroxyapatite Materials and Their Potential Use in Regenerative Medicine

by Nicole Nowak, Dominika Czekanowska, John M. Reeks and Rafal J. Wiglusz

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4475; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244475 - 17 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

This research investigates hydrothermally synthesized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles doped with rubidium(I) and europium(III) ions. Investigation focused on establishing the influence of co-doped Eu³⁺ and Rb⁺ ions on hydroxyapatite lattice. Therefore, structural, and morphological properties were characterized via using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Furthermore, this investigation evaluates the impact of various Rb⁺ ion doping concentrations on the distinct red emission of co-doped Eu³⁺ ions. Hence, luminescence properties of the obtained materials were evaluated by measuring emission excitation, emission spectra, and luminescence decays. As established by numerous studies, synthetic hydroxyapatite has excellent application in biomedical field, as it is fully biocompatible. Its biocompatible makes it highly useful in the biomedical field as a bone fracture filler or hydroxyapatite coated dental implant. By the incorporation of Eu³⁺ ions and Rb⁺ ions we established the impact these co-doped ions have on the biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite powders. Therefore, biocompatibility toward a ram’s red blood cells was evaluated to exclude potential cytotoxic features of the synthesized compounds. Additionally, experimental in vitro bioactive properties of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles doped with Rb⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions were established using a mouse osteoblast model. These properties are discussed in detail as they contribute to a novel method in regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 10055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Different Types of Micro- and Nanostructured Materials for Bone Grafting Application

by Sara Targonska, Sebastian Dominiak, Rafał J. Wiglusz and Marzena Dominiak

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213752 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1358

Abstract

The insufficient volume of dental ridges is one of the most severe problems regarding an oral cavity. An inadequate amount can cause problems during various types of dental treatment. Its complexity originates from the etiopathogenesis of this problem. In this study, the representatives of auto-, allo-, and xenografts are compared. The physic-chemical differences between each of them were evaluated using XRD (X-ray Powder Diffraction), a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), FT-IR (Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy), and TGA (thermogravimetric analysis). Based on the SEM images, it was observed that the origin of the material has an influence on collagen fiber compact level and porosity. Following a comparison of FT-IR spectra and XRD, the crystal and chemical structures were described. Based on TGA, different water concentrations of the investigated materials, their high thermal stability, and concentration of inorganic phase, hydroxyapatite was determined. The presented study is important because it delivers information about chemical structure and its impact on bone regeneration. This knowledge should be taken into consideration by dental clinicians, because different types of bone grafts can accommodate the achievement of various goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 3852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Diabetic Wound Healing Using Electrospun Biocompatible PLGA-Based Saxagliptin Fibrous Membranes

by Chen-Hung Lee, Shu-Chun Huang, Kuo-Chun Hung, Chia-Jung Cho and Shih-Jung Liu

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3740; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213740 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1531

Abstract

Delayed diabetic wound healing is an adverse event that frequently leads to limb disability or loss. A novel and promising vehicle for the treatment of diabetic wounds is required for clinical purposes. The biocompatible and resorbable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based fibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning that provide a sustained discharge of saxagliptin for diabetic wound healing were fabricated. The concentration of released saxagliptin in Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline was analyzed for 30 days using high-performance liquid chromatography. The effectiveness of the eluted saxagliptin was identified using an endothelial progenitor cell migration assay in vitro and a diabetic wound healing in vivo. Greater hydrophilicity and water storage were shown in the saxagliptin-incorporated PLGA membranes than in the pristine PLGA membranes (both p < 0.001). For diabetic wound healing, the saxagliptin membranes accelerated the wound closure rate, the dermal thickness, and the heme oxygenase-1 level over the follicle areas compared to those in the pristine PLGA group at two weeks post-treatment. The saxagliptin group also had remarkably higher expressions of insulin-like growth factor I expression and transforming growth factor-β1 than the control group (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively) in diabetic wounds after treatment. The electrospun PLGA-based saxagliptin membranes exhibited excellent biomechanical and biological features that enhanced diabetic wound closure and increased the antioxidant activity, cellular granulation, and functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 1210 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Novel CaO–SiO₂–P₂O₅ Nanobioglass Activated with Hafnium Phthalocyanine

by Yuriy Gerasymchuk, Anna Wedzynska and Anna Lukowiak

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(10), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12101719 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1154

Abstract

Bioactive glasses are materials which can be used in medicine for regeneration of hard and soft tissues. Their functionalization with active molecules or addition to composites broaden significantly the possible range of glass applications. Hereby, we describe photoactive nanoparticles of CaO–SiO₂–P₂O₅ glass modified with dichlorohafnium (IV) phthalocyanine. The low-temperature, sol–gel based reverse micelle method was proposed for the synthesis, which allowed introduction of metal organic molecules into the glass composition. The morphology, structure, and composition of the material was described showing that spherical but agglomerated glass nanoparticles (size below 100 nm) were obtained in the ternary system. It was also shown that optical properties of the phthalocyanine complex were maintained after immobilization of the dye in the glass. The photoluminescence and generation of singlet oxygen molecules were observed under the light irradiation of the glass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5625 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Study of Vanadate Group Substitution into Nanosized Hydroxyapatite Doped with Eu³⁺ Ions as a Potential Tissue Replacement Material

by Nicole Nowak and Rafal Jakub Wiglusz

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12010077 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

In this study, nanosized vanadate-substituted hydroxyapatites doped with 1 mol% and 2 mol% Eu³⁺ ions were obtained via the precipitation method. To evaluate the structure and morphology of the obtained compounds, the XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction) technique, Rietveld refinement, SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectrometry) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) techniques as well as FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy were performed. Moreover, the chemical formula was confirmed using the ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy spectroscopy). The calculated average grain size for powders was in the range of 25 to 90 nm. The luminescence properties of vanadium-substituted hydroxyapatite were evaluated by recording emission spectra and excitation spectra as well as luminescence kinetics. The crucial step of this research was the evaluation of the biocompatibility of the synthesized nanomaterials. Therefore, the obtained compounds were tested toward sheep red blood cells and normal human dermal fibroblast to confirm the nontoxicity and biocompatibility of new nanosized Eu³⁺ ion-doped vanadate-hydroxyapatite. Moreover, the final step of the research allowed us to determine the time dependent ion release to the simulated body fluid environment. The study confirmed cytocompatibility of vanadium hydroxyapatite doped with Eu³⁺ ions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

8 pages, 2680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Er³⁺-Ions-Doped Multiscale Nanoprobes for Fluorescence Imaging in Cellular and Living Mice

by Cong Cao, Yu Xie, Shi-Wen Li and Chang Hong

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2676; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102676 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1501

Abstract

With the development of biotechnology, luminescent nanoprobes for biological disease detection are widely used. However, the further application in clinic is limited by the reduced penetration depth in the tissues and light scattering. In this work, we have synthesized NaYF₄:Yb,Er,Ce@SiO₂-OAlg nanomaterials, which have both upconversion and near-infrared (NIR) luminescence. The optimized probes were determined to achieve cell imaging by its upconversion (UCL) luminescence and in vivo imaging through collection of NIR fluorescence signals simultaneously. The research is conducive to developing accurate diagnostic techniques based on UCL and NIR fluorescence imaging by a single nanoparticle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 10578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of a Knitted Hydrophilic Prosthesis of Blood Vessels on the Activation of Coagulation System—In Vitro Study

by Maria Szymonowicz, Maciej Dobrzynski, Sara Targonska, Agnieszka Rusak, Zbigniew Rybak, Marcin H. Struszczyk, Jacek Majda, Damian Szymanski and Rafal J. Wiglusz

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061600 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1953

Abstract

The replacement of affected blood vessels of the polymer material can cause imbalances in the blood haemostatic system. Changes in blood after the implantation of vascular grafts depend not only on the chemical composition but also on the degree of surface wettability. The Dallon^® H unsealed hydrophilic knitted vascular prosthesis double velour was assessed at work and compare with hydrophobic vascular prosthesis Dallon^®. Spectrophotometric studies were performed in the infrared and differential scanning calorimetry, which confirmed the effectiveness of the process of modifying vascular prostheses. Determination of the parameters of coagulation time of blood after contact in vitro with Dallon^® H vascular prosthesis was also carried out. Prolongation of activated thromboplastin time, decreased activity of factor XII, IX and VIII, were observed. The prolonged thrombin and fibrinogen were reduced in the initial period of the experiment. The activity of plasminogen and antithrombin III and protein C were at the level of control value. The observed changes in the values of determined parameters blood coagulation do not exceed the range of referential values for those indexes. The observed changes are the result of considerable blood absorptiveness by the prosthesis of blood vessels and their sealing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 4954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Flebogrif^®—A New Tool for Mechanical Sclerotherapy—Effectiveness Assessment Based on Animal Model

by Zbigniew Rybak, Maciej Janeczek, Maciej Dobrzynski, Marta Wujczyk, Albert Czerski, Piotr Kuropka, Agnieszka Noszczyk-Nowak, Maria Szymonowicz, Aleksandra Sender-Janeczek, Katarzyna Wiglusz and Rafal J. Wiglusz

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11020544 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2907

Abstract

Sclerotherapy is the chemical occlusion of vessels using an intravenous injection of a liquid or foamed sclerosing agent that is used in the therapy of blood and lymphatic vessels malformations in the young, and for spider veins, smaller varicose veins, hemorrhoids and hydroceles in adults. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mechanosclerotherapy of venous veins with a new device—Flebogrif^®—based on an animal model. The experiment was performed on nine Polish Merino sheep weighing 40–50 kilograms. The animals were anesthetized intravenously. The material was divided into three groups: two experimental (1 and 2) and control (3) group. The first experimental group was treated with the use of Flebogrif^® and a sclerosant simultaneously, while only Flebogrif^® was used in the second experimental group. Flebogrif^® was applied into the lateral saphenous vein of both pelvic limbs. The vessel wall thickness was estimated at four points of the histological image in mm (V1, V2, V3, V4). For one month, the animals were euthanized, and the occlusion rate of the treated veins and changes in the vein wall were determined. Histological slides were analyzed under a light microscope and histometry of the vein wall was performed. The Shapiro–Wilk test and the quantity of the investigated parameter groups allowed for using a non-parametric method at four points to compare thickness measurements (the Mann–Whitney test), with p < 0.05. The Mann–Whitney test indicated statistically significant differences between both experimental groups. The results obtained from morphometrical and histological analysis showed better results in the first experimental group than those of the second experimental group. Finally, statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the both the experimental group and control group in morphological analysis. The achieved results allowed us to conclude that the simultaneous use of Flebogrif^® and a sclerosant yielded better results of vein lumen reduction than the use of Flebogrif^® alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 2378 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Selected Biomaterials and Stem Cells in the Regeneration of Hard Dental Tissue in Paediatric Dentistry—Based on the Current Literature

by Alina Wrzyszcz-Kowalczyk, Maciej Dobrzynski, Iwona Grzesiak-Gasek, Wojciech Zakrzewski, Monika Mysiak-Debska, Patrycja Nowak, Malgorzata Zimolag and Rafal J. Wiglusz

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3374; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123374 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3628

Abstract

Currently, the development of the use of biomaterials and their application in medicine is causing rapid changes in the fields of regenerative dentistry. Each year, new research studies allow for the discovery of additional possibilities of dental tissue restoration. The structure and functions of teeth are complex. They consist of several diverse tissues that need to act together to ensure the tooth’s function and durability. The integrity of a tooth’s enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp tissue allows for successful mastication. Biomaterials that are needed in dentistry must withstand excessive loading forces, be biocompatible with the hosts’ tissues, and stable in the oral cavity environment. Moreover, each tooth’s tissue, as well as aesthetic qualities in most cases, should closely resemble the natural dental tissues. This is why tissue regeneration in dentistry is such a challenge. This scientific research focuses on paediatric dentistry, its classification of caries, and the use of biomaterials in rebuilding hard dental tissues. There are several methods described in the study, including classical conservative methods such as caries infiltration or stainless-steel crowns. Several clinical cases are present, allowing a reader to better understand the described methods. Although the biomaterials mentioned in this work are artificial, there is currently ongoing research regarding clinical stem cell applications, which have a high potential for becoming one of the most common techniques of lost dental-tissue regeneration in the near future. The current state of stem cell development is mentioned, as well as the various methods of its possible application in dentistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 2393 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Agricultural and Biomedical Applications of Chitosan-Based Nanomaterials

by Subhani Bandara, Hongbo Du, Laura Carson, Debra Bradford and Raghava Kommalapati

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10101903 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 6032

Abstract

Chitosan has emerged as a biodegradable, nontoxic polymer with multiple beneficial applications in the agricultural and biomedical sectors. As nanotechnology has evolved as a promising field, researchers have incorporated chitosan-based nanomaterials in a variety of products to enhance their efficacy and biocompatibility. Moreover, due to its inherent antimicrobial and chelating properties, and the availability of modifiable functional groups, chitosan nanoparticles were also directly used in a variety of applications. In this review, the use of chitosan-based nanomaterials in agricultural and biomedical fields related to the management of abiotic stress in plants, water availability for crops, controlling foodborne pathogens, and cancer photothermal therapy is discussed, with some insights into the possible mechanisms of action. Additionally, the toxicity arising from the accumulation of these nanomaterials in biological systems and future research avenues that had gained limited attention from the scientific community are discussed here. Overall, chitosan-based nanomaterials show promising characteristics for sustainable agricultural practices and effective healthcare in an eco-friendly manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Bio-Related Applications)

► Show Figures