Search Results (186)

Nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical properties that position them as promising candidates for environmental remediation, particularly in the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from aqueous systems. Their high surface area, tunable functionality, and strong adsorption capabilities have attracted significant attention. In this context, this paper reviews the mechanisms of nanomaterial-based POP decontamination, also providing a critical overview of the limitations and challenges in applying these methods. Specifically, issues of stability, reusability, and aggregation are discussed, which can lead to performance decay during repeated use. In addition, the practical application requires nanocomposites to enable efficient separation and mitigate agglomeration. Environmental concerns also arise from nanomaterials’ fate, transport, and potential toxicity, which may impact aquatic ecosystems and non-target organisms. When checking for large-scale application feasibility, impurities typically add to production costs, recovery problems, and general infrastructure limitations. In addition to these points, there are no standard guidelines or clear risk assessment procedures for registering a product. Unprecedented cross-disciplinary research between natural, human, and technological studies and outreach programs is needed to facilitate the development and diffusion of the results. The barriers will eventually be breached to move from laboratory success in developing the desperately needed new water purification technologies to field-ready water treatment solutions that can address the global POP contamination problem. Full article

Spinal injuries have a major impact on patients’ quality of life due to the implacable consequences they bring, such as reduced mobility and loss of flexibility, in most cases requiring surgery to restore spinal stability and functionality. In this respect, spinal fixation devices represent an important strategy to stabilize the spine after severe injuries or degenerative conditions, providing structural support and preserving spinal function. However, at the moment, the materials used to manufacture spinal implants present numerous disadvantages (e.g., Young’s modulus larger than cortical bone, which can produce bone resorption and implant enlargement) that can lead to implant failure. In this context, nanotechnology can offer promising solutions, bringing improved properties (e.g., biocompatibility, osseointegration, and increased mechanical performance) that increase the potential for obtaining devices customized to patients’ needs. Thus, the present work aims to present an overview of the types of nanocoating surface modification, the impact of rough and porous implant surfaces, and the integration of bioactive nanoparticles that reduce the risk of infection and implant rejection. In addition, incorporating 3D printing technology and the use of biodegradable materials into the discussion provides a valuable perspective for future studies in this field. Although the emerging results are encouraging, further studies to assess the long-term safety of implant coatings are needed. Full article

Due to the need for reproducible, scalable, and environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis methods, an increasing amount of scientific interest revolves around microfluidic technologies. In this context, the present paper proposes a new three-dimensional (3D) spiral microfluidic platform designed and tested for the simultaneous synthesis and surface functionalization of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles with salicylic acid (SA). The microreactor was fabricated from overlaid polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sheets and assembled into a compact, reusable chip architecture, allowing continuous reagent mixing and enhanced hydrodynamic control. The performed physicochemical analyses confirmed that on-chip synthesized Fe₃O₄@SA NPs exhibit crystallinity, a uniform spherical morphology, a narrow size distribution, excellent colloidal stability, and successful surface functionalization. In vitro cytotoxicity assays using MRC-5 lung fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes revealed a concentration-dependent response, identifying a safe dose range below 610 µg/mL. The integrated design, efficient synthesis, and favorable biocompatibility profile position this 3D microfluidic platform as a promising tool for scalable nanomaterial production in biomedical and environmental applications. Full article

The biological complexity of sarcopenia presents a major challenge for therapeutic intervention due to the wide range of degenerative changes it induces in skeletal muscle. This study demonstrates the potential of liposomal controlled release systems to address these challenges by combining two bioactive agents with complementary actions: caffeine (CAF), encapsulated in DMPC-based liposomes, and hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA), encapsulated in DOPC-based liposomes. A hybrid system was also developed to deliver both substances simultaneously, aiming to restore tissue function through combined metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects. The liposomes exhibited nanoscale dimensions, spherical morphology, and intact membrane structure, as confirmed by electron microscopy. DLS analysis indicated good colloidal stability and monodisperse size distribution across all formulations, with improved stability observed in the hybrid system. Drug release studies showed a time-dependent profile, with HAMA releasing rapidly and CAF releasing gradually, supporting a dual-action therapeutic approach tailored to the multifactorial pathology of sarcopenia. The biological assays, performed in an established in vitro sarcopenia model, revealed the potential of liposomes co-delivering caffeine and HAMA to mitigate oxidative stress, preserve mitochondrial function, and reduce apoptosis in H₂O₂-damaged myotubes. Full article

Aerogels have gained much interest in the last decades due to their specific properties, such as high porosity, high surface area, and low density, which have caused them to be used in multiple and varied fields. As the applicability of aerogels is tightly correlated to their morpho-structural features, special consideration must be allocated to the fabrication method. An emerging technique for producing nanostructured materials with tailored morphology and dimensions is represented by continuous-flow microfluidics. In this context, this work explores the synergic combination of aerogel-based materials with microfluidic synthesis platforms to generate advanced nanocomposite adsorbents for water decontamination. Specifically, this study presents the novel synthesis of a magnetic silica-based aerogel using a custom-designed 3D microfluidic platform, offering enhanced control over nanoparticle incorporation and gelation compared to conventional sol–gel techniques. The resulting gel was further dried via supercritical CO₂ extraction to preserve its unique nanostructure. The multi-faceted physicochemical investigations (XRD, DLS, FT-IR, RAMAN, SEM, and TEM) confirmed the material’s uniform morphology, high porosity, and surface functionalization. The HR-MS FT-ICR analysis has also demonstrated the advanced material’s adsorption capacity for various pesticides, suggesting its adequacy for further environmental applications. An exceptional 93.7% extraction efficiency was registered for triazophos, underscoring the potential of microfluidic synthesis approaches in engineering advanced, eco-friendly adsorbent materials for water decontamination of relevant organic pollutants. Full article

Accurate diagnosis of diseases in patients is crucial, particularly in older individuals, where the focus is often placed primarily on advanced age and its associated symptoms. However, advancements in technology and research have revealed that certain diseases traditionally linked to aging can also manifest in younger populations, demonstrating similar bodily changes. One such condition is sarcopenia, a degenerative disease of skeletal muscle that arises from various pathological processes affecting the tissues. In this study, we developed a liposomal formulation based on 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), in which both nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and Matrigel (Mgel) were co-encapsulated, each playing a distinct role in the management of sarcopenia. NMN is known to stimulate the increase of NAD+ levels, while Matrigel enhances the activity of satellite cells, thereby facilitating muscle fiber regeneration and stabilizing protein levels. Results from the DLS, SEM, and TEM analyses revealed significant differences attributed to the type of therapeutic agent used and the synthesis parameters. Additionally, the drug release profile underscored the complementary nature and significance of selecting the appropriate active substances for effective treatment strategies. The in vitro investigations aimed to assess the potential of DMPC lipid vesicles loaded with NMN, either alone or in combination with Matrigel, to counteract sarcopenia-associated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The results showed that both NMN-based formulations reduced oxidative damage, preserved mitochondrial function, and maintained cytoskeletal integrity in a hydrogen peroxide-induced model of sarcopenia. Importantly, the formulation containing both NMN and Matrigel demonstrated superior protective effects, suggesting a synergistic role of the extracellular matrix components in enhancing muscle cell resilience. These findings support the use of DMPC-based delivery systems as promising candidates for sarcopenia therapy and warrant further investigation into their mechanisms of action in preventing muscle cell degeneration. Full article

Water contamination with toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, oil spills, organic and inorganic dyes, pesticides, etc., causes severe environmental and human health pollution. Aerogels have gained increasing attention in recent years as promising adsorbents due to their outstanding properties. This paper critically evaluates the recent advancements in aerogel-based materials, highlighting their challenges, limitations, and practical applications in large-scale experiments. The influence of key parameters such as adsorbent dosage, solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature is also discussed. Integrating nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing methods, a new generation of high-performance adsorbents with increased sorption capacity and reusability could be developed. Additionally, pilot studies and field trials are highlighted in this review, showing aerogels’ practical and real-world applications. Although various gaps in the production process that limit aerogel implementation in the market still exist, the research progress in the field shows that novel aerogels could be used in real wastewater treatment in the future. This review underscores the need for future research to develop advanced aerogel-based materials using green and sustainable synthesis methods that can lead to full-scale application. Full article

Scar development is a notable clinical and aesthetic issue in soft tissue healing, frequently compromising functionality and quality of life. Conventional treatments demonstrate limited efficacy in avoiding fibrosis and facilitating regenerative repair. Nevertheless, natural compounds have surfaced as viable alternatives owing to their biocompatibility, multitarget bioactivity, and historical application in traditional medicine. This review examines the therapeutic potential of plant-derived substances, marine agents, and microbial metabolites in influencing critical stages of wound healing, including inflammation, oxidative stress, fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. While these agents have demonstrated beneficial effects in preclinical models, their direct impact on functional or aesthetic clinical outcomes remains under investigation. We propose a hierarchical framework linking molecular mechanisms to clinical endpoints, suggesting that improvements at the cellular and molecular level may eventually support better healing quality. Natural bioactives, especially when integrated into advanced delivery systems such as hydrogels and nanocarriers, show promise for enhancing the regenerative microenvironment. By contextualizing these mechanisms within real-world therapeutic goals, this review highlights both the potential and limitations of natural products in the pursuit of improved soft tissue healing. Further translational research is needed to determine how modulation of these processes may reduce scarring and approach clinically meaningful outcomes. Full article

The delayed healing and infection risks associated with chronic wounds and burns pose significant clinical challenges. Traditional dressings provide basic coverage but lack the bioactive properties needed for tissue regeneration and antimicrobial protection. In this study, we developed zinc alginate hydrogel-coated traditional wound dressings (WD@AlgZn) and evaluated their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial performance, and in vivo healing efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform coating of the zinc alginate network on dressing fibers, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful incorporation of zinc ions. Antimicrobial assays further demonstrated that WD@AlgZn reduced bacterial loads (CFU/mL counts) by several orders of magnitude for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to uncoated controls. An in vivo rat burn wound model exhibited accelerated wound closure when using WD@AlgZn dressings compared to conventional wound care approaches, achieving a 90.75% healing rate by day 21, significantly outperforming the silver sulfadiazine (52.32%), uncoated-dressing (46.58%), and spontaneous-healing (37.25%) groups. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and reduced inflammation in WD@AlgZn-treated tissues. The findings suggest that WD@AlgZn offers a promising alternative for advanced wound management, combining structural robustness with bioactive properties to support efficient wound healing and infection control. These results provide valuable insights into the potential clinical applications of metal-ion cross-linked biopolymeric hydrogel dressings for next-generation wound care strategies. Full article

The intestine is an important segment of the gastrointestinal tract, which is involved in complex processes that maintain the body’s normal homeostasis. It hosts a vast, diverse, and dynamic microbial community called the gut microbiota, which develops from birth. It has been observed that the gut microbiota is involved in essential physiological processes, including the development of the central nervous system via the gut microbiota–brain axis. An alteration of the gut microbiota can lead to serious health problems, including defective neurodevelopment. Thus, this paper aims to highlight the most recent advances in studies that focus on the link between the gut microbiota and the evolution of neurodevelopmental diseases in children. Currently, studies show that the use of drugs that stimulate and restore the gut microbiota (e.g., probiotics and prebiotics) have the potential to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Tic Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, epilepsy, and Down Syndrome. In addition, due to the challenges associated with drug administration in children, as well as the widespread shortage of medications intended for pediatric use, researchers are working on the development of new delivery systems. Liposome-based systems or solid lipid nanoparticles have been safely used for drug delivery in various pediatric conditions, which may also indicate their potential for use in the administration of microbiota-modulating therapies. Full article

Implant-associated infections represent challenging complications following orthopedic surgeries, with spinal fixation procedures being particularly linked with increased risks. Thus, urgent research is required to develop enhanced solutions to avoid bacterial colonization, associated implant failure, and severe issues. Our study is based on the laser coating of surfaces with a composite mixture of PLA/Fe₃O₄@CEF that can fight against infectious agents and preserve their activity for a prolonged time. In the present study, we synthesized Fe₃O₄@Ceftriaxone (CEF) nanoparticles by co-precipitation and blended them into polylactic acid (PLA)-based coatings that were thoroughly evaluated from physicochemical and biological points of view. The novelty of this work is the dual functionality of these coatings, combining localized, sustained antibiotic delivery with enhanced biocompatibility for spinal screw applications. The coatings exhibited substantial anti-biofilm effects, reducing Staphylococcus aureus colonization from 1.8 × 10⁸ to 1.6 × 10⁵ CFU/mL and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from 1.2 × 10¹¹ to 1.9 × 10⁶ CFU/mL after 24 h. Furthermore, in vitro assays with murine preosteoblasts and human osteoblasts demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, maintaining >95% cell viability and showing no significant cytotoxicity or inflammatory response. These results highlight the potential of PLA/Fe₃O₄@CEF composite coatings in preventing implant-associated infections and promoting osseointegration, offering a multifunctional strategy for improving spinal fixation screw longevity and patient outcomes. Full article

This study presents the preparation of hybrid iron oxide nanocomposites through a two-step process combining microfluidic-assisted synthesis and post-synthetic surface modification. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized and simultaneously functionalized with salicylic acid using a three-dimensional vortex-type microfluidic chip, enabling rapid and uniform particle formation. The resulting Fe₃O₄/SA nanostructures were further modified with either silver or copper oxide to form iron oxide nanocomposites with enhanced antimicrobial functionality. These nanocomposites were subsequently integrated into silica aerogel matrices using a dip-coating approach to improve surface dispersion, structural stability, and biocompatibility. The structural and morphological properties of the samples were investigated using XRD, FT-IR, TEM with SAED analysis, and Raman microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays demonstrated that Fe₃O₄/SA–Ag and Fe₃O₄/SA–CuO exhibit potent antibacterial activity and cell type-dependent biocompatibility. In vivo biodistribution studies showed no accumulation in major organs and selective clearance via the spleen, validating the systemic safety of the platform. These findings highlight the potential of the synthesized nanocomposites as biocompatible, antimicrobial coatings for advanced biomedical surfaces. Full article

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance, particularly among ESKAPE pathogens, has intensified the demand for alternative therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and represent a promising approach to combat multidrug-resistant infections. This study aimed to synthesize and functionalize AgNPs using various polymeric agents—ethylene glycol (EG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and their combinations—and to evaluate their antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy against clinically relevant bacterial strains. AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction and functionalized as Ag@EG, Ag@PEG, Ag@EG/PVP, and Ag@PEG/PVP. A total of 68 clinical isolates—including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—were tested. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays, while antibiofilm activity was evaluated via the crystal violet method. Among all tested formulations, Ag@EG/PVP exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, with notably low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC₅₀) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC₅₀) for Ps. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae. In contrast, AgNPs functionalized with PEG or EG alone showed limited efficacy. Biofilm-forming isolates, particularly Staphylococcus spp., required higher concentrations for inhibition. These results highlight the critical role of functionalization in modulating the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs, with Ag@EG/PVP demonstrating potent activity against both planktonic and biofilm-associated multidrug-resistant bacteria. Overall, this study supports further developing AgNPs-based formulations as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional antibiotics, particularly for managing biofilm-related infections. Future research should focus on formulation optimization, safety assessment, and translational potential. Full article

The recurrence of bone cancer poses severe complications, particularly after orthopedic surgery, necessitating advanced biomaterials with dual functionality. This study develops nanostructured coatings composed of hydroxyapatite, carboplatin, and quercetin, designed to enhance bone regeneration while delivering localized cancer therapy. These coatings present a promising solution for hip endoprostheses, addressing osteointegration and tumor recurrence prevention simultaneously. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized and characterized using XRD, TEM, SAED, FTIR, and SEM to assess crystallinity, surface morphology, and functional groups. The coatings were obtained by MAPLE. In vitro biocompatibility tests showed that HAp@CPT and HAp@CPT/QUE coatings supported osteoblast viability and adhesion while exhibiting selective cytotoxic effects on osteosarcoma cells. The Griess assay indicated that nitric oxide (NO) levels remained unchanged in hFOB osteoblasts, confirming that neither coating induced inflammatory responses in healthy cells. In contrast, MG63 osteosarcoma cells exhibited significantly elevated NO levels (p < 0.05) in response to HAp@CPT/QUE, suggesting increased oxidative stress. MTT assay results showed a 12% and 28% reduction in osteosarcoma cell viability for HAp@CPT and HAp@CPT/QUE, respectively. Phase-contrast microscopy further confirmed strong osteoblast adhesion and reduced osteosarcoma attachment, particularly on HAp@CPT/QUE surfaces. These findings highlight the dual functionality of hydroxyapatite–carboplatin–quercetin coatings, promoting osteointegration while exerting localized anticancer effects. Their bone-regenerative and selective cytotoxic properties make them a promising material for hip endoprostheses in oncological orthopedic applications. Full article

This study investigates the preparation of electrospun recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) coated with chitosan (CS) and evaluates their antibiofilm properties and in vivo response. rPET scaffolds were first fabricated via electrospinning at different flow rates (10, 7.5, 5 and 2.5 mL/h) and subsequently coated with chitosan. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that fiber morphology varied with electrospinning parameters, influencing microbial adhesion. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated that rPET@CS significantly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans biofilm formation compared to control and uncoated rPET surfaces. Subcutaneous implantation of rPET@CS scaffolds induced a transient inflammatory response, with macrophage recruitment and collagen deposition supporting tissue integration. These findings highlight the potential of rPET@CS scaffolds as sustainable antimicrobial biomaterials for applications in infection-resistant coatings and biomedical implants. Full article