Search Results (1,017)

Wound dressing coverages (WDC) play a key role in protecting skin lesions and preventing infection. Polymeric membranes have been widely explored as WDC due to their ability to incorporate bioactive agents, including antimicrobial nanoparticles and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)-based membranes functionalized with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) and ibuprofen (IBP) were fabricated using a film manufacturing approach, and their structural and biocompatibility profiles were evaluated. The membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XPS. Bands at 1725 cm⁻¹, 2950 cm⁻¹, 2955 cm⁻¹, 2865 cm⁻¹ and 510 cm⁻¹ proved molecular stability of reagents during manufacture. In SEM, the control shows the flattest surface, while the PCL-IBP and PCL-IBP-TiO₂ NPs groups had increased rugosity. In vitro biocompatibility was evaluated using human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB). On day 3, the cell adhesion response of hFOB seeded in PCL-IBP and PCL-IBP-TiO₂ NPs groups showed the biggest absorbances (p = 0.0014 and p = 0.0491, respectively). On day 7 PCL-IBP group had lower lectin binding than the control (p = 0.007) and the PCL-IBP-TiO₂ NPs (p = 0.015) membranes, but no evidence of cytotoxicity was observed in any group. Furthermore, the Live/Dead test adds more biocompatibility evidence to conveniently discriminate between live and dead cells. The PCL polymeric membrane elaborated in this study may confer antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making these membranes ideal for skin lesions. Full article

Athamanta L. is a small genus of the Apiaceae family, comprising only sixteen species and subspecies, which are distributed in the Canary Islands, Central Europe, and the Mediterranean basin. Background/Objectives: Since the time of Dioscurides, the species of this genus have been reported to have had several ethnopharmacological activities, and some of them are also used currently. Athamanta sicula L., growing in Italy, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, is the only species of this genus present in Sicily. To further explore the phytochemical profile and biological properties of this species, the present study focused on the essential oil (EO) extracted from the aerial parts of wild A. sicula populations collected in central Sicily. Methods: The chemical composition of the EO, obtained by hydrodistillation, was determined by GC–MS analysis. The presence of myristicin was confirmed by isolation and by ¹H-NMR spectroscopic characterization. Results: The EO and its main constituents have been tested for possible antimicrobial properties against several bacterial strains, showing MIC values in the of 15–30 mg/mL range, and the mechanism of action was further investigated, revealing membrane-targeting effects consistent with outer membrane permeabilization. In addition, antibiofilm activity (with up to ~80% inhibition of biofilm formation at sub-MICs), antioxidant potential (demonstrating dose-dependent radical scavenging activity), and biocompatibility with eukaryotic cells were assessed to provide a comprehensive pharmacological profile of A. sicula EO. Specifically, the most abundant constituent was myristicin (62.2%), the principal representative of the phenylpropanoid class (64.4%). Hydrocarbon monoterpenes represented the second class of the EO (27.4%), with β-phellandrene (12.2%) as the main compound. Conclusions: Myristicin emerged as the key contributor to the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the EO. The obtained results highlight the relevance of A. sicula EO as a myristicin-rich essential oil with notable in vitro biological activity. Full article

Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles represent a biomimetic drug delivery approach that integrates biological membrane functions with synthetic nanomaterials. Among the various membrane sources, those derived from blood cells such as red blood cells, platelets, and leukocytes offer distinctive advantages, including immune evasion, prolonged systemic circulation, and selective tissue targeting. These properties collectively enable efficient and biocompatible delivery of therapeutic agents to diseased tissues, minimizing off-target effects and systemic toxicity. This review focuses on blood cell membrane-derived nanocarriers as drug delivery and immune-regenerative platforms, in which membrane-mediated immunomodulation synergizes with therapeutic payloads to address inflammatory or degenerative pathology. We discuss recent advances in blood cell membrane coating technologies, including membrane isolation, nanoparticle core selection, fabrication techniques, and the development of hybrid and engineered membrane systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy through integrated immune regulation and localized drug action. To illustrate these advances, we also compile membrane type-specific nanocarrier systems, summarizing their core nanoparticle designs, coating strategies, therapeutic cargoes, and associated disease models. Challenges related to biological source variability, scalability, safety, and regulatory standardization remain important considerations for clinical translation. In this review we systematically address these issues and discuss emerging solutions and design strategies aimed at advancing blood cell membrane-based nanocarriers toward clinically viable immune-regenerative therapies. Full article

Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that mediate intercellular communication by transporting microRNAs, proteins, and lipids. Generated through Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT)-dependent mechanisms or ESCRT-independent pathways, exosomes are released when multivesicular bodies fuse with the plasma membrane. The ESCRT-dependent pathway involves sequential protein complexes (ESCRT-0, I, II, III) that recognize and sort ubiquitinated cargo, induce membrane budding, and facilitate vesicle scission. In contrast, the ESCRT-independent pathway relies on membrane lipids such as ceramide and proteins like tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, CD81) to promote vesicle formation without ESCRT machinery. Furthermore, post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, sumoylation, and phosphorylation, further serve as molecular switches, modulating the affinity of ESCRT complexes or cargo proteins for membrane domains and affecting ILV formation rates. In reproductive medicine, exosomes regulate oocyte maturation, embryo–endometrial crosstalk, placental development, and maternal–fetal communication. Altered exosomal signaling contributes to obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm birth, whereas distinct exosomal miRNA signatures serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers. In gynecology, dysregulated exosomes are implicated in endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and gynecological malignancies. In contrast, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes show therapeutic promise in restoring ovarian function and enhancing fertility outcomes. The distinctive molecular profiles of circulating exosomes enable minimally invasive diagnosis, while their biocompatibility and ability to cross biological barriers position them as vehicles for targeted drug delivery. Characterization of accessible data provides non-invasive opportunities for disease monitoring. However, clinical translation faces challenges, including standardization of isolation protocols, establishment of reference ranges for biomarkers, and optimization of therapeutic dosing. This review summarizes exosome biogenesis, characterization methods, physiological functions, and clinical applications in obstetrics and gynecology, with an emphasis on their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Future directions include large-scale biomarker validation studies, engineering approaches to enhance exosome targeting, and integration with precision medicine platforms to advance personalized reproductive healthcare. Full article

Reliable models of the lung environment are important for research on inhalation products, drug delivery, and how aerosols interact with tissue. pH fluctuations frequently accompany real physiological processes in pulmonary environments, so monitoring pH changes in lung-on-a-chip devices is of considerable relevance. Presented here are flexible, miniaturized, inkjet-printed pH sensors that have been developed with the aim of integration into lung-on-a-chip systems. Different types of functional pH-sensitive materials were tested: hydrogen-selective plasticized PVC membranes and polyaniline (both electrodeposited and dropcast). Their deposition and performance were evaluated on different flexible conducting substrates, including screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPE) and inkjet-printed graphene electrodes (IJP-Gr). Finally, a biocompatible dropcast polyaniline-modified IJP was selected and paired with an inkjet-printed Ag/AgCl quasireference electrode. The printed potentiometric device showed Nernstian sensitivity (58.8 mV/pH) with good reproducibility, reversibility, and potential stability. The optimized system was integrated with a developed lung-on-a-chip model with an electrospun polycaprolactone membrane and alginate, simulating the alveolar barrier and the natural mucosal environment, respectively. The permeability of the system was studied by monitoring the pH changes upon the introduction of a 10 wt.% acetic acid aerosol. Overall, the presented approach shows that electrospun-hydrogel materials together with integrated microsensors can help create improved models for studying aerosol transport, diffusion, and chemically changing environments that are relevant for inhalation therapy and respiratory research. These results show that our system can combine mechanical behavior with chemical sensing in one platform, which may be useful for future development of lung-on-a-chip technologies. Full article

Amniotic membrane (AM) has gained wide application in regenerative medicine due to its biocompatibility and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Effective decellularization is essential to minimize immunogenicity while preserving tissue architecture. This study standardized AM procurement and compared a simplified alkaline-based decellularization protocol with a conventional detergent–alkaline method, emphasizing practicality, histological integrity, and collagen preservation. Methods: Human AM was aseptically obtained from placental tissue and processed using either method. Histological analysis with hematoxylin eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining quantified nuclear content and collagen integrity. Results: The alkaline method achieved the greatest nuclear clearance but retained epithelial outlines, indicating partial persistence of cellular structures. In contrast, the detergent method achieved complete morphological decellularization but showed slightly higher residual nuclear signal. Masson’s trichrome staining revealed that the detergent-based method preserved collagen intensity most closely to native tissue (mean gray values: 128.3 ± 28.2 vs. 140.2 ± 23.4), while the alkaline group exhibited significantly reduced staining (177.8 ± 17.2; p < 0.001). Conclusions: the simplified alkaline method provided efficient decellularization with reduced cost, time, and cytotoxic risk, making it a practical approach for AM processing. However, partial ECM alteration suggests that detergent-based methods remain preferable when optimal structural preservation is required. Full article

Chronic wounds remain locked in persistent inflammation with high microbial burden, demanding dressings that suppress infection without sacrificing biocompatibility. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is an attractive matrix due to its biocompatibility, nanofibrillar architecture, and moisture retention, but it lacks antimicrobial activity. Here, we engineer BNC membranes post-functionalized with functionalized graphite (f-Gr; predominantly graphitic with residual surface groups) and/or niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅), and evaluate four groups: BNC (matrix control), BNC/Nb₂O₅, BNC/f-Gr, and BNC/f-Gr/Nb₂O₅. Physicochemical analyses (Raman and Voigt fitting, FTIR-ATR, XRD, and SEM) confirm a graphitic carbon phase and physical incorporation of the modifiers into the BNC network, with a noticeable shift in the hydration/polarity profile—more evident in the presence of f-Gr. In standardized microbiological assays, BNC/f-Gr promoted a moderate, contact-dependent reduction in bacterial proliferation, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas BNC/Nb₂O₅ behaved similarly to pristine BNC under the tested conditions. The combined f-Gr/Nb₂O₅ formulation showed an intermediate antimicrobial response, with no clear synergy beyond f-Gr alone. Cytotoxicity assays indicated cytocompatibility for BNC, BNC/f-Gr, and BNC/Nb₂O₅; the combined group displayed a slight reduction that remained within acceptable limits. Overall, BNC/f-Gr emerges as the most promising antimicrobial dressing, while Nb₂O₅ did not significantly enhance antimicrobial performance under the tested conditions and warrants further optimization regarding loading and distribution. Full article

Fibrin hydrogels are biocompatible but often lack instructive cues needed to sustain chondrocyte phenotype and cartilage-like matrix formation; therefore, we investigated whether a tricomposite fibrin hydrogel incorporating decellularized articular cartilage matrix (dACM) and decellularized amniotic membrane matrix (dAMM) enhances human articular chondrocyte performance in vitro. Human articular chondrocytes were encapsulated in tricomposite or fibrin-only hydrogels and cultured for 28 days, evaluating degradation kinetics, viability and cell density, histological remodeling (H&E, Masson’s trichrome, Safranin O), immunohistochemistry for type II collagen, aggrecan, and type I collagen, and qPCR of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, RUNX2, COL1A2, and COL10A1. The tricomposite remained cytocompatible (~99% viability), supported marked cell expansion (~250% by day 28), and degraded more slowly than fibrin controls. It increased chondrogenic gene expression (SOX9 >3-fold vs. control by day 28; sustained COL2A1 at 1.5–2-fold; early ACAN at 3–5-fold) while attenuating off-target transcriptional programs (RUNX2 ~50% of control, reduced COL1A2, and negligible COL10A1). Consistently, histology showed progressive lacuna-like morphology and proteoglycan-rich matrix accumulation, accompanied by strong type II collagen and aggrecan immunoreactivity and reduced type I collagen. Overall, adding dACM and dAMM to fibrin improved hydrogel biofunctionality and promoted hyaline-like extracellular matrix assembly, supporting further evaluation of this cell-instructive platform for focal articular cartilage repair. Full article

Background: Effective prevention of jellyfish stings is crucial for human safety during marine activities. Traditional protective methods are often limited in terms of coverage area and duration of protection; Methods: This study designed and tested a novel jellyfish-repellent textile by coating waterproof polyester fabric with copper ion-loaded multicompartmental nanoparticles, which repel jellyfish by disrupting their cellular membranes and physiological functions. The nanoparticles were synthesized to enable spatial separation of components, enhance stability, and allow controlled copper ion release. They were applied to the fabric in one step via high-voltage electrostatic spray technology, followed by characterization using SEM and FT-IR. The copper sulfate release profile and nanoparticle adhesion were analyzed. Jellyfish-repellent efficacy was evaluated, along with biocompatibility tests including skin sensitization (Magnusson and Kligman method), skin irritation (Draize test), and cytotoxicity (MTT assay on L929 cells and human dermal fibroblasts). Results: SEM confirmed the formation of uniform multicompartmental nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 2.28 to 3.15 μm. FT-IR verified successful anchoring of Cu²⁺ ions to fabric fibers through coordination with hydroxyl groups. Drug release tests demonstrated water-triggered controlled release of copper ions lasting over 168 h, with nanoparticle retention rates exceeding 70% on all fabrics. The textile showed significant effectiveness in repelling jellyfish. Moreover, no apparent sensitization, irritation, or cytotoxicity was observed. Conclusions: A novel jellyfish-repellent textile was successfully developed using copper ion-loaded multicompartmental nanoparticles. This textile provides a promising solution for preventing jellyfish stings and contributes to the advancement of protective gear for marine activities. Full article

In the context of guided bone regeneration (GBR), the selection of an appropriate resorbable membrane plays a crucial role in the clinical success of the procedure. Precise knowledge about the distinct differences in properties is fundamental for correct selection of the membrane. This article presents an integrated comparative analysis between membranes, conducted for this given purpose and one step beyond: to fabricate a novel membrane with dedicated enhanced properties according to the targeted function. Our previous analysis showed that polymer membranes that met most histopathological criteria also produced the most remarkable results when radiologically observed. The most effective scaffolds were those containing active macromolecules released conditionally and staged. The PLGA and polycaprolactone scaffolds were found in this category and they granted a marked increase in bone density and improvement in osteoinduction. Based on these results, we decided to create a new polycaprolactone membrane in order to compare it with a standard currently on the market, the Jason membrane. The Jason^® membrane is a natural collagen scaffold derived from porcine pericardium. Due to the unique production process, the membrane shows a natural honeycomb-like, multilayered collagen structure with an increased content of collagen type III, leading to remarkable tear resistance and a slow degradation rate. Also, the low thickness of 0.05–0.35 mm facilitates the soft tissue management. The Jason scaffold was compared to an innovative synthetic membrane based on polycaprolactone (PCL), focusing on their physicochemical characteristics, biological behavior, and clinical applicability. The Jason^® membrane was distinguished by its high biocompatibility and rapid integration, while PCL offered superior mechanical stability and long-term durability, making it a preferred option for complex or customized 3D regenerations. Based on this integrated analysis, we fabricated an innovative electrospun PCL membrane, enriched with a novel synthesized nanohydroxyapatite, in order to enhance its specific properties for the beneficial use in targeted reconstructions. Full article

The field of nanotechnology has witnessed a paradigm shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable synthesis methods for nanoparticles due to increasing concerns over environmental toxicity and resource sustainability. Among various metal oxide nanoparticles, zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles have garnered significant attention owing to their exceptional thermal stability, biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and catalytic properties. Doping ZrO₂ with transition metals such as copper (Cu) further enhances its physicochemical attributes, including antibacterial activity, redox behaviour, and electronic properties, rendering it suitable for a diverse range of biomedical and industrial applications. In the present study, we report the green synthesis of copper-doped ZrO₂ nanoparticles (Cu-ZrO₂-CO NPs) using an aqueous extract of Calendula officinalis (marigold) flowers as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The complete characterization was performed using UV–vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, FTIR, SEM, EDAX, and XRD, revealing its size to be around 20–40 nm and zeta potential as −20 mV, indicating nano size and stability. The biocompatibility of the as-synthesized nanoparticle was analyzed in vitro using fibroblast cell viability and haemolysis assay, and in vivo using brine shrimp assay. The nanoparticles were safe up to a dose of 50 μg/mL, showing more than 95% cell viability and less than 2% haemolysis, which is within an acceptable range. Finally, the anticancer activity was explored for A549 cells by MTT assay and live-dead assay, with an IC50 value of 38.63 μg/mL. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to assess the anti-angiogenesis potential of the Cu-ZrO₂-CO NPs. The results showed that the nanoparticles could kill the cancer cells via apoptosis, and one of the reasons for the anticancer effect was angiogenesis inhibition. Further research is needed using other cancer cell lines and animal tumour models. Full article

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major global health concern owing to its multidrug resistance and persistence despite continued antibiotic development. Eco-friendly nanomaterials such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial alternatives because of their high biocompatibility and lower toxicity compared to conventional metallic nanoparticles. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP)–derived SeNPs (LP-SeNPs) on MRSA. Methods: SeNPs were biosynthesized using the antibacterial cell-free supernatant (CFS) of LP, which provides naturally reducing and stabilizing biomolecules. The resulting LP-SeNPs were characterized by physicochemical and structural analyses and compared to chemically synthesized SeNPs (Chem-SeNPs). Antibacterial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing, time-kill kinetics, and cell viability assays. Results: LP-SeNPs, which were spherical with an average diameter of 107 nm, exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and showed no effect on Gram-negative strains. Notably, all six MRSA isolates demonstrated high susceptibility, with MIC values approximately 100-fold lower than that of S. aureus ATCC 25923, a non-MRSA reference strain. LP-SeNPs were also non-cytotoxic up to 20-fold the MIC (IC₅₀ > 10 µg/mL). Mechanistic analyses indicated that disruption of the bacterial cell membrane was the primary antibacterial mechanism, supported by additional contributions from reactive oxygen species generation and protein synthesis inhibition. Conclusions: LP-SeNPs represent a sustainable, biocompatible, and potent antibacterial nanoplatform with strong selectivity for Gram-positive pathogens, particularly MRSA. These findings highlight their potential as eco-friendly and targeted therapeutic strategies for combating MRSA infections. Full article

The development of membranes and patches for controlled drug release to enhance therapeutic efficacy is a promising approach to addressing the challenge posed by poor adherence to pharmacological therapies for chronic diseases. In this study, we designed an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous membrane reinforced with different concentrations (0.04%, 0.05%, 0.075%, and 0.2%) of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) intended for biomedical applications, such as transdermal devices. We characterized the resulting composites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to evaluate their morphology, chemical composition, and mechanical properties. We also measured their cytotoxicity upon contact with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The nanofibers had diameters below 100 nm and inclusions of microspheres, which were attributed to the electrospinning expansion phenomenon. Spectroscopic and mechanical analyses confirmed molecular interactions between the PCL matrix and the f-MWCNTs. Finally, biological tests demonstrated that both the dispersion of f-MWCNTs and the nanofiber sizing render the membranes biocompatible, supporting their potential use as drug-delivery systems. Full article

Zn-based ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) have attracted significant attention due to their good biodegradability, stability, and sustainability. In this work, TDESs composed of choline chloride:urea (ChCl:U) and zinc salts, ZnCl₂, Zn(CH₃COO)₂, and ZnSO₄ were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS). Their antibacterial activity against cariogenic Streptococcus species isolates was determined by microdilution assay, while their cytotoxic potential and effect on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction were analyzed on the MRC-5 fibroblast cell line by XTT, trypan blue, and DCF assays, respectively. FTIR confirmed that hydrogen bonds prevail in the molecular structure of ChCl:U:Zn salts, while LDI MS revealed the interactions between zinc salts and ChCl:U. The antibacterial TDES potential was high, especially against Streptococcus sanguinis, with ChCl:U:ZnCl₂ displaying the most promising effects (MICs 1.13–18.12 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity assessment showed that concentrations up to 100 µg/mL of all TDESs did not display significant cytotoxicity, while higher concentrations significantly reduced cell viability by increasing ROS production and cell membrane damage, outlining the safety window of up to 100 µg/mL. Strong antibacterial activity of low TDESs concentrations combined with their good biocompatibility highlights their potential as innovative candidates for biomedical application. Full article

Collagen-based biomaterials are widely used, but their relatively rapid biodegradation can limit functional duration. Such collagen constructs are widely used as barrier membranes in guided tissue and bone regeneration, where controlled degradation is essential for maintaining function. Although conventional crosslinking methods extend stability, they may introduce cytotoxicity, alter mechanical behavior, or hinder tissue integration. This study evaluated whether incorporating L-serine, a polar amino acid capable of hydrogen bonding, could modulate collagen structure and slow degradation without chemical crosslinking. L-Serine was selected because its hydroxyl-containing side chain can engage in biocompatible, hydrogen-bond–mediated interactions that offer a mild, non-crosslinking means of stabilizing collagen. Collagen scaffolds, prepared by incorporating L-serine into a collagen hydrogel followed by drying, were produced with 0–40 wt% L-serine and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and scanning electron microscopy. In vivo degradation was assessed in a subcutaneous mouse model comparing unmodified collagen, collagen containing 40 wt% L-serine, and a commercially available bilayer porcine collagen membrane (Bio-Gide^®, composed of type I and III collagen), with residual area quantified by serial sonography and histological evaluation. Low-to-moderate L-serine incorporation preserved triple-helical features, while 40 wt% led to crystalline domain formation and β-sheet enrichment. L-serine–treated collagen exhibited significantly greater residual area (2.70 ± 1.45 mm²) than unmodified collagen (0.37 ± 0.22 mm², p < 0.05), although Bio-Gide^® remained the most persistent (5.64 ± 2.76 mm²). These findings demonstrate that L-serine incorporation can modulate collagen structure and degradation kinetics through a simple, aqueous, and non-crosslinking approach. The results provide preliminary feasibility data supporting amino acid–assisted tuning of collagen resorption properties and justify further evaluation using membrane-specific fabrication and application-relevant testing. Full article