Search Results (796)

(1) Background: Cerium silicate (CeSi) nanoparticles (NPs) have potential as a restorative filler particle with multifunctional properties to improve longevity. To increase the biological activity, these nanoparticles can be fabricated with ultrasmall pores (mesoporous) (MPCeSi-NP) that can be loaded with a polyphosphate inhibitor, such as gallein. (2) Methods: MPCeSi-NPs were custom-synthesized with a microemulsion method, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template for self-assembly. Biocompatibility with oral keratinocytes/fibroblasts was tested, with the addition of examining the biomineralization potential with human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). MPCeSi-NP, loaded with gallein, was tested against Rothia dentocariosa (Rd). MPCeSi-NP was added to a resin matrix of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) with subsequent mechanical properties evaluation. (3) Results: MPCeSi-NPs had high biocompatibility with oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts, especially at concentrations below 300 µg/mL. MPCeSi-NPs induced the biomineralization of BM-MSCs. Higher cerium levels increased mineralization. MPCeSi-NP had weak antimicrobial activity against Rd. At 1% wt, MPCeSi-NPs did not reduce the polymerization potential and mechanical properties of a TEGDMA:BisGMA polymer material, with controlled release of gallein in a simulated degradation model. (4) Conclusions: MPCeSi-NPs are highly biocompatible and bioinductive and have the potential to improve the biological response of current restorative materials. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a pervasive mycotoxin contaminating global food and feed. While enzymatic degradation offers a promising, specific, and eco-friendly strategy for mycotoxin mitigation, the biotransformation of ZEN within acidic food matrices remains challenging due to the intrinsically low activity of zearalenone lactonase (ZENG). In this work, we synthesized a ZENG–hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) hybrid nanoflower (CaNF) via biomineralization under alkaline conditions. Compared to free ZENG, the as-prepared biohybrid nanoflower exhibited markedly enhanced acid tolerance and catalytic activity, achieving a 12-fold increase in ZEN degradation efficiency at pH 5.0. Furthermore, the biohybrid nanoflower demonstrated robust performance in various acidic food matrices, including corn juice, wort, beer, and corn steep liquor. This study presents a powerful enzymatic tool for the efficient biotransformation of ZEN in acidic food-related systems. Full article

Understanding the differences between synthetic and natural hydroxyapatite under conditions that mimic the oral environment, particularly the demineralization and remineralization processes of dental enamel, is essential for assessing their suitability as enamel models in biomineralization studies. The present study aims to systematically compare the structural, chemical, and morphological properties of well-crystallized synthetic carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) and natural non-biogenic hydroxyapatite (HA) before and after exposure to solutions with demineralizing and remineralizing activity. Two highly informative surface characterization techniques—X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)—were employed to examine the resulting surface changes. In addition, powder X-ray diffraction and infrared analyses were used to characterize the initial samples. Demineralization was induced using a lactic acid-based solution, while remineralization was performed through a two-step treatment involving polycarboxybetaine followed by artificial saliva. The results show that natural HA contains an additional fluorapatite phase and a wider range of trace elements (Na, F, Si), leading to a more complex structure. During demineralization, synthetic CHA exhibits more pronounced surface changes and faster dissolution, whereas natural HA demonstrates greater chemical stability. The remineralization process leads to the formation of new surface layers on both materials. Synthetic CHA develops a fine-grained, homogeneous layer enriched in carbonate and hydrated species, while natural HA shows localized crystal growth within structural defects. The results demonstrate that natural HA exhibits greater chemical stability during demineralization and a more enamel-like response during remineralization, whereas synthetic CHA undergoes more pronounced surface restructuring and forms a highly hydrated, carbonate-rich surface layer. Full article

Implant-associated acute inflammation remains a major challenge in orthopedic, dental, and maxillofacial applications, often impairing osseointegration and leading to early implant failure. In this study, multifunctional cellulose acetate/hydroxyapatite–dexamethasone (CA/HA–DEXA) composite membranes were developed to locally modulate inflammation while supporting early bone–implant interactions. Cellulose acetate provides a flexible matrix, hydroxyapatite enhances bioactivity and osteoconductivity, and dexamethasone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. The membranes exhibited composition-dependent swelling and drug release behavior. The swelling degree decreased from ~11% for pristine CA to ~5% for the highest HA–DEXA loading, indicating a denser structure with restricted water uptake. Dexamethasone release showed a biphasic profile, with cumulative release reaching ~68%, ~88%, and ~93% for 0.5%, 1%, and 2% HA–DEXA loadings after 72 h, respectively. In vitro evaluation indicated improved biomineralization for CA/HA–DEXA membranes compared to neat CA, attributed to the role of hydroxyapatite as a nucleation promoter. These findings suggest that CA/HA–DEXA composite membranes represent a promising strategy for controlling early inflammatory responses while supporting bone regeneration at the implant interface. Full article

Marine biomucus, a complex biomolecular gel, plays a pivotal role in defense against biofouling, mitigation of environmental stress, and regulation of biomineralization. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of mucus secreted by three distinct tissues—labial palps, mantle, and gills—of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), alongside their freeze-dried counterparts. By integrating amino acid profiling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we explored potential correlations between chemical composition, microstructure, and hypothesized macroscopic functional properties. Our findings inspire distinct tissue-specific structural characteristics that suggest potential structure–function relationships: The structure of labial palps mucus leads to the hypothesis that it may act as a viscous barrier-like property; mantle mucus shows features that could potentially support the formation of continuous films by a dense hydrogen-bond network; and gill mucus exhibits a porous three-dimensional network that potentially facilitates the process of respiratory and feeding. This work not only explores the material basis and potential structure–function relationships of C. gigas mucus as a natural biopolymer but also provides a potential theoretical framework for the design of novel marine-inspired biomimetic materials. Full article

In recent years, bacteria-based self-healing has emerged as a promising bioengineering strategy to address the self-repair of cracks in cement-based materials, which represent one of the persistent durability challenges. This approach relies on microbiologically induced calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) precipitation (MICP), in which metabolically active bacteria promote CaCO₃ formation of crystals that can heal cracks and restore material integrity. This study compares the self-healing potential of a natural (N-) alkaline soil Bacillus licheniformis strain with a UV-strain (phenotypic mutant) generated through controlled UV exposure followed by adaptive evolution. Both strains were evaluated under conditions relevant to cementitious environments. The UV-strain exhibited enhanced ureolytic performance, reaching urease activity of 0.32 U/mg compared to 0.24 U/mg in the N-strain. This translated into improved biomineralization, with CaCO₃ precipitation reaching 2.37 mg versus 2.23 mg/100 mL in the N-strain. Additionally, the UV-strain showed increased cell hydrophobicity and aggregation, indicating improved nucleation potential and surface-mediated mineral deposition. Multivariate analysis confirmed strong correlations between ureolytic metabolism, alkalization, and mineral formation, while artificial neural network (ANN) modeling (MLP 6-10-14) successfully predicted biomineralization-related parameters with high accuracy (R² > 0.90 for urease activity, NH₄⁺, ΔpH, and CaCO₃). The results demonstrate that UV-induced phenotypic adaptation can enhance biomineralization efficiency with minor trade-offs in physiological robustness. For the first time, that controlled UV-induced phenotypic adaptation can be used as a targeted strategy to enhance biomineralization efficiency in B. licheniformis, while maintaining functional stability under cement-relevant conditions. These findings provide a novel framework for tailoring bacterial performance in self-healing systems for construction biotechnology. Full article

Chronic wounds resulting from bacterial infection remain one of the main challenges in clinical practice. There is a pressing need to develop an injectable hydrogel sealant with multifunctional properties, including remodeling capabilities, self-healing, painless removal, and antibacterial activity, to promote tissue remodeling. In this work, aldehyde carboxymethylated agarose (ACMA) is employed for the first time as a bio-template. Dopamine (DA) is introduced onto the ACMA template via a reversible Schiff-base reaction, endowing it with biomineralization properties to synthesize DA-modified ACMA-Ag nanoparticles (ACMA-DA-Ag). Further, the prepared ACMA-DA-Ag, which possesses both antibacterial activity and injectable behavior, is incorporated into a guar gum hydrogel through the formation of borate/diol bonds, thereby forming a multiple-dynamic-bond crosslinked network. This hydrogel demonstrates adequate mechanical strength, injectability, remodeling capabilities, and self-healing performance. It can reassemble into a new hydrogel within 4 ± 0.6 min upon simple physical contact, and supports tissue adhesion. Furthermore, the hydrogel effectively covers irregular-shaped wound and can be removed without causing secondary injury. More importantly, this multifunctional hydrogel is cost-effective, easy to synthesize, and simple to use, significantly accelerating skin regeneration and promoting the formation of skin appendages, such as hair follicles. The outcome of this research not only serves a tissue sealant for wound healing, but also presents a new strategy for creating novel polysaccharide-based biomaterials. Full article

Biomineralization has recently emerged as a highly effective strategy for enzyme immobilization. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a subclass of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are particularly attractive carriers due to their structural tunability and chemical stability. While ZIF-8 has been extensively studied, its denser and thermodynamically more stable analog ZIF-zni has received far less attention. In this work, we report the biomineralization of glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger within the ZIF-zni framework and systematically investigate the influence of zinc and imidazole (Im) concentration on immobilization performance. The optimized biocomposite, obtained at 10 mM Zn²⁺ and a Zn:Im ratio of 1:10, exhibited a specific activity of 2051 IU g⁻¹, which is more than twice the activity obtained for GOx@ZIF-8 in our previous study (874 IU g⁻¹). Furthermore, the GOx@ZIF-zni biocomposite demonstrated remarkable resistance to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and retained up to 50% of its activity after incubation at 65 °C for one hour. These results demonstrate that ZIF-zni is a highly promising carrier for enzyme immobilization and suggest that framework topology and synthesis conditions play a crucial role in determining the catalytic performance and stability of enzyme@MOF biocomposites. Full article

Photothermal therapy is a highly promising non-invasive treatment strategy, but its clinical application is still limited by issues such as insufficient light-to-heat conversion efficiency and potential biological toxicity. To address these challenges, this study employed a biomineralization strategy to synthesize gold nanoflowers (Van@Au₄ NFs) using vancomycin as a template. The synthesized Van@Au₄ NFs exhibited a uniform flower-like morphology with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 122 nm. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, this material demonstrated excellent photothermal properties, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 34.94%, and remained stable after four cold-hot cycles. The introduction of vancomycin effectively enhanced the colloidal stability and photothermal conversion ability of the nanoflowers. In vitro experiments showed that Van@Au₄ NFs had an inhibition rate of 90.8% against Staphylococcus aureus and 95.18% against A549 tumor cells under near-infrared light irradiation. This study constructed an efficient photothermal agent, providing important experimental evidence for in vitro synergistic photothermal treatment of bacterial infections and tumors. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with α-mangostin (α-Ma), a bioactive xanthone derived from mangosteen pericarp, on production performance and egg quality in late-phase laying hens. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. In total, 576 healthy 51-week-old Beinong No. 2 laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n = 12): a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg α-Ma. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks, after which production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and uterine gene expression were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with α-mangostin, particularly at 120 mg/kg, significantly improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05), as evidenced by a reduced feed-to-egg ratio from week 2 onward, without affecting average daily feed intake or egg production rate. After 4 weeks, hens receiving 120 mg/kg α-Ma exhibited significantly greater egg weight and eggshell strength (p < 0.05). Serum and hepatic antioxidant capacities were significantly enhanced, with increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, elevated total antioxidant capacity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, α-Ma at 120 mg/kg specifically lowered the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β in both serum and uterine tissue (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, this dosage significantly upregulated uterine genes essential for eggshell formation (p < 0.05), including calcium transporters (TRPV6, ATP2B2), the matrix protein gene OC-116, and other key genes (LYZ, CA2, SLC4A9, and ATP6V0D2). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 120 mg/kg α-Ma effectively enhances feed efficiency, strengthens antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and upregulates uterine genes involved in biomineralization, thereby improving eggshell quality in aging laying hens. These findings support α-Ma as a promising plant-based feed additive for maintaining productivity and egg quality in antibiotic-free layer production systems. Full article

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is an age-related condition in which estrogen deficiency drives low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, disrupting the homeostatic balance between bone formation and resorption. Since osteopenia represents a critical intermediate stage, preventive strategies are essential to mitigate its progression. Preclinical studies suggest that hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous mediator with antioxidant properties, protects bone metabolism by supporting osteoblast function and suppressing osteoclast activity. Building on this evidence, we conducted the first exploratory clinical trial assessing the effects of inhalation therapy with sulfurous mineral waters on systemic biomarkers in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Thirty-eight eligible participants underwent a daily inhalation of sulfurous waters (14.6 mg/L sulfide) for 12 consecutive days. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone turnover were assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and five days after cessation in the serum of patients. The treatment was well tolerated and did not cause any early adverse effect. Serum H₂S levels, measured in a subset of participants, significantly increased, confirming systemic bioavailability. Sulfurous water inhalation induced a marked change in oxidative stress, with malondialdehyde levels declining by up to 37% from baseline. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-8 and MIP-1α, were significantly decreased (up to 50–70%) at the end of the treatment. Reference bone turnover markers P1NP and CTX-1 did not show significant changes; however, BALP exhibited a significant increase, suggesting the activation of pathways linked to biomineralization. These findings provide preliminary human evidence that inhaled sulfurous waters enhance systemic H₂S bioavailability and modulate redox and inflammatory pathways associated with bone remodeling in osteopenic women, supporting the rationale for further controlled pharmacodynamic investigations evaluating the potential of H₂S in bone health. Full article

Concrete infrastructure in coastal regions is prone to premature degradation due to crack formation under aggressive environmental exposure. Conventional repair methods remain costly and often ineffective. This study evaluates a biomineral self-healing system incorporating Paenibacillus polymyxa spores and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to improve the durability and mechanical performance of medium-strength concrete with a design compressive strength of 21 MPa, intended for vulnerable coastal housing. A full factorial experimental program was conducted using three bacterial concentrations (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% of mixing water volume) and three CaCO₃ dosages (3%, 5%, 7% as cement replacement). Specimens were pre-cracked under compressive loading, exposed to a simulated coastal environment, and monitored for 28 days. The optimal formulation (2% bacteria + 5% CaCO₃) yielded an 8.8% increase in compressive strength and a 24% increase in flexural strength compared with the control. Crack width reduction reached up to 0.23 mm (65.7%) under wet curing, with effective sealing observed for cracks ≤ 0.5 mm. Recovered compressive strength after healing reached 17.3 MPa, equivalent to 71% of the design strength. These findings demonstrate the potential of P. polymyxa as a viable non-ureolytic agent for self-healing concrete, offering a simple and scalable strategy to extend service life in resource-limited coastal regions while supporting Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11. Full article

Modern bioimplants increasingly depend on surface-engineered functionality to elicit adaptive biological responses. One promising strategy involves the electrodeposition of bioresponsive elements such as magnesium (Mg), which plays a critical role in osseointegration. In this study, we present a novel approach for modifying anodized zirconia nanotubes (ZrNTs) via Mg decoration using electrochemical deposition. A controlled pulsed cathodic linear sweep protocol was employed to control Mg deposition behaviour, enabling reduced clustering and improved spatial distribution. Notably, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was found to influence Mg adsorption dynamics, revealing a distinct pattern of interaction. Comprehensive surface characterization was conducted to assess nanotube morphology, Mg adherence, and distribution. These modified surfaces were subsequently evaluated for their potential in further functionalization, targeting surface chemistries conducive to biomaterial viability. The biomineralization capacity of Mg-decorated ZrNTs was systematically investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel analysis, demonstrating enhanced apatite formation and improved corrosion resistance. This work establishes Mg decoration of ZrNTs as a viable route for developing bioactive, corrosion-resistant implant surfaces. Full article

Immobilized microorganism technology offers a promising approach for remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils. This study developed a novel bio-mineral composite (B-AM) by coupling acid-modified maifanite (AM) with Bacillus mucilaginosus to enhance lead (Pb) immobilization. Comparative experiments demonstrated that B-AM outperformed conventional amendments, including oyster shell, pristine maifanite, AM and B. mucilaginosus in Pb immobilization. The B-AM treatment optimized soil pH, improved soil fertility with increases in available potassium (1.06-fold) and available phosphorus (1.28-fold). Additionally, B-AM transformed Pb into more stable fractions, reducing labile Pb fractions by 52.52% while increasing the residual fraction by 88.36%. These improvements resulted in an 83.24% reduction in Pb accumulation and a 63.95% increase in the fresh root weight of radish. Mechanistic insights revealed that the enhanced remediation performance stems from both the individual contributions of AM (adsorption capacity) and B. mucilaginosus (biosorption and biomineralization) and their synergistic interaction. Specifically, AM acts as a carrier and pH buffer, promoting microbial proliferation and reducing Pb remobilization from cell lysis. The resulting sustained microbial activity further leads to the formation of stable Pb minerals. Collectively, our results establish a theoretical and practical basis for using B-AM to remediate Pb-contaminated soils. Full article