Search Results (6,005)

Peptides are notable cosmetic ingredients owing to their diverse biological activities and beneficial effects on skin health. Therefore, multifunctional peptides capable of simultaneously exerting antioxidant, whitening, and anti-wrinkle effects are highly desirable. In this study, a scalable and cost-effective chemical synthesis strategy was used for the rapid design and synthesis of linear peptide sequences with skin bioactivity using solid-phase peptide synthesis. Subsequently, liquid-phase peptide synthesis was used to enhance the proteolytic stability and develop a cyclic peptide, cyclic CYGSR (CR5), which was subjected to in vitro biological evaluation. CR5 showed high biocompatibility in water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) assays, maintaining over 90% cell viability at concentrations up to 400 μg/mL. In the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) assay, CR5 exhibited strong antioxidant activity with 83.18% radical scavenging at 200 μg/mL. It also showed 97.79% tyrosinase inhibition at 800 μg/mL, confirming significant whitening potential. Moreover, CR5 inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression by 73.55% and increased type I procollagen expression by 44.68% at 400 μg/mL, demonstrating its anti-wrinkle potential. Additionally, molecular docking and dynamic simulation demonstrated stable binding of the peptide to tyrosinase and MMP-1. Collectively, CR5 possesses multifunctional properties with excellent biocompatibility, highlighting its potential as a novel cosmetic active ingredient. Full article

The treatment of wounds, most of which are complications of chronic diseases, poses a significant clinical challenge. Hybrid systems based on hyaluronic acid containing growth factors are a promising prospect for the treatment of chronic wounds. Hyaluronic acid supports fibroblast proliferation, migration, and adhesion to the wound site, and stimulates collagen production. Growth factors (GF), such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), influence the normal proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. This review aims to summarise the current state of knowledge regarding their therapeutic potential. Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Medline (PubMed) databases were searched. Eighteen studies, including basic, preclinical, and clinical studies, were included in the review. The studies confirm the therapeutic potential of the developed formulations. Collagen/hyaluronic acid and alginate/hyaluronic acid systems are biocompatible and biodegradable matrices that provide a moist wound environment, which promotes cell migration and proliferation. EGF stimulates the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, which accelerates re-epithelialisation. bFGF supports angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells. The effect of these actions indirectly leads to increased production of VEGF and HGF cytokines, which support the formation of granulation tissue. The VEGF-containing dressing stimulated vascularisation and the production of collagen type-1 and fibronectin. Only one clinical study conducted in this field indicates the need for further research in this area. Full article

Background: Medicinal plants continue to offer a promising source of novel bioactive compounds for cancer therapy due to their affordability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Rhus punjabensis Stewart, an ethnomedicinal species from the family Anacardiaceae, has long been used in the traditional medicine of northern Pakistan to treat inflammatory, hepatic, and infectious diseases. However, its phytochemical composition and anticancer potential remain largely unexplored. Methods: This study employed a bioactivity-guided isolation strategy to identify and characterize anticancer constituents from R. punjabensis leaves. The plant material was sequentially fractionated using solvents of increasing polarity, followed by purification via column chromatography. Each fraction and purified compound was evaluated using antioxidant (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, and total reducing power) and cytotoxic assays, including brine shrimp lethality, Sulfo-rhodamine B (SRB) against five human cancer cell lines, protein kinase inhibition, and NF-κB chemo-preventive assays. Results: Comparative analysis of spectral data (UV, 1D/2D NMR, and ESI-MS) led to the identification of three triterpenoid compounds—Lupeol, Cycloartenol, and β-sitosterol—reported for the first time from R. punjabensis. Among them, Lupeol displayed the most potent cytotoxicity against DU-145 prostate (IC₅₀ = 11.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL) and HL-60 leukemia (IC₅₀ = 15.2 ± 1.1 μg/mL) cell lines and showed significant NF-κB inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 19.4 ± 1.1 μg/mL), indicating its chemo-preventive potential. Cycloartenoland β-sitosterol exhibited moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Conclusion: The findings validate the ethnopharmacological use of R. punjabensis and confirm it as a new source of triterpenoids with notable anticancer activity. This study provides the first comprehensive account of its bioactive metabolites, reinforcing the significance of bioactivity-directed isolation as a powerful approach for discovering natural anticancer agents. Further in vivo and mechanistic evaluations are warranted to establish their therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles. Full article

Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) are under investigation for their use in biomedical applications, especially in neurological diseases, due to their electrochemical properties. Nevertheless, conflicting results have cast doubt on their safety. To advance their translational potential, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of two MWCNT samples in vivo in both vertebrate and invertebrate animal models. Pristine MWCNTs were, in part, used as prepared (MWCNTs), and, in part, annealed at 2400 °C (a-MWCNTs). The two samples differ in their electrochemical properties: MWCNTs are not electro-conductive, while a-MWCNTs are electro-conductive and negatively charged on their surface. We evaluated the effects of both intranasally delivered MWCNTs on several key markers of cell viability in the olfactory bulbs and hippocampus from healthy adult Wistar rats, as well as their impact on lifespan, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and aging-related functional markers in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neither of the two MWCNT samples was cytotoxic towards neuronal cells in the hippocampus. In olfactory bulbs, only electro-conductive a-MWCNTs interacted with two positively charged mitochondrial proteins: Translocase of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 20 (TOM20) and Cytochrome C (CytC). In C. elegans, neither type of MWCNT affected lifespan or brood size, and cytosolic ROS levels remained unchanged. Notably, treated worms exhibited a significantly delayed aging phenotype. Metallic MWCNTs are biocompatible in living organisms and possess the potential to modulate neural cells functioning in vivo. Full article

Three-dimensional porcine matrix-derived biomaterials have emerged as valuable tools in periodontal regeneration, offering structural stability, biocompatibility, and favorable cellular responses. This review summarizes their physicochemical characteristics, biological mechanisms, and clinical performance in guided tissue and bone regeneration. Comparative analyses show superior handling, integration potential, and regenerative predictability compared with collagen and synthetic scaffolds, especially in complex intrabony and furcation defects. Despite promising clinical outcomes, heterogeneity in processing techniques and limited long-term data still hinder standardization. Overall, porcine-derived scaffolds represent reliable and biologically active options for periodontal regeneration. Future innovation focusing on functionalization, cell integration, and patient-tailored design will define the next generation of predictable and biomimetic regenerative solutions. Full article

Developing bone substitutes that are mechanically strong, highly biocompatible and capable of controlled degradation is crucial for successful bone regeneration. Magnesium phosphate cements (MPCs) and calcium magnesium phosphate cements (CMPCs) offer higher strength and solubility than established calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo degradation, osteoregeneration and biocompatibility of 3D powder-printed Mg3d (Mg₃(PO₄)₂) and Mg275d (Ca_0.25Mg_2.75(PO₄)₂) scaffolds with alkaline post-treatment, using structurally identical TCP (Ca₃(PO₄)₂) scaffolds as the control. The scaffolds were implanted into the lateral femoral condyle of adult female Zika rabbits and analysed up to 6, 12 and 24 weeks using radiography, microCT, histology, EDX and SEM. All materials demonstrated good biocompatibility. Mg3d and Mg275d scaffolds degraded significantly faster than the TCP scaffolds, with nearly complete degradation after 12 weeks. A cell-rich reconstruction zone formed during degradation, which was subsequently replaced by new bone. The degradation rate of the scaffolds corresponded closely to bone regeneration. Notably, the Mg3d and Mg275d scaffolds supported the faster formation of mature lamellar bone compared to the TCP scaffolds. These results indicate that magnesium phosphate (MgP)-based scaffolds represent a promising alternative to conventional calcium phosphate (CP)-based bone substitutes, given their rapid and almost complete degradation and their effective support of bone regeneration. Full article

Cell-mediated drug delivery systems represent a promising frontier in dermatologic therapy by offering enhanced targeting precision, prolonged drug release, and reduced systemic toxicity. These systems leverage the intrinsic properties of immune cells, stem cells, and skin-resident cells to migrate toward inflamed or diseased skin and deliver therapeutic agents in a controlled and biocompatible manner. This review explores the mechanistic foundations of cell-mediated delivery, including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and immune modulation, and examines current applications in inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, cutaneous malignancies such as melanoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and chronic wound healing. Engineering approaches such as cell surface modification, exosome loading, and integration with gene editing technologies are also discussed. Finally, we highlight translational challenges related to immunogenicity, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory considerations, and propose future directions for clinical adoption in dermatology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and outlines the potential for cell-based delivery systems to transform the treatment of chronic and refractory skin diseases. Full article

Strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) is widely used in solution-phase bioconjugation. However, its application in surface chemistry remains limited because substrate-independent azide films that remain stable upon reaction with bulky strained alkynes have not yet been developed. In this study, we address this challenge using a melanin-inspired coating based on tyrosine–azide derivatives with different linkers. In particular, we investigated how differences in linker length and hydrophilicity affect the hydrophobic interactions within the film network and, ultimately, determine film stability. Specifically, Tyr-3-N₃, a tyrosine–azide derivative having an azide group tethered to tyrosine through a short three-carbon alkyl linker, was identified as optimal, forming azide-presenting films via tyrosinase-mediated oxidation and retaining integrity during SPAAC with external dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) ligands. The optimized poly(Tyr-3-N₃) coatings enabled efficient methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) immobilization, thereby exhibiting excellent antifouling performance against protein adsorption, and further supported spatially controlled protein patterning through soft lithography techniques such as micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) and microcontact printing (µCP). The approach was broadly applicable with a range of inorganic and polymeric substrates, as well as living cell surfaces; even after encapsulation and SPAAC-based functionalization, the cells remained viable. Collectively, these findings establish a substrate-independent and biocompatible coating platform that preserves film stability through SPAAC functionalization, supporting applications in antifouling coatings, biosensing, and cell surface engineering. Full article

Background: Candida albicans is increasingly recognized in peri-implantitis due to its capacity to form resilient biofilms on implant surfaces, limiting treatment success. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may offer a non-invasive adjunct by leveraging photosensitizer activation to produce reactive oxygen species that disrupt microbial cells. This in vitro study assessed the antifungal efficacy of QroxB2, a dual-photosensitizer containing riboflavin and curcumin, activated by 450 nm blue light against C. albicans biofilms on titanium implants. Methods: C. albicans biofilms were formed on 63 titanium implants and randomly assigned to nine groups (n = 7): untreated control (GC), chlorhexidine (CHX), riboflavin (RIB), curcumin (CUR), QroxB2 (QBX), laser only (L), and three photodynamic therapy groups combining laser irradiation with each photosensitizer (L + RIB, L + CUR, L + QBX). Treatments were followed by colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration. Results: The L + QBX group showed the strongest antifungal effect, achieving a 94% reduction in fungal load, with median CFU counts decreasing from 49,000 in the untreated control to 2800 CFU/mL. CHX eradicated all viable cells (0 CFU/mL). Among photosensitizer-only groups, QBX produced a moderate reduction (median 21,800 CFU/mL), whereas laser irradiation alone (L) exhibited no meaningful antifungal activity, with median counts comparable to the untreated control (49,000 CFU/mL). Conclusions: QroxB2-mediated aPDT achieved a significant reduction in Candida albicans colony-forming units on implant surfaces. While not as potent as chlorhexidine, this light-activated, biocompatible approach may serve as a complementary tool in managing peri-implant fungal infections. Clinical validation is warranted. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered as an attractive polymer due to its renewable origin, biodegradability, and promising tensile strength and modulus. However, its inherent brittleness, characterized by a low impact resistance and elongation at break, can significantly restrict its application. This work proposes a new insight to improve the toughness of PLA while keeping its biocompatibility by incorporating two biocompatible ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate ([emim][EtSO₄]), and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium methylsulfate ([Tris][MeSO₄]). The modified PLA systems were thoroughly characterized to evaluate their mechanical and thermal behavior. Results demonstrated that the addition of 1 wt% of either IL resulted in significant improvement in modulus. Increasing the amount of IL resulted in an increase in the toughness while maintaining the material’s original stiffness and also the thermal stability. Furthermore, the foaming potential of the modified PLA using supercritical CO₂ was investigated as an environmentally friendly processing method. The ionic liquids contributed positively to the foamability of the material, suggesting improved gas solubility and cell nucleation during the foaming process. The addition of both IL decreased the cell size and resulted in narrower cell size distribution. These findings highlight the potential of ionic liquid-modified PLA systems for the processing of lightweight, and high-performance packaging materials. Full article

Background: This work aimed to enhance the solubility of Tadalafil (TDL), a BCS Class II drug, by preparing Type IV lipid-based formulations. Methods: Type IV formulations were prepared using surfactants and/or hydrophilic co-surfactants, resulting in oil-free systems. Results: Based on the solubility test, Transcutol^® HP exhibited the highest solubility for TDL (48.33 ± 0.004 mg/mL) and was selected as the co-surfactant. Among surfactants, Kolliphor^® PS80 (42.74 ± 2.29 mg/mL), Kolliphor^® EL (41.87 ± 2.50 mg/mL), Kollisolv^® PEG 400 (40.70 ± 0.30 mg/mL), and Kolliphor^® HS15 (31.40 ± 3.63 mg/mL) demonstrated high solubilization capacity. These were used to prepare formulations without the addition of an oil phase. The developed formulations resulted in a system with a nano-droplet size (<50 nm) and PDI values < 0.3, which was clear, transparent, and resistant to pH dilutions. The optimum Type IV lipid formulations were further characterized and demonstrated good thermodynamic stability under temperature and pH changes. The optimized formulation was adsorbed onto different carriers and transformed into solid TDL-loaded formulations. The in vitro dissolution rate of the drug from the solidified lipid formulations was studied in various dissolution media. It was observed that the solid formulations prepared with Neusilin US2^® (2:1) exhibited a significantly higher dissolution of over 95% within 5 min compared to the marketed product. The in vitro lipolysis studies demonstrated that F2 formulation maintained TDL in a supersaturated state throughout digestion, with limited enzymatic degradation of the excipients. Cytotoxicity evaluation using the MTT assay in Caco-2 cells confirmed the biocompatibility of both drug-free and TDL-loaded formulations, with IC₅₀ values of 19.55 µg/mL and 17.55 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The overall results suggested that the developed solid Type IV lipid formulations can improve the dissolution rate of TDL, which would potentially lead to an improvement in its oral bioavailability and, consequently, a reduction in the treatment dose as a safe delivery system. Full article

Plasma surface modification has emerged as a powerful, versatile tool for tailoring the surface properties of biomedical devices and implants without altering the material characteristics in the bulk. This comprehensive review critically examines the current state-of-the-art in plasma-based surface engineering techniques, with a focus on enhancing biocompatibility, bio-functionality, and long-term performance of medical implants. The article systematically explores various plasma processes and their roles in modifying surface chemistry, topography, energy, and wettability. These alterations directly influence protein adsorption, cell adhesion, antibacterial activity, and corrosion resistance, all of which are crucial for successful clinical integration. Special emphasis is placed on the plasma treatment of metallic (e.g., titanium, stainless steel), polymeric (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone), and composite substrates commonly used in dental, orthopedic, and cardiovascular applications. This review also highlights synergistic strategies, such as plasma-assisted grafting of bioactive molecules and nanostructuring, that enable multifunctional surfaces capable of promoting osseointegration, mitigating inflammation, and preventing biofilm formation. Emerging trends such as atmospheric cold plasmas and the integration of plasma technology with additive manufacturing are outlined as promising future directions. By synthesizing insights from surface science, materials engineering, and biomedical research, this review provides a foundational framework to guide future innovations in plasma-treated biomaterials. It aims to inform both academic researchers and medical device developers seeking to optimize implant–tissue interactions and achieve improved clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: Commercial oral care products commonly incorporate synthetic antimicrobials such as cetylpyridinium chloride (Cetyl Cl.), L-Arginine (L-arg.), and stannous fluoride (SnF₂). Although effective against oral pathogens, these agents are often associated with adverse effects including mucosal irritation, taste alteration, and disruption of the oral microbiome. These limitations have spurred growing interest in safer, plant-based alternatives. In this study, we present a two-pronged in vitro oral care testing model that integrates cell assays with machine-guided quantitative microscopy analyses to assess both antibacterial efficacy and host biocompatibility of botanical extracts. Methods: Using Miswak (Salvadora persica) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) as representative natural products, we conducted antibacterial and antibiofilm testing including the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), alongside biocompatibility assessments via MTT cell viability assays on probiotic bacteria and mammalian oral cells. To evaluate biofilm structure and disruption, we employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), augmented with machine-guided Weka segmentation and automated image analysis. Results: Our findings show that Miswak and Neem extracts exhibited 75–100% antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against all tested bacteria, as demonstrated by cell assays and microscopy analyses, comparable to synthetic oral care agents. They also maintained ~100% viability toward commensal microbes and mammalian oral cells, whereas Cetyl Cl. and SnF₂ showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Conclusions: This dual-assessment oral care testing model provides a comprehensive and biologically relevant framework for the discovery and screening of safe and effective natural herbal extracts in oral care applications. Full article

Graphene-based nanomaterials, including graphene oxide (GO) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), exhibit exceptional properties, which might facilitate the functional modification of TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) for enhanced rapid osseointegration. This study investigated the effects of GO/GQD-deposited TiO₂-NTs on cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and early osseointegration in male 6-week-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. TiO₂-NTs (control group) were fabricated on titanium substrates via anodic oxidation. GO and GQDs were electrochemically deposited onto the TiO₂-NTs using cyclic voltammetry with 0.5 mg/mL GO and 0.1 mg/mL GQD dispersions to form NT-GO and NT-GQDs. In vitro assays evaluated cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Implants were randomly inserted into one femoral epiphysis of nine rats (n = 3), and osseointegration was evaluated using micro-computed tomography and sequential fluorescence labeling at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-implantation. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA. Cyclic voltammetry successfully synthesized NT-GO and NT-GQDs, with Raman spectra confirming D and G bands. Both NT-GO and NT-GQDs exhibited superior cell adhesion, proliferation, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation compared with TiO₂-NTs. Notably, the NT-GQDs significantly promoted new bone formation in vivo. The integration of graphene nanomaterials onto TiO₂-NTs improves biocompatibility and accelerates osteogenesis, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing osseointegration in orthopedic and dental implants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become key facilitators of communication between cells, significantly influencing various physiological functions. Although EVs originating from mammalian cells have been heavily researched for their therapeutic applications, there is a growing interest in extracellular vesicles derived from edible plants (PDEVs) because of their unique bioactive characteristics. These nanovesicles (NVs) exhibit remarkable biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and the ability to overcome biological barriers, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of NVs isolated from Rosa canina berries. Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed through in vitro assays, confirming their ability to fight oxidative stress. Additionally, enzymatic inhibition tests were conducted to explore their potential role in regulating key metabolic pathways associated with inflammation and oxidative damage. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Rosa canina NVs was further tested on a THP-1 cell-based inflammation model, demonstrating their ability to modulate the inflammatory response at the cellular level. Moreover, the impact of these NVs on gut microbiota was investigated to assess their protective effects on antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. Results: The results demonstrated their ability to modulate oxidative stress, regulate enzymatic pathways, reduce inflammation in THP-1 cells, and influence gut microbiota in a positive manner. Full article