Search Results (2,006)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of breed and sex (3 × 2) on the basic chemical composition, concentration of some minerals, and physicochemical properties of edible giblets of farm geese. The study material consisted of edible giblets (livers, gizzards, hearts) obtained from 42 geese from three Polish native breeds (Rypin, Suwałki, Kartuzy) at 220 weeks of age. Edible giblets were obtained during goose evisceration from seven males and seven females of each breed. Each bird was an experimental unit. Goose breed and sex had a significant effect on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the edible giblets. Rypin geese had higher (p < 0.05) intramuscular fat content in the gizzard and heart, as well as higher protein content in the heart and lower water content in the gizzard, compared to Kartuzy and Suwałki geese. Kartuzy geese, in turn, had higher content of water in the heart, and higher concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, sodium, and chromium in the liver, compared to Rypin and Suwałki geese. In turn, Suwałki geese had higher concentrations of phosphorus in the gizzard, and potassium, phosphorus, copper, and iron in the heart compared to the hearts of Rypin and Suwałki geese, while Kartuzy and Suwałki geese higher concentrations of sodium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese in hearts than the hearts of Rypin geese. In these studies, the highest lightness (L*) was observed in the liver and heart of Rypin geese, the lowest yellowness (b*) was observed in the gizzard of Suwałki geese, and the highest pH₂₄ and EC₂₄ were observed in the heart of Kartuzy geese. Regardless of breed, males had higher protein, collagen, and intramuscular fat contents in the heart, a higher water content in the gizzard, higher concentrations of potassium, and sodium in the liver and gizzard, copper in the heart and liver, and phosphorus in the gizzard, and less water in the heart and zinc in the liver, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of iron in the liver and heart compared with females. The breed by sex interaction was significant for intramuscular fat and water content in the gizzard and heart, and protein content in the heart. Significant differences were also noted for EC₂₄ in the liver and heart, yellowness of the gizzard, and concentrations of most labeled minerals in edible giblets. The obtained results indicate that the nutritional value and suitability of edible goose giblets for the poultry industry vary depending on breed and sex. Due to the limited research on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of goose giblets, further research in this area is necessary in the future. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymer fibers and nonwoven mats due to their eco-friendly characteristics and potential to reduce plastic pollution. This review highlights how mechanical properties influence the performance and suitability of biodegradable polymer fibers across diverse applications. This covers synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as well as natural polymers including chitosan, collagen, cellulose, alginate, silk fibroin, and starch-based polymers. A range of fiber production methods is discussed, including electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, spunbonding, melt blowing, melt spinning, and wet spinning, with attention to how each technique influences tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. The review also addresses advances in composite fibers, nanoparticle incorporation, crosslinking methods, and post-processing strategies that improve mechanical behavior. In addition, mechanical testing techniques such as tensile test machine, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis are examined to show how fabrication parameters influence fiber performance. This review examines the mechanical performance of biodegradable polymer fibers and fibrous mats, emphasizing their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials in applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical implants, wound dressings, packaging, and filtration. Full article

Collagen implants in neurosurgery are widely used due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to support tissue regeneration, but their mechanical properties, such as low tensile strength and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, remain challenging. Current technologies are improving these implants through cross-linking, synthetic reinforcements, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D bioprinting to improve durability and predictability. Industry 4.0 is contributing to this by automating production, using data analytics and machine learning to optimize implant properties and ensure quality control. In Industry 5.0, the focus is shifting to personalization, enabling the creation of patient-specific implants through human–machine collaboration and advanced biofabrication. eHealth integrates digital monitoring systems, enabling real-time tracking of implant healing and performance to inform personalized care. Despite progress, challenges such as cost, material property variability, and scalability for mass production remain. The future lies in smart biomaterials, AI-driven design, and precision biofabrication, which could mean the possibility of creating more effective, accessible, and patient-specific collagen implants. The aim of this article is to examine the current state and determine the prospects for the development of mechanical properties of collagen implant used in neurosurgery towards Industry 4.0/5.0, including ML model. Full article

Bassia scoparia (Syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) is a medicinal plant whose fruit, Kochiae Fructus, has been extensively studied for its dermatological applications. This study focused on extracts from the whole plant B. scoparia (WPBS), excluding fruits, to address the research gap regarding the medicinal properties of non-fruit parts. The diverse skin benefits of WPBS, including its anti-photoaging, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, were investigated. The WPBS extract enhanced the viability of keratinocytes (HaCaT) without inducing cytotoxic effects. WPBS significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels and increased collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) levels (p < 0.01) in fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, indicating strong anti-photoaging effects. WPBS upregulated skin hydration markers such as aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) and effectively accelerated fibroblast wound closure compared to the positive control. Furthermore, WPBS substantially downregulated the expression of inflammatory (COX-2 and IL-1β) and angiogenic markers (VEGF). Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) confirmed that WPBS suppressed inflammation-related and UV-induced gene expression pathways. Overall, these findings expand the therapeutic scope of B. scoparia beyond its traditional fruit use and suggest that WPBS is a promising botanical ingredient for various skin applications. Full article

The treatment of chronic wounds is one of the most complex therapeutic problems of modern medicine. It leads to patients’ protracted recovery, generating high treatment costs. Herbal products may be useful in the treatment of chronic wounds via a wide range of pharmacological properties and multidirectional effects on the wound healing phases. The study aims to determine the ability of selected plant extracts to modulate the processes involved in wound healing. The antimicrobial (MIC, MBC, MFC) and antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH) activities, cytotoxicity (MTT test), scratch wound test, and collagen assay were tested. R. canina (MBC 0.39 mg/mL) and V. venifera (MBC 3.13 mg/mL) extracts had bactericidal activities against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. The V. vinifera extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in both ABTS (EC50 0.078 mg/mL) and DPPH (EC50 0.005 mg/mL) methods. The percentage of wound closure observed for C. cardunculus, R. rosea, and R. canina extracts with HaCaT, and V. vinifera extract with Hs27 cells was set as 100%. V. vinifera extract (50 μg/mL) stimulated collagen synthesis 5.16 times more strongly than ascorbic acid. Our preliminary study showed that some plant extracts may be promising modulators of the wound healing process, although further in-depth studies are necessary to determine their effectiveness in the in vivo model. Full article

Wound care in military and combat environments poses distinct challenges that set it apart from conventional medical practice in civilian settings. The nature of injuries sustained on the battlefield—often complex, contaminated, and involving extensive tissue damage—combined with limited access to immediate medical intervention, significantly increases the risk of infection, delayed healing, and adverse outcomes. Traditional wound dressings frequently prove inadequate under such extreme conditions, as they have not been designed to address the specific physiological and logistical constraints present during armed conflicts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the development of advanced wound dressings tailored for use in military scenarios. Special attention has been given to multifunctional dressings that go beyond basic wound coverage by incorporating biologically active macromolecules such as collagen, chitosan, thrombin, alginate, therapeutic peptides, and growth factors. These compounds contribute to properties including moisture balance control, exudate absorption, microbial entrapment, and protection against secondary infection. This review highlights the critical role of advanced wound dressings in improving medical outcomes for injured military personnel. The potential of these technologies to reduce complications, enhance healing rates, and ultimately save lives underscores their growing importance in modern battlefield medicine. Full article

Burn injuries are complex and require effective wound management strategies. Traditional treatments, such as dermal templates, are limited by simplified extracellular matrix (ECM) composition (e.g., collagen-elastin or collagen-glycosaminoglycan), sheet-based formats, and frequent use of animal-derived materials. These limitations can reduce wound conformity, biocompatibility, and integration with host tissue. Functional hydrogels are being explored as alternatives due to properties such as high water content, biodegradability, adhesiveness, antimicrobial activity, and support for angiogenesis. Unlike standard templates, hydrogels can adapt to irregular wound shapes as in burn wounds and reach deeper tissue layers, supporting moisture retention, cell migration, and controlled drug delivery. These features may improve the wound environment and support healing in burns of varying severity. This review outlines recent developments in functional hydrogel technologies and compares them to current clinical treatments for burn care. Emphasis is placed on the structural and biological features that influence performance, including material composition, bioactivity, and integration capacity. Through an exploration of key mechanisms of action and clinical applications, this review highlights the benefits and challenges associated with hydrogel technology, providing insights into its future role in burn care. Full article

Organoids and microphysiological systems (MPSs) have emerged as physiologically relevant platforms that recapitulate key structural and functional features of human organs, tissues, and microenvironments. As one of the essential components that define the success of these systems, hydrogels play the central role of providing a three-dimensional, biomimetic scaffold that supports cell viability, spatial organization, and dynamic signaling. Natural polymer-based hydrogels, derived from materials such as collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and alginate, offer favorable properties including biocompatibility, degradability, and an extracellular matrix-like architecture. This review presents recent advances in the design and application of such hydrogels, focusing on crosslinking strategies (physical, chemical, and hybrid), the viscoelastic characteristics, and stimuli-responsive behaviors. The influence of these materials on cellular processes, such as stemness maintenance, differentiation, and morphogenesis, is critically examined. Furthermore, the applications of organoid culture and dynamic MPS platforms are discussed, highlighting their roles in morphogen delivery, barrier formation, and vascularization. Current challenges and future perspectives toward achieving standardized, scalable, and translational hydrogel systems are also addressed. Full article

Background and Objectives: Posterior chamber phakic implantable contact lenses (Phakic-ICL) are widely used for refractive correction due to their efficacy and safety, including minimal corneal endothelial cell loss. The Collamer-based EVO+ Visian implantable contact lens (ICL), manufactured from Collamer, which is a blend of collagen and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), has demonstrated excellent long-term biocompatibility and optical clarity. Recently, hydrophilic acrylic Phakic-ICLs, such as the Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL), have been introduced. This study investigated the material differences among Phakic-ICLs and their interaction with fibronectin (FN), which has been reported to adhere to intraocular lens (IOL) surfaces following implantation. The aim was to compare Collamer, IPCL, and LENTIS lenses (used as control) in terms of FN distribution and cell adhesion using a small number of explanted Phakic-ICLs. Materials and Methods: Three lens types were analyzed: a Collamer Phakic-ICL (EVO+ Visian ICL), a hydrophilic acrylic IPCL, and a hydrophilic acrylic phakic-IOL (LENTIS). FN distribution and cell adhesion were evaluated across different regions of each lens. An in vitro FN-coating experiment was conducted to assess its effect on cell adhesion. Results: All lenses demonstrated minimal FN deposition and cellular adhesion in the central optical zone. A thin FN film was observed on the haptics of Collamer lenses, while FN adhesion was weaker or absent on IPCL and LENTIS surfaces. Following FN coating, Collamer lenses supported more uniform FN film formation; however, this did not significantly enhance cell adhesion. Conclusions: Collamer, which contains collagen, promotes FN film formation. Although FN film formation was enhanced, the low cell-adhesive properties of HEMA resulted in minimal cell adhesion even with FN presence. This characteristic may contribute to the long-term transparency and biocompatibility observed clinically. In contrast, hydrophilic acrylic materials used in IPCL and LENTIS demonstrated limited FN interaction. These material differences may influence extracellular matrix protein deposition and biocompatibility in clinical settings, warranting further investigation. Full article

Skin aging causes reduced hydration, elasticity, and increased wrinkles. Recent safety and compliance concerns over oral collagen supplements have increased interest in plant-based alternatives like Hibiscus sabdariffa with antioxidant and anti-aging properties. However, clinical evidence regarding its efficacy remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the effects of this plant-based collagen alternative (VC-H1, Hibiscus Enzyme Extract) supplement on skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), desquamation, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction in photoaged individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 98 participants (aged 35–60 years) presenting with dry skin and periorbital wrinkles. Participants randomly received 1.5 g/day of VC-H1 or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin hydration, TEWL, deep moisture, keratin index, elasticity, and wrinkle parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. VC-H1 supplementation significantly increased skin hydration, reduced the TEWL and keratin index, and improved deep moisture content for those receiving it compared with the controls. Wrinkle depth significantly decreased, and skin elasticity also improved. Those in the VC-H1 group showed greater overall improvement than those in the control group. Oral VC-H1 supplementation significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction, suggesting its potential as a plant-based alternative to traditional collagen supplements for skin rejuvenation. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Given the limitations and adverse effects of conventional therapies, interest in natural treatments with anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties is increasing. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of Galium verum extract in an imiquimod-induced rat model of psoriasis. The extract was chemically characterized by HPLC and evaluated for anti-oxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Molecular docking studies targeted psoriasis-related proteins (IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, JAK2, MAPK2, NF-κB, STAT3), revealing strong binding affinities for rutin and quercetin, the extract’s dominant bioactives. In vivo, 18 Wistar albino male rats were divided into control (CTRL), psoriasis (PSORI), and psoriasis treated with Galium verum (PSORI + GV) groups. A seven-day topical application of 5% imiquimod cream was used for the induction of psoriasis. The PSORI + GV group received 250 mg/kg Galium verum extract orally for 7 days. Morphometric and redox analyses were performed. Histological and morphometric analyses showed reduced epidermal thickness, inflammation, and collagen content. Redox analysis revealed lowered oxidative stress biomarkers and enhanced anti-oxidant defenses. These findings suggest that Galium verum extract exerts anti-psoriatic effects through antioxidative and immunomodulatory mechanisms, supporting its potential as a natural adjunct therapy for psoriasis. Full article

Lightweightness and durability are key consumer demands for footwear. To address the issues of deformation and poor durability in foamed sole materials, this study integrates natural fibers into the formulation of foamed rubber. The effects of natural fiber incorporation on density, mechanical properties, creep behavior, anti-slip performance, and aging resistance were comprehensively analyzed. Additionally, the study explored the mechanisms underlying the improved performance of the modified rubber materials. The results revealed that natural fiber integration significantly enhanced the structural stability, strength, and aging resistance of natural rubber (NR). Among the fibers compared, collagen fibers (CF) proved to be the most effective modifier for foamed NR. The density, tensile strength, tear strength, and coefficient of friction of CF-modified foamed NR (CF-NR) were found to be 0.72 g/cm³, 10.1 MPa, 48.0 N/mm, and 1.105, respectively, meeting the standard requirements for sole materials. Furthermore, CF-NR demonstrated a recoverable deformation of 4.58% and a negligible irreversible deformation of 0.10%, indicating a successful balance between comfort and durability. This performance enhancement can be attributed to the supportive role of CF in the pore structure, along with its inherent flexibility and recoverability. This work presents a novel approach for the development of high-quality, lightweight footwear in the sole material industry. Full article

In recent decades, there has been a marked surge in the development of marine-by-product-derived ingredients for cosmetic applications, driven by the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and high-performance formulations. Marine animal by-products, particularly those from fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, represent an abundant yet underutilized source of bioactive compounds with notable potential in cosmeceutical innovation. Generated as waste from the fishery and seafood-processing industries, these materials are rich in valuable bioactives, such as chitosan, collagen, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, polar lipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, pigments, phenolics, and mineral-based substrates like hydroxyapatite. Marine by-product bioactives can be isolated via several extraction methods, and most importantly, green ones. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of skin-health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-wrinkle, anti-hyperpigmentation, and wound-healing properties. Moreover, applications extend beyond skincare to include hair, nail, and oral care. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of bioactives obtained from marine mollusks, crustaceans, and fish by-products, emphasizing modern extraction technologies with a focus on green and sustainable approaches. It further explores their mechanisms of action and documented efficacy in cosmetic formulations. Finally, the review outlines current limitations and offers future perspectives for the industrial valorization of marine by-products in functional and environmentally-conscious cosmetic development. Full article

Background: Blackberry seed oil (BSO), obtained from Rubus spp. Xavante cultivar via supercritical CO₂ extraction, contains bioactive lipids and antioxidants, but its cosmetic application is limited by poor solubility and stability. Nanoencapsulation with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can overcome these limitations. Methods: BSO was characterized by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and incorporated into PCL nanocapsules (NCBSO) using the preformed polymer deposition method. Physicochemical properties, stability (at 4 °C, room temperature, and 37 °C for 90 days), cytotoxicity, and collagen production were assessed in human fibroblasts. Additionally, a predictive in silico analysis using PASS Online, Molinspiration, and SEA platforms was performed to identify the bioactivities of major BSO compounds related to collagen synthesis, antioxidant potential, and anti-aging effects. Results: NCBSO showed a nanometric size of ~267 nm, low polydispersity (PDI < 0.2), negative zeta potential (−28 mV), and spherical morphology confirmed by FE-SEM. The dispersion remained stable across all tested temperatures, preserving pH and colloidal properties. In particular, BSO and NCBSO at 100 µg.mL⁻¹ significantly enhanced in vitro collagen production by 170% and 200%, respectively, compared to untreated cells (p < 0.01). Superior bioactivity was observed for NCBSO. The in silico results support the role of key compounds in promoting collagen biosynthesis and protecting skin structure. No cytotoxic effects were achieved. Conclusions: The nanoencapsulation of BSO into PCL nanocapsules ensured formulation stability and potentiated collagen production. These findings support the potential of NCBSO as a promising candidate for future development as a collagen-boosting cosmeceutical. Full article

Objectives: Sialic acid (SA), a naturally occurring compound abundantly found in birds’ nests, holds immense promise for skincare applications owing to its remarkable biological properties. However, its low bioavailability, poor stability, and limited skin permeability have constrained its widespread application. Methods: To overcome these challenges, SA was encapsulated within nanoliposomes (NLPs) by the high-pressure homogenization technique to develop an advanced and efficient transdermal drug delivery system. The skincare capabilities of this novel system were comprehensively evaluated across multiple experimental platforms, including in vitro cell assays, 3D skin models, in vivo zebrafish studies, and clinical human trials. Results: The SA-loaded NLPs (SA-NLPs) substantially improved the transdermal penetration and retention of SA, facilitating enhanced cellular uptake and cell proliferation. Compared to free SA, SA-NLPs demonstrated a 246.98% increase in skin retention and 1.8-fold greater cellular uptake in HDF cells. Moreover, SA-NLPs protected cells from oxidative stress-induced damage, stimulated collagen synthesis, and effectively suppressed the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, tyrosinase activity, and melanin production. Additionally, zebrafish-based assays provided in vivo evidence of the skincare efficacy of SA-NLPs. Notably, clinical evaluations demonstrated that a 56-day application of the SA-NLPs-containing cream resulted in a 4.20% increase in L*, 7.87% decrease in b*, 8.45% decrease in TEWL, and 4.01% reduction in wrinkle length, indicating its superior brightening, barrier-repair, and anti-aging effects. Conclusions: This multi-level, systematic investigation strongly suggests that SA-NLPs represent a highly promising transdermal delivery strategy, capable of significantly enhancing the anti-aging, barrier-repair, and skin-brightening properties of SA, thus opening new avenues for its application in the fields of dermatology and cosmeceuticals. Full article