Search Results (1,738)

Titanium–aluminum–vanadium (Ti6Al4V) is a material chosen for spine, orthopedic, and dental implants due to its combination of desirable mechanical and biological properties. Lasers have been used to modify metal surfaces, enabling the generation of a surface on Ti6Al4V with distinct micro- and nano-scale structures. Studies indicate that topography with micro/nano features of osteoclast resorption pits causes bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoprogenitor cells to favor differentiation into an osteoblastic phenotype. This study examined whether the biological response of human MSCs to Ti6Al4V surfaces is sensitive to laser treatment-controlled micro/nano-topography. First, 15 mm diameter Ti6Al4V discs (Spine Wave Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) were either machined (M) or additively manufactured (AM). Surface treatments included no laser treatment (NT), nanosecond laser (Ns), femtosecond laser (Fs), or nanosecond followed by femtosecond laser (Ns+Fs). Surface wettability, roughness, and surface chemistry were determined using sessile drop contact angle, laser confocal microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human MSCs were cultured in growth media on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) or test surfaces. On day 7, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF) in the conditioned media were measured. M NT, Fs, and Ns+Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; Ns was hydrophobic. AM NT and Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; AM Ns and Ns+Fs were hydrophobic. Roughness (Sa and Sz) increased after Ns and Ns+Fs treatment for both M and AM disks. All surfaces primarily consisted of oxygen, titanium, and carbon; Fs had increased levels of aluminum for both M and AM. SEM images showed that M NT discs had a smooth surface, whereas AM surfaces appeared rough at a higher magnification. Fs surfaces had a similar morphology to their respective NT disc at low magnification, but higher magnification revealed nano-scale bumps not seen on NT surfaces. AM Fs surfaces also had regular interval ridges that were not seen on non-femto laser-ablated surfaces. Surface roughness was increased on M and AM Ns and Ns+Fs disks compared to NT and Fs disks. OCN was enhanced, and DNA was reduced on Ns and Ns+Fs, with no difference between them. OPN, OPG, and VEGF levels for laser-treated M surfaces were unchanged compared to NT, apart from an increase in OPG on Fs. MSCs grown on AM Ns and Ns+Fs surfaces had increased levels of OCN per DNA. These results indicate that MSCs cultured on AM Ns and AM Ns+Fs surfaces, which exhibited unique roughness at the microscale and nanoscale, had enhanced differentiation to an osteoblastic phenotype. The laser treatments of the surface mediated this enhancement of MSC differentiation and warrant further clinical investigation. Full article

The search for sustainable, economically viable, and effective plant protection strategies against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses is a major challenge in modern agricultural practices. Chitosan (CS) is an abundant cationic natural biopolymer known for its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. Its potential use in agriculture for pathogen control is a promising alternative to traditional chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which raise concerns regarding public health, environmental protection, and pesticide resistance. This study focused on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) through cross-linking with organic molecules, such as tannic acid (TA). Various formulations were explored for the development of stable nanoscale particles having encapsulation capabilities towards low compounds of varying polarity and with potential agricultural applications relevant to plant health and growth. The solution properties of the NPs were assessed using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS); their morphology was observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM), while analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) measurements provided insights into their molar mass. Their properties proved to be primarily influenced by the concentration of CS, which significantly affected its intrinsic conformation. Additional structural insights were obtained via infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopic measurements, while detailed fluorescence analysis with the use of three different probes, as model cargo molecules, provided information regarding the hydrophobic and hydrophilic microdomains within the particles. Full article

This study involved the fabrication of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films using the solution-casting process, which incorporated strontium-coated silver oxide (Sr-Ag₂O) nanoparticles generated by a plant-extract assisted method. Various characterization techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, UV, and FTIR, showed the formation and uniform distribution of Sr-Ag₂O nanoparticles in the PVA film, which are biocompatible nanocomposite films. The presence of hydroxyl groups leads to appreciable mixing and interaction between the Sr-Ag₂O nanoparticles and the PVA polymer. Mechanical and thermal results suggest enhanced tensile strength and increased thermal stability. In addition, the sample of PVA/Sr-Ag₂O (1.94/0.06 wt. ratio) nanocomposite film showed decreased hydrophilicity, lower hemolysis, non-toxicity, and appreciable cell migration activity, with nearly 19.95% cell migration compared to the standard drug, and the presence of Sr-Ag₂O nanoparticles favored the adhesion and spreading of cells, which triggered the reduction in the gaps. These research findings suggest that PVA/Sr-Ag₂O nanocomposite films with good mechanical, antimicrobial, non-toxic, and biocompatible properties could be applied in biological wound-healing applications. Full article

In this paper, MXene nanosheets were used as nano additives for the preparation of MXene-modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed max membranes (MMMs) for the rejection of lead (Pb²⁺) ions from wastewater. MXene nanosheets were introduced into the PVC matrix to enhance membrane performance, hydrophilicity, contact angle, porosity, and resistance to fouling. Modeling and optimization techniques were used to examine the effects of important operational and fabrication parameters, such as pH, contaminant concentration, nanoadditive (MXene) content, and operating pressure. Predictive models were developed using experimental data to assess the membranes’ performance in terms of flux and Pb²⁺ rejection. The ideal circumstances that struck a balance between long-term operating stability and high removal efficiency were found through multi-variable optimization. The optimized conditions for the best rejection of Pb²⁺ ions and the most stable permeability over time among the membranes that were manufactured were the initial metal ions concentration (2 mg/L), pH (7.89), pressure (2.99 bar), and MXene mass (0.3 g). The possibility of combining MXene nanoparticles with methodical optimization techniques to create efficient membranes for the removal of heavy metals in wastewater treatment applications is highlighted by this work. Full article

Access to clean water is a pressing global concern and membrane technologies play a vital role in addressing this challenge. Thin-film composite membranes prepared via interfacial polymerization (IPol) using meta-phenylenediamine (MPD) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) exhibit excellent separation performance, but face limitations such as fouling and low hydrophilicity. This study investigated the interaction between MPD and sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine, Zn(SO₂⁻)₄Pc, as a potential strategy for enhancing membrane properties. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent DFT (TD-DFT), we analyzed the optimized geometries, electronic structures, UV–Vis absorption spectra, FT-IR vibrational spectra, and molecular electrostatic potentials of MPD, Zn(SO₂⁻)₄Pc, and their complexes. The results show that MPD/Zn(SO₂⁻)₄Pc exhibits reduced HOMO-LUMO energy gaps and enhanced charge delocalization, particularly in aqueous environments, indicating improved stability and reactivity. Spectroscopic features confirmed strong interactions via hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking, suggesting that Zn(SO₂⁻)₄Pc can act as a co-monomer or additive during IPol to improve polyamide membrane functionality. A conformational analysis of MPD/Zn(SO₂⁻)₄Pc was conducted using density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the impact of dihedral rotation on molecular stability. The 120° conformation was identified as the most stable, due to favorable π–π interactions and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. These findings offer computational evidence for the design of high-performance membranes with enhanced antifouling, selectivity, and structural integrity for sustainable water treatment applications. Full article

Nepafenac is an anti-inflammatory drug used in ophthalmology, marketed as a suspension due to its low aqueous solubility. A solution formulation could provide better bioavailability than suspension and facilitate single unit doses, avoiding the use of preservatives which are required to maintain sterility in multidose packaging. In this study, solubilization of nepafenac was achieved in the presence of randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) and the actual complexation was assessed by NMR and phase-solubility studies. It was also found that the addition of hydrophilic polymers plays an important role in allowing increased solubilization of nepafenac at the same cyclodextrin concentration. Compared to complexes of nepafenac with other cyclodextrins, only 5% RAMEB was sufficient to solubilize 0.3% (w/v) nepafenac, enabling for the first time the development of an ophthalmic solution that proved chemically and physically stable for 12 months at 25 °C. The formulated solutions of nepafenac were tested for cytotoxicity on human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2) and the results suggest their potential as a valuable and safe alternative to the commercially available 0.3% (w/v) suspension of the drug. Full article

Wounds are undeniably important gateways for pathogens to enter the body. In addition to their detrimental local effects, they can also cause adverse systemic effects. For this reason, developing methods for eradicating pathogens from wounds is a challenging medical issue. Polymers, particularly hydrogels, are one of the more essential materials for designing novel drug-delivery systems, thanks to the ease of tuning their structures. This work exploits this property by utilizing copolymerization, microwave modification, and drug-loading processes to obtain antibacterial gels. Synthesized xylitol-modified glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethyl methacrylate ([P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl]) matrices were loaded with bacitracin, gentian violet, furazidine, and brilliant green, used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The hydrophilic properties, API release mechanism, and antibacterial properties of the obtained hydrogels against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis containing [P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl] were studied. The hydrogels with the APIs efficiently inhibit bacteria growth with low doses of drugs, and our findings are statistically significant, confirmed with ANOVA analysis at p = 0.05. The results confirmed that the proposed system is hydrophilic and has extended the drug-release capabilities of APIs with a controlled burst effect based on [P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl] content in the hydrogel. Hydrogels are characterized by the prolonged release of APIs in a very short time (a few minutes). Although the amount of released APIs is about 10%, it still exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentrations of drugs. Several kinetic models (first-order, second-order, Baker–Lonsdale, and Korsmeyer–Peppas) were applied to fit the API release data from the [P(EMA)-co-(GMA)]-Xyl-based hydrogel. The best fit of the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model to the experimental data was determined, and it was confirmed that a diffusion-controlled release mechanism of the APIs from the studied hydrogels is dominant, which is desirable for applications requiring a consistent, controlled release of therapeutic agents. A statistical analysis of API release using Linear Mixed Model was performed, examining the relationship between % mass of API, sample (hydrogels and control), time, sample–time interaction, and variability between individuals. The model fits the data well, as evidenced by the determination coefficients close to 1. The analyzed interactions in the data are reliable and statistically significant (p < 0.001). The outcome of this study suggests that the presented acrylate-based gel is a promising candidate for developing wound dressings. Full article

Microbial contamination is a global concern with impacts on a variety of industries ranging from marine to biomedical applications. Recent research on hydrophilic polymer-based coatings is focused on combining antifouling polymers with nanomaterials to enhance mechanical, optical, and stimuli-responsive properties, yielding colour changing, self-healing, and super hydrophilic materials. This study combines the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (B5AMA)-based polymers with stimuli-responsive anthocyanin-dye-loaded cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to develop antifouling materials with colour changing capabilities upon bacterial contamination. Poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were prepared through surface-initiated photoiniferter reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (SP-RAFT) polymerization and characterized through proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the formation of surface-grafted polymer chains. The bare CNCs and poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were loaded with anthocyanin dye and evaluated for pH-dependent colour changing capabilities. Interestingly, anthocyanin-loaded CNCs demonstrated vibrant colour changes in both solution and dried film form upon bacterial contamination; however, limited colour changing capabilities of the composites, specifically in dried film form, were attributed to the enhanced dispersibility and antifouling capabilities of the polymer-coated CNCs. Full article

PVDF/TiO₂ composite membranes show some potential to be used for water treatment as they combine the advantages of polymers and ceramics. However, conventional PVDF-based composite membranes are always fabricated by using conventional toxic solvents. Herein, PolarClean was used as a green solvent to fabricate PVDF/TiO₂ composite membranes via the phase inversion method. In this process, Pluronic F127 was used as a dispersion agent to distribute TiO₂ particles in the PVDF matrix and to serve as a pore former on the membrane surface. TiO₂ particles were well distributed on the membrane surface and bulk. TiO₂ particles in the PVDF matrix enhanced the mechanical strength and hydrophilic characteristics of the resulting composite membrane, facilitating water transport through the composite membranes and enhancing their water permeability. Membrane microstructures and mechanical strength of the composite membranes were finely tuned by varying the PVDF concentration, TiO₂ concentration, and coagulation bath temperature. It was demonstrated that the resulting green PVDF/TiO₂ composite membrane showed a high water permeance compared with those using conventional toxic solvents in terms of its small pore size. In addition, the particle rejection of green PVDF/TiO₂ membrane showed a 99.9% rejection rate in all the filtration process, while those using NMP showed 91.1% after 30 min of filtration. The water flux was similar at 121 and 130 Lm⁻²h⁻¹ for green and conventional solvents, respectively. This work provides important information for the future application of sustainable membranes. Full article

Penicillium expansum is an acidogenic fungal species that belongs to the phylum Ascomycota. During the infection and colonization of host fruits, P. expansum can efficiently express glucose oxidase (GOX) and oxidize β-D-glucose to generate gluconic acid (GLA). In this study, the bioinformatics analysis method was employed to predict and analyze the function of the GOX protein. In addition, a comprehensive assessment was conducted on the P. expansum GOX coding gene GOX2, and the expression response rules of GOX2 under different external stress environments were explored. The results show that GOX is an unstable hydrophilic protein. It is either an integrated membrane protein (such as a receptor or channel) that is directly anchored to the membrane through a transmembrane structure or a non-classical secreted protein that is secreted extracellularly. RNA-seq data analysis shows that the GOX2 gene is regulated by multiple environmental factors, including pH, temperature, carbon base, and chemical fungicides. The expression level of GOX2 reaches its maximum value under alkaline conditions (pH 8–10) and at approximately 10 °C. Using starch as the carbon source and adding sodium propionate or potassium sorbate has the effect of inhibiting the expression of the GOX2 gene. The analysis of the function of the GOX protein and the characteristics of the GOX2 gene in P. expansum provides new insights into the glucose oxidase-encoding gene GOX2. The research results provide significant value for the subsequent development of new disease resistance strategies by targeting the GOX2 gene and reducing post-harvest disease losses in fruits. Full article

The inherent hydrophobic nature of PVDF material renders it challenging to establish a stable aqueous hydration layer, thereby limiting its suitability as a substrate for the preparation of nanofiltration (NF) membranes. In this study, we developed a novel modification approach that effectively enhances the hydrophilicity of PVDF substrates through the incorporation of sulfonic acid-doped polyaniline (SPANI) and hyperbranched polyester (HPE) into the PVDF casting solution, followed by cross-linking with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The introduction of SPANI and HPE, which contain reactive polar amino and hydroxyl groups, improved the hydrophilicity of the substrate, while the subsequent cross-linking with TMC effectively anchored these components within the substrate through the covalent linking between TMC and the reactive sites. Additionally, the hydrolysis of TMC yielded non-reactive carboxyl groups, which further enhanced the hydrophilicity of the substrate. As a result, the modified PVDF substrate exhibited improved hydrophilicity, facilitating the construction of an intact polyamide layer. In addition, the fabricated TFC NF membrane demonstrated excellent performance in the advanced treatment of tap water, achieving a total dissolved solid removal rate of 57.9% and a total organic carbon removal rate of 85.3%. This work provides a facile and effective route to modify PVDF substrates for NF membrane fabrication. Full article

Background: 1,2,3,4,5-pentathiepines (PTEs) are compounds originally identified in marine ascidians and are currently under investigation for their promising pharmacological properties, particularly as potential antineoplastic agents. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the antineoplastic properties of a series of ten indolizine-based PTEs, comprising eight previously reported compounds and two newly synthesized derivatives. Methods: These compounds were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines of diverse tissue origins, as well as, for the first time, on non-cancerous CR9 fibroblasts to assess their cytotoxic selectivity. In addition, their effects were tested on 3D spheroid models, providing preliminary insights into their potential in vivo efficacy. Initial screening focused on cell viability, followed by a more detailed characterization of the most active compounds in terms of their ability to induce apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The anti-migratory activity of PTEs and a newly adapted assay to confirm sulfur species release in the cells were also performed for the first time. Results and Conclusions: Our findings reveal that four PTEs bearing hydrophilic, hydrogen-bonding functional groups, particularly the two inspired by natural analogs, exhibited the most potent anticancer activity. Full article

This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the bioactive compounds present in honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) extract (HSF) and their remarkable antioxidant activity. A docking simulation was performed to clarify the binding affinities of the identified phytochemicals to enzymes associated with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, the low-energy nanoemulsions based on optimally formulated polyglycerol fatty acid esters (PGFEs), developed through D-optimality, were designed for the incorporation of HSF extract. The result revealed that HSF is a rich source of diverse phenolic and flavonoid compounds that contribute to its remarkable antioxidant capacity. Molecular docking analysis indicates that its compounds exhibit anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities, particularly through collagenase, hyaluronidase, and TNF-α inhibition. Furthermore, D-optimality revealed that HSF-loaded nanoemulsions can be fabricated by a surfactant to oil ratio (SOR) of 2:1 with a ratio of low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) surfactant to high HLB surfactant (LHR) of 1:2. Polyglyceryl-6 laurate as a high HLB surfactant produced the optimal nanoemulsion with small particle size and possessed an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 74.32 ± 0.19%. This is the first report to combine D-optimal design-based nanoemulsion development with a multi-level analysis of HSF, including phytochemical profiling, antioxidant evaluation, and in silico molecular docking. These findings highlight that HSF-loaded polyglycerol fatty acid ester-based nanoemulsions could be a skin health-promoting ingredient and effective alternative for a variety of skincare applications. Full article

The use of widespread and inexpensive clay minerals as adsorptive agents, as well as materials obtained by their chemical modification, can contribute to the solution of the problem of environmental pollution with antibiotics. This review considers the structural features of various natural clay minerals and the effect of these features on their sorption capacity. Based on the analysis of available papers (over the last 15 years, also including some fundamental basics over the last 20–30 years), it has been established that the main property of an antibiotic molecule affecting the ability to be adsorbed by a clay mineral is the hydrophilicity of the organic substance molecule. The leading properties that determine the ability of clays to adsorb antibiotics are the charge and area of their surfaces. The ability of antibiotic molecules to protonate and a partial change in the edge charge of mineral layers is determined by the acidity of the sorption solution. In addition, empirical evidence is provided that the most important factors affecting adsorption are the ionic strength of the sorption solution, the concentration of the adsorbent and adsorbate, and the interaction temperature. The diversity of the composition, structure, and properties of clay minerals allows them to be effective sorbents for a wide range of antibiotics. Full article

Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) extend the concept of amphiphilicity beyond classical molecular surfactants into the nanoscale. Amphiphilic behavior is defined by the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties within a single molecular structure. Traditionally, such molecular structures are known as surfactants or amphiphiles and are capable of reducing interfacial tension, adsorbing spontaneously at interfaces, stabilizing emulsions and foams, and forming micelles, bilayers, or vesicles. Recent experimental, theoretical, and computational studies demonstrate that these behaviors are scalable to nanostructured colloids such as JNPs. Amphiphilic JNPs, defined by anisotropic surface chemistry on distinct hemispheres, display interfacial activity driven by directional wetting, variable interfacial immersion depth, and strong interfacial anchoring. They can stabilize liquid/liquid and liquid/gas interfaces, and enable templated or spontaneous self-assembly into supra-structures, such as monolayer sheets, vesicles, capsules, etc., both in bulk and at interfaces. Their behavior mimics the “soft” molecular amphiphiles but also includes additional particularities given by their “hard” structure, as well as contributions from capillary, van der Waals, hydrophobic, and shape-dependent forces. This review focuses on compiling the evidence supporting amphiphilicity as a scalable property, discussing how JNPs function as colloidal amphiphiles and how geometry, polarity contrast, interfacial interactions, and environmental parameters influence their behavior. By comparing surfactant behavior and JNP assembly, this work aims to clarify the transferable principles, the knowledge gap, as well as the emergent properties associated with amphiphilic Janus colloids. Full article