Search Results (205)

A widely used approach for synthesizing hydroxyapatite (HA) particles is the wet chemical precipitation method, favoured for its cost-effectiveness and straightforward process. Incorporating organic macromolecules with polar functional groups, such as COOH and OH, during synthesis can impact the properties of the resulting HA particles. These functional groups enhance the affinity for positively charged Ca²⁺ ions, promoting HA crystal nucleation in the solution. In this study, solutions at different concentrations of chitosan and sodium alginate are used as nucleation medium for the HA particles in order to decrease their particle size. The calcium and phosphate precursor solutions were adjusted to a pH of 12 and added to the polymer solution with a concentration varying from 5 to 10% w/v, reported to the stoichiometric mass of HA according to the synthesis reaction. After synthesis, the resulting powder was calcinated at 1000 °C. The effects that the polymers have on the properties of HA particles were monitored using SEM, FT-IR, EDAX, DLS, and TGA before and after the thermal treatment to see how the system evolves till crystallization of HA occurs. The largest decrease in average particle diameter—67.7%—was observed in the HA + Alg 10% sample, although a reduction in particle size was evident in all samples. Full article

Nanotechnology enables the design and application of nanostructures to improve drug delivery by modulating release, enhancing solubility, and increasing bioavailability of poorly soluble APIs, while reducing side effects. This Special Issue includes original research articles and reviews on innovative nanocarriers, such as liposomes, metal and carbon nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and polymeric systems, utilizing sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods. Special emphasis is placed on formulation strategies for encapsulating biological macromolecules, advancing the development of efficient, eco-friendly delivery platforms. Full article

The core perturbome is defined as a central response to multiple disturbances, functioning as a complex molecular network to overcome the disruption of homeostasis under stress conditions, thereby promoting tolerance and survival under stress conditions. Based on the biological and clinical relevance of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, we characterized their molecular responses to multiple perturbations. Gene expression data from E. coli (8815 target genes—based on a pangenome—across 132 samples) and S. aureus (3312 target genes across 156 samples) were used. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify and describe the functionality of the core perturbome of these two prokaryotic models using a machine learning approach. For this purpose, feature selection and classification algorithms (KNN, RF and SVM) were implemented to identify a subset of genes as core molecular signatures, distinguishing control and perturbation conditions. After verifying effective dimensional reduction (with median accuracies of 82.6% and 85.1% for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively), a model of molecular interactions and functional enrichment analyses was performed to characterize the selected genes. The core perturbome was composed of 55 genes (including nine hubs) for E. coli and 46 (eight hubs) for S. aureus. Well-defined interactomes were predicted for each model, which are jointly associated with enriched pathways, including energy and macromolecule metabolism, DNA/RNA and protein synthesis and degradation, transcription regulation, virulence factors, and other signaling processes. Taken together, these results may support the identification of potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers of stress responses in future studies. Full article

Lactic acid (LA) synthesis through fermentation of food waste (FW) is an emerging techniques for utilizing perishable organic wastes with high value. Using food waste collected from a cafeteria as the substrate for fermentation, the current study was conducted by applying a micro electric field to the conventional LA fermentation process and performing open-ended electro-fermentation (EF) without sterilization and lactobacilli inoculation. Furthermore, the effects of pH adjustment on LA production were examined. The findings demonstrated that electrical stimulation enhances the electron transfer rate within the system, accelerates REDOX reactions, and thereby intensifies the lactic acid production process. The pH-regulated group produced LA and dissolved organic materials at considerably higher rates than the control group, which did not receive any pH modification. The maximum LA concentration and organic matter dissolution in the experimental group, where the pH was set to 7 every 12 h of fermentation, were 33.9 and 38.4 g/L, respectively. These values were 208 and 203% higher than those in the control group, indicating that the pH adjustment greatly aided the solubilization and hydrolysis of macromolecules. Among the several hydrolyzing bacteria (Actinobacteriota) that were enriched, Lactobacillus predominated, but Bifidobacterium also became a major genus in the neutral-acidic environment, and its abundance grew dramatically. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing the LA process of FW. Full article

Background: Hydrogels are 3D networks of hydrophilic polymers with various biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration, wound healing, and localized drug delivery. Hydrogel conjugation links therapeutic agents to a hydrogel network, creating a delivery system with adjustable and flexible hydrogel properties and drug activity, allowing for controlled release and enhanced drug stability. Conjugating therapeutic agents to hydrogels provides innovative delivery formats, including injectable and sprayable dosage forms, which facilitate localized and long-lasting delivery. This approach enables non-viral therapeutic methods, such as insertional mutagenesis, and minimally invasive drug administration. Scope and Objectives: While numerous reviews have analyzed advancements in hydrogel synthesis, characterization, properties, and hydrogels as a drug delivery vehicle, this review focuses on hydrogel conjugation, which enables the precise functionalization of hydrogels with small molecules and macromolecules. Subsequently, a description and discussion of several bio-conjugated hydrogel systems, as well as binding motifs (e.g., “click” chemistry, functional group coupling, enzymatic ligation, etc.) and their potential for clinical translation, are provided. In addition, the integration of therapeutic agents with nucleic acid-based hydrogels can be leveraged for sequence-specific binding, representing a leap forward in biomaterials. Key findings: Special attention was given to the latest conjugation approaches and binding motifs that are useful for designing hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. The review systematically categorizes hydrogel conjugates for drug delivery, focusing on conjugating hydrogels with major classes of therapeutic agents, including small-molecule drugs, nucleic acids, proteins, etc., each with distinct conjugation challenges. The design principles were discussed along with their properties and drug release profiles. Finally, future opportunities and current limitations of conjugated hydrogel systems are addressed. Full article

Autophagy is a cellular process that recycles intracellular macromolecules and degrades toxic cytoplasmic material to provide the cell with nutrients and facilitate survival. Although autophagy and its role in the differentiation of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and odontoblasts has been described, the importance of autophagy during matrix mineralization remains unaddressed. This review aims to characterize the autophagy/matrix mineralization relationship and elucidate the significance of autophagy during matrix mineralization. During the mineralization process, autophagy is important for cell survival and promotes the differentiation of osteoblasts and odontoblasts, the key cells that facilitate bone and dentin formation. Differentiation of these cells results in the synthesis of an organic proteinaceous matrix which subsequently forms the template for the deposition of calcium and phosphate to ultimately form crystalline hydroxyapatite. In bone, autophagy influences osteoblastic/osteoclastic activity and bone remodeling. In dentin, autophagy participates in odontogenic differentiation and facilitates odontoblastic secretion of dentin matrix proteins. This review aims to show that autophagy is critical for bone mineralization and tooth formation by supporting intracellular signaling pathways required for cell differentiation and subsequent matrix mineralization. Full article

Assessing the propensity of ingredients to induce skin sensitization through in vitro testing is crucial for worker and consumer safety. This is particularly important for novel and high-performance ingredients with complex structures, such as rheology-modifying polymers, which are extensively used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and detergents. The Sens-Is assay has proven effective in distinguishing skin sensitizers from non-sensitizers for difficult-to-test ingredients when integrated into a multi-method in vitro approach. Therefore, the primary goal of this research was to explore whether the Sens-Is in vitro assay is suitable to evaluate rheology-modifying polymers. Fifteen structurally diverse rheology-modifying polymers, including natural polymers obtained by extraction, chemical synthesis, or biotechnology, spanning varying physical forms and concentrations, were evaluated. The results showed that most polymers were non-sensitizing, consistent with available in vivo data. Although polymer macromolecules generally exhibit limited skin sensitization potential due to their surface confinement, the Sens-Is assay permitted the detection of weak signals from secondary components or possible byproducts in specific cases. This work confirms Sens-Is as a useful tool in an overall approach to assessing the skin sensitization liability of polymers under development, but careful solvent selection is crucial to ensure accurate results and prevent potential overexposure due to polymer retention on the epidermal surface. Full article

Natural polysaccharides (NPs), as a class of bioactive macromolecules with multitarget synergistic regulatory potential, exhibit significant advantages in diabetes intervention. This review systematically summarizes the core hypoglycemic mechanisms of NPs, covering structure–activity relationships, integration of the gut microbiota–metabolism–immunity axis, and regulation of key signaling pathways. Studies demonstrate that the molecular weight, branch complexity, and chemical modifications of NPs mediate their hypoglycemic activity by influencing bioavailability and target specificity. NPs improve glucose metabolism through multiple pathways: activating insulin signaling, improving insulin resistance (IR), enhancing glycogen synthesis, inhibiting gluconeogenesis, and regulating gut microbiota homeostasis. Additionally, NPs protect pancreatic β-cell function via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) antioxidant pathway and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) anti-inflammatory pathway. Clinical application of NPs still requires overcoming challenges such as resolving complex structure–activity relationships and dynamically integrating cross-organ signaling. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics technologies (e.g., metagenomics, metabolomics) and organoid models to decipher the cross-organ synergistic action networks of NPs, and promote their translation from basic research to clinical applications. Full article

Minerals have played a fundamental part in prebiotic chemistry on Earth, catalyzing the synthesis of inorganic and even organic molecules, including macromolecules such as RNA or DNA. Minerals based on silica are some of the first inorganics to be found in very ancient mineral fossils. These minerals or even volcanic glasses rich in silica, such as obsidians (a naturally volcanic glass, which is in fact an igneous rock), play an important role as supporting materials for obtaining the silico-carbonates of alkaline earth metals (usually called biomorphs). This is because, in most radiolarians, diatoms, and foraminifera, their external shells are made up of silica (SiO₂). However, it has yet to be evaluated whether the silica contained in the minerals present in the prebiotic era of the Earth interacted with the chemical elements that were also present during that era. To evaluate whether obsidian participated in the formation of the first inorganic structures of pioneering organisms, this study aimed to synthesize calcium and barium biomorphs on igneous rock and to show that dissolved organic and inorganic molecules might have interacted with the molecules of obsidian, producing a plethora of shapes that mimicked the cherts of the Precambrian. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) represent a diverse group of genetic disorders characterized by enzymatic defects that disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to toxic metabolite accumulation, deficits, or impaired macromolecule synthesis. While strict dietary interventions are critical for managing many of these conditions, hormonal and metabolic changes during puberty introduce new challenges. Advancements in early diagnosis and treatment have significantly extended the lifespan of individuals with IEMs. However, this increased longevity is associated with heightened risks of new medical problems, including obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as these complications share mechanistic features with those seen in obesity and T2DM. Methods: This mini-review examines current knowledge of the intricate interplay between pubertal hormones and metabolic pathways in IEM patients. Results: We address critical questions, such as if puberty intensifies the risk of metabolic derangements in these individuals and if there is a metabolic intersection where these disorders converge, leading to shared complications. We highlight the impact of puberty-induced hormonal fluctuations, such as growth hormone (GH) surges and sex steroid activity, on disorders like phenylketonuria, urea cycle defects, and fatty acid oxidation disorders. Moreover, we explore the role of dietary interventions in mitigating or exacerbating these effects, emphasizing the importance of balancing nutritional needs during growth spurts. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach integrating endocrinology, nutrition, and emerging therapies is advocated to optimize metabolic health during puberty. Addressing these challenges is critical for improving long-term outcomes for individuals with IEMs, particularly during this pivotal developmental phase. Full article

The construction of artificial microorganisms often relies on the transfer of genomes from donor to acceptor cells. This synthetic biology approach has been considerably fostered by the J. Craig Venter Institute but apparently depends on the use of microorganisms, which are very closely related. One reason for this limitation of the “creative potential” of “classical” transformation is the requirement for adequate “fitting” of newly synthesized polypeptide components, directed by the donor genome, to interacting counterparts encoded by the pre-existing acceptor genome. Transformation was introduced in 1928 by Frederick Griffith in the course of the demonstration of the instability of pneumococci and their conversion from rough, non-pathogenic into smooth, virulent variants. Subsequently, this method turned out to be critical for the identification of DNA as the sole matter of inheritance. Importantly, the initial experimental design (1.0) also considered the inheritance of both structural (e.g., plasma membranes) and cybernetic information (e.g., metabolite fluxes), which, in cooperation, determine topological and cellular heredity, as well as fusion and blending of bacterial cells. In contrast, subsequent experimental designs (1.X) were focused on the use of whole-cell homogenates and, thereafter, of soluble and water-clear fractions deprived of all information and macromolecules other than those directing protein synthesis, including outer-membrane vesicles, bacterial prions, lipopolysaccharides, lipoproteins, cytoskeletal elements, and complexes thereof. Identification of the reasons for this narrowing may be helpful in understanding the potential of transformation for the creation of novel microorganisms. Full article

Polymer science, a discipline focusing on the synthesis, characterization, and application of macromolecules, has increasingly benefited from the adoption of machine learning (ML) techniques. Among these, Support Vector Machines (SVMs) stand out for their ability to handle nonlinear relationships and high-dimensional datasets, which are common in polymer research. This review explores the diverse applications of SVM in polymer science. Key examples include the prediction of mechanical and thermal properties, optimization of polymerization processes, and modeling of degradation mechanisms. The advantages of SVM are contrasted with its challenges, including computational cost, data dependency, and the need for hyperparameter tuning. Future opportunities, such as the development of polymer-specific kernels and integration with real-time manufacturing systems, are also discussed. Full article

Oxidative stress is a common event involved in cancer pathophysiology, frequently accompanied by unique lipid metabolic reprogramming phenomena. Oxidative stress is caused mainly by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system in cancer cells. Emerging evidence has reported that oxidative stress regulates the expression and activity of lipid metabolism-related enzymes, leading to the alteration of cellular lipid metabolism; this involves a significant increase in fatty acid synthesis and a shift in the way in which lipids are taken up and utilized. The dysregulation of lipid metabolism provides abundant intermediates to synthesize biological macromolecules for the rapid proliferation of cancer cells; moreover, it contributes to the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis by producing a variety of reducing agents. Moreover, lipid derivatives and metabolites play critical roles in signal transduction within cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment that evades immune destruction and facilitates tumor invasion and metastasis. These findings suggest a close relationship between oxidative stress and lipid metabolism during the malignant progression of cancers. This review focuses on the crosstalk between the redox system and lipid metabolic reprogramming, which provides an in-depth insight into the modulation of ROS on lipid metabolic reprogramming in cancers and discusses potential strategies for targeting lipid metabolism for cancer therapy. Full article

We hypothesize that predictable variations in environmental conditions caused by night/day cycles created opportunities and hazards that initiated information dynamics central to life’s origin. Increased daytime temperatures accelerated key chemical reactions but also caused the separation of double-stranded polynucleotides, leading to hydrolysis, particularly of single-stranded RNA. Daytime solar UV radiation promoted the synthesis of organic molecules but caused broad damage to protocell macromolecules. We hypothesize that inter-related simultaneous adaptations to these hazards produced molecular dynamics necessary to store and use information. Self-replicating RNA heritably reduced the hydrolysis of single strands after separation during warmer daytime periods by promoting sequences that formed hairpin loops, generating precursors to transfer RNA (tRNA), and initiating tRNA-directed evolutionary dynamics. Protocell survival during daytime promoted sequences in self-replicating RNA within protocells that formed RNA–peptide hybrids capable of scavenging UV-induced free radicals or catalyzing melanin synthesis from tyrosine. The RNA–peptide hybrids are precursors to ribosomes and the triplet codes for RNA-directed protein synthesis. The protective effects of melanin production persist as melanosomes are found throughout the tree of life. Similarly, adaptations mitigating UV damage led to the replacement of Na⁺ by K⁺ as the dominant mobile cytoplasmic cation to promote diel vertical migration and selected for homochirality. We conclude that information dynamics emerged in early life through adaptations to predictably fluctuating opportunities and hazards during night/day cycles, and its legacy remains observable in extant life. Full article

Hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous macromolecule in the human body with remarkable structure and function. HA presents a key role in several biological processes in mammals. The synthesis/catabolism of HA is critical in several pathologies and has been used as a marker for the prognosis of cancers. Among its physiological roles, HA is used for wound healing applications. This review reports many of the latest developments of hyaluronan and its derivatives in research, preclinical, and published clinical trials for wound healing. An adequate physico-chemical characterization and identification of selected physico-chemical properties of the prepared material are mandatory. Moreover, cytotoxicity and evaluation of biological effects in vitro using standardized protocols are required as preclinical. Finally, to choose adequate in vivo models for testing efficacy is requested. Unfortunately, the biological role of HA is still not well understood. Therefore, an overview of several HA-based products is provided and discussed. Several ways of HA chemical modification were evaluated. Finally, this review focuses on products containing HA, novel developments, gaps, and limitations of the current state of the art. Full article