Search Results (5,134)

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), differ in etiology but share several convergent pathological mechanisms. Pterostilbene (PTR) is a natural stilbene with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to prioritize putative PTR-associated targets and biological processes potentially relevant to shared neurodegenerative mechanisms. Methods: An integrative in silico workflow combining network pharmacology, protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis, GO Biological Process (GO BP) enrichment, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was applied. GO BP terms were filtered, focused on neurodegeneration- and neuroprotection-related processes, and subjected to REVIGO-based redundancy reduction. Selected targets were further evaluated by docking and 500 ns MD simulations. Results: A total of 181, 165, 128, and 109 shared PTR–disease targets were identified for AD, PD, HD, and ALS, respectively. Redundancy-reduced GO BP analysis indicated associations with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species-related responses, programmed cell death, MAPK/ERK- and PI3K/AKT-related signaling, ion and calcium transport, and lipid-, steroid-, or hormone-associated regulation. PPI topology prioritized SRC, ESR1, and HSP90AA1 as recurrent hub–bottleneck proteins, whereas MD-based structural interpretation focused on ESR1 and HSP90AA1. MD analyses indicated stable PTR interactions with both proteins, with ESR1 showing the most favorable predicted interaction profile. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PTR may interact with shared neurodegeneration-relevant molecular systems, particularly through ESR1- and HSP90AA1-associated mechanisms. However, the results are exclusively computational and should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating, requiring further experimental validation. Full article

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a favorable material in bone tissue engineering due to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, as PEEK is biologically inert, this study introduced hydroxyapatite (HA) and graphene oxide (GO) to modify PEEK, and PEEK/GO/HA composites were prepared via compression molding and sintering. Molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that the Young’s modulus of the composite increased with rising HA content. The trends in the bulk modulus and shear modulus suggested a possible downward trend around HA contents of 10 wt% and 20 wt%; this may be attributed to the polarity mismatch between HA and PEEK, as well as the composite preparation process. The thermal conductivity of the composites exhibited a similar trend, with the thermal conductivity decreasing until the HA content reached 30 wt% due to interfacial thermal resistance between PEEK and HA. Concurrently, in vitro cell culture experiments were conducted on the precursor powder mixture to investigate the effect of the composition ratio on biological properties. The results indicated that cell viability was higher when the HA content was 30 wt%. This demonstrates the significant potential of PEEK/GO/HA composites in the field of bone tissue engineering. Full article

Huntington disease (HD) is a debilitating, genetic disorder with a prevalence of 2.7 per 100,000 people. It is neurodegenerative, leading to cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms from neuronal loss within the striatum of the basal ganglia and cortex. Currently, the treatments involve symptomatic management, instead of treating the pathophysiology of the disease. Grape seed extract (GSE) is a complex mixture of polyphenols, proteins, and lipids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This literature review examines the possibility of using GSE as a potential adjunctive therapy for HD. Preclinical studies have shown a neuroprotective effect through biologically plausible mechanisms. Clinical research has shown that GSE works on redox and inflammatory pathways related to the pathogenesis of HD. Although there are not many clinical trials on GSE in HD patients directly, the overlap of mechanisms behind both GSE and HD and the favorable side effect profile make GSE a potential adjunctive therapy. Targeted clinical investigation is warranted to determine the full therapeutic potential of GSE. Full article

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is a major fruit crop of global economic importance, and China ranks first worldwide in both apple cultivation area and total production. With the large-scale renewal of aging orchards, apple replant disease (ARD) has become increasingly prevalent in major apple-producing regions. ARD is typically characterized by severe growth suppression, impaired root development, increased incidence of soil-borne diseases, and, in severe cases, seedling mortality. These symptoms substantially constrain orchard renewal, limit improvements in fruit yield and quality, and threaten the sustainable development of the apple industry. The etiology of ARD is complex and involves the synergistic interaction of three factors: soil microbial dysbiosis characterized by pathogen enrichment and the depletion of beneficial microorganisms; allelopathic autotoxicity caused by the accumulation of phenolic acids, especially phloridzin; and degraded soil physicochemical properties, including acidification, compaction, and nutrient imbalance. Current management strategies mainly include the use of ARD-tolerant rootstocks, microbial regulation, chemical and physical soil disinfection, and agronomic practices such as crop rotation and organic amendment application. Among these approaches, biological regulation mediated by beneficial rhizosphere and endophytic microorganisms has attracted increasing attention because of its environmental compatibility and sustainability. This review summarizes the occurrence patterns, regional characteristics, core pathogenic mechanisms, and integrated management strategies of ARD, with particular emphasis on the functional roles of rhizosphere and endophytic microbiomes in disease alleviation. The review provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for the development of green, efficient, and sustainable strategies for ARD control and apple orchard management. Full article

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, highlighting the need for safer and more effective chemopreventive strategies. Although many phytochemicals can modulate key molecular processes involved in breast carcinogenesis, their chemopreventive potential largely depends on delivery strategies that preserve their biological activity and enable efficient accumulation at the target site. Protein-based nanocarriers have emerged as promising delivery systems capable of improving the protection, solubility, cellular uptake, targeted delivery, and controlled release of bioactive compounds in tumor tissues. This review summarizes recent advances in selected animal- and plant-derived protein nanocarriers used for the encapsulation and delivery of natural compounds in breast cancer chemoprevention. Particular attention is given to their physicochemical properties, encapsulation performance, release behavior, biological activity, targeting potential, and translational limitations. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the enhanced anticancer activity of encapsulated phytochemicals, including improved stability, receptor-mediated uptake, pH-responsive release, apoptosis induction, oxidative stress modulation, and inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, are highlighted. Current challenges, including enzymatic degradation, formulation instability, immunogenicity concerns, manufacturing scalability, and limited clinical evidence, remain important barriers to translation. Overall, selected protein-based nanocarriers represent promising multifunctional platforms for improving the chemopreventive potential of natural compounds in breast cancer. Full article

Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a pivotal technique in dental and orthopedic applications for regenerating bone in areas of deficiency. Natural polymers such as collagen, chitosan, alginate, and gelatin have emerged as essential materials in GBR due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. These polymers not only provide a scaffold for bone regeneration but also support cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Despite their benefits, challenges such as variable degradation rates, insufficient mechanical strength, and limited bioactivity hinder their optimal clinical use. To address these limitations, ongoing research focuses on enhancing the properties of natural polymers. Composite materials combining fast- and slow-degrading polymers are being developed to achieve consistent degradation rates. Surface modifications, including nanoscale texturing and growth factor coatings, are improving bioactivity. Nanotechnology further enhances the structural and therapeutic potential of GBR materials, while advancements in 3D bioprinting enable the creation of customized scaffolds with precise architecture. These innovations aim to bridge the gap between biological compatibility and clinical functionality, making natural polymers more adaptable and effective in GBR. This review highlights the mechanisms, challenges, and advancements in natural polymers for GBR, emphasizing their potential to transform bone regeneration into a more reliable and patient-centered approach. Full article

Titanium and its alloys are cornerstone biomaterials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and ability to osseointegrate with bone. Their relatively low elastic modulus compared to stainless steels and Co–Cr alloys further enhances their suitability for biomedical applications. Performance is continually improved through alloy design (tailoring α and β phases), advanced manufacturing methods such as CNC machining and additive manufacturing, and surface engineering approaches. In particular, the formation of a stable TiO₂ layer promotes corrosion resistance and cell attachment, while coatings and nanotexturing enhance osseointegration and provide antibacterial functionality. These attributes enable widespread use in orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular implants. Emerging developments include smart implants with embedded sensors, multifunctional surfaces, and data-driven alloy design, aiming to further optimize mechanical performance, biological response, and long-term reliability. This review summarizes the processing techniques, properties, applications, and recent advances in titanium-based biomaterials. Full article

Lycopene is a highly significant carotenoid in daily life, exhibiting potent antioxidant properties and recognized as one of the most powerful natural antioxidants identified in plants to date. Its functionality originates from electronic and vibrational states that exhibit a high sensitivity to environmental perturbations. Nevertheless, exclusively experimental methodologies face challenges in delivering a comprehensive molecular-level comprehension of the influence exerted by particular environmental factors on the vibronic characteristics. This deficiency in understanding hinders the accurate prediction of its behavior and functional performance within complex systems. The first principle computational investigation enables a precise elucidation of the coupling mechanisms between electronic excitations and vibrational modes under diverse solvation and interaction environments. The results indicate that the local environment significantly influences the charge distribution and orbital energies of lycopene, altering its vibrational and electronic state properties. This provides a fundamental theoretical framework for predicting their photophysical behavior and biological functions within complex matrices. Full article

The development of functional yogurt products enriched with plant-derived ingredients and biologically active compounds represents a promising strategy to improve the nutritional, probiotic, and antioxidant properties of fermented dairy foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate how plant-derived ingredients (whole-meal flour from sprouted wheat grain and a protein-rich functional ingredient derived from hemp press cake), used individually or in combination with curcumin- or ergosterol-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass, influence the physicochemical, structural-mechanical, probiotic, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of yogurt products. Two forms of yeast biomass were used as enrichment agents: one containing encapsulated curcumin and the other with a high ergosterol content. Milk mixtures were supplemented with yeast biomass containing 34.0 mg/g encapsulated curcumin or 10.55 mg/g ergosterol. Additionally, whole-meal flour from sprouted wheat grain or the hemp-derived protein ingredient was incorporated into the yogurt products at concentrations of 2–3%. These ingredients were tested both individually and in combination to identify optimal formulations that would confer novel properties to the final products. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that the addition of enriched yeast biomass and the protein ingredient resulted in a denser and more uniform structure in the yogurt products compared to those of the control. The titratable acidity of the experimental formulations ranged from 80.2 to 91.8 °T, while pH values ranged from 3.79 to 4.04. Compared with the control sample, these changes indicate enhanced lactic acid fermentation activity. The number of probiotic microorganisms in the experimental samples reached 1.6 × 10⁷–6.4 × 10⁷ MPN/g, exceeding those of the control by an order of magnitude. The type of plant ingredient used significantly determined the technological properties of the finished product. Compared with the control sample, yogurt products supplemented with the hemp press cake-derived protein ingredient exhibited higher protein content (33–34% on a dry matter basis), increased viscosity (2.5–2.6 Pa·s), and reduced syneresis (values of 16.1 mL). The whole-meal flour from sprouted wheat grain exhibited a more pronounced stimulating effect on the growth of probiotic microflora. Enrichment of yogurt products with yeast biomass also increased antioxidant activity: the AOA (DPPH) value increased to 69–84% compared to ~62% in the control. Biotesting using Paramecium caudatum, a sensitive protozoan model widely used for rapid assessment of biological compatibility, toxicity, and the relative biological value of food systems, demonstrated a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in protozoan growth to 104–106% compared with the control sample, suggesting the absence of toxic effects and the potential bioavailability of yogurt matrix components. This data confirm the potential of using enriched yeast biomass in combination with plant ingredients for creating probiotic yogurt products with improved structural and functional properties. Full article

Tremella fuciformis extract (TFE) is used in dermocosmetic formulations due to its moisturising, antioxidant, and skin-supportive properties. The present study compared the effects of commercial TFE and hyaluronic acid (HA) on selected functions of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). The cells were treated with TFE at concentrations of either 200 µg/mL or 500 µg/mL, or with HA at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. The following parameters were the focus of the study: cell viability, DNA and collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity, scratch-wound closure, and immunofluorescence of selected signalling- and extracellular matrix-related markers. The findings of this study demonstrate that neither TFE nor HA had any effect on HDF viability. TFE led to a significant increase in DNA biosynthesis at both concentrations, while HA had no significant effect. The synthesis of collagen was found to be considerably elevated by both HA and TFE500, with no such effect observed in the presence of TFE200. Prolidase activity was observed to be highest in the HA group and also elevated in the TFE500 group; however, these results should be regarded as descriptive due to the nature of the pooled-sample data. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) fluorescence in images treated with TFE, while phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) remained close to the control level. Higher levels of β1-integrin, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptor (IGF-1R), prolidase, and phosphorylated Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (p-ERK1/2) fluorescence were also observed in selected groups. The mean scratch-wound closure was found to be highest for TFE500. Overall, TFE was found to be associated with DNA biosynthesis, whereas HA and TFE500 were found to enhance collagen biosynthesis. Further studies are required to confirm biological reproducibility and the mechanism. Full article

Silicon is among the most abundant elements on Earth, yet its incorporation into organic molecules is atypical in most biological contexts. However, the strategic introduction of silicon, in line with the demonstrated success of the incorporation of other bio-orthogonal elements, has emerged as a powerful approach in medicinal chemistry, enabling access to small molecules with unique chemical, physical, and biological properties that offer improved potency, stability, tolerability, or bioavailability profiles for the discovery and development of anticancer therapeutics. In this review, we describe the direct connection between reactivity and physiochemical paradigms of different classes of organosilicon-containing functional groups and their strategic deployment in small molecule design, including silanes, silyl ethers, siloxanes, and organosilicates. Specifically, we aimed to demonstrate how these strategies can be informed by first principles of reactivity in organosilicon containing functional groups, in both synthetic small molecules and bioactive natural products. Particular emphasis is placed on how silicon replacement and addition can be leveraged beyond simple isosteric carbon replacement, and how consequent structure–activity relationships arising from installation of diverse organosilicon motifs can also serve a unique role in unveiling new aspects of biological mechanism and function. Ultimately, the growing body of literature in applications of organosilicon-containing anticancer small molecules and the increasing sophistication and selectivity of synthetic methods used to construct these motifs will undoubtedly continue to expand the appreciation of organosilicon-based functional groups in the medicinal chemist’s toolbox. Full article

Enzymatic nanomotors (EMNMs) represent an emerging class of intelligent nanosystems that exploit enzymatic biocatalysis to generate autonomous motion within biological environments, including complex cellular and tissue contexts within living organisms. Owing to their ability to utilize endogenous biofuels, high biocompatibility, and capacity for targeted propulsion, EMNMs have demonstrated considerable potential in diverse biomedical applications. These include targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, diagnostics, and bioimaging, as well as the traversal of biological barriers. This review comprehensively discusses the mechanisms underlying enzyme-driven propulsion, nanomotor design strategies, and their current and prospective applications in medicine, while also addressing major challenges associated with enzymatic stability, biocompatibility, motion control, and clinical safety. Furthermore, future perspectives are highlighted, including enzyme cascade systems, intelligent nanomotor swarms, biodegradable materials, and strategies facilitating clinical translation. As a representative example of practical application, curcumin was employed as a model therapeutic agent due to its well-established anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, enabling evaluation of the nanomotors’ capability for controlled, pH-responsive release of therapeutic cargo. Nanophytomedicine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals by improving their stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery through nanocarrier systems. The integration of phytotherapy with nanotechnology offers promising opportunities for the development of safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Full article

In this work, we extended our previous studies on the limitations of classical contact models from polymers to a biological system. We used yeast as a model system to investigate how contact evolution during indentation affects the accuracy of AFM-based determination of Young’s modulus. We proposed a practical correction framework for the classical Hertz and Sneddon flat-punch models to improve the extraction of mechanical properties from experimental data. Force-indentation curves were measured using a spherical (SPHERE) probe with a 2 μm radius and a flat (FLAT) probe with a 4 μm radius of plateau. The experimental results were analyzed using both corrected and uncorrected contact models, while a finite element analysis (FEA) model was used to determine the contact radius-indentation dependence. It showed that Young’s modulus estimated from AFM indentation using classical formulations is probe-dependent because the contact radius is inadequately described. By incorporating the FEA-derived effective contact radius into Hertz and Sneddon contact models, the same Young’s modulus was obtained for yeast with both probes and compared to reference values with other techniques. These findings establish contact evolution as a governing factor in AFM-based cell mechanics and provide a practical route toward robust, probe-independent, and more accurate determination of mechanical properties for living cells. Full article

This study investigated whether salinity during cultivation of the aquatic plant Lemna minor (duckweed) influences the phytochemical composition of plant extracts and the properties of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Duckweed was cultivated under 0, 10, and 100 mM NaCl, followed by Orbitrap metabolomic profiling, nanoparticle synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Orbitrap analysis revealed pronounced salinity-dependent changes in extract composition, including increased abundance of several flavonoids, glycosylated flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in the order 0 < 10 < 100 mM. ZnO nanoparticle formation was supported by UV–Vis spectroscopy, which showed characteristic absorption features around 360 nm, and by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), which indicated the predominance of the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase in all samples. SEM–EDS analysis revealed Zn- and O-rich materials consisting of micron-scale aggregates and finer submicron structures. Raman spectra were dominated by fluorescence, which increased with salinity treatment and may reflect differences in surface-associated phytochemicals rather than substantial changes in the ZnO crystal structure. Nanoparticles synthesized using extracts from salt-stressed duckweed exhibited higher total phenolic content (up to 66.79 ± 0.15 µM GAE g⁻¹), antioxidant activity (up to 55.01 ± 0.21%), and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus haemolyticus D4-2-100/1 (inhibition zone up to 1.55 ± 0.05 cm). Although the mechanisms underlying these differences remain to be fully elucidated, the results suggest that salinity-induced changes in duckweed metabolism may influence the biological properties of the resulting nanomaterials. Overall, this study highlights the potential of manipulating cultivation conditions to modulate plant extract composition and, consequently, influence the characteristics and functionality of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Full article

Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains a major challenge in trauma care and surgical interventions, where rapid hemostasis and wound sealing are essential for improving patient survival. Natural polymer-based hydrogels have emerged as promising hemostatic materials owing to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and biomimetic properties. However, their clinical translation remains limited by insufficient mechanical robustness, wet adhesion, and functional responsiveness. To address these challenges, considerable progress has been achieved through rational material design and structural engineering strategies. Representative natural polymers, particularly polysaccharides and proteins, exhibit distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics that determine their hemostatic mechanisms and design strategies. Based on these material platforms, molecular modification strategies, including charge regulation, hydrophobic modification, and bioactive functionalization, have been widely employed to modulate interfacial interactions, platelet adhesion, coagulation activation, and tissue adhesion. In parallel, advanced structural architectures, such as porous, particulate, fibrous, multicrosslinked/multinetwork, and nanocomposite systems, have significantly enhanced fluid absorption, mechanical resilience, stress dissipation, and hemorrhage sealing efficiency. Beyond conventional hemostasis, increasing efforts have focused on integrating multifunctional properties, including antibacterial activity, inflammatory regulation, oxidative stress modulation, tissue regeneration, dynamic monitoring, and stimuli-responsive behaviors. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in natural polymer-based hemostatic hydrogels from the perspectives of advanced material modification strategies, structural engineering approaches, and functional integration, with particular emphasis on the relationships among material characteristics, interfacial behavior, structural organization, and hemostatic performance. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for clinical translation are discussed, aiming to provide valuable insights for the rational design and clinical implementation of next-generation hemostatic biomaterials. Full article