Search Results (2,753)

The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result of abrasions or tattoos. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and potato starch were used as the raw materials for film manufacturing. Citric acid was used as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The following parameters were evaluated for the obtained films: solubility in water, swelling behavior, moisture absorption, and mechanical durability (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus). This study revealed that filler concentration has a significant influence on the stability, durability, and moisture absorption parameters of films. The best nanocomposite with a high absorption capacity was a two-component film CMS/CMC containing 5 pph of sodium montmorillonite and can be used as a base material for wound dressing, among other applications. Full article

Background: The candidate therapeutic peptide TnP demonstrates broad, system-level regulatory capacity, revealed through integrated network analysis from transcriptomic data in zebrafish. Our study primarily identifies TnP as a multifaceted modulator of drug metabolism, wound healing, proteolytic activity, and pigmentation pathways. Results: Transcriptomic profiling of TnP-treated larvae following tail fin amputation revealed 558 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), categorized into four functional networks: (1) drug-metabolizing enzymes (cyp3a65, cyp1a) and transporters (SLC/ABC families), where TnP alters xenobiotic processing through Phase I/II modulation; (2) cellular trafficking and immune regulation, with upregulated myosin genes (myhb/mylz3) enhancing wound repair and tlr5-cdc42 signaling fine-tuning inflammation; (3) proteolytic cascades (c6ast4, prss1) coupled to autophagy (ulk1a, atg2a) and metabolic rewiring (g6pca.1-tg axis); and (4) melanogenesis-circadian networks (pmela/dct-fbxl3l) linked to ubiquitin-mediated protein turnover. Key findings highlight TnP’s unique coordination of rapid (protease activation) and sustained (metabolic adaptation) responses, enabled by short network path lengths (1.6–2.1 edges). Hub genes, such as nr1i2 (pxr), ppara, and bcl6aa/b, mediate crosstalk between these systems, while potential risks—including muscle hypercontractility (myhb overexpression) or cardiovascular effects (ace2-ppp3ccb)—underscore the need for targeted delivery. The zebrafish model validated TnP-conserved mechanisms with human relevance, particularly in drug metabolism and tissue repair. TnP’s ability to synchronize extracellular matrix remodeling, immune resolution, and metabolic homeostasis supports its development for the treatment of fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Conclusions: Future work should focus on optimizing tissue-specific delivery and assessing genetic variability to advance clinical translation. This system-level analysis positions TnP as a model example for next-generation multi-pathway therapeutics. Full article

Cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides formed by α-1,4-glycosidic-bonded D-glucopyranose units, feature unique hydrophobic cavities and hydrophilic exteriors that enable molecular encapsulation via host–guest interactions. CDs form supramolecular host–guest complexes with diverse molecular entities, establishing their fundamental role in supramolecular chemistry. This review examines fabrication strategies for CD-based supramolecular hydrogels and their applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with focused analysis on wound healing, corneal regeneration, and bone repair. We critically analyze CD–guest molecular interaction mechanisms and innovative therapeutic implementations, highlighting the significant potential of CD hydrogels for tissue regeneration while addressing clinical translation challenges and future directions. 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

Developing multifunctional wound dressings with excellent mechanical properties, strong tissue adhesion, and efficient antibacterial activity is crucial for promoting wound healing. This study prepared a novel nanocomposite hydrogel dressing based on sodium alginate-polyacrylic acid dual crosslinking networks, incorporating tannic acid-coated cellulose nanocrystals (TA@CNC) and in-situ reduced silver nanoparticles for multifunctional enhancement. The rigid CNC framework significantly improved mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 146 kPa at 1 wt%), while TA catechol groups provided excellent adhesion (36.4 kPa to pigskin, 122% improvement over pure system) through dynamic hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions. TA served as a green reducing agent for uniform AgNPs loading, with CNC negative charges preventing particle aggregation. Antibacterial studies revealed synergistic effects between TA-induced membrane disruption and Ag⁺-triggered reactive oxygen species generation, achieving >99.5% inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The TA@CNC-regulated porous structure balanced swelling performance and water vapor transmission, facilitating wound exudate management and moist healing. This composite hydrogel successfully integrates mechanical toughness, tissue adhesion, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility, providing a novel strategy for advanced wound dressing development. Full article

Chronic infected wounds remain a major medical challenge, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate chitosan-based (CS) sponges enhanced with graphene oxide (GO) as potential antimicrobial wound dressings. The composite sponges were fabricated using microcrystalline CS (MKCh) and 5% (w/w) GO, followed by freeze-drying and γ-sterilization (25 kGy). Physico-mechanical characterization showed that GO incorporation did not significantly alter tensile strength, while absorption and sorption capacities were improved, especially after sterilization. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirmed increased porosity and molecular interaction between CS and GO. Cytocompatibility was verified in vitro using L-929 fibroblasts, with no cytotoxic effects observed in indirect contact. Antimicrobial activity tests demonstrated that GO-modified dressings exhibited enhanced activity against E. coli and S. aureus, though results were strain-dependent and not uniformly superior to CS alone. Notably, antifungal efficacy against C. albicans was reduced with GO addition. Overall, the developed GO-enriched CS sponges present favorable biocompatibility, mechanical resilience, and selective antimicrobial activity, supporting their potential application in chronic wound management. Further optimization of GO concentration and formulation is warranted to maximize antimicrobial efficacy across a broader spectrum of pathogens. 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

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a predominant cause of global cancer-related mortality, highlighting the pressing demand for innovative therapeutic strategies. Natural polysaccharides have emerged as promising candidates in cancer research due to their multifaceted anticancer mechanisms and tumor-suppressive potential across diverse malignancies. In this study, we enzymatically extracted a polysaccharide, named ERPP, from Ruditapes philippinarum and comprehensively evaluated its anti-colorectal cancer activity. We conducted in vitro assays, including CCK-8 proliferation, clonogenic survival, scratch wound healing, and Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis staining, and the results demonstrated that ERPP significantly inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation, suppressed colony formation, impaired migratory capacity, and induced apoptosis. JC-1 fluorescence assays provided further evidence of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization, as manifested by a substantial reduction in the red/green fluorescence ratio (from 10.87 to 0.35). These antitumor effects were further validated in vivo using a zebrafish HT-29 xenograft model. Furthermore, ERPP treatment significantly attenuated tumor angiogenesis and downregulated the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfaa) gene in the zebrafish xenograft model. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ERPP primarily activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. RT-qPCR analysis showed an upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and a downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, leading to cytochrome c (CYCS) release and caspase-3 (CASP-3) activation. Additionally, ERPP exhibited potent antioxidant capacity, achieving an 80.2% hydroxyl radical scavenging rate at 4 mg/mL. ERPP also decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within the tumor cells, thereby augmenting anticancer efficacy through its antioxidant activity. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the properties of ERPP, underscoring its potential as a functional food component or adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer management. Full article

Cell proliferation plays a pivotal role in multiple physiological processes, including osteoporosis alleviation, wound healing, and immune enhancement. Numerous novel peptides with cell proliferation-promoting activity have been identified. These peptides exert their functions by modulating key cellular signaling pathways, thereby regulating diverse biological processes related to cell proliferation. This work summarizes peptides derived from animals and plants that stimulate cell proliferation, focusing on their amino acid composition, physicochemical properties, and preparation techniques. Furthermore, we highlight the major signaling pathways—such as the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways—that have been implicated in the mechanistic studies of food-derived peptides. Through the analysis and summary of previous studies, we observe a notable lack of in vivo animal models and clinical trials, indicating that these may represent promising directions for future research on food-derived bioactive peptides. Meanwhile, the potential safety concerns of proliferation-enhancing peptides—such as immunogenicity, appropriate dosage, and gastrointestinal stability—warrant greater attention. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the sources and mechanisms of cell proliferation-promoting peptides and addresses the challenges in industrializing bioactive peptide-based functional foods; therefore, further research in this area is encouraged. Full article

Epicardial mesothelial cells (EMCs), which form the epicardium, play a crucial role in cardiac homeostasis and repair. Upon damage, EMCs reactivate embryonic development programs, contributing to wound healing, progenitor cell amplification, and regulation of lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. However, the mechanisms governing EMC activation and subsequent regulation remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a pleiotropic regulator of various cellular functions, could modulate EMC activity. To verify this hypothesis, we developed HGF-overexpressing mesenchymal stromal cell sheets (HGF-MSC CSs) and evaluated their effects on EMCs in vitro and in vivo. This study has revealed, for the first time, that EMCs express the c-Met (HGF receptor) on their surface and that both recombinant HGF and HGF-MSC CSs secretome cause c-Met phosphorylation, triggering downstream intracellular signaling. Our findings demonstrate that the HGF-MSC CSs secretome promotes cell survival under hypoxic conditions by modulating the level of autophagy. At the same time, HGF-MSC CSs stimulate EMC proliferation, promoting their amplification in the damage zone. These data demonstrate that HGF-MSC CSs can be considered a promising regulator of epicardial cell activity involved in heart repair after ischemic damage. Full article

The complex microenvironment of wounds, along with challenges such as microbial infections, tissue damage, and inflammatory responses during the healing process, renders wound repair a complex medical issue. Owing to their ease of administration, effective outcomes, and painless application, biomacromolecule-based wound dressings have become a focal point in current clinical research. In recent years, hydrogels, microneedles, and electrospun nanofibers have emerged as three novel types of wound dressings. By influencing various stages of healing, they have notably enhanced chronic wound healing outcomes and hold considerable potential for wound repair applications. This review describes the preparation methods, classification, and applications of hydrogels, microneedles, and electrospun nanofibers around the various stages of wound healing, clarifying the healing-promoting mechanisms and characteristics of the three methods in different stages of wound healing. Building upon this foundation, we further introduce smart responsiveness, highlighting the application of stimuli-responsive wound dressings in dynamic wound management, aiming to provide insights for future research. Full article

Fluid resuscitation after thermal injury is paramount to avoid burn shock and restore organ perfusion. Both over- and under-resuscitation can lead to unintended consequences affecting patient outcomes. While many studies have examined systemic effects, limited data exist on how fluid resuscitation impacts burn wound progression in the acute period. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying burn wound progression remain not fully understood. This study used a swine model to investigate how varying resuscitation levels affect peri-burn wound dynamics. Twenty-seven female Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized, subjected to 40% total body surface area burn and 15% hemorrhage, then randomized (n = 9) to receive decision-support-driven (adequate, 2–4 mL/kg/%TBSA), fluid-withholding (under, <1 mL/kg/%TBSA), or high-constant-rate (over, >>4 mL/kg/%TBSA) resuscitation. Pigs were monitored for 24 h in an intensive care setting prior to necropsy. Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) was conducted pre-burn and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post burn to assess perfusion. Biopsies were taken from burn, peri-burn (within 2 cm), and normal skin. RNA was isolated at 24 h for the qRT-PCR analysis of IL-6, CXCL8, and IFN-γ. At hour 2, LDI revealed increased peri-burn perfusion in over-resuscitated animals vs. under-resuscitated animals (p = 0.0499). At hour 24, IL-6 (p = 0.0220) and IFN-γ (p = 0.0253) were elevated in over-resuscitated peri-burn skin. CXCL8 showed no significant change. TUNEL staining revealed increased apoptosis in over- and under-resuscitated peri-burn skin. Differences in perfusion and cytokine expression based on resuscitation strategy suggest that fluid levels may influence burn wound progression. 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

Recombinant protein hydrogels have emerged as transformative biomaterials that overcome the bioinertness and unpredictable degradation of traditional synthetic systems by leveraging genetically engineered backbones, such as elastin-like polypeptides, SF, and resilin-like polypeptides, to replicate extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics and enable programmable functionality. Constructed through a hierarchical crosslinking strategy, these hydrogels integrate reversible physical interactions with covalent crosslinking approaches, collectively endowing the system with mechanical strength, environmental responsiveness, and controlled degradation behavior. Critically, molecular engineering strategies serve as the cornerstone for functional precision: domain-directed self-assembly exploits coiled-coil or β-sheet motifs to orchestrate hierarchical organization, while modular fusion of bioactive motifs through genetic encoding or site-specific conjugation enables dynamic control over cellular interactions and therapeutic release. Such engineered designs underpin advanced applications, including immunomodulatory scaffolds for diabetic wound regeneration, tumor-microenvironment-responsive drug depots, and shear-thinning bioinks for vascularized bioprinting, by synergizing material properties with biological cues. By uniting synthetic biology with materials science, recombinant hydrogels deliver unprecedented flexibility in tuning physical and biological properties. This review synthesizes emerging crosslinking paradigms and molecular strategies, offering a framework for engineering next-generation, adaptive biomaterials poised to address complex challenges in regenerative medicine and beyond. Full article

Burn injuries result in complex physiological and psychological sequelae, including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, mobility impairment, scarring, and disrupted body image. While advances in acute care have improved survival, comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are critical for restoring function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being. Structured physical activity, including resistance and aerobic training, plays a central role in counteracting muscle atrophy, improving cardiovascular function, enhancing scar quality, and promoting psychological resilience and body image restoration. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effects of exercise-based interventions on post-burn recovery, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms, clinical applications, and implementation challenges. In addition to physical training, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, aquatic therapy, and compression garments offer promising adjunctive benefits. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in burn rehabilitation through its integration into wearable biosensors and telehealth platforms that enable real-time monitoring, individualized feedback, and predictive modeling of recovery outcomes. These AI-driven tools have the potential to personalize exercise regimens, support remote care, and enhance scar assessment and wound tracking. Overall, the integration of exercise-based interventions with digital technologies represents a promising, multimodal approach to burn recovery. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions, improving access to personalized rehabilitation tools, and advancing AI-enabled systems to support long-term recovery, functional independence, and positive self-perception among burn survivors. Full article