Search Results (1,541)

Microgravity research has emerged as a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of space medicine, genomics, biotechnology, and precision medicine. Exposure to the space environment induces complex physiological and molecular adaptations that affect multiple biological systems, including immune regulation, metabolism, musculoskeletal function, and gene expression. Recent advances in genomics, multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering have substantially improved our understanding of biological adaptation to spaceflight and expanded opportunities for translational biomedical research. This review summarizes recent advances in genetic and biomedical research under microgravity conditions, with particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms, omics technologies, genome editing, microbiome research, regenerative medicine, and personalized healthcare approaches. Major experimental platforms, landmark spaceflight studies, and translational applications in infectious diseases, cancer biology, aging, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical development are discussed. The review also highlights Saudi Arabia’s emerging contributions to genomic medicine and space biosciences through initiatives such as the Saudi Human Genome Program, the Saudi Pangenome Project, the Saudi Space Agency, and the BioGravity Initiative. Recent Saudi participation in human spaceflight and microgravity-associated biomedical research is discussed within the context of Vision 2030 and national investments in biotechnology and precision medicine. Collectively, advances in microgravity research are expected to contribute to the advancement of precision medicine and facilitate the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies with significant implications for both human space exploration and terrestrial healthcare. Full article

Cannabis use has increased substantially in the United States, driven by broader legalization, decriminalization, and expanding medical and recreational availability. For facial plastic surgeons, the clinical implications remain difficult to define because “cannabis use” encompasses heterogeneous products and routes, including smoked flower, vaping, concentrates, edibles, pharmaceutical cannabinoids, topical cannabidiol (CBD), and frequent co-use with tobacco or nicotine. Current evidence suggests that systemic cannabis use, particularly inhaled or heavy perioperative use, may be associated with increased surgical complications in selected populations; however, existing studies are limited by retrospective design, inconsistent exposure definitions, inadequate dose and route characterization, and confounding by tobacco use and comorbidities. Cannabinoids exert biologic effects through the endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are expressed in the central nervous system, immune cells, vasculature, and skin. These pathways influence inflammation, keratinocyte proliferation, fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, pain signaling, and tissue remodeling. The net effect of cannabinoid exposure on wound healing is likely context dependent, varying based on receptor expression, wound-healing phase, route of administration, cannabinoid composition, local tissue environment, and patient-specific risk factors. Preclinical and early dermatologic literature suggests potential therapeutic roles for topical cannabinoids, especially CBD, in modulating inflammation and epithelial repair. In contrast, systemic perioperative cannabis use has been associated in several surgical cohorts with infection, delayed healing, hematoma, nonunion, and reoperation. Evidence specific to facial plastic surgery remains sparse. The most directly relevant study evaluated cannabis and tobacco use in patients undergoing operative mandibular fracture repair. Cannabis-only use was not associated with increased complications, although the cohort was small; concurrent cannabis and tobacco use was associated with higher rates of surgical site infection, facial nonunion, abscess, debridement, and malocclusion. To date, no published studies address cannabis-associated outcomes in rhinoplasty, rhytidectomy, blepharoplasty, browlift, or facial rejuvenation. This review summarizes the biologic rationale, available surgical evidence, and clinical considerations for incorporating cannabis use into individualized perioperative risk assessment in facial plastic surgery. Full article

Pharmaceutical waste is a challenge for the environment and public health in the European Union (EU). Although EU legislation requires Member States to establish collection systems for unwanted household pharmaceutical products, there is no common legal framework governing the application of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in this area, which has led to differences in the financing, organization, and effectiveness of national waste collection systems. Against this background, the aim of this work was to critically examine the role of EPR in the management of household pharmaceutical waste in the EU by analyzing its legal foundations, comparing selected national take-back systems, identifying the barriers to its implementation and indicating the key elements of a future EU regulatory framework. The analysis indicates that key elements of the future EPR framework for pharmaceutical products should include financing for producers through producer responsibility organizations (PROs), free and accessible collection of medicinal products from patients through community pharmacies, full cost compensation for collection point operators, common reporting requirements, environmentally differentiated producer contributions, consumer education, and independent public oversight. The future EU framework could build on good practices developed in Member States with established EPR systems and on the regulatory solutions adopted in EU environmental legislation. Full article

Organoid and organ-on-chip technologies are rapidly evolving platforms for viral research that integrate stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and microfluidics to recapitulate key structural, mechanical, biochemical, and cellular features of human and animal physiology. By incorporating multicellular organoids into perfused microfluidic systems, these models can provide complex, dynamic, and physiologically relevant micro-environments for investigating virus–host interactions that are difficult to capture in conventional two-dimensional cultures and static organoids. Controlled flow, shear stress, extracellular matrix organization, tissue–tissue interfaces, and multicellular signaling enable mechanistic investigation of viral infectivity, dissemination, tissue injury and immune activation. Integration of real-time imaging and biosensors further permits longitudinal monitoring of viral replication, host responses, and tissue integrity, expanding the potential of these platforms for antiviral drug discovery. Recent organoid-on-chip studies using brain, skin, vaginal, respiratory, and intestinal models have demonstrated how tissue architecture, mechanical forces, glycocalyx dynamics, and immune–stromal interactions influence viral tropism and pathogenesis. In this review, we provide a mechanistic and translational overview of organoid and organ-on-chip technologies for studying viral infections, with particular emphasis on models of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-mediated disease. We further examine advances in immune integration, multi-organ systems, biosensing, and computational approaches that are expanding the complexity and predictive potential of these models. Importantly, patient-derived organoids and organ-on-chip platforms can capture interindividual differences in viral susceptibility, host responses, and therapeutic efficacy, providing pharmaceutical research with more precise, patient-relevant data to support drug prioritization and precision antiviral medicine. Finally, we discuss key barriers to broader adoption, including organoid maturation, biological and technical variability, reproducibility, scalability, biosafety, cost, standardization, and regulatory validation. Collectively, these advances position organoid and organ-on-chip technologies as powerful human-relevant models that bridge reductionist in vitro systems and human disease, while continued optimization, standardization, and validation will be essential to realize their full potential for mechanistically informed antiviral discovery, therapeutic development, and precision medicine. Full article

Ibuprofen (IBU), a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, is increasingly found in aquatic environments, particularly in pharmaceutical wastewater, raising concerns about its persistence and ecological risks. This study investigates IBU removal using a bioelectrochemical system (BES) under laboratory conditions with synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater (SPWW) and halophilic microbiomes from two hypersaline sediments of Chott El-Djerid (CJ–S1 and CJ–S2). Three bioanode reactors were operated at +0.1 V/SCE for 15 days with IBU concentrations of 60 and 150 ppm, with or without glucose (Glc) (20 ppm) as a co-substrate. IBU degradation was confirmed by LC-MS, COD removal, and FTIR analyses, showing removal efficiencies approaching 100%. Electrochemical performance varied with the inoculum: CJ–S2 produced a higher current density (38.02 ± 0.15 mA m⁻²) than CJ–S1. Metataxonomic analysis revealed strong enrichment of Chromohalobacter spp., while the combination of CJ–S2, 60 ppm IBU, and Glc promoted a more diverse consortium dominated by Halomonas spp. and Bacillus shackletonii. These findings highlight that microbial origin and co-substrate availability critically shape bacterial community structure, electroactivity, and degradation efficiency. The CJ–S2 microbiome is a promising candidate for developing robust electroactive bioanodes for treating pharmaceutical wastewater. Full article

The search for antioxidant compounds from aquatic or marine environments to cope with the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the major challenges in contemporary blue biotechnology. Among marine microorganisms, microalgae have emerged as promising candidates for the discovery and production of natural bioactive molecules with antioxidant properties. This review highlights the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria as a sustainable source of antioxidant compounds and examines their growing relevance in biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications. A broad range of antioxidant metabolites produced by microalgae, including carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, has also been discussed, with particular emphasis on their antioxidant mechanisms and bioactive properties. This review also integrates antioxidant mechanisms with the physiological and metabolic responses, underlying antioxidant production and sustainable strategies used to enhance their accumulation. Furthermore, microalgae offer the advantage of sustainable production systems, with the potential to enhance the biosynthesis and accumulation of valuable compounds through optimized cultivation strategies. Thus, different sustainable approaches aimed at increasing antioxidant compound production or reducing operational costs in microalgae cultivation are discussed to identify efficient and economically viable processes that maximize the biotechnological potential of these microorganisms for future industrial applications. Full article

Background: The clinical translation of cell-based therapies for knee articular cartilage repair is fundamentally restricted by the severe biological unpredictability of autologous cell sources, inherent manufacturing bottlenecks, and the rapid phenotypic dedifferentiation of cells expanded in conventional 2D monolayers. To overcome these translational hurdles, this study engineered a scaffold-free, 3D formulation of highly characterized allogeneic FE002-Cart chondroprogenitor spheroids. Methods: We systematically investigated the specific microenvironmental cues and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) formulation parameters required to direct functional chondrogenesis. The structural and biochemical performance of this allogeneic formulation was benchmarked against multiple primary adult autologous chondrocyte types. Finally, we evaluated the phenotypic resilience of the microtissues in simulated osteoarthritic (OA) environments and investigated both short-term liquid storage and advanced terminal preservation strategies to establish off-the-shelf logistical viability. Results: Precise microenvironmental regulation proved to be a critical biological prerequisite. The synergistic combination of physiological hypoxia (2% O₂) and stringent glucocorticoid limitation (10 nM dexamethasone) induced robust glycosaminoglycan (GAG) deposition and a > 200-fold upregulation of ACAN and COL2, while suppressing the terminal hypertrophic drift observed in adult chondrocytes. Benchmarking revealed that the allogeneic FE002-Cart formulation substantially mitigates the profound morphological and biochemical unpredictability inherent to adult autologous cell sources. Furthermore, the scaffold-free spheroid geometry yielded a 10-fold increase in GAG production per cell compared to traditional matrix-seeded (MACI) platforms. Transitioning to a GMP-compatible manufacturing process revealed extreme cellular sensitivities; excipients within standard pharmaceutical-grade dexamethasone severely aborted chondrogenic differentiation, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous raw-material qualification. Functionally, the 3D architecture acted as a protective physical shield, sustaining high cellular viability when subjected to severe inflammatory stress and 100% OA patient synovial fluid. Logistically, the viable spheroids maintained matrix integrity and inter-spheroid fusion potential for up to 7 days at ambient temperature in transport medium. Finally, advanced spheroid preservation via lyophilization and high-dose gamma irradiation eliminated biological viability but successfully transitioned the microtissues into highly organized, terminally irradiated matrices capable of heterologous in vitro structural merging. Conclusions: These findings define the critical biological thresholds for manufacturing, demonstrate the enhanced in vitro biosynthetic efficiency of 3D allogeneic microtissues compared to specific autologous and matrix-dependent baselines, and establish a highly practical, off-the-shelf logistical framework for the regenerative treatment of large knee chondral defects. Full article

The increasing accumulation of pharmaceutical residues in water environments poses serious threats concerning environmental safety and public health, mainly due to their tenacity, continuous bio-activity, and resistance to traditional wastewater treatment processing. Although many nano-bio/chemosensor systems have been reported for the monitoring and removal of pharmaceutical residues, the literature remains fragmented regarding their ability to integrate detection and remediation into a single platform. In this context, this review critically examines recent developments in nano-bio/chemosensor platforms for simultaneous detection and elimination of pharmaceutical effluents in wastewaters. Particular emphasis is placed on their functional integration, detection mechanisms, analytical performance, and removal pathways. This review covers the major pharmaceutical categories, including pharmaceutical drugs, antibiotics, hormones, perfluorinated compounds, and drugs of abuse and discusses nanostructured platforms based on metal organic frameworks (MOFs), nanochannel-based immunosensors, noble metal nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides, and hybrid composites. Detection approaches based on fluorescence modulation, electrochemical impedance, ionic current rectification, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and colorimetric nanoenzyme activity could lead to extremely low detection limits. In addition, removal mechanisms such as adsorption, photocatalysis, advanced Fenton-induced oxidation processes, and nanoenzymes allow for high degradation efficiencies (>80–99%). Significant advantages for real-time monitoring and sustainable wastewater treatment can be achieved by multifunctional nanoplatforms that integrate detection and remediation capabilities. Finally, this review identifies current limitations and research gaps regarding practical application, matrix effects, regeneration, stability, scalability, and integration into real wastewater treatment systems and outlines future research directions towards more efficient and environmentally relevant multifunctional platforms. Full article

Background/Objectives: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into pharmaceutical sciences and industry can accelerate the design and optimization of drug delivery systems and biotechnological processes and operations. Methodology: In this work, we present a novel application (a platform) developed using Google AI Studio, a web-based environment for prototyping generative AI solutions powered by highly capable models such as Gemini. The application enables rapid design of experiments (DoE), drug formulations and processes through structured prompting and automated workflows using a simple, user-friendly interface. Results: The platform could integrate formulation material attributes and critical process parameters to assist in the rational design of conventional and advanced delivery systems or any industrial process. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of generative AI to accelerate pharmaceutical and biotechnological innovation, reduce experimental burden, and support pharmaceutical industry strategies. Full article

Synthetic azo dyes are the largest class of industrial colorants having widespread application in textile, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, they are persistent and toxic, threatening aquatic environments as well as human health. Disperse red 1 (DR1), a mono-azo dye belonging to the disperse dye group and widely used in polyester dyeing, cosmetics, and other applications, is of particular concern due to its mutagenic potential and resistance to conventional treatment processes. The present study investigated an integrated DR1 removal strategy using thermotolerant Bacillus licheniformis Tol1 as well as its EPS-stabilized biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). With a maximum tolerable concentration of 0.5 g L⁻¹, B. licheniformis Tol1 showed a maximum decolorization of 70.86% (0.2 g L⁻¹, 55 °C). However, response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design showed an actual decolorization efficiency of 73.13%. The artificial neural network (ANN) model predicted an accuracy of R² = 0.9933, confirming the robustness and reliability of the experimental findings. To enhance dye removal efficiency, Tol1 EPS-stabilized AgNPs were synthesized via a green method and characterized using UV-Vis, SEM-EDAX, TEM, AFM, FTIR, DLS and zeta potential. Characterization of AgNP confirmed the formation of spherical stable AgNPs with an average size of 19.99 ± 0.38 nm, indicating polydisperse colloids nature with moderate electrostatic stability. A sunlight/H₂O₂-assisted process (photocatalytic experiments) demonstrated DR1 decolorization (80.72 ± 1.72% within 5 h under sunlight) following pseudo-first-order kinetics (k = 0.271 h⁻¹). Furthermore, FTIR analysis confirmed the degradation of the chemical structure of DR1 through the disappearance of the characteristic azo (–N=N–) bond, indicating cleavage of the dye molecule. Overall, the present study provides a dual biological–nanotechnological approach for DR1 decolorization using single bacteria as well as its polysaccharide-stabilized AgNP, a sustainable eco-friendly future approach. However, further studies on complete mineralization, transformation products, toxicity evaluation, detailed catalyst reusability, and silver (Ag) leaching are needed to facilitate the practical implementation for wastewater treatment. Full article

Currently, emerging pharmaceutical contaminants (EPCs) pose a significant risk to aquatic biodiversity on both a global and regional scale. Their accumulation in the environment presents several challenges to both human health and ecological integrity. Among EPCs, cyclophosphamide (COP), a widely used alkylating cytotoxic and immunosuppressive drug in human and veterinary oncology, has become one of the most frequently detected environmental contaminants. It has been reported to impair the immune system, induce oxidative stress, and exhibit genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in various fish species. However, limited research has evaluated its toxicity in the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), an endemic significant aquatic species in Thailand. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of COP in Betta splendens by assessing systemic oxidative stress responses, alterations in gene expression, and localized histopathological changes within both hepatic and renal tissues. The 96 h of median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) value for COP in Betta splendens was determined to be 793.4 mg/L. High-concentration exposure (800 mg/L) induced severe systemic oxidative stress, evidenced by a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a marked elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels across both liver and kidney. At the transcriptomic level, acute COP exposure significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory (interleukin-1β, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor, TNF-α), cellular stress (heat shock protein 70, HSP70), and apoptotic (caspase-3, Casp3) genes. Semi-quantitative histopathological evaluation revealed severe concentration-dependent structural damage. Hepatic lesions peaked at 800 mg/L characterized by diffuse vacuolation, vascular congestion, and extensive necrosis. Similarly, severe renal damage occurred at 800 mg/L, featuring marked vascular congestion, melanomacrophage aggregation, and widespread tubular necrosis. Overall, these findings demonstrate that acute waterborne COP exposure induces severe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Betta splendens driven by oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory signaling, and apoptotic pathways. This study provides essential baseline toxicity thresholds and highlights the physiological risks COP spills pose to tropical freshwater labyrinth fish. Full article

Background/Objectives: Olive leaf polyphenols exhibit strong antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. However, their application in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products is hindered by limited stability, poor solubility, and susceptibility to gastrointestinal degradation. Liposomes offer a viable strategy to enhance their protection and functional performance. Methods: A formulation-driven strategy was employed to develop a gastro-resistant liposomal system for olive leaf polyphenols. Extraction conditions were optimized using a Box–Behnken response surface design to maximize phenolic recovery while ensuring compatibility with phospholipid-based systems. Antioxidant activity and key secoiridoids were assessed by spectrophotometric assays and LC–MS/MS. The optimized extract was incorporated into uncoated and Eudragit^® L100-coated liposomes, which were physicochemically characterized. Antidiabetic effects were evaluated in intestinal STC-1 cells under glucose-induced hyperglycemic conditions. Results: The optimized extract (OE) exhibited high antioxidant activity (124.56 ± 9.57 mg GAE/g, 151.61 ± 2.77 mg TE/g, and 472.92 ± 26.14 mg TE/g in TPC, DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively). LC-HRMS metabolomic profiling confirmed a balanced phytochemical composition, with oleuropein as the main compound (143.144 ± 4.914 mg/g). The optimized Eudragit^®-coated liposomes were spherical unilamellar vesicles with a mean diameter of 101 ± 6.1 nm, moderate polydispersity (0.46 ± 0.02), and a negative zeta potential (−17 ± 3.5 mV). High entrapment efficiency was achieved, reaching 65 ± 2.1% for oleuropein and 96 ± 0.3% for hydroxytyrosol. The structural integrity of the vesicles was maintained during storage and in the simulated gastrointestinal environment. The nanoformulation reduced intestinal glucose uptake and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and restored GLP-1 levels. Conclusions: The combination of optimized extraction and liposome-based formulation enabled the development of stable, delivery-ready olive leaf polyphenols for potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

In this study, pure ZnO and Ho-doped ZnO powders (1 and 2 mol % Ho) were synthesized via hydrothermal and sol–gel methods and evaluated for their tribocatalytic activity toward the degradation of paracetamol, an emerging pharmaceutical contaminant in aquatic environments. Structural, morphological, and optical properties of the obtained materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. SEM observations revealed pronounced morphology differences between the synthesis routes, with hydrothermally prepared samples exhibiting well-defined rod-like structures. XPS and EPR analyses provided evidence for successful Ho modification of ZnO and the presence of defect-related electronic states associated with Ho doping. The tribocatalytic performance was examined in distilled, tap, and mineral water using friction rods with different geometries in order to assess the influence of synthesis route, Ho concentration, and water composition. Among all the investigated materials, hydrothermally synthesized ZnO doped with 2 mol % Ho exhibited the highest tribocatalytic activity, achieving 96.91% degradation of paracetamol at an initial concentration of 15 mg/L within 24 h. The enhanced performance was attributed to improved charge separation induced by Ho modification, combined with the favorable rod-like morphology of the particles. Higher degradation efficiencies were observed in distilled water compared to tap and mineral water, indicating the important role of dissolved ions during the tribocatalytic process. These findings demonstrate that the synthesis route, Ho doping, and water composition collectively govern the tribocatalytic performance of ZnO-based materials, highlighting their potential for water purification. Full article

Healthcare services account for approximately 4–5% of global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and nearly 10% of emissions in the United States are primarily from general hospital operations, surgical and anesthetic care, and pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains. Healthcare services and operations also generate substantial plastic and chemical waste that pollute the environment and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Although global and national organizations have introduced decarbonization frameworks, adoption remains hindered by limited leadership engagement, competing institutional priorities, and insufficient regulatory accountability. This article synthesizes the published literature on the current landscape of healthcare sustainability, summarizes key policy frameworks, and identifies major barriers to implementation; these findings are then illustrated through sustainability initiatives at Stanford Medicine, a quaternary hospital system. These efforts are presented as implementation examples that other institutions may adapt to their own resources and contexts, to reduce emissions and ensure more sustainable healthcare delivery. Full article