Search Results (4,951)

Restenosis is the main cause of failure after stent implantation during angioplasty. The localized, sustained delivery of an antirestenotic drug may reduce smooth muscle cell (SMCs) proliferation and thereby limit neointimal hyperplasia. The aim of this study was to develop degradable sirolimus-eluting polymer coatings that can be applied on bioresorbable polymer-based scaffolds via an ultrasonic coating system. This is a novel approach because the detailed analysis of the coating procedure on bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds with the use of an ultrasonic system has not been reported thus far. It has been observed that the ultrasonic technique facilitates formation of a smooth coating, well-integrated with the scaffold. However, the drug dose is affected by the concentration of the coating solution and the number of layers. Therefore, these parameters can be used for tailoring the drug dose and release process. Although all types of the developed coatings provided sirolimus elution for at least 3 months, a more uniform, diffusion-controlled release profile was observed from coatings obtained from the 1.0% polymeric solution. The released drug showed antiproliferative activity against vascular SMCs, without any hemolytic or thrombogenic effects. The results of the study may be advantageous for further progress in the development and medical translation of polymeric vascular scaffolds with antirestenotic activity. Full article

The increasing demand for food necessitates that agri-food systems adopt innovative techniques to enhance food production while optimizing the use of limited resources, such as water. In agriculture, hydrogels are being increasingly used to enhance water retention and reduce irrigation requirements. However, most of these materials are based on synthetic polymers that are not biodegradable. This raises serious environmental and health concerns, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Biomass-derived from agro-industrial waste presents a substantial potential for producing hydrogels, which can effectively function as water collectors and suppliers for crops. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the application of agro-industrial waste for the formulation of hydrogels. Additionally, it offers a critical analysis of the development of hydrogels utilizing natural and compostable materials. Agro-industrial and food waste, which are rich in hemicellulose and cellulose, have been utilized to enhance the mechanical properties and water absorption capacity of hydrogels. These biomaterials hold significant potential for the development of effective hydrogels in agricultural applications; they can be either hybrid or natural materials that exhibit efficacy in enhancing seed germination, improving water retention capabilities, and facilitating the controlled release of fertilizers. Natural hydrogels derived from agro-industrial waste present a sustainable technological alternative that is environmentally benign. Full article

Our contemporary society is powered by fossil fuels, which results in environmental catastrophes. The combustion of these materials results in the release of CO₂, which accelerates the progression of climate change and its catastrophic consequences. The environmental repercussions of fossil fuel extraction have been highlighted through research into alternative energy sources. This inquiry uses the Tapio-Z decoupling approach to assess energy inputs and emissions. Furthermore, the fuzzy logic model is used to inspect the economic growth of the USA and China, as well as the impact of environmental factors, energy sources, and utilization, through decoupling effects from 1994 to 2023. The findings are substantiated by the individual perspectives of the environmental factors regarding decoupling, which ultimately lead to the acquisition of valuable results. We anticipate a substantial reduction in the total volume of CO₂ emissions in both the USA and China. Compared to China, the USA shows a significant increase in CO₂ emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. It is evident that a comprehensive transition to renewable resources and a broad range of technology is required to mitigate CO₂ emissions in high-energy zones. In their pursuit of sustainability, these two nations are making remarkable strides. The percentage change in CO₂ emissions indicates that effective changes in economic growth, energy input, and energy utilization, particularly sustainable energy, transmute energy output, as does the sustained implementation of robust environmental protection policies. The percentage change in CO₂ emissions indicates a remarkable transformation in energy input, energy consumption, and economic growth. This transition has been most visible in the areas of energy transformation, sustainability, and the maintenance of strong environmental protection measures. Full article

Regenerative endodontics seeks to restore the vascularized pulp–dentin complex following conventional root canal therapy, yet reliable neovascularization within the constrained root canal remains a key challenge. This study investigates the development of an injectable, dual-curing hydrogel based on methacrylated decellularized amniotic membrane (dAM-MA) and compares its performance to a conventional gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). The dAM-MA platform was designed for biphasic release, incorporating both free vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for an initial burst and matrix-metalloproteinase-cleavable VEGF conjugates for sustained delivery. The dAM-MA hydrogel achieved shape-fidelity via thermal gelation at 37 °C and possessed tunable stiffness (0.5–7.8 kPa) after visible-light irradiation. While showing high cytocompatibility comparable to GelMA (>125% hDPSC viability), the dAM-MA platform markedly outperformed the control in promoting endothelial tube formation (up to 800 µm total length; 42 branch points at 96 h). The biphasic VEGF release from dAM-MA matched physiological injury kinetics, driving both early chemotaxis and late vessel maturation. These results demonstrate that dAM-MA hydrogels combine native extracellular matrix complexity with practical, dual-curing injectability and programmable VEGF kinetics, offering a promising scaffold for minimally invasive pulp–dentin regeneration. Full article

Coffee cherry pulp (CCP), a coffee by-product rich in pectin and phenolic compounds, serves as a valuable substrate for microbial enzyme production, improving the nutritional and antioxidant properties of poultry feed. This study evaluated the potential of Kluyveromyces marxianus ST5 to produce pectin-degrading enzymes using CCP. Under unoptimized conditions, the pectin lyase (PL) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities were 3.29 ± 0.22 and 6.32 ± 0.13 U/mL, respectively. Optimization using a central composite design (CCD) identified optimal conditions at 16.81% (w/v) CCP, 5.87% (v/v) inoculum size, pH 5.24, and 30 °C for 48 h, resulting in PL and PG activities of 9.17 ± 0.20 and 15.78 ± 0.14 U/mL, representing increases of 178.7% and 149.7% over unoptimized conditions. Fermented CCP was further evaluated using an in vitro chicken gastrointestinal digestion model. Peptide release increased by 66.2% compared with unfermented CCP. Antioxidant capacity also improved, with significant increases observed in DPPH (32.4%), ABTS (45.0%), and FRAP (42.3%) assays, along with an 11.1% increase in total phenolic content. These results demonstrate that CCP bioconversion by K. marxianus ST5 enhances digestibility and antioxidant properties, supporting its potential as a sustainable poultry feed additive and contributing to the valorization of agro-industrial waste. Full article

Healing large bone defects remains challenging. Gelatin scaffolds are biocompatible and biodegradable, but lack osteoinductive activity. Plant-derived exosomes carry miRNAs, growth factors, and proteins that modulate osteogenesis, but free exosomes suffer from poor stability, limited targeting, and low bioavailability in vivo. We developed a 3D GelMA hydrogel loaded with Epimedium-derived exosomes (“GelMA@Exo”) to improve exosome retention, stability, and sustained release. Its effects on MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts—including proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, migration, and senescence—were evaluated via in vitro assays. Angiogenic potential was assessed using HUVECs. Underlying mechanisms were examined at transcriptomic and protein levels to elucidate GelMA@Exo’s therapeutic osteogenesis actions. GelMA@Exo exhibited sustained exosome release, enhancing exosome retention and cellular uptake. In vitro, GelMA@Exo markedly boosted MC3T3-E1 proliferation, migration, and mineralized nodule formation, while reducing senescence markers and promoting angiogenesis in HUVECs. Mechanistically, GelMA@Exo upregulated key osteogenic markers (RUNX2, TGF-β1, Osterix, COL1A1, ALPL) and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway. Transcriptomic data confirmed global upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes and bone-regeneration pathways. This study presents a GelMA hydrogel functionalized with plant-derived exosomes, which synergistically provides osteoinductive stimuli and structural support. The GelMA@Exo platform offers a versatile strategy for localized delivery of natural bioactive molecules and a promising approach for bone tissue engineering. Our findings provide strong experimental evidence for the translational potential of plant-derived exosomes in regenerative medicine. Full article

The intra-articular application of drugs has gained considerable interest with regard to formulations for advanced drug delivery systems. It has been identified as a potential route for local drug delivery. A drug agent is usually incorporated into the hydrogel to prolong and control the drug release. This study aimed to design and evaluate an intra-articular hydrogel based sodium hyaluronate, which was modified with an additional polymer to enable the sustained release of the incorporated anti-inflammatory agent, diclofenac sodium (NaDic). Viscosity studies, drug release tests and FTIR−ATR measurements, as well as DSC analysis, were carried out to evaluate the obtained formulations. The viscosity measurements were performed using a rotational viscometer. The drug release was carried out by employing the apparatus paddle over the disk. The concentration of the released drug was obtained spectrophotometrically. The results revealed that the addition of the second polymer to the matrix influenced the dynamic viscosity of the hydrogels. The highest viscosity of (25.33 ± 0.55) × 10³ cP was observed when polyacrylic acid (PA) was doped in the formulation. This was due to the hydrogen bond formation between both polymers. The FTIR−ATR investigations and DSC study revealed the hydrogen bond formation between the drug and both polymers. The drug was released the slowest from hydrogel doped with PA and 17.2 ± 3.7% of NaDic was transported to the acceptor fluid within 8 h. The hydrogel based on hyaluronan sodium doped with PA and containing NaDic is a promising formulation for the prolonged and controlled intra-articulate drug delivery of anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is highly prevalent in the Greater Mekong sub-region, especially northeastern Thailand, where infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a major etiological factor. Limited therapeutic options and the absence of reliable early diagnosis tools impede effective disease control. Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.—long used in Thai and East Asian medicine, contains atractylodin (ATD), a potent bioactive compound with anticancer potential. Here, we developed ATD-loaded poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (ATD PLGA NPs) and evaluated their antitumor efficacy against CCA. The formulated nanoparticles had a mean diameter of 229.8 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 83%, and exhibited biphasic, sustained release, reaching a cumulative release of 92% within seven days. In vitro, ATD-PLGA NPs selectively reduced the viability of CL-6 and HuCCT-1 CCA cell lines, with selectivity indices (SI) of 3.53 and 2.61, respectively, outperforming free ATD and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). They suppressed CL-6 cell migration and invasion by up to 90% within 12 h and induced apoptosis in 83% of cells through caspase-3/7 activation. Micronucleus assays showed lower mutagenic potential than the positive control. In vivo, ATD-PLGA NPs dose-dependently inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in CCA-xenografted nude mice; the high-dose regimen matched or exceeded the efficacy of 5-FU. Gene expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of pro-tumorigenic factors (VEGF, MMP-9, TGF-β, TNF-α, COX-2, PGE₂, and IL-6) and upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Collectively, these results indicate that ATD-PLGA NPs are a promising nanotherapeutic platform for targeted CCA treatment, offering improved anticancer potency, selectivity, and safety compared to conventional therapies. Full article

The presence of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in water is a threat to humans and aquatic life since antibiotics are currently regarded as emerging contaminants of major concern. This work reported the use of Nexar^TM film, a sulfonated pentablock copolymer, to effectively remove ciprofloxacin antibiotic from water in a sustainable approach. The removal efficiency of Nexar film was evaluated in aqueous or salty (NaCl 0.5 M) ciprofloxacin solutions as a function of contact time and the initial ciprofloxacin concentration. In the investigated conditions, the polymeric film totally removed ciprofloxacin in MilliQ solution while its removal efficiency in salty solution was approximately 73%. This lower value is due to the presence of Na⁺ ions that compete with antibiotic molecules for adsorption on active surface sites of the polymeric film. No further release of adsorbed antibiotic molecules occurred. The kinetic studies, conducted for ciprofloxacin adsorption on Nexar film in both MilliQ and salty solutions, revealed that the overall sorption process is controlled by the rate of surface reaction between ciprofloxacin molecules and active sites on Nexar surface. Furthermore, at equilibrium conditions, the isotherm model that best fits experimental parameters was not linear. This indicates that the competition between the solute and the solvent for binding sites on the adsorbent should be considered to describe adsorption processes in both MilliQ and salty solutions. Full article

Introduction. Larvae of the insect Hermetia illucens can represent an alternative source for low-molecular-weight chitosan (CS) production compared with CS from crustaceans (CS_crustac), making it appealing in terms of pharmaceutical applications. Hence, the performances of CS_larvae and CS_crustac were compared herein by investigating the in vitro features of nanoparticles (NPs) made from each polysaccharide and administered with the antioxidant quercetin (QUE). Methods. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy enabled the identification of each type of CS. Following the ionic gelation technique and using sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin as a cross-linking agent, NPs were easily obtained. Results. Physicochemical data, release studies in PBS, and the evaluation of antioxidant effects via the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test were studied for both CS_larvae and CS_crustac. QUE-loaded NP sizes ranged from 180 to 547 nm, and zeta potential values were between +7.5 and +39.3 mV. In vitro QUE release in PBS was faster from QUE-CS_larvae NPs than from CS_crustac, and high antioxidant activity—according to the DPPH test—was observed for all tested NP formulations. Discussion. The agar diffusion assay, referring to Escherichia coli and Micrococcus flavus, as well as the microdilution assay, showed the best performance as antimicrobial formulations in the case of QUE-CS_larvae NPs. QUE-CS_larvae NPs can represent a promising vehicle for QUE, releasing it in a sustained manner, and, relevantly, the synergism noticed between QUE and CS_larvae resulted in a final antimicrobial product. Conclusions. New perspectives for low-molecular-weight CS are disclosed by adopting renewable sources from insects instead of the commercial CS_crustac. Full article

Aging in wooden barrels is a proven technique that enhances the sensory complexity of alcoholic beverages by promoting the extraction of volatile and phenolic compounds. While oak has been traditionally used, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative wood species that can impart distinct sensory characteristics and promote innovative maturation processes. This review examines the impact of alternative woods on the aging of beverages, such as wine, cachaça, tequila, and beer, focusing on their influence on aroma, flavor, color, and chemical composition. A bibliometric analysis highlights the increasing scientific attention toward wood diversification and emerging aging technologies, including ultrasound and micro-oxygenation, which accelerate maturation while preserving sensory complexity. The role of toasting techniques in modulating the release of phenolic and volatile compounds is also discussed, emphasizing their contribution to unique sensory profiles. Additionally, regulatory aspects and sustainability considerations are explored, suggesting that alternative woods can expand flavor possibilities while supporting environmentally sustainable practices. This review underscores the potential of non-traditional wood species to drive innovation in the aging of alcoholic beverages and provide new sensory experiences that align with evolving consumer preferences and market trends. Full article

This study investigates the influence of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) on the polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate (MMA) during in situ suspension polymerization at 70 °C (343.15 K). Four CNF concentrations were evaluated and compared to a reference system without CNFs. Polymerizations were carried out in a thermostatted flask immersed in an ethylene glycol bath and covered to ensure thermal stability. The temperature profiles of both the reaction medium and the surrounding bath were continuously recorded, allowing for the calculation of heat flow, polymerization rate (R_p), and monomer conversion. The incorporation of CNFs led to a significant increase in R_p and faster MMA conversion. This effect was attributed to the presence of nanocellulose within the polymerizing medium, which restricted diffusion and contributed to the onset of the phenomenon of autoacceleration. Additionally, CNFs promoted a higher total heat release, underscoring the need for thermal control during scale-up. The resulting material qualifies as a biocomposite, as biobased nanofibrils became integrated into the polymer matrix. These findings demonstrate that CNFs act as effective kinetic promoters in MMA polymerizations and may serve as functional additives to enhance both reaction performance and sustainability. However, safety considerations remain critical when transferring this approach to industrial processes. Full article

Cervical cancer represents a significant global health challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be a promising, minimally invasive alternative to standard treatments. However, the clinical efficacy of PDT is sometimes limited by the low solubility and aggregation of photosensitizers, their non-selective distribution in the body, hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and limited light penetration. Recent advances in nanoparticle and nanocomposite platforms have addressed these challenges by integrating multiple functional components into a single delivery system. By encapsulating or conjugating photosensitizers in biodegradable matrices, such as mesoporous silica, organometallic structures and core–shell construct nanocarriers increase stability in water and extend circulation time, enabling both passive and active targeting through ligand decoration. Up-conversion and dual-wavelength responsive cores facilitate deep light conversion in tissues, while simultaneous delivery of hypoxia-modulating agents alleviates oxygen deprivation to sustain reactive oxygen species generation. Controllable “motor-cargo” constructs and surface modifications improve intratumoral diffusion, while aggregation-induced emission dyes and plasmonic elements support real-time imaging and quantitative monitoring of therapeutic response. Together, these multifunctional nanosystems have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity in vitro and significant tumor suppression in vivo in mouse models of cervical cancer. Combining targeted delivery, controlled release, hypoxia mitigation, and image guidance, engineered nanoparticles provide a versatile and powerful platform to overcome the current limitations of PDT and pave the way toward more effective, patient-specific treatments for cervical malignancies. Our review of the literature summarizes studies on nanoparticles and nanocomposites used in PDT monotherapy for cervical cancer, published between 2023 and July 2025. Full article

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive, multifactorial complication of diabetes and one of the major global causes of visual impairment. Its pathogenesis involves chronic hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and pathological angiogenesis, as well as emerging systemic contributors such as gut microbiota dysregulation. While current treatments, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, corticosteroids, and laser photocoagulation, have shown clinical efficacy, they are largely limited to advanced stages of DR, require repeated invasive procedures, and do not adequately address early neurovascular and metabolic abnormalities. Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-angiogenic properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which RSV exerts protective effects in DR, including modulation of oxidative stress pathways, suppression of inflammatory cytokines, enhancement of mitochondrial function, promotion of autophagy, and inhibition of pathological neovascularisation. Despite its promising pharmacological profile, the clinical application of RSV is limited by poor aqueous solubility, rapid systemic metabolism, and low ocular bioavailability. Various routes of administration, including intravitreal injection, topical instillation, and oral and sublingual delivery, have been investigated to enhance its therapeutic potential. Recent advances in drug delivery systems, including nanoformulations, liposomal carriers, and sustained-release intravitreal implants, offer potential strategies to address these challenges. This review also explores RSV’s role in combination therapies, its potential as a disease-modifying agent in early-stage DR, and the relevance of personalised medicine approaches guided by metabolic and genetic factors. Overall, the review highlights the therapeutic potential and the key translational challenges in positioning RSV as a multi-targeted treatment strategy for DR. Full article

In the present work, six biochars were produced from the pyrolysis of poultry manure at 400 °C and 600 °C (PM-B-400 and PM-B-600), and their post-modification with, respectively, iron chloride (PM-B-400-Fe and PM-B-600-Fe) and potassium permanganate (PM-B-400-Mn and PM-B-600-Mn). First, these biochars were deeply characterized through the assessment of their particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, pH at point-zero charge, mineral composition, morphological structure, and surface functionality and crystallinity, and then valorized as biofertilizer to grow spring barley at pot-scale for 40 days. Characterization results showed that Fe- and Mn-based nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto the surface of the post-modified biochars, which significantly enhanced their structural and surface chemical properties. Moreover, compared to the control treatment, both raw and post-modified biochars significantly improved the growth parameters of spring barley plants (shoot and root length, biomass weight, and nutrient content). The highest biomass production was obtained for the treatment with PM-B-400-Fe, owing to its enhanced physico-chemical properties and its higher ability in releasing nutrients and immobilizing heavy metals. These results highlight the potential use of Fe-modified poultry manure-derived biochar produced at low temperatures as a sustainable biofertilizer for soil enhancement and crop yield improvement, while addressing manure management issues. Full article