Search Results (1,152)

Natural compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids have long been explored for their therapeutic potential. They can act as antioxidants, limit inflammation, and influence cancer or neurodegenerative pathways. However, these benefits rarely translate directly into medical practice, as their solubility is poor, chemical stability is fragile, and metabolism is too fast. In recent years, nanotechnology has offered an alternative route. A wide range of materials, polymeric, inorganic, hybrid, or responsive to external stimuli, were designed to protect and deliver such molecules. Each platform features different preparation methods and release behaviors; all intended to extend circulation and increase tissue selectivity. Considerable attention was paid to targeting strategies, both passive and ligand-mediated, that enhance accumulation in diseased tissues. Preclinical studies have confirmed that encapsulation can raise the therapeutic index of phytochemicals against various conditions, including cancer, inflammation, microbial infections, and neurodegeneration. Still, translation to the clinic is far from resolved, limited by uncertainties over safety, manufacturing scale, and regulation. A parallel line of research now investigates biomimetic carriers, including vesicles derived from red blood cells and whole erythrocytes, which offer immune evasion and versatile loading capacity. The convergence of nanotechnology and natural product pharmacology, enriched by such biologically inspired designs, may open the way to more precise, multifunctional, and patient-tailored therapies. Full article

This study offers an integrated synthesis of polymeric materials in biomedical engineering, revealing four major and interlinked research domains: tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug delivery and nanomedicine, wound healing and antimicrobial applications, and advanced fabrication through 3D/4D printing and bioprinting. Across these areas, hydrogels, biodegradable composites, and stimuli-responsive polymers emerge as the most influential material classes. The analysis highlights substantial progress in extracellular matrix–mimetic scaffolds, smart drug delivery systems with controlled release, multifunctional wound dressings integrating antimicrobial and healing functions, and patient-specific constructs produced via additive manufacturing. Despite these advances, recurring challenges persist in long-term biocompatibility and safety, scalable and reproducible fabrication, and regulatory standardisation. The results point toward a convergence of bioactivity, manufacturability, and clinical translation, with hybrid natural–synthetic systems and personalised polymeric designs defining the next phase of biomedical polymer innovation. Full article

Bio-gels are a class of functional polymeric materials with three-dimensional network structures. Their exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, high specific surface area, and tunable physicochemical properties make them highly promising for environmental remediation. This article systematically reviews the classification of bio-gels based on source, cross-linking mechanisms, and functional attributes. It also elaborates on their fundamental properties such as porous structure, high water absorbency, stimuli-responsiveness, and mechanical stability and examines how these properties influence their environmental remediation efficiency. This review comprehensively analyze the mechanisms and efficacy of bio-gels in adsorbing heavy metal ions, removing organic dyes, improving soil water retention, and restoring ecosystems. Special attention is given to the interactions between surface functional groups and contaminants, the role of porous structures in mass transfer, and the ecological effects within soil–plant systems. Additionally, this review explores extended applications of bio-gels in medical tissue engineering, controlled release of drugs and fertilizers, and enhanced oil recovery, highlighting their versatility as multifunctional materials. Finally, based on current progress and challenges, this review outline key future research directions. These include elucidating microscopic interaction mechanisms, developing low-cost renewable feedstocks, designing multi-stimuli-responsive structures, improving long-term stability, and establishing full life-cycle environmental safety assessments. These efforts will help advance the efficient, precise, and sustainable use of bio-gels in environmental remediation, offering innovative solutions to complex environmental problems. Full article

Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers affecting the central nervous system (CNS), predominantly in adults. Despite significant advancements in this field, GB treatment still relies primarily on conventional approaches, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which, due to its complex pathological characteristics, resistance mechanisms, and restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–brain tumor barrier (BBTB), remain of limited efficacy. In this context, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies able to overcome these barriers, induce cancer cell death, and improve patient prognosis is crucial. Recently, nanoparticle platforms and focused ultrasounds seem to be promising approaches for cancer treatment. Nanoparticles enable targeting and controlled release, whilst focused ultrasounds enhance tissue permeation, increasing drug accumulation in a specific organ. However, nanoparticles can suffer from synthesis complexity, long-term biocompatibility and accumulation in the body with consequent toxicity, whereas focused ultrasounds require specialized equipment and can potentially cause thermal damage, hemorrhage, or cavitation injury. Cyclodextrins (CYDs) possess good properties and represent a versatile and safer alternative able to improve drug stability, solubility, and bioavailability, and depending on the type, dose, and administration route, can reduce local and systemic toxicity. Thus, CYDs emerge as promising novel excipients in GB treatment. Despite these advantages, CYD complexes suffer from receptor specificity, reducing their potential in precision medicine. By combining CYD complexes with polymeric or lipidic platforms, the advantages of CYD safety and drug solubilization together with their specific targeting can be obtained, thus enhancing selectivity and maximizing efficacy while minimizing recurrence and systemic toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of GB pathology, conventional treatments, and emerging CYD-based strategies aimed at enhancing drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Background: PIEZO channels are mechanoreceptors expressed in various cells. Their contributions to animal development are not entirely clear. According to the physical distortion hypothesis, developmental organizers for butterfly wing eyespots receive and release mechanical signals in pupal wing tissues during development, initiating a calcium signaling cascade and gene expression changes. Objectives: We tested the possible involvement of PIEZO1 in butterfly wing color pattern formation, according to the physical distortion hypothesis. Methods: We performed a pharmacological intervention of PIEZO1, focusing on the eyespots of Junonia orithya. Chemical modulators of PIEZO1 and the actin cytoskeleton were injected into pupae immediately after pupation during the critical period of color pattern determination, and the eyespot color patterns of the emerging adult wings were analyzed. We also tested dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) because it was used as a solvent. Results: DMSO significantly enlarged most eyespots examined. In contrast, the specific PIEZO1 activator Jedi2 induced significant reduction in the dorsal hindwing eyespots. Another specific PIEZO1 activator, Yoda1, also induced similar changes, although less clearly. The mechanosensitive channel blocker GsMTx4 produced compromised eyespots in an individual, although statistical support for modification was weak. The actin polymerization activator phalloidin induced blue foci in the ventral forewing eyespots. PIEZO expression in the pupal wings was demonstrated by RT-PCR. Conclusions: These results suggest that eyespot organizers in butterfly wings may employ a PIEZO-mediated mechanotransduction pathway to regulate eyespot color patterns, supporting the physical distortion hypothesis. These results highlight the importance of PIEZO in developmental organizers in animals. Full article

Background: Glucocorticoids are an important class of therapeutics used in a variety of applications, including allotransplantations. Dexamethasone (Dexa) is well-known for its strong anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anticancer properties. However, its clinical use is often limited by its poor water solubility, poor pharmacokinetics, and high likelihood of systemic side effects. Methods: To address the issues, we tested a combined strategy where our original Drug-Integrating Amphiphilic Nano-Assemblies (DIANAs), a class of self-assembling polymeric nanoparticles designed for controlled drug release, were used to solubilize and deliver dexamethasone palmitate (DexP), a hydrophobic prodrug of dexamethasone. Results: The palmitate chains of the prodrug can form strong van der Waals interactions with the hydrophobic moieties of the PEG-PPS block copolymer used here. In water, this resulted in the self-assembling of stable dexamethasone palmitate–PEG–PPS nanomicelles, termed DexP-nMICs, with a 25 nm average diameter that slowly released Dexa over more than two weeks. Conclusions: Here we demonstrated that DexP-nMICs can carry elevated amounts of Dexa—increasing its solubility in water—prolong circulation in its pharmacologically active form in vivo and provide passive targeting to inflammation sites. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of DexP-nMICs was first confirmed in vitro on stimulated macrophages, demonstrating a significant reduction in cytokine secretion. An allogeneic mouse skin transplant model, used to assess the therapeutic potential of DexP-nMICs in vivo, confirmed its ability to provide graft-targeted delivery and prolong graft survival as compared to the unformulated parent drug. Therefore, DexP-nMICs are a promising candidate for sustained and localized use of anti-inflammatory drugs in cell and tissue transplantations. Full article

Background: The treatment of wounds remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in chronic and infected wounds, where delayed healing often results in complications. Recent advances in biomaterials have highlighted the potential of polymer-based scaffolds as promising platforms for wound management due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, support tissue regeneration, and provide a moist environment conducive to healing. Objectives: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in the design and application of polymer-based scaffolds loaded with essential oil (EO) components, emphasizing their role in promoting effective wound healing. Methods: Relevant literature on polymeric scaffolds and EO-based bioactive agents was systematically reviewed, focusing on studies that investigated the biological activities, fabrication techniques, and therapeutic performance of EO-loaded scaffolds in wound management. Results: Findings from recent studies indicate that EO components, particularly monoterpenoids such as thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol, exhibit remarkable antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties that accelerate wound healing. When incorporated into polymer matrices, these components enhance scaffold biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, and tissue regeneration capacity through synergistic interactions. Conclusions: The integration of essential oil components into polymeric scaffolds represents a promising strategy for developing multifunctional wound dressings. Such systems combine the structural advantages of polymers with the therapeutic benefits of EOs, offering an effective platform for accelerating healing and preventing wound infections. Full article

Hydrogel scaffolds have emerged as pivotal materials in regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. However, conventional fabrication techniques often lack the precision required to create complex architectures, limiting their effectiveness in tissue engineering. This review explores advanced laser-based fabrication methods, such as two-photon polymerization, laser-induced forward transfer, selective laser sintering/melting, and laser direct writing, which offer unparalleled resolution and control over scaffold geometry. These techniques enable the production of intricate 3D structures tailored to specific clinical needs, from vascular networks to patient-specific implants. We analyze the principles, advantages, and limitations of each method, highlighting their biomedical applications and the challenges of scalability, material compatibility, and cost. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical implementation, laser-based technologies hold significant promise for advancing personalized medicine and tissue regeneration. Full article

Despite the long history of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) red heartwood research, there has been no experimental proof on the structure of the chromophores yet. For the first time, using high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection/multistage electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, it was evidenced that red heartwood chromophores are water/methanol solvent extractable high molecular weight (400–2200 Da) compounds, which are polymerized, transformed, and oxidized products of (epi)catechin and taxifolin. Acid soluble non-extractable polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins) were not evidenced in the cell wall structure, while alkaline soluble compounds (ferulic acid, dehydrodiferulic acid, p-coumaric acid) have been identified for the first time from the sapwood/red heartwood boundary tissues: these supposedly play a role in the structural reinforcement of the cell wall structure and in the antioxidant protection and have a lesser role in color formation. Results on the structure of chromophores and on cell wall composition may enhance color homogenization technologies and contribute to a better utilization of red-heartwooded timber in the future. Full article

This research focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. We engineered biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles capable of encapsulating various therapeutic agents, demonstrating improved stability, prolonged circulation times, and preferential accumulation in target tissues. Surface functionalization with targeting ligands achieved unprecedented specificity in drug delivery. Our nanoparticle formulations exhibited superior tumor accumulation in preclinical cancer models, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, we developed stimuli-responsive nanoparticles for precise spatiotemporal control over drug release. These advanced delivery systems promise to improve patient outcomes and advance personalized nanomedicine. Full article

Ozone (O₃) has re-emerged in periodontology for its antimicrobial, oxygenating, and immunomodulatory actions, yet its role in regeneration remains contentious. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on adjunctive ozone use in periodontal therapy, delineates cellular constraints—especially in periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs)—and explores mitigation strategies using bioactive compounds and advanced delivery platforms. Two recent meta-analyses indicate that adjunctive ozone with scaling and root planing yields statistically significant reductions in probing depth and gingival inflammation, with no significant effects on bleeding on probing, plaque control, or clinical attachment level; interpretation is limited by heterogeneity of formulations, concentrations, and delivery methods. Mechanistically, ozone imposes a dose-dependent oxidative burden that depletes glutathione and inhibits glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, precipitating lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP depletion, and PDLF apoptosis. Concurrent activation of NF-κB and upregulation of IL-6/TNF-α, together with matrix metalloproteinase-mediated extracellular matrix degradation and tissue dehydration (notably with gaseous applications), further impairs fibroblast migration, adhesion, and ECM remodeling, constraining regenerative potential. Emerging countermeasures include co-administration of polyphenols (epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin), coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to restore redox balance, stabilize mitochondria, down-modulate inflammatory cascades, and preserve ECM integrity. Nanocarrier-based platforms (nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, bioadhesive films) offer controlled ozone release and co-delivery of protectants, potentially widening the therapeutic window while minimizing cytotoxicity. Overall, current evidence supports ozone as an experimental adjunct rather than a routine regenerative modality. Priority research needs include protocol standardization, dose–response definition, long-term safety, and rigorously powered randomized trials evaluating bioactive-ozone combinations and nanocarrier systems in clinically relevant periodontal endpoints. Full article

In recent years, apatite-based materials have garnered significant interest, particularly for applications in tissue engineering. Apatite is most commonly employed as a coating for metallic implants, as a component in composite materials, and as scaffolds for bone and dental tissue regeneration. Among its various forms, hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the most widely used, owing to its natural occurrence in human and animal hard tissues. An emerging area of research involves the use of fluoride-substituted apatite, particularly fluorapatite (FAP), which can serve as a direct fluoride source at the implant site, potentially offering several biological and therapeutic advantages. However, substituting HAP with FAP may lead to unforeseen changes in material behavior due to the differing physicochemical properties of these two calcium phosphate phases. This study investigates the effects of replacing hydroxyapatite with fluorapatite in ceramic–polymer composite materials incorporating β-1,3-glucan as a bioactive polymeric binder. The β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide was selected for its proven biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form stable hydrogels that promote cellular interactions. Nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed that FAP/glucan composites had a significantly lower specific surface area (0.5 m²/g) and total pore volume (0.002 cm³/g) compared to HAP/glucan composites (14.15 m²/g and 0.03 cm³/g, respectively), indicating enhanced ceramic–polymer interactions in fluoride-containing systems. Optical profilometry measurements showed statistically significant differences in profile parameters (e.g., Rp: 134 μm for HAP/glucan vs. 352 μm for FAP/glucan), although average roughness (Ra) remained similar (34.1 vs. 27.6 μm, respectively). Microscopic evaluation showed that FAP/glucan composites had smaller particle sizes (1 μm) than their HAP counterparts (2 μm), despite larger primary crystal sizes in FAP, as confirmed by TEM. XRD analysis indicated structural differences between the apatites, with FAP exhibiting a reduced unit cell volume (524.6 ų) compared to HAP (528.2 ų), due to substitution of hydroxyl groups with fluoride ions. Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR, Raman, ³¹P NMR) confirmed chemical shifts associated with fluorine incorporation and revealed distinct ceramic–polymer interfacial behaviors, including an upfield shift of PO₄³⁻ bands (964 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 961 cm⁻¹ in HAP) and OH vibration shifts (3537 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 3573 cm⁻¹ in HAP). The glucan polymer showed different hydrogen bonding patterns when combined with FAP versus HAP, as evidenced by shifts in polymer-specific bands at 888 cm⁻¹ and 1157 cm⁻¹, demonstrating that fluoride substitution significantly influences ceramic–polymer interactions in these bioactive composite systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polymeric barrier membranes (BMs) are usually used in guided bone regeneration to isolate the bone defect from the surrounding tissue, favoring bone apposition. This study proposes a third-generation BM made of polycaprolactone (PCL), loaded with different concentrations of nano-hidroxyapatite (nHAP) and gentamicin (GEN), and fabricated by electrospinning. Methods: The mechanical properties of the polymer, together with the fabrication procedure, offer porosity with interconnectivity to permit cell adhesion and proliferation. Bacterial contamination of the BM can induce infection at the bone level, leading to unfavorable clinical outcomes of the regeneration procedure. Results: Therefore, BMs have been proposed as carriers for local GEN antibiotic therapy, demonstrating antibacterial properties against S. aureus, S. mutans, and P. aeruginosa, depending on the drug concentration, while being negligibly affected by the nHAP content. X-ray diffraction, FTIR-ATR, and SEM allowed for BM structural characterization, demonstrating the presence of GEN/nHAP and establishing the fiber diameter, which influences the mechanical properties in dry and wet conditions and the drug release behaviorA BM cytotoxicity assessment, performed over 1 and 5 days, revealed that a high nHAP concentration provided protection against cytotoxicity, in contrast to GEN, and that cell proliferation and cell adhesion increased in the presence of nHAP. The BM’s bioactivity was demonstrated by mineralization after 21 days in simulated body fluid in an SEM/EDX analysis. Conclusions: The electrospun 15 wt.% nHAP and 2 wt.% GEN-loaded third-generation BM could be a promising alternative for guided bone regeneration. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Despite advancements in screening and treatment, its aggressive progression and tendency to metastasize remain major challenges. Biomarkers such as cathepsins B and D, actin isoforms, and cysteine protease inhibitors may influence tumor invasion and metastasis. However, little is known about their spatial distribution in tumor versus surrounding tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the location-dependent expression of selected biomarkers in CRC tissue to better understand their role in cancer progression. Tissue samples were obtained intraoperatively from 37 CRC patients at three locations: the tumor center, and 2 cm and 5 cm from the tumor margin. The activity and concentrations of cathepsins B and D, anti-papain activity, and actin fractions (globular [G-], filamentous [F-], and total actin [T-actin]) were measured using biochemical and spectrophotometric assays. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, MANOVA, and non-parametric tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Cathepsin B activity was significantly elevated at the tumor center and decreased with distance from the tumor (p < 0.001). F-actin and T-actin levels followed a similar pattern, with significantly higher values near the tumor core (p < 0.05). Differences in G-actin were less pronounced. No significant spatial variation was found for cathepsin D, or anti-papain activity. The G-actin/T-actin and F-actin/G-actin ratios revealed significant shifts in actin polymerization states depending on the distance from the tumor. This study demonstrates spatial heterogeneity in the expression of key biomarkers in CRC tissues. Elevated levels of cathepsin B and altered actin dynamics in tumor regions suggest their involvement in local invasion and progression. Full article

Organ transplantation has significantly progressed since the 1950s, with notable advancements in surgical procedures and immunosuppression. However, current organ preservation techniques, mainly static cold storage, have not evolved at the same pace and remain insufficient to prevent ischemic and oxidative damage. This damage, primarily caused by the cessation of aerobic metabolism, limits organ viability and transplant outcomes. In this study, we investigated whether supplementing a storage solution with a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) could improve the condition of ex vivo rabbit kidneys by maintaining oxygenation and supporting aerobic metabolism. In a paired, randomized design, contralateral rabbit kidneys were preserved either in a Krebs-Ringer-based solution enriched with the polymerized hemoglobin OxyVita^®C (15 g/L, p50 4–6 mmHg, MW ≈ 17 MDa, pH adjusted to 7.4) or in an HBOC-free control solution. Physicochemical characterization of OxyVita^®C included oxygen equilibrium curves, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and dynamic light scattering. Biochemical markers (AST, ALT, LDH, K⁺, pH) and histopathological assessments were used to evaluate tissue integrity over 24 h. Histology was additionally stratified according to rinsing protocols (unwashed, NaCl single flush, triple flush), and tubular necrosis was scored by blinded pathologists. Group comparisons were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD test. The HBOC-enriched solution showed improved tissue preservation, higher cell survivability, and better histomorphological profiles, with significantly reduced tubular necrosis scores compared to controls. These findings suggest that active oxygen delivery via HBOCs offers a promising strategy to mitigate ischemic damage during ex vivo kidney storage. Limitations include the lack of transplantation outcomes and direct ROS quantification, which will be addressed in future work integrating hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion. Full article