In vivo study of hybrid biomaterial scaffold bioactive glass–chitosan after incorporation of Ciprofloxacin

In vivo evaluation by oral administration of chitosan combined with bioactive glass against cadmium-induced toxicity in rats

Bioactive glass and chitosan are biomaterials widely used for orthopedic applications, notably as bone grafts. Although these biomaterials show promising therapeutic properties, no research has yet examined their potential for oral administration in soft tissue protection, particularly against metal toxicity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of chitosan from cuttlefish (CHS) bone combined with bioactive glass (BG) against Cadmium-induced toxicity in rats. Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal that accumulates in tissues, causes various disorders. Experiments were carried out on rats intoxicated acutely by oral administration of Cd (20 mg/kg body weight) and/or concomitantly with oral administration of CHS/BG (100 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. Using pathophysiological and biochemical tests, we evaluated the detoxifying effect of orally administered CHS/BG against Cd toxicity. Our results showed, for the first time, a significant detoxifying effect of CHS/BG against Cd-induced toxicity in rats. Treatment with CHS/BG protected rats against the harmful effects of Cd by reducing lipid peroxidation levels and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, it helped restore phosphocalcic balance and protect liver, kidney and brain function. Remarkably, it also reduced Cd levels in the liver, kidneys and brain, as well as in the bones of rats. These results show that oral administration of CHS/BG has a strong therapeutic potential on tissues through detoxification of cadmium-exposed rats.

Hexahalorhenate(iv) salts of protonated ciprofloxacin: antibiotic-based single-ion magnets

In the crystal lattice of two novel ReIV compounds, the paramagnetic [ReCl6]2− and [ReBr6]2− anions are well separated from each other through two protonated forms of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. These compounds behave as single-ion magnets (SIMs).

Recent progress in the fabrication techniques of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering

Significant advances have been made in the field of tissue engineering (TE), especially in the synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for replacing damaged tissues and organs in laboratory conditions. However, the gaps in knowledge in exploiting these techniques in preclinical trials and beyond and, in particular, in practical scenarios (e.g., replacing real body organs) have not been discussed well in the existing literature. Furthermore, it is observed in the literature that while new techniques for the synthesis of 3D TE scaffold have been developed, some of the earlier techniques are still being used. This implies that the advantages offered by a more recent and advanced technique as compared to the earlier ones are not obvious, and these should be discussed in detail. For example, one needs to be aware of the reason, if any, behind the superiority of traditional electrospinning technique over recent advances in 3D printing technique for the production of 3D scaffolds given the popularity of the former over the latter, indicated by the number of publications in the respective areas. Keeping these points in mind, this review aims to demonstrate the ongoing trend in TE based on the scaffold fabrication techniques, focusing mostly, on the two most widely used techniques, namely, electrospinning and 3D printing, with a special emphasis on preclinical trials and beyond. In this context, the advantages, disadvantages, flexibilities and limitations of the relevant techniques (electrospinner and 3D printer) are discussed. The paper also critically analyzes the applicability, restrictions, and future demands of these techniques in TE including their applications in generating whole body organs. It is concluded that combining these knowledge gaps with the existing body of knowledge on the preparation of laboratory scale 3D scaffolds, would deliver a much better understanding in the future for scientists who are interested in these techniques.