Investigating the effect of graphene oxide in chitosan/alginate-based foams on the release and antifungal activity of clotrimazole in vitro

Recent advancements in natural polymers-based self-healing nano-materials for wound dressing

The field of wound healing has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, driven by the pursuit of advanced wound dressings. Traditional dressing materials have limitations like poor biocompatibility, nonbiodegradability, inadequate moisture management, poor breathability, lack of inherent therapeutic properties, and environmental impacts. There is a compelling demand for innovative solutions to transcend the constraints of conventional dressing materials for optimal wound care. In this extensive review, the therapeutic potential of natural polymers as the foundation for the development of self-healing nano-materials, specifically for wound dressing applications, has been elucidated. Natural polymers offer a multitude of advantages, possessing exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. The intricate engineering strategies employed to fabricate these polymers into nanostructures, thereby imparting enhanced mechanical robustness, flexibility, critical for efficacious wound management has been expounded. By harnessing the inherent properties of natural polymers, including chitosan, alginate, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and so on, and integrating the concept of self-healing materials, a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge research in this emerging field is presented in the review. Furthermore, the inherent self-healing attributes of these materials, wherein they exhibit innate capabilities to autonomously rectify any damage or disruption upon exposure to moisture or body fluids, reducing frequent dressing replacements have also been explored. This review consolidates the existing knowledge landscape, accentuating the benefits and challenges associated with these pioneering materials while concurrently paving the way for future investigations and translational applications in the realm of wound healing.

Bioinspired silver nanoparticle-based nanocomposites for effective control of plant pathogens: A review

Plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, pose significant challenges to the farming community due to their extensive diversity, the rapidly evolving phenomenon of multi-drug resistance (MDR), and the limited availability of effective control measures. Amid mounting global pressure, particularly from the World Health Organization, to limit the use of antibiotics in agriculture and livestock management, there is increasing consideration of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) as promising alternatives for antimicrobial applications. Studies focusing on the application of ENMs in the fight against MDR pathogens are receiving increasing attention, driven by significant losses in agriculture and critical knowledge gaps in this crucial field. In this review, we explore the potential contributions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their nanocomposites in combating plant diseases, within the emerging interdisciplinary arena of nano-phytopathology. AgNPs and their nanocomposites are increasingly acknowledged as promising countermeasures against plant pathogens, owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics and inherent antimicrobial properties. This review explores recent advancements in engineered nanocomposites, highlights their diverse mechanisms for pathogen control, and draws attention to their potential in antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral applications. In the discussion, we briefly address three crucial dimensions of combating plant pathogens: green synthesis approaches, toxicity-environmental concerns, and factors influencing antimicrobial efficacy. Finally, we outline recent advancements, existing challenges, and prospects in scholarly research to facilitate the integration of nanotechnology across interdisciplinary fields for more effective treatment and prevention of plant diseases.

Casein-assisted exfoliation of tungsten disulfide nanosheets for biomedical applications

Our regular life can be more challenging by bone abnormalities. Bone tissue engineering is used for repairing, regenerating, or replacing bone tissue that has been injured or infected. It is effective in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional bone grafting methods like autograft and allograft by enhancing the effectiveness of bone regeneration. Recent discoveries have shown that the exfoliation of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with protein is in great demand for bone tissue engineering applications. WS2 nanosheets were developed using casein and subsequently characterized with different analytical techniques. Strong absorption peaks were observed in the UV-visible spectra at 520 nm and 630 nm. Alginate and alginate-casein WS2 microspheres were developed. Stereomicroscopic images of the microspheres are spherical in shape and have an average diameter of around 0.8 ± 0.2 mm. The alginate-casein WS2 microspheres show higher content of water absorption and retention properties than only alginate-containing microspheres. The apatite formation in the simulated bodily fluid solution was facilitated more effectively by the alginate-casein-WS2 microspheres. Additionally, alginate-casein-WS2 microspheres have a compressive strength is 58.01 ± 4 MPa. Finally, in vitro cell interaction studies reveals that both the microspheres are biocompatible with the C3H10T1/2 cells, and alginate-casein-WS2-based microspheres promote cell growth more significantly. Alginate-casein-WS2 microspheres promote alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization process. Additionally, alginate-casein-WS2-based microspheres exponentially enhance the genes for ALP, BMP-2, OCN, and Collage type-1. The produced alginate-casein-WS2 microspheres could be a suitable synthetic graft for a bone transplant replacement.

Physical Properties and Release Profiles of Chitosan Mixture Films Containing Salicin, Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid

Chitosan (CS) has gained considerable attention due to its distinctive properties and its broad spectrum of potential applications, spanning cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical uses. In this study, we characterized thin films comprising chitosan mixtures containing salicin (SAL) and glycerin (GLY), both with and without hyaluronic acid (HA) as active ingredients. Characterization was achieved through release studies of SAL, infrared spectroscopy, microscopy techniques (AFM and SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). CS/GLY/SAL and CS/GLY/SAL/HA mixture films were fabricated using the solvent evaporation technique. We probed interactions between the components in the chitosan mixtures via infrared analysis. The concentration of released salicin was monitored at various time intervals in a phosphate buffer (PBS) at pH 5.5 using HPLC. The linear regression analysis for the calibration graph showed a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9996) in the working concentration range of 5-205 mg/dm3. Notably, the release of SAL reached its peak after 20 min. Furthermore, the introduction of HA caused changes in the films' morphology, but their roughness remained largely unchanged. The results obtained were compared, indicating that the release of SAL in the CS mixture films is sufficient for diverse applications, including wound-healing materials and cosmetic beauty masks.

Molecular Mapping of Antifungal Mechanisms Accessing Biomaterials and New Agents to Target Oral Candidiasis

Oral candidiasis has a high rate of development, especially in immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapies in hospitalized HIV and cancer patients are known to induce the poor management of adverse reactions, where local and systemic candidiasis become highly resistant to conventional antifungal therapy. The development of oral candidiasis is triggered by several mechanisms that determine oral epithelium imbalances, resulting in poor local defense and a delayed immune system response. As a result, pathogenic fungi colonies disseminate and form resistant biofilms, promoting serious challenges in initiating a proper therapeutic protocol. Hence, this study of the literature aimed to discuss possibilities and new trends through antifungal therapy for buccal drug administration. A large number of studies explored the antifungal activity of new agents or synergic components that may enhance the effect of classic drugs. It was of significant interest to find connections between smart biomaterials and their activity, to find molecular responses and mechanisms that can conquer the multidrug resistance of fungi strains, and to transpose them into a molecular map. Overall, attention is focused on the nanocolloids domain, nanoparticles, nanocomposite synthesis, and the design of polymeric platforms to satisfy sustained antifungal activity and high biocompatibility with the oral mucosa.