Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of PEGylated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Dispersed in Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid

Nanoformulations for dismantling fungal biofilms: The latest arsenals of antifungal therapy

Globally, fungal infections have evolved as a strenuous challenge for clinicians, particularly in patients with compromised immunity in intensive care units. Fungal co-infection in Covid-19 patients has made the situation more formidable for healthcare practitioners. Surface adhered fungal population known as biofilm often develop at the diseased site to elicit antifungal tolerance and recalcitrant traits. Thus, an innovative strategy is required to impede/eradicate developed biofilm and avoid the formation of new colonies. The development of nanocomposite-based antibiofilm solutions is the most appropriate way to withstand and dismantle biofilm structures. Nanocomposites can be utilized as a drug delivery medium and for fabrication of anti-biofilm surfaces capable to resist fungal colonization. In this context, the present review comprehensively described different forms of nanocomposites and mode of their action against fungal biofilms. Amongst various nanocomposites, efficacy of metal/organic nanoparticles and nanofibers are particularly emphasized to highlight their role in the pursuit of antibiofilm strategies. Further, the inevitable concern of nanotoxicology has also been introduced and discussed with the exigent need of addressing it while developing nano-based therapies. Further, a list of FDA-approved nano-based antifungal formulations for therapeutic usage available to date has been described. Collectively, the review highlights the potential, scope, and future of nanocomposite-based antibiofilm therapeutics to address the fungal biofilm management issue.

Bicone nanoflower evolution and multi-peak emission of polymer caped Cu doped ZnO

A low-temperature polymer-assisted wet chemical method was used to synthesise Cu-doped ZnO bicone nanoflowers at three different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations. The effects of PEG concentration on the structural, morphological and optical properties of Cu doped ZnO nanostructures were studied. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the as-synthesized Cu doped ZnO nanostructures are highly crystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite phase. The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the prepared nanostructures have bicone- nanoflower morphology and PEG concentration has strongly influenced the size as well the shape of nanoflowers. The TEM analysis confirmed the nanoflower morphology and the presence of diffraction planes obtained from the XRD data. The compositional analysis was performed by x-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy. The surface passivation effect of PEG on the band gap energies was studied by analysing UV -visible spectra of all the samples. The room-temperature fluorescent spectra of all the nanoflowers showed multiple peak emissions, both in the ultra-violet and visible regions, with varying intensities. These recasted multiple peaks are attributed to the morphological modification caused by the PEG addition.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chicks

The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have attracted exhilarating research interest due to their novel distinguishing characteristics such as size, shape, high surface activity, large surface area and biocompatibility. Being highly bioavailable and exerting a superior efficacy than conventional zinc sources, ZnONPs is emerging as an alternative feed supplement for poultry. The present study involves the synthesis of ZnONPs through a cost effective and eco-friendly method using planetary ball milling technique and characterized for its size, shape, optical property, functional group and elemental concentration using particle size analyzer, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity study using Baby Hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells, Vero cells and primary chick liver culture cells revealed that ZnONPs can be safely incorporated in the broiler chick's feed up to the concentration of 100 mg/kg. To investigate the effects of ZnONPs on production performances in broiler chicks, a feeding trial was carried out using 150-day-old broiler chicks randomly allotted in five treatment groups. The dietary treatment groups were: T1 (80 mg/kg of zinc oxide), T2 (60 mg/kg of zinc methionine) and T3, T4 and T5 received 60, 40 and 20 mg/kg of ZnONPs respectively. The results showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broiler chicks supplemented with 20 and 40 mg/kg of ZnONPs. The ZnONPs supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dressing percentage in addition to significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the meat pH compared to inorganic and organic zinc supplementation. Overall, an eco-friendly method for ZnONPs synthesis was demonstrated and the optimum dietary level (20 mg/kg) of ZnONPs could enhance the growth, the meat quality and Zn uptake without any negative effects on selected serum biochemical parameters in the broiler chicks.

Ciprofloxacin loaded PEG coated ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial and wound healing effects

Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide health problem that demands alternative antibacterial strategies. Modified nano-composites can be an effective strategy as compared to traditional medicine. The current study was designed to develop a biocompatible nano-drug delivery system with increased efficacy of current therapeutics for biomedical applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized by chemical and green methods by mediating with Moringa olifera root extract. The ZnO-NPs were further modified by drug conjugation and coating with PEG (CIP-PEG-ZnO-NPs) to enhance their therapeutic potential. PEGylated ZnO-ciprofloxacin nano-conjugates were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. During antibacterial screenings chemically and green synthesized CIP-PEG-ZnO-NPs revealed significant activity against clinically isolated Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The sustainable and prolonged release of antibiotics was noted from the CIP-PEG conjugated ZnO-NPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were found compatible with RBCs and Baby hamster kidney cell lines (BHK21) during hemolytic and MTT assays respectively. Based on initial findings a broad-spectrum nano-material was developed and tested for biomedical applications that eradicated Staphylococcus aureus from the infectious site and showed wound-healing effects during in vivo applications. ZnO-based nano-drug carrier can offer targeted drug delivery, and improved drug stability and efficacy resulting in better drug penetration.

Revisiting the smart metallic nanomaterials: advances in nanotechnology-based antimicrobials

Despite significant advancements in diagnostics and treatments over the years, the problem of antimicrobial drug resistance remains a pressing issue in public health. The reduced effectiveness of existing antimicrobial drugs has prompted efforts to seek alternative treatments for microbial pathogens or develop new drug candidates. Interestingly, nanomaterials are currently gaining global attention as a possible next-generation antibiotics. Nanotechnology holds significant importance, particularly when addressing infections caused by multi-drug-resistant organisms. Alternatively, these biomaterials can also be combined with antibiotics and other potent biomaterials, providing excellent synergistic effects. Over the past two decades, nanoparticles have gained significant attention among research communities. Despite the complexity of some of their synthesis strategies and chemistry, unrelenting efforts have been recorded in synthesizing potent and highly effective nanomaterials using different approaches. With the ongoing advancements in nanotechnology, integrating it into medical procedures presents novel approaches for improving the standard of patient healthcare. Although the field of nanotechnology offers promises, much remains to be learned to overcome the several inherent issues limiting their full translation to clinics. Here, we comprehensively discussed nanotechnology-based materials, focusing exclusively on metallic nanomaterials and highlighting the advances in their synthesis, chemistry, and mechanisms of action against bacterial pathogens. Importantly, we delve into the current challenges and prospects associated with the technology.

Highly Fluorescent ZnO Composite of N-doped Carbon Dots From Dregea Volubilis for Fluorometric Determination of Glucose in Biological Samples

A nano-sensor based on N-doped carbon dots (NCDs)@ZnO (NCZ) composite was fabricated and efficacy for detecting glucose from human blood and urine samples in a straightforward manner was examined. The composite was prepared following a green hydrothermal method under ambient condition using a novel plant material, Dregea volubilis fruit and structural and optical properties were evaluated using standard techniques. The composite exhibited excellent characteristics including good photostability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and strong fluorescence, with a decent quantum yield of up to 59%. The NCZ composite has been very sensitive and could selectively detect glucose in urine and blood samples. Selective glucose quenching was efficacious at different concentrations of glucose (1-6 mM) and in the pH range of 7-8, limit of detection was 0.25 mM. The potential uses of carbon-based materials have grown, thanks to the excellent sensing/detection capabilities of the NCZ composite as well as the capacity to prevent nanoparticle aggregation, opening up new possibilities for the development of environmentally benign nano-sensors.

Facile biosynthesis, characterisation and biotechnological application of ZnO nanoparticles mediated by leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

The present study synthesised and characterised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using spinach tree, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and investigated its potential use as nanofertilizer. The synthesised nanoparticles showed UV-Vis absorption peak at 378 nm which is a feature of ZnO NPs. FT-IR analysis further revealed the presence of O-H stretching, C = C bending, O-H bending and C-N stretching functional groups of the stabilising action of the plant extract on the surface of the nanoparticles. SEM images displayed the shape of NPs to be spherical whereas TEM images showed their distribution sizes to be 100 nm. Synthesised ZnO NPs were used as a nano fertilizer on Sorghum bicolour plant. An increase in the shoot leaf length with an average length of 16.13 ± 0.19 cm as compared to the control group of 15.13 ± 0.07 cm was observed. The rate of photosynthesis also showed a significant increase with total chlorophyll content of 0.2806 ± 0.006 mg/mL as compared with control of 0.2476 ± 0.002 mg/mL. The activity of antioxidative enzymes was measured with an increase in the specific activity of SOD in the plant when ZnO NPs were used over NPK whereas, the specific activities of CAT were similar in all cases.

Characterizing the Ligand Shell Morphology of PEG-Coated ZnO Nanocrystals Using FRET Spectroscopy

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) ligands can inhibit proteins and other biomolecules from adhering to underlying surfaces, making them excellent surface ligands for nanocrystal (NC)-based drug carriers. Quantifying the PEG ligand shell morphology is important because its structure determines the permeability of biomolecules through the shell to the NC surface. However, few in situ analytical tools can reveal whether the PEG ligands form either an impenetrable barrier or a porous coating surrounding the NC. Here, we present a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy-based approach that can assess the permeability of molecules through PEG-coated ZnO NCs. In this approach, ZnO NCs serve as FRET donors, and freely diffusing molecules in the bulk solution are FRET acceptors. We synthesized a series of variable chain length PEG-silane-coated ZnO NCs such that the longest chain length ligands far exceed the Förster radius (R0), where the energy transfer (EnT) efficiency is 50%. We quantified the EnT efficiency as a function of the ligand chain length using time-resolved photoluminescence lifetime (TRPL) spectroscopy within the framework of FRET theory. Unexpectedly, the longest PEG-silane ligand showed equivalent EnT efficiency as that of bare, hydroxyl-passivated ZnO NCs. These results indicate that the "rigid shell" model fails and the PEG ligand shell morphology is more likely porous or in a patchy "mushroom state", consistent with transmission electron microscopy data. While the spectroscopic measurements and data analysis procedures discussed herein cannot directly visualize the ligand shell morphology in real space, the in situ spectroscopy approach can provide researchers with valuable information regarding the permeability of species through the ligand shell under practical biological conditions.

Overview of strategies to improve the antibacterial property of dental implants

The increasing number of peri-implant diseases and the unsatisfactory results of conventional treatment are causing great concern to patients and medical staff. The effective removal of plaque which is one of the key causes of peri-implant disease from the surface of implants has become one of the main problems to be solved urgently in the field of peri-implant disease prevention and treatment. In recent years, with the advancement of materials science and pharmacology, a lot of research has been conducted to enhance the implant antimicrobial properties, including the addition of antimicrobial coatings on the implant surface, the adjustment of implant surface topography, and the development of new implant materials, and significant progress has been made in various aspects. Antimicrobial materials have shown promising applications in the prevention of peri-implant diseases, but meanwhile, there are some shortcomings, which leads to the lack of clinical widespread use of antimicrobial materials. This paper summarizes the research on antimicrobial materials applied to implants in recent years and presents an outlook on the future development.

New sustainable antimicrobial chitosan hydrogels based on sulfonamides and its nanocomposites: Fabrication and characterization

Chitosan (Ch), a linear cationic biopolymer, has a broad medical applications. In this paper, new sustainable hydrogels (Ch-3,Ch-5_a,Ch-5_b) based on chitosan/sulfonamide derivatives 2-chloro-N-(4-sulfamoylphenethyl) acetamide (3) and/or 5-[(4-sulfamoylphenethyl) carbamoyl] isobenzofuran-1,3-dione (5) were prepared. Hydrogels (Ch-3, Ch-5_a, Ch-5_b) were loaded (Au,Ag,ZnO) NPs to form its nanocomposites to improve the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan. The structures of hydrogels and its nanocomposites were characterized using different tools. All hydrogels displayed irregular surface morphology in SEM, however hydrogel (Ch-5_a) revealed the highest crystallinity. The highest thermal stability was shown by hydrogel (Ch-5_b) compared to chitosan. The nanocomposites represented nanoparticle sizes <100 nm. Antimicrobial activity was assayed for hydrogels using disc diffusion method exhibited great inhibition growth of bacteria compared to chitosan against S. aureus, B. subtilis and S. epidermidis as Gram-positive, E. coli, Proteus, and K. pneumonia as Gram-negative and antifungal activity against Aspergillus Niger and Candida. Hydrogel (Ch-5_b) and nanocomposite hydrogel (Ch-3/Ag NPs) showed higher colony forming unit (CFU) and reduction% against S. aureus and E. coli reaching 97.96 % and 89.50 % respectively in comparison with 74.56 % and 40.30 % for chitosan respectively. Overall, fabricated hydrogels and its nanocomposites enhanced the biological activity of chitosan and it can be potential candidate as antimicrobial drugs.

Ampicillin-resistant bacterial pathogens targeted chitosan nano-drug delivery system (CS-AMP-P-ZnO) for combinational antibacterial treatment

Drug-resistant microorganisms are defeated using combinational drug delivery systems based on biopolymer chitosan (CS) and metal nanoparticles. Hence, PEGylated zinc oxide nanoparticles (P-ZnO NPs) decorated chitosan-based nanoparticles (CS NPs) were prepared to deliver ampicillin (AMP) for improved antibacterial activity. In comparison to ZnO NPs, P-ZnO NPs exhibit less aggregation and more stable rod morphologies in TEM. The size of the P-ZnO NPs decreased and was engulfed by the spherical CS-AMP NPs. The zeta potential of the CS-AMP-P-ZnO NPs was determined to be -32.93 mV and the hydrodynamic size to be 210.2 nm. Further, DEE and DLE of CS-AMP (2.0:0.2 w/w) showed 79.60 ± 2.62 % and 15.14 ± 2.11 %, respectively. The cumulative AMP release was observed at >50 % at 48 h at pH 5.4 and 7.4. Additionally, when compared to AMP, CS-AMP-P-ZnO NPs had better antibacterial activity against E. coli, due to the alternation of cell membrane permeability by CS and ZnO NPs. Moreover, the hemolytic properties of ZnO NPs were attenuated because of PEGylation and CS. Furthermore, due to the biocompatible effect of CS, CS-AMP-P-ZnO NPs did not exhibit toxicity on cells and chick embryos. Hence, this study concludes that CS-AMP-P-ZnO NPs could be a promising antibacterial agent.

Nanotechnology: a contemporary therapeutic approach in combating infections from multidrug-resistant bacteria

In the 20th century, the discovery of antibiotics played an essential role in the fight against infectious diseases, including meningitis, typhoid fever, pneumonia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The development of multidrug resistance in microflora due to improper antibiotic use created significant public health issues. Antibiotic resistance has increased at an alarming rate in the past few decades. Multidrug-resistant bacteria (superbugs) such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as well as drug-resistant tuberculosis pose serious health implications. Despite the continuous increase in resistant microbes, the discovery of novel antibiotics is constrained by the cost and complexities of discovery of drugs. The nanotechnology has given new hope in combating this problem. In the present review, recent developments in therapeutics utilizing nanotechnology for novel antimicrobial drug development are discussed. The nanoparticles of silver, gold and zinc oxide have proved to be efficient antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Escherichia Coli and MRSA. Using nanostructures as carriers for antimicrobial agents provides better bioavailability, less chances of sub-therapeutic drug accumulation and less drug-related toxicity. Nanophotothermal therapy using fullerene and antibody functionalized nanostructures are other strategies that can prove to be helpful.

Antibacterial Ti-Cu implants: A critical review on mechanisms of action

Titanium (Ti) has been widely used for manufacturing of bone implants because of its mechanical properties, biological compatibility, and favorable corrosion resistance in biological environments. However, Ti implants are prone to infection (peri-implantitis) by bacteria which in extreme cases necessitate painful and costly revision surgeries. An emerging, viable solution for this problem is to use copper (Cu) as an antibacterial agent in the alloying system of Ti. The addition of copper provides excellent antibacterial activities, but the underpinning mechanisms are still obscure. This review sheds light on such mechanisms and reviews how incorporation of Cu can render Ti–Cu implants with antibacterial activity. The review first discusses the fundamentals of interactions between bacteria and implanted surfaces followed by an overview of the most common engineering strategies utilized to endow an implant with antibacterial activity. The underlying mechanisms for antibacterial activity of Ti–Cu implants are then discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to contact killing mechanisms because the misinterpretation of this mechanism is the root of discrepancies in the literature.

Dissection of the antibacterial mechanism of zinc oxide nanoparticles with manipulable nanoscale morphologies

Despite the extensive uses of ZnO nanoparticles as promising antimicrobial agents to tackle the severe microbial infections, the systematic antibacterial studies on ZnO nanoparticles with manipulable nanoscale morphologies at the genetic expression level remain ill-defined. In this study, via a controllable thermal decomposition, ZnO nanoparticles of different morphologies were facilely prepared. Additionally, the surface PEGylation of ZnO was conducted to obtain the nanoparticles of low biotoxicity. While all the prepared ZnO nanoparticles exhibited the significantly chemical activities, the pronounced antibacterial effect of obtained ZnO nanoparticles was also identified, in which the ultra-small ones (~5 nm) showed the best performance. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of ZnO nanoparticles were studied by bacterial nucleic acid leakage, alkaline phosphatase, biofilm and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Furthermore, the transcriptome analysis of ZnO nanoparticles with different morphologies against Escherichia coli (E. coli) revealed the underlying antibacterial mechanism involved the signal transduction, material transport, energy metabolism and other biological processes. Therefore, the cost-effective preparation of ZnO nanoparticles with distinct morphological features provides insights for the development of application specific antibacterial agents.

Chitosan/benzyloxy-benzaldehyde modified ZnO nano template having optimized and distinct antiviral potency to human cytomegalovirus

Utilization of biomolecules encapsulated nano particles is currently originating ample attention to generate unconventional nanomedicines in antiviral research. Zinc oxide nanoparticle has been extensively studied for antimicrobial, antifungal and antifouling properties due to high surface to volume ratios and distinctive chemical as well as physical properties. Nevertheless, still minute information is available on their response on viruses. Here, in situ nanostructured and polysaccharide encapsulated ZnO NPs are fabricated with having antiviral potency and low cytotoxicity (%viability ~ 90%) by simply controlling the formation within interspatial 3D networks of hydrogels through perfect locking mechanism. The two composites ChH@ZnO and ChB@ZnO shows exceedingly effective antiviral activity toward Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) having cell viability 93.6% and 92.4% up to 400 μg mL^-1 concentration. This study brings significant insights regarding the role of ZnO NPs surface coatings on their nanotoxicity and antiviral action and could potentially guide to the development of better antiviral drug.

Morphologically Diverse Micro- and Macrostructures Created via Solvent Evaporation-Induced Assembly of Fluorescent Spherical Particles in the Presence of Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives

The creation of fluorescent micro- and macrostructures with the desired morphologies and sizes is of considerable importance due to their intrinsic functions and performance. However, it is still challenging to modulate the morphology of fluorescent organic materials and to obtain insight into the factors governing the morphological evolution. We present a facile bottom-up approach to constructing diverse micro- and macrostructures by connecting fluorescent spherical particles (SPs), which are generated via the spherical assembly of photoisomerizable azobenzene-based propeller-shaped chromophores, only with the help of commercially available polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives. Without any extra additives, solvent evaporation created a slow morphological evolution of the SPs from short linear chains (with a length of a few micrometers) to larger, interconnected networks and sheet structures (ranging from tens to >100 µm) at the air–liquid interface. Their morphologies and sizes were significantly dependent on the fraction and length of the PEG. Our experimental results suggest that noncovalent interactions (such as hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding) between the amphiphilic PEG chains and the relatively hydrophobic SPs were weak in aqueous solutions, but play a crucial role in creating the morphologically diverse micro- and macrostructures. Moreover, short-term irradiation with visible light caused fast morphological crumpling and fluorescence switching of the obtained structures.

Nanoparticles as therapeutic options for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria: research progress, challenges, and prospects

Resistance to antimicrobial agents has been alarming in recent years and poses a huge public health threat globally according to the WHO. The increase in morbidity and mortality resulting from microbial infections has been attributed to the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbes. Associated with the increase in multidrug resistance is the lack of new and effective antimicrobials. This has led to global initiatives to identify novel and more effective antimicrobial agents in addition to discovering novel and effective drug delivery and targeting methods. The use of nanoparticles as novel biomaterials to fully achieve this feat is currently gaining global attention. Nanoparticles could become an indispensable viable therapeutic option for treating drug-resistant infections. Of all the nanoparticles, the metals and metal oxide nanoparticles appear to offer the most promise and have attracted tremendous interest from many researchers. Moreover, the use of nanomaterials in photothermal therapy has received considerable attention over the years. This review provides current insight on antimicrobial resistance as well as the mechanisms of nanoparticle antibacterial activity. It offers an in-depth review of all the recent findings in the use of nanomaterials as agents against multi-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Also, nanomaterials that can respond to light stimuli (photothermal therapy) to kill microbes and facilitate enhanced drug delivery and release are discussed. Moreover, the synergistic interactions of nanoparticles with antibiotics and other nanomaterials, microbial adaptation strategies to nanoparticles, current challenges, and future prospects were extensively discussed.

Nanoparticles as therapeutic options for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria: research progress, challenges, and prospects

Resistance to antimicrobial agents has been alarming in recent years and poses a huge public health threat globally according to the WHO. The increase in morbidity and mortality resulting from microbial infections has been attributed to the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbes. Associated with the increase in multidrug resistance is the lack of new and effective antimicrobials. This has led to global initiatives to identify novel and more effective antimicrobial agents in addition to discovering novel and effective drug delivery and targeting methods. The use of nanoparticles as novel biomaterials to fully achieve this feat is currently gaining global attention. Nanoparticles could become an indispensable viable therapeutic option for treating drug-resistant infections. Of all the nanoparticles, the metals and metal oxide nanoparticles appear to offer the most promise and have attracted tremendous interest from many researchers. Moreover, the use of nanomaterials in photothermal therapy has received considerable attention over the years. This review provides current insight on antimicrobial resistance as well as the mechanisms of nanoparticle antibacterial activity. It offers an in-depth review of all the recent findings in the use of nanomaterials as agents against multi-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Also, nanomaterials that can respond to light stimuli (photothermal therapy) to kill microbes and facilitate enhanced drug delivery and release are discussed. Moreover, the synergistic interactions of nanoparticles with antibiotics and other nanomaterials, microbial adaptation strategies to nanoparticles, current challenges, and future prospects were extensively discussed.

Overview of Antibacterial Strategies of Dental Implant Materials for the Prevention of Peri-Implantitis

As dental implants have become one of the main treatment options for patients with tooth loss, the number of patients with peri-implant diseases has increased. Similar to periodontal diseases, peri-implant diseases have been associated with dental plaque formation on implants. Unconventional approaches have been reported to remove plaque from infected implants, but none of these methods can completely and permanently solve the problem of bacterial invasion. Fortunately, the constant development of antibacterial implant materials is a promising solution to this situation. In this review, the development and study of different antibacterial strategies for dental implant materials for the prevention of peri-implantitis are summarized. We hope that by highlighting the advantages and limitations of these antimicrobial strategies, we can assist in the continued development of oral implant materials.

Biomaterials against Bone Infection

Chronic bone infection is considered as one of the most problematic biofilm-related infections. Its recurrent and resistant nature, high morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and costly medical care expenses have driven the efforts of the scientific community to develop new therapies to improve the standards used today. There is great debate on the management of this kind of infection in order to establish consistent and agreed guidelines in national health systems. The scientific research is oriented toward the design of anti-infective biomaterials both for prevention and cure. The properties of these materials must be adapted to achieve better anti-infective performance and good compatibility, which allow a good integration of the implant with the surrounding tissue. The objective of this review is to study in-depth the antibacterial biomaterials and the strategies underlying them. In this sense, this manuscript focuses on antimicrobial coatings, including the new technological advances on surface modification; scaffolding design including multifunctional scaffolds with both antimicrobial and bone regeneration properties; and nanocarriers based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles with advanced properties (targeting and stimuli-response capabilities).

Resveratrol Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Prevents Mitochondrial Damage Induced by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Despite their wide industrial use, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a high toxic potential while concerns of their health-related risks are still present, urging additional in vivo clarification studies. Oxidative stress is recognized as the primary trigger of NP-associated toxicity, suggesting antioxidants as a promising counteractive approach. Here, we investigated the protective effect of the natural antioxidant resveratrol against ZnO NP-induced toxicity in vivo using the zebrafish model. Our findings demonstrate that resveratrol counteracts ZnO NP-induced zebrafish lethality preventing cardiac morphological and functional damage. NP-induced vascular structural abnormalities during embryonic fish development were significantly counteracted by resveratrol treatment. Mechanistically, we further showed that resveratrol inhibits ROS increase, prevents mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction, and counteracts cell apoptosis/necrosis elicited by ZnO NP. Overall, our data provide further evidence demonstrating the primary role of oxidative stress in NP-induced damage, and highlight new insights concerning the protective mechanism of antioxidants against nanomaterial toxicity.

Nanoparticles as Anti-Microbial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Remineralizing Agents in Oral Care Cosmetics: A Review of the Current Situation

Many investigations have pointed out widespread use of medical nanosystems in various domains of dentistry such as prevention, prognosis, care, tissue regeneration, and restoration. The progress of oral medicine nanosystems for individual prophylaxis is significant for ensuring bacterial symbiosis and high-quality oral health. Nanomaterials in oral cosmetics are used in toothpaste and other mouthwash to improve oral healthcare performance. These processes cover nanoparticles and nanoparticle-based materials, especially domains of application related to biofilm management in cariology and periodontology. Likewise, nanoparticles have been integrated in diverse cosmetic produces for the care of enamel remineralization and dental hypersensitivity. This review summarizes the indications and applications of several widely employed nanoparticles in oral cosmetics, and describes the potential clinical implementation of nanoparticles as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and remineralizing agents in the prevention of dental caries, hypersensitivity, and periodontitis.