Search Results (897)

To design bioactive glass compositions with optimal thermal, mechanical, and bioactive properties as coatings on Ti6Al4V metallic implants, we investigated phosphosilicate bioactive glasses based on the 6P55 composition. SiO₂ was substituted with B₂O₃ to improve adhesion to the metallic implants and physical properties. This substitution significantly altered the glass structure and is hypothesized to improve adhesion. Computational and experimental methods revealed that boron substitution introduced BO₃ and BO₄ units, disrupted the Si-O network, and formed non-bridging oxygens (NBOs), resulting in a decrease in density and glass transition temperature (T_g). These changes were attributed to boron’s dual role as a network former and modifier, influencing coordination environments and connectivity. Thermal and structural analyses showed that optimal boron levels improved thermal expansion and network flexibility, which are critical for coating applications. By integrating molecular dynamics simulations and experimental techniques, this study provides valuable insights into tailoring glass compositions for enhanced performance on metallic substrates. Full article

Bioactive metal and metal oxide-based nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit significant antibacterial properties by interacting with microbial DNA and preventing bacterial replication. They offer potential applications as coating materials for human or animal skin injuries to prevent microbial growth and promote healing. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using a chemical reduction method and incorporated into a polymer network to fabricate silver nanocomposite hydrogels (AgNCHGs) through a simple free radical polymerization method. N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), which has lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at about body temperature, or acrylamide (AAm) was used as the main monomer, while one or more ionic co-monomers, such as acrylic acid (AAc) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), were incorporated to obtain AgNCHGs. AgNPs were introduced into the hydrogel network via three different approaches. In the first method, the synthesized hydrogel was immersed in a silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution and reduced in situ using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as a reducing agent. The second method involved mixing AgNO₃ with gel precursors before reduction with NaBH₄ to form AgNPs within the hydrogel. The final approach synthesized the AgNCHGs directly in a dispersion of pre-fabricated AgNPs. The incorporation of AgNPs in different AgNCHGs was confirmed through various characterization techniques. Varying temperature and pH conditions can trigger the release of bioactive AgNPs from the hydrogels. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of the AgNCHGs were evaluated against bacteria and fungi, demonstrating their potential in biomedical applications. In addition, AgNCHGs exhibit excellent electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the hydrogels can be finely tuned by adjusting the concentration of AgNPs, making these materials promising candidates for energy, sensor, and stretchable electronics applications. This study presents facile synthesis methods of AgNCHGs, which integrate bioactivity, wound healing, and electrical conductivity in the same matrix, addressing a significant challenge in designing multifunctional hydrogels for next-generation technologies. Full article

This study aimed to develop a novel type of biodegradable magnesium (Mg)-based implant with enhanced biological activity through surface modification using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) combined with the incorporation of rare earth ions (Eu and Gd). Magnesium is recognized for its lightweight nature, biocompatibility, and bone-like mechanical properties, making it a promising alternative to titanium implants. Unlike titanium, Mg-based biomaterials can be safely used in pediatric surgery due to their ability to degrade naturally within the body. However, pure magnesium is highly reactive in physiological fluids, necessitating surface modifications to mitigate biocorrosion prior to clinical application. To address this challenge, the PEO process was employed, resulting in surface passivation and the formation of a protective coating. Experimental evaluations demonstrated reduced biodegradation rates and magnesium ion release, confirming the beneficial role of rare earth elements in decreasing reactivity. Wettability tests indicated high hydrophilicity, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed appropriate surface morphology and element deposition conducive to bone regeneration. Electrochemical analyses further validated the protective efficacy of the magnesium oxide layers enhanced with rare earth ions. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity tests on the MG-63 osteosarcoma cell line confirmed the biocompatibility of the modified magnesium implants. Overall, this study highlights the potential of Mg-based biomaterials, modified through PEO and rare earth ion incorporation, for use in medical implants. Full article

The development of dental implants has significantly advanced due to technological innovations aimed at improving their performance and patient outcomes. This work presents key factors influencing the success of dental implants, including osseointegration, which is the direct connection between living bone and the implant surface, and the various surface modifications that enhance this process. This review highlights the importance of surface roughness, chemical composition, and the use of bioactive coatings to promote better integration with surrounding bone tissue. Innovations such as nanotechnology, 3D printing, and smart surfaces are paving the way for more effective and personalized dental implant solutions. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research and development to improve success rates, enhance patient comfort, and reduce healing times. It focuses on creating cost-effective, reliable methods that integrate multiple functions, such as combining antibacterial and osteoconductive properties to improve overall implant performance. Full article

This study explores the potential of using natural textile packaging infused with algae-based coatings as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging for extending fruit shelf life. Traditional plastic packaging is known to release harmful chemicals into both food and the environment, which underscores the need for safer, more sustainable alternatives. This study investigates algae from three distinct groups—green, red, and brown algae—renowned for their rich bioactive compounds that exhibit natural preservative properties. Algae powders were prepared via immersion in purified water, boiling, and mixing with gum arabic to form a gelatinous coating solution. The algae coating was applied to knitted fabric, which was then crafted into bags for storing fruits such as tomatoes and apples. Over 21 days, the texture, weight loss, and juice content of the fruits stored in algae-coated bags were monitored and compared to those stored in uncoated packaging. The results showed that fruits in algae-coated packaging demonstrated significantly less weight loss and retained better texture. In terms of weight, the combination of red, green, and brown algae-coated packaging demonstrated the lowest reduction in weight for tomatoes (4.2%) and apples (3.8%) after 21 days, outperforming uncoated packaging, which exhibited reductions of 11.2% and 10.8%, respectively. These findings support the potential of algae-coated textile packaging to reduce reliance on conventional plastics while maintaining fruit quality during storage. Full article

Extending the shelf life of perishable food, such as apples, and storing them in cold conditions and/or controlled atmospheres have been of great interest in the last decades. Apples are very valuable fruits with many health benefits, but during storage at ambient conditions, they ripen quickly and lose moisture, causing lower crispness or other negative effects, resulting in waste problems. There has been growing attention to protective edible coatings or active packaging films based on biopolymers and natural bioactive substances. Edible coatings and films allow for combination with functional ingredients or compounds, affecting the maintenance of the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. They also ensure the preservation of the sensory characteristics of food, and they can have antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. All these aspects play a significant role in the storage of apples, which can also help prevent waste, which is in line with the circular economy approach. The functionality of coatings and films is closely related to the type, content, and composition of active compounds, as well as their interaction with biopolymers. Active coatings with the addition of different functional compounds, such as plant extracts, phenolic acids, and nanoparticles, can be an alternative solution affecting the postharvest quality of apples during storage, maintaining the fruit’s stability, and thus minimising their waste. The most important issues related to the latest reports on improving the postharvest quality of apples using edible coatings incorporated with various active substances were evaluated. Agricultural conditions and factors that affect the postharvest quality of apples were described. The requirements for protective coatings for apples should be focused on low-cost materials, including waste-based resources, good miscibility, and compatibility of components. Those factors combined with the storage conditions may result in shelf life extension or retention of the postharvest quality of apples, regardless of the variety or cultivation techniques. Full article

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) is a rich source of polyphenols and antioxidants, but its intense flavor, poor solubility, and instability may limit its widespread and efficient use in industrial applications. In a series of laboratory-scale experiments, gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) were used as coating agents in various proportions (ranging from 0MD:100GA to 100MD:0GA) for encapsulation of clove extract using a freeze-drying method. The encapsulates were assessed for the physicochemical properties, storage stability behavior, and intestinal bioaccessibility of phenolics using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion test. The freeze-dried encapsulates were characterized as having low water activity (<0.3, which is a critical threshold to ensure chemical and microbiological stability), high water solubility (>90%), solid (product) recovery (mean 93.1 ± 1.77%), and encapsulation efficiency (91.4−94.9%). Hygroscopicity increased as the GA:MD proportion increased in the encapsulation formulations. Encapsulation was effective in protecting bioactive components of clove extract during storage at room (up to 40 days) or high temperature (60 °C for 7 days) and minimized the loss of antioxidant activity during storage, as compared to the clove extract in a non-encapsulated form. All encapsulation formulations were characterized by a negative zeta potential (from −22.1 to −29.7 mV) and a polydispersity index ranging from 0.47 to 0.68, classifying the formulations as having a mid-range polydisperse particle size distribution. The FTIR analysis demonstrated that the freeze-drying encapsulation process resulted in no evident chemical interaction between coating and core materials. Intestinal bioaccessibility of total phenolics after the in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal digestion was greater in the encapsulated clove extract compared to the non-encapsulated clove extract. In conclusion, the encapsulation process was effective in protecting the bioactivity of the polyphenol-rich clove extract during storage and improved the phenolic bioaccessibility, potentially supporting the application of the encapsulated clove extract for use in functional food development. Full article

Niobium nanoparticles (NbNPs) have gained attention as promising materials in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and versatility. These nanoparticles offer potential in drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering, where their nanoscale properties allow precise interactions with biological systems. Among niobium-based nanomaterials, niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) is the most extensively studied due to its chemical stability, bioactivity, and optical properties. Nb₂O₅ nanoparticles have shown significant potential in catalysis, biosensing, and photodynamic therapy, as their stability and reactivity make them ideal for functionalization in advanced biomedical applications. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding the biodegradability and long-term retention of NbNPs in biological systems. Their accumulation in tissues can lead to risks such as chronic inflammation or toxicity, emphasizing the importance of designing nanoparticles with controlled clearance and biodegradability. Surface modifications, such as coatings with biocompatible polymers, have demonstrated the ability to mitigate these risks while enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NbNPs, with a focus on Nb₂O₅, highlighting their unique properties, current biomedical applications, and limitations. By addressing the remaining challenges, this work aims to guide the development of safer and more effective niobium-based nanomaterials for future medical innovations. Full article

Prickly pear consumption is increasing across the world due to its rich variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Yet, it is a seasonal and highly perishable fruit, and the application of edible coatings emerges as an alternative to extend its shelf life. In this work, the effects of alginate, starch, chitosan, and pectin as coatings on the physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and textural properties of two prickly pear varieties (orange and red), kept under refrigeration (5 ± 2 °C) were evaluated for 6 weeks. Coatings proved to be helpful in the maintenance of the fruits’ color and textural properties, especially when pectin was applied. Overall, starch and chitosan can be considered the most effective coatings in preserving the quality of prickly pears among the options studied. A lower weight loss (8–10%) in fruits was achieved when starch and chitosan were applied, while in control fruits (without coating), the loss was 18–23%. Starch and chitosan also contributed to preserving the bioactivity of red fruits and showed good results in the preservation of total phenolic content in the orange fruits. In addition, starch and chitosan coatings also presented the best performance for the reduction of microbial contamination (both yeasts and molds and total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms). These findings highlight the role of edible coatings in preserving prickly pears, for a longer period, meeting consumers’ demand for fresh fruit. Full article

Soybean has outstanding nutritional and medicinal value because of its abundant protein, oil, and flavonoid contents. This crop has rich seed coat colors, such as yellow, green, black, brown, and red, as well as bicolor variants. However, there are limited reports on the synthesis of flavonoids in the soybean seed coats of different colors. Thus, the seed coat metabolomes and transcriptomes of five soybean germplasms with yellow (S141), red (S26), brown (S62), green (S100), and black (S124) seed coats were measured. In this study, 1645 metabolites were detected in the soybean seed coat, including 426 flavonoid compounds. The flavonoids differed among the different-colored seed coats of soybean germplasms, and flavonoids were distributed in all varieties. Procyanidins A1, B1, B6, C1, and B2, cyanidin 3-O-(6″-malonyl-arabinoside), petunidin 3-(6″-p-coumaryl-glucoside) 5-glucoside, and malvidin 3-laminaribioside were significantly upregulated in S26_vs._S141, S62_vs._S141, S100_vs._S141, and S124_vs._S141 groups, with a variation of 1.43–2.97 × 10¹³ in terms of fold. The differences in the contents of cyanidin 3-O-(6″-malonyl-arabinoside) and proanthocyanidin A1 relate to the seed coat color differences of red soybean. Malvidin 3-laminaribioside, petunidin 3-(6″-p-coumaryl-glucoside) 5-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-(6″-malonyl-arabinoside), and proanthocyanidin A1 affect the color of black soybean. The difference in the contents of procyanidin B1 and malvidin 3-glucoside-4-vinylphenol might be related to the seed coat color differences of brown soybeans. Cyanidin 3-gentiobioside affects the color of green soybean. The metabolomic–transcriptomic combined analysis showed that flavonoid biosynthesis is the key synthesis pathway for soybean seed color formation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the upregulation of most flavonoid biosynthesis genes was observed in all groups, except for S62_vs._S141, and promoted flavonoid accumulation. Furthermore, CHS, CHI, DFR, FG3, ANR, FLS, LAR, and UGT88F4 exhibited differential expression in all groups. This study broadens our understanding of the metabolic and transcriptomic changes in soybean seed coats of different colors and provides new insights into developing bioactive substances from soybean seed coats. Full article

The grapevine industry is confronted with challenges such as plant stress from environmental factors and microbial infections, alongside the need for sustainable waste management practices. Natural polymers offer promising solutions to these issues due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. This review explores the dual role of natural polymers in enhancing the grapevine industry: as protective agents against various stressors and as carriers for the delivery of valuable compounds recovered from grapevine wastes. We examine the use of natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, and cellulose in formulating bio-based protective coatings and treatments that bolster plant resistance to abiotic stress, pathogens, and pests. Additionally, the review delves into the innovative utilization of grapevine residues, including skins, seeds, and stems, as sources of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. These compounds can be efficiently encapsulated in natural polymer matrices for applications in agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Key topics include the mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations of natural polymer-based interventions, as well as case studies demonstrating their practical implementation in vineyards. The review also addresses future research directions, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that enhance sustainability and economic viability in the grapevine industry. Full article

The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a small fruit known for its health benefits, but treatment effects on postharvest storage for fresh markets remain understudied compared with other berries, such as blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). This work aimed to identify the effects of postharvest storage conditions including chitosan coating, ultraviolet a (UVA) light, and combined UVA–chitosan treatments on the physicochemical and microbial properties of blackcurrant. Blackcurrants were harvested, stored under the three conditions, and analyzed at every three days of storage throughout this experiment for a total of 15 days. The results indicated that chitosan treatments had positive effects on reducing berry weight loss, maintaining berry firmness, and reducing mold populations. UVA influenced certain bioactive compounds, such as cyanidin-3-galactoside and rutin. The interaction effects from these two treatments were minimal. This study provides important information for blackcurrant postharvest storage and further small fruit storage work, considering both UVA and chitosan had differential beneficial effects on blackcurrant berries’ physical and chemical attributes. Full article

Modern dentistry is turning towards natural sources to overcome the immunological, toxicological, aesthetic, and durability drawbacks of synthetic materials. Among the first biomaterials used as endosseous dental implants, mollusk shells also display unique features, such as high mechanical strength, superior toughness, hierarchical architecture, and layered, microporous structure. This review focusses on hydroxyapatite—a bioactive, osteoconductive, calcium-based material crucial for bone healing and regeneration. Mollusk-derived hydroxyapatite is widely available, cost-effective, sustainable, and a low-impact biomaterial. Thermal treatment coupled with wet chemical precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis are the most common methods used for its recovery since they provide efficiency, scalability, and the ability to produce highly crystalline and pure resulting materials. Several factors, such as temperature, pH, and sintering parameters, modulate the size, purity, and crystallinity of the final product. Experimental and clinical data support that mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite and its carbonated derivatives, especially their nanocrystaline forms, display notable bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity without causing adverse immune reactions. These biomaterials are therefore highly relevant for specific dental applications, such as bone graft substitutes or dental implant coatings. However, continued research and clinical validation is needed to optimize the synthesis of mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite and determine its applicability to regenerative dentistry and beyond. Full article

Many tissues exhibit structural anisotropy, which imparts orientation-specific properties and functions. However, recapitulating the cellular patterns found in anisotropic tissues presents a remarkable challenge, particularly when using soft and wet hydrogels. Herein, we develop self-assembled anisotropic magnetic Fe₃O₄ micropatterns on polyethylene glycol hydrogels utilizing dipole–dipole interactions. Under the influence of a static magnetic field, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles align into highly ordered structures with a height of 400–600 nm and a width of 8–10 μm. Furthermore, our layer-by-layer assembly technique enables the creation of oriented micropatterns with varying densities and heights, which can be further manipulated to form three-dimensional structures by adjusting the angle of the magnetic field. These anisotropic magnetic Fe₃O₄ micropatterns can be applied to various substrates, including treated glass slides, standard glass slides, silicon wafers, and polydimethylsiloxane. The patterned Fe₃O₄ scaffolds, modified with gold coating, effectively enhance cellular adhesion, orientation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells, which is crucial for effective tissue repair. Overall, this study presents an efficient strategy for constructing anisotropic Fe₃O₄ micropattern hydrogels, providing a bioactive platform that significantly enhances cellular functions. Full article

Soybean leaves, by-products of soybeans, are functional food supplements for overall health, displaying nutritional superiority and various functionalities; they are widely used for both consumption and as functional materials. This study analyzed the physiological activity (efficacy) of 47 soybean leaves harvested in 2019 and 2020. Differences based on cultivation year (2 years), seed coat color (three varieties), and the interaction of soybean cultivation year × seed coat color were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). DPPH radical scavenging activity varied with seed coat color, while uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and nitric oxide (NO) exhibited significant differences by cultivation year. Items that displayed greater increases in 2020 than in 2019 among the six measures of physiological activity (efficacy) were estrogen receptor alpha, UCP-1, and NO production inhibitory activity, whereas ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities as well as estrogen activity declined. ANOVA confirmed significant differences in DPPH radical scavenging activity according to seed coat color as well as in UCP-1 and NO production inhibitory activity by cultivation year. Annual comparisons in the correlations of efficacy with ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities exhibited strong correlations at 2 years, despite climatic variation, thus potentially being classifiable as analysis items with high cultivation stability. However, other efficacies displayed vast differences in correlation between years. Climate change may affect the added value of agricultural products by reducing the production of by-product soybean leaves and changing their bioactive properties, so various countermeasures are needed. This annual variation may largely be attributed to climatic variations owing to open field cultivation. Geomjeong Kong-5 (black color), B16 Neoljeokseoritae (black color), Sorok Kong (yellow color), and Gangwonyanggu-1994-3709 (green–black color) were selected as superior soybean leaf sources with minimal annual variation and high stability against cultivation environments. Further research is needed to ensure that the leaves of the soybean can be used as a sustainable resource for the agricultural industry. The data from this study can be used as a basis for breeding and cultivating soybean leaves while maintaining high efficacy, regardless of the instability of the growing environment due to climatic variations. Full article