Bisphenol A (BPA) is a refractory pollutant presents in water body that possesses serious threats to living organisms. To deal with it, we investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of GO@BiOI/Bi2WO6 composite as a novel photocatalyst for BPA removal from aqueous solutions under UV-vis irradiation. To enhance its removal for BPA, the surface of BiOI/Bi2WO6 is modified with graphene oxide (GO). This composite is named as 'GO@BiOI/Bi2WO6'. Changes in its physico-chemical properties after surface modification with GO are characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM-EDS, XPS, PL, and BET methods. Optimized conditions of BPA degradation by the composite are determined under identical conditions. Photodegradation pathways of BPA and its removal mechanisms by the same composite are presented. It is obvious that the GO@BiOI/Bi2WO6 has demonstrated its potential as a promising photocatalyst for BPA removal under UV-vis irradiation. About 81% of BPA removal is attained by the GO@BiOI/Bi2WO6 under optimized conditions (10 mg/L of BPA, 0.5 g/L of dose, pH 7 and 5 h of reaction time). The oxidation by-products of BPA degradation include p-hydroquinone or 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-phenol. In spite of its performance, the treated effluents are still unable to meet the maximum discharge limit of <1 mg/L set by national legislation. Therefore, subsequent biological processes are essential to maximize its biodegradation in the wastewater samples before their discharge into waterbody.
Tissue engineering scaffolds with oxygen generating elements have shown to be able to increase the level of oxygen and cell survivability in specific conditions. In this study, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds with the composition of 60% hydroxyapatite (HA) and 40% beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), which have shown a great potential for bone tissue engineering applications, were fabricated by a direct-write assembly (robocasting) technique. Then, the three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds were coated with different ratios of an oxygen releasing agent, calcium peroxide (CPO), which encapsulated within a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix through dip-coating, and used for in situ production of oxygen in the implanted sites. The structure, composition and morphology of the prepared scaffolds were characterized by different techniques. The oxygen release kinetics and biological investigations of the scaffolds were also studied in vitro. The results showed that oxygen release behaviour was sustained and dependant on the concentration of CPO encapsulated in the PCL coating matrix. It was also demonstrated that the coated scaffolds, having 3% CPO in the coating system, could provide a great potential for promoting bone ingrowth with improving osteoblast cells viability and proliferation under hypoxic conditions. The findings indicated that the prepared scaffolds could play a significant role in engineering of large bone tissue implants with limitations in oxygen diffusion.
Based on the concept of LEGO toys, a fiber probe analytical platform (FPAP) was developed as a powerful diagnostic tool offering higher sensitivity in detection of infectious agents compared to established methods. Using the form and the function of LEGO toys, this protocol describes a fiber-based, 96-well plate, which suspends a new class of chemically-designed, electrospun fibers within the assay. This clamping strategy allows both sides of the developed fiber mats to interact with biomolecules within the assay thus benefiting from the tailored chemical and physical properties of these fiber-based bioreceptors in attracting the biomolecules to the surface. The fabrication method of FPAP involves one-step electrospinning of the chemically designed fibers, 3D printing of the LEGO-like probing segments, and assembly of the device followed by ELISA procedure. FPAP follows the same principles of operation as that of a conventional enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), therefore, it can be run by lab technicians, expert in ELISA. FPAP was used for early diagnosis of Dengue fever and provided an 8-fold higher sensitivity while the limit of detection (LOD) was recorded to be in femto-gram per milliliter range which is significantly low when compared to other existing techniques or conventional assay. This platform allows different types of paper/fiber bio-receptive platforms to be incorporated within the design that promises simultaneous recognition of multiple infectious agents.
Cobalt oxide nanocubes incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO-Co3O4) was prepared by using simple one-step hydrothermal route. Crystallinity and structural characteristics of the nanocomposite were analyzed and confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis, respectively. The cubical shape of the Co3O4 nanostructures and the distribution of Co3O4 nanocubes on the surface of rGO sheets were identified through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping analysis, respectively. Raman spectra depicted the presence of D and G bands for GO and rGO with different ID/IG values and thus confirmed the reduction of GO into rGO. The electrochemical study reflects that the rGO-Co3O4 nanocomposite shows good electrocatalytic activity in oxidation of depression biomarker serotonin (5-HT) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2). The detection of 5-HT was carried out by using rGO-Co3O4 nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode under dynamic condition using amperometry technique with a linear range of 1-10 μM. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were calculated and found to be 1.128 and 3.760 μM, respectively with a sensitivity value of 0.133 μΑ·μM-1. The sensor showed selectivity in the presence of different interferent species such as ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid.
Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using the plants' extract and their potential application have driven a tremendous interest in recent years. This study reports a green microwave-assisted method for synthesis of ZnO NPs using Silybum marianum L. seed extract. Characteristics of the as-prepared sample was explored in terms of crystalline phase, morphology, composition, surface area, optical, and thermal properties. The particles of the biosynthesized sample (ZnO/extract) had smaller sizes than the chemically produced one (ZnO). The existence of biomolecules from Silybum marianum L seed extract linked to the ZnO/extract sample was approved by various analyses. The ZnO/extract sample was used for treating alloxan-induced diabetic rats and its efficiency was compared with ZnO, extract, and insulin treatments. For this purpose, the levels of blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein were measured before and after treating with the studied treatment agents and compared with each other. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of both ZnO samples were investigated against E. coli to assess their potential antibacterial application. From the results, ZnO/extract NPs represented an outstanding performance in overcoming the diabetic disorders and good antibacterial activity against the studied bacteria.
Green porous and ecofriendly scaffolds have been considered as one of the potent candidates for tissue engineering substitutes. The objective of this study is to investigate the biocompatibility of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), prepared by the green synthesis method as a potential host material for skin tissue applications. The substrates which contained varied concentrations of AgNO3(0.4%-1.6%) were formed in the presence of HEC, were dissolved in a single step in water. The presence of AgNPs was confirmed visually by the change of color from colorless to dark brown, and was fabricated via freeze-drying technique. The outcomes exhibited significant porosity of >80%, moderate degradation rate, and tremendous value of water absorption up to 1163% in all samples. These scaffolds of HEC/AgNPs were further characterized by SEM, UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, TGA, and DSC. All scaffolds possessed open interconnected pore size in the range of 50-150μm. The characteristic peaks of Ag in the UV-Vis spectra (417-421nm) revealed the formation of AgNPs in the blend composite. ATR-FTIR curve showed new existing peak, which implies the oxidation of HEC in the cellulose derivatives. The DSC thermogram showed augmentation in Tgwith increased AgNO3concentration. Preliminary studies of cytotoxicity were carried out in vitro by implementation of the hFB cells on the scaffolds. The results substantiated low toxicity of HEC/AgNPs scaffolds, thus exhibiting an ideal characteristic in skin tissue engineering applications.
Methotrexate (MTX), an anti-neoplastic agent used for breast cancer treatment, has restricted clinical applications due to poor water solubility, non-specific targeting and adverse side effects. To overcome these limitations, MTX was co-encapsulated with an active-targeting platform known as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in a lipid-based homing system, nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). This multi-modal therapeutic regime was successfully formulated with good colloidal stability, bio- and hemo-compatibility. MTX-SPIONs co-loaded NLC was time-dependent cytotoxic towards MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line with IC50 values of 137 μg/mL and 12 μg/mL at 48 and 72 h, respectively. The MTX-SPIONs co-loaded NLC was internalized in the MDA-MB-231 cells via caveolae-mediated endocytosis in a time-dependent manner, and the superparamagnetic properties were sufficient to induce, under a magnetic field, a localized temperature increase at cellular level resulting in apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, MTX-SPIONs co-loaded NLC is a potential magnetic guiding multi-modal therapeutic system for the treatment of breast cancer.
Biocompatible metals have been revolutionizing the biomedical field, predominantly in human implant applications, where these metals widely used as a substitute to or as function restoration of degenerated tissues or organs. Powder metallurgy techniques, in specific the metal injection moulding (MIM) process, have been employed for the fabrication of controlled porous structures used for dental and orthopaedic surgical implants. The porous metal implant allows bony tissue ingrowth on the implant surface, thereby enhancing fixation and recovery. This paper elaborates a systematic classification of various biocompatible metals from the aspect of MIM process as used in medical industries. In this study, three biocompatible metals are reviewed-stainless steels, cobalt alloys, and titanium alloys. The applications of MIM technology in biomedicine focusing primarily on the MIM process setting parameters discussed thoroughly. This paper should be of value to investigators who are interested in state of the art of metal powder metallurgy, particularly the MIM technology for biocompatible metal implant design and development.
The four heart valves represented in the mammalian hearts are responsible for maintaining unidirectional, non-hinder blood flow. The heart valve leaflets synchronically open and close approximately 4 million times a year and more than 3 billion times during the life. Valvular heart dysfunction is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. When one of the valves malfunctions, the medical choice is may be to replace the original valves with an artificial one. Currently, the mechanical and biological artificial valves are clinically used with some drawbacks. Tissue engineering heart valve concept represents a new technique to enhance the current model. In tissue engineering method, a three-dimensional scaffold is fabricated as the template for neo-tissue development. Appropriate cells are seeded to the matrix in vitro. Various approaches have been investigated either in scaffold biomaterials and fabrication techniques or cell source and cultivation methods. The available results of ongoing experiments indicate a promising future in this area (particularly in combination of bone marrow stem cells with synthetic scaffold), which can eliminate the need for lifelong anti-coagulation medication, durability and reoperation problems.
Etoposide (ETS), topoisomerase-II inhibitor, is a first-line anticancer therapeutics used in diverse cancer types. However, the therapeutic potential of this molecule has mainly impeded due to its detrimental toxicity profile, unfavorable rejection by the cancer cells due to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux activity, and rapid hepatic clearance through extensive metabolism by Cytochrome-P450. To increase the therapeutic potency without significant adverse effects, the implication of novel ETS-nanoformulation strategies have recommended mainly. Nanomedicine based nanoformulation approaches based on nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, carbon-nanotubes (CNTs), liposomes, polymeric micelles, emulsions, dendrimers, solid-lipid NPs, etc offers immense potential opportunities to improve the therapeutic potential of pharmaceutically problematic drugs. This review provides an up-to-date argument on the work done in the field of nanomedicine to resolve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues associated with ETS. The review also expounds the progress in regards to the regulatory, patenting and clinical trials related to the innovative formulation aspects of ETS.
Multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is known to be a problematic bacterium for being a major cause of opportunistic and nosocomial infections. In this study, reduced graphene oxide decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/rGO) was utilized as a new sensing material for a fast and direct electrochemical detection of pyocyanin as a biomarker of P. aeruginosa infections. Under optimal condition, the developed electrochemical pyocyanin sensor exhibited a good linear range for the determination of pyocyanin in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), human saliva and urine at a clinically relevant concentration range of 1-100 μM, achieving a detection limit of 0.27 μM, 1.34 μM, and 2.3 μM, respectively. Our developed sensor demonstrated good selectivity towards pyocyanin in the presence of interfering molecule such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, NADH, glucose, and acetylsalicylic acid, which are commonly found in human fluids. Furthermore, the developed sensor was able to discriminate the signal with and without the presence of pyocyanin directly in P. aeruginosa culture. This proposed technique demonstrates its potential application in monitoring the presence of P. aeruginosa infection in patients.
Recently, a modified form of a three-dimension (3D) porous poly(caprolactone-trifumarate) (PCLTF) scaffold has been produced using a fabrication technique that involves gelatin microparticles porogen leaching. This poly(caprolactone trifumarate-gelatin microparticles) (PCLTF-GMPs) scaffold has been shown to be biocompatible, more flowable clinically, and has a shorter degradation time as compared to its existing predecessors. In this report, a detailed characterization of this new scaffold was performed by testing its cytocompatibility, analyzing the surface topography, and understanding its thermal, physical and mechanical properties. The result showed that the PCLTF-GMPs has no critical cytotoxic effect. To confirm improvement, the surface properties were compared against the older version of PCLTF fabricated using salt porogen leaching. This PCLTF-GMPs scaffold showed no significant difference (unpaired t-test; p>0.05) in mechanical properties before and after gelatin leaching. However, it is mechanically weaker when compared to its predecessors. It has a high biodegradability rate of 16weeks. The pore size produced ranges from 40 to 300μm, and the RMS roughness is 613.7±236.9nm. These characteristics are condusive for osteoblast in-growth, as observed by the extension of filopodia across the macropores. Overall, this newly produced material has good thermal, physical and mechanical properties that complements its biocompatibility and ease of use.
Oral cavity is a gateway to the entire body and protection of this gateway is a major goal in dentistry. Plaque biofilm is a major cause of majority of dental diseases and although various biomaterials have been applied for their cure, limitations pertaining to the material properties prevent achievement of desired outcomes. Nanoparticle applications have become useful tools for various dental applications in endodontics, periodontics, restorative dentistry, orthodontics and oral cancers. Off these, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used in medicine and dentistry due to its antimicrobial properties. AgNPs have been incorporated into biomaterials in order to prevent or reduce biofilm formation. Due to greater surface to volume ratio and small particle size, they possess excellent antimicrobial action without affecting the mechanical properties of the material. This unique property of AgNPs makes these materials as fillers of choice in different biomaterials whereby they play a vital role in improving the properties. This review aims to discuss the influence of addition of AgNPs to various biomaterials used in different dental applications.
In this study, a comparative study of effect using honey on copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) via simple, environmentally friendly process and inexpensive route was reported. Honey and ascorbic acid act as stabilizing and reducing agents with the assistance of sonochemical method. The products were characterized using UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The reddish brown colour demonstrated the formation of Cu-NPs and UV-visible proved the plasmon resonance of Cu-NPs. XRD also confirmed a highly pure Cu-NPs obtained with absence of copper oxide in which the structure is crystalline. The spherical size of the Cu-NPs was acquire in the presence of honey which is 3.68 ± 0.78 nm with narrow particle distribution. The antibacterial activity was seen against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria which are Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). At higher concentration of Cu-NPs, they were more effective in killing both bacteria. The Cu-NPs without and with honey exhibited toxicities toward normal and cancerous cells. However, Cu-NPs without honey showed more potent killing activity against normal and cancer cells.
Poly (citric acid)-grafted-MWCNT (PCA-g-MWCNT) was incorporated as nanofiller in polyethersulfone (PES) to produce hemodialysis mixed matrix membrane (MMM). Citric acid monohydrate was polymerized onto the surface of MWCNTs by polycondensation. Neat PES membrane and PES/MWCNTs MMMs were fabricated by dry-wet spinning technique. The membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, pure water flux (PWF) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein rejection. The grafting yield of PCA onto MWCNTs was calculated as 149.2%. The decrease of contact angle from 77.56° to 56.06° for PES/PCA-g-MWCNTs membrane indicated the increase in surface hydrophilicity, which rendered positive impacts on the PWF and BSA rejection of the membrane. The PWF increased from 15.8Lm(-2)h(-1) to 95.36Lm(-2)h(-1) upon the incorporation of PCA-g-MWCNTs due to the attachment of abundant hydrophilic groups that present on the MWCNTs, which have improved the affinity of membrane towards the water molecules. For protein rejection, the PES/PCA-g-MWCNTs MMM rejected 95.2% of BSA whereas neat PES membrane demonstrated protein rejection of 90.2%. Compared to commercial PES hemodialysis membrane, the PES/PCA-g-MWCNTs MMMs showed less flux decline behavior and better PWF recovery ratio, suggesting that the membrane antifouling performance was improved. The incorporation of PCA-g-MWCNTs enhanced the separation features and antifouling capabilities of the PES membrane for hemodialysis application.
Magnetic nanofibers are composed of good dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles along an organic material. Magnetic nanofibers are potentially useful for composite reinforcement, bio-medical and tissue engineering. Nanofibers with the thinner diameter have to result in higher rigidity and tensile strength due to better alignments of lamellae along the fiber axis. In this study, the performance of electrospinning process was explained using response surface methodology (RSM) during fabrication of magnetic nanofibers using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a shelter for (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles where the parameters investigated were flow rate, applied voltage, distance between needle and collector and collector rotating speed. The response variable was diameter distribution. The two parameters flow rate and applied voltage in primary evaluation were distinguished as significant factors. Central composite design was applied to optimize the variable of diameter distribution. Quadratic estimated model developed for diameter distribution indicated the optimum conditions to be flow rate of 0.25 ml/h at voltage of 45 kV while the distance and rotating speed are at 8 cm and 1500 rps respectively. The obtained model was verified successfully by the confirmation experiments.
Biodegradable elastomers have clinical applicability due to their biocompatibility, tunable degradation and elasticity. The addition of bioactive glasses to these elastomers can impart mechanical properties sufficient for hard tissue replacement. Hence, a composite with a biodegradable polymer matrix and a bioglass filler can offer a method of augmenting existing tissue. This article reviews the applications of such composites for skeletal augmentation.
The aim of the current study was to biosynthesize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the bacterial strain of Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579) extracellularly. When bacterial extract was challenged with 1 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) the color of the extract changed into brown confirms the formation of nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were capped with bovine serum albumin (BSA). UV- visible spectroscopy showed the absorption peak at 420 nm indicates the formation of AgNPs. Fourier Infra -red (FTIR) attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy showed amide and amine group associated with AgNPs that stabilizes the nanoparticles. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed a strong peak of silver confirms the presence of silver. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis was used to determine the protein degradation showed less protein degradation at higher temperature confirms the stability of nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the AgNPs are well dispersed and spherical, and 5.37 nm to 17.19 whereas albumin coated nanoparticles are size ranges from 11.26 nm to 23.85 nm. The anticancer effect of capped AgNPs (cAgNPs) showed the IC50 value against breast cancer MCF-7 at 80 μg/mL, intestinal colon cancer HCT- 116 60 μg/mL, and bone cancer osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line80 μg/mL while against normal fibroblast cells 3T3 cells showed the IC50 value at 140 μg/mL. Lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH) showed higher toxicity on MCF-7, HCT-116, and MG-63 cells. The apoptotic study clearly showed the blebbing of membrane, chromatin condensation due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ethidium bromide and acridine orange dual staining method. The DNA analysis showed the complete fragmentation of the DNA of treated cells when compared with control cells.
This work is aimed to develop a biocompatible, bactericidal and mechanically stable biomaterial to overcome the challenges associated with calcium phosphate bioceramics. The influence of chemical composition on synthesis temperature, bioactivity, antibacterial activity and mechanical stability of least explored calcium silicate bioceramics was studied. The current study also investigates the biomedical applications of rankinite (Ca3Si2O7) for the first time. Sol-gel combustion method was employed for their preparation using citric acid as a fuel. Differential thermal analysis indicated that the crystallization of larnite and rankinite occurred at 795 °C and 1000 °C respectively. The transformation of secondary phases into the desired product was confirmed by XRD and FT-IR. TEM micrographs showed the particle size of larnite in the range of 100-200 nm. The surface of the samples was entirely covered by the dominant apatite phase within one week of immersion. Moreover, the compressive strength of larnite and rankinite was found to be 143 MPa and 233 MPa even after 28 days of soaking in SBF. Both samples prevented the growth of clinical pathogens at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. Larnite and rankinite supported the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. The variation in chemical composition was found to influence the properties of larnite and rankinite. The results observed in this work signify that these materials not only exhibit faster biomineralization ability, excellent cytocompatibility but also enhanced mechanical stability and antibacterial properties.
Five species of white rot fungi were screened for their capability to synthesize Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). Three modes of AgNP bioreduction were developed. Pycnoporus sanguineus is found as a potential candidate for the synthesis of AgNPs with a yield at 98.9%. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, DLS, FTIR, TEM, and SEM. Results showed that AgNP absorption band was located at a peak of 420 nm. Both the SEM and TEM confirmed that the formation of AgNPs were mainly spherical with average diameters of 52.8-103.3 nm. The signals of silver atoms' presence in the mycelium were observed by SEM-EDS spectrum.