Antibacterial Properties Research Articles

From biopolymer matrix to medicine: the drug delivery dynamics of amoxicillin-loaded PVA/SA/ZnONPs hydrogels

This research presents a comprehensive study of Polyvinyl alcohol/Sodium alginate/Zinc oxide nanoparticles (PVA/SA/ZnONPs) and PVA/SA/ZnONPs/Amoxicillin (AMX) hydrogels, demonstrating their potential for various biomedical applications. A comparative analysis of their swelling behavior, in vitro biodegradation, antibacterial properties, and drug release profiles was performed. The hydrogels demonstrated distinct swelling characteristics, with the PVA/SA/ZnONPs/AMX hydrogel showing a higher initial swelling ratio. This behavior, likely due to the increased hydrophilicity from AMX, subsequently decreased over time, indicating AMX release into the environment. The biodegradation study highlighted a faster degradation rate for the PVA/SA/ZnONPs/AMX hydrogel, suggesting its suitability for applications requiring rapid degradation, such as drug delivery systems. Regarding antibacterial properties, the PVA/SA/ZnONPs/AMX hydrogel showed significant antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, making it a strong candidate for biomedical applications necessitating antibacterial activity. Additionally, the drug release study presented a gradual and controlled release of AMX from the hydrogels over time, demonstrating their potential for sustained drug delivery applications. This research underscores the potential of PVA/SA/ZnONPs/AMX hydrogel, particularly for biomedical applications, especially in wound healing and drug delivery domains, given its potent antibacterial properties and controlled drug release behavior.

Corrosion-Resistant Organic Superamphiphobic Coatings

In recent years, organic superhydrophobic coatings have emerged as a promising direction for the protection of metal substrates due to their excellent liquid-repelling properties. Nonetheless, these coatings face challenges such as poor mechanical robustness and short service lives, which have limited their development and garnered attention from numerous researchers. Over time, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of superhydrophobic coatings and have published many related articles. Nevertheless, the lack of logical organization and systematic summarization of research focus in this field hinders its advancement. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to clarify the design principles and working mechanisms of organic superhydrophobic coatings, as well as to summarize and synthesize the latest research on different aspects of superhydrophobic coatings, including liquid-repellent performance, wear resistance, adhesion, antibacterial properties, and self-healing properties. By employing decoupling mechanisms to study each performance aspect separately, this review aims to provide references for extending the service life of organic superhydrophobic coatings.

Synthesis and characterization of a dithiodiglycolic acid-incorporated poly(glycerol sebacate) exhibiting lipase resistance and antibacterial properties

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), a crosslinked network synthesized by polycondensation of glycerol and sebacic acid, has found successful utilization in various tissue engineering applications because of its biocompatibility, ease of synthesis, surface-erosion biodegradability, rubber-like elasticity, and adjustable mechanical properties. However, its fast in vivo degradation and lack of intrinsic antibacterial activity may be a concern for specific applications. The functional groups of glycerol and sebacic acid can react with those of other monomers, offering unlimited possibilities for generating new crosslinked networks tailored for particular purposes. Herein, we synthesized a series of poly(glycerol sebacate dithiodiglycolate) (PGSDTG) by incorporation of dithiodiglycolic acid (DTG) in the synthesis of PGS. PGSDTG exhibited reduced stiffness, sensitivity to glutathione (GSH), resistance to lipase degradation, and inhibition of bacterial adhesion and growth. The PGSDTG containing 45.6 wt% of DTG exhibited the lowest degradation rate with more than 80 wt% of PGSDTG remained at day 28 and the lowest bacterial inactivation rates of 99.2 ± 0.5 % and 82.5 ± 11.0 % against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. This study suggested that PGSDTG may serve as a suitable antibacterial scaffold material for repairing or regenerating tissues characterized by a slow healing rate.

Acquisition of Resistance to PEGylated branched polyethylenimine Increases Pseudomonas aeruginosa Susceptibility to Aminoglycosides.

PEGylated branched polyethylenimine (PEG-BPEI) has antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Exposure to PEG-BPEI through serial passage leads to resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 600 Da BPEI and PEGylated 600 Da BPEI (PEG-BPEI) in the wild-type PAO1 strain is 16 µg/ml while, after 15 serial passages, the MIC increased to 1024 µg/mL. An additional 15 rounds ofpassage in the absence of BPEI or PEG-BPEI did not change the 1024 µg/mL MIC. Gentamicin, Neomycin, and Tobramycin, cationic antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis, have a 16-32 fold reduction of MIC values in PEG350-BPEI resistant strains, suggesting increased permeation. The influx of these antibiotics occurs using a self-mediated uptake mechanism, perhaps due to changes in the outer membrane Data show that resistance causes changes in genes related to outer membrane lipopolysaccharide (LPS) assembly. Mutations were noted in the gene coding for the polymerase Wzy that participates in the assembly of the O-antigen region. Other mutations were noted with wbpE and wbpI of the Wbp pathway responsible for the enzymatic synthesis of ManNAc(3NAc)A in the LPS of P. aeruginosa. These changes suggest thatPEG-BPEI resistance can be countered with antibiotics toprevent the emergence of PEG-BPEI resistant bacterial populations.

Biosynthesis and Biotechnological Synthesis of Hydroxytyrosol.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a plant-derived phenolic compound, is recognized for its potent antioxidant capabilities alongside a spectrum of pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. These attributes have propelled HT into the spotlight as a premier nutraceutical and food additive, heralding a new era in health and wellness applications. Traditional methods for HT production, encompassing physico-chemical techniques and plant extraction, are increasingly being supplanted by biotechnological approaches. These modern methodologies offer several advantages, notably environmental sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, which align with current demands for green and efficient production processes. This review delves into the biosynthetic pathways of HT, highlighting the enzymatic steps involved and the pivotal role of genetic and metabolic engineering in enhancing HT yield. It also surveys the latest progress in the biotechnological synthesis of HT, examining innovative strategies that leverage both genetically modified and non-modified organisms. Furthermore, this review explores the burgeoning potential of HT as a nutraceutical, underscoring its diverse applications and the implications for human health. Through a detailed examination of both the biosynthesis and biotechnological advances in HT production, this review contributes valuable insights to the field, charting a course towards the sustainable and scalable production of this multifaceted compound.

The Role of Curcumin in Oral Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Curcumin (Curcumin) belongs to the polyphenol family. It is extracted by drying the root of a plant of Asian origin, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The best-known species is Curcumincuma Longa. Curcumin has been recognized as having great therapeutic powers since ancient times. Studies on curcumin have since confirmed its powerful antioxidant properties, preventing both the formation of free radicals and their neutralization, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective properties, as well as being a regulator of the intestinal microbiota with beneficial effects on the clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome. Our study aimed to highlight how all these therapeutic aspects could benefit oral health, both preventing and improving the course of pathological processes. The effect of mouthwashes, and curcumin-based gels on the regulation of bacterial plaque and in the control of gingivitis, was largely comparable to that of using 0.20% chlorhexidine, with fewer side effects. Being a highly hydrophobic substance, it has a high permeability to cross the cell membrane. Bioavailability increases when combined with liposoluble substances (e.g., olive oil) and piperine, which improves absorption. Curcumin also has a negligible degree of toxicity, making it an excellent alternative to the use of gold standard products for oral disinfection.

Correlation between biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr modified calcium phosphates.

This study investigates the correlation between the biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr-modified Calcium Phosphates (ZnSr-CaPs) synthesized via the sol-gel combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp), CaCO3, and Ca(OH)2 phases in the undoped sample, while the additional phase, Ca3(PO4)2 (β-TCP) was formed in modified samples. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis demonstrated the incorporation of Sr into the lattice, with a preference for occupying the Ca1 sites in the HAp matrix. The introduction of Zn, furthermore, led to the formation of ZnO and CaZnO2 species. The ZnSr-CaPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species by ZnO, the oxidation reaction of CaZnO2, and the presence of Sr ions. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a correlation between the variation in ZnO content and cellular viability, with lower ZnO concentrations corresponding to higher cell viability. Additionally, the cooperative effects of Zn and Sr ions were found to enhance the bioactivity of CaPs, despite ZnO hindering the apatite formation process. These findings contribute to the deep understanding of the diverse role in modulating the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and bioactive properties of ZnSr-CaPs, offering potential applications in the field of biomaterials.

A Wound Exudate‐Activated Yarn Battery for Antimicrobial Electrical Fabric Dressing

AbstractExcessive inflammation poses a major challenge to wound care, with massive exudation and bacterial infection being the prominent factors contributing to the inflammation. Current biomaterials can achieve passive or interactive wound repair through exudate absorption and anti‐infection. However, they cannot actively modulate the cellular behavior associated with skin wound repair. Inspired by the endogenous electric field (EF), the present study develops an antimicrobial and self‐powered electrical fabric dressing (EFD). An EFD with multifunctional properties of wound exudate collection, anti‐infection, and self‐powered electrical stimulation (ES) is assembled via weaving a series of hydrophilically modified cotton yarn‐based batteries. Upon contact with the wound, EFD absorbs the wound exudate owing to its high hydrophilicity and utilizes it as the natural electrolyte to activate the battery. With the endogenous power supply, the ES‐promoted polarization of macrophage, as well as the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, enhancing the active wound repair process. Moreover, the dressings exhibit excellent antibacterial properties, attributable to the synergistic effects of the cationic polymer brushes on the cotton yarn and the anodic by‐product (magnesium hydroxide) during discharging. Thus, the wound exudate‐activated EFD can effectively manage wound exudates, prevent bacterial infection, and provide self‐powered electrotherapy to facilitate active wound tissue repair.

Combination of Chromatographic Analysis and Chemometric Methods with Bioactivity Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil.

Helichrysum italicum (immortelle) essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils worldwide and it has many beneficial properties, including antimicrobial. However, in this plant, the chemical diversity of the essential oil is very pronounced. The aim of this work was to process the GC-MS results of four samples of H. italicum essential oil of Serbian origin by chemometric tools, and evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro and in silico. Overall, 47 compounds were identified, the most abundant were γ-curcumene, α-pinene, and ar-curcumene, followed by α-ylangene, neryl acetate, trans-caryophyllene, italicene, α-selinene, limonene, and italidiones. Although the four samples of H. italicum essential oil used in this study were obtained from different producers in Serbia, they belong to the type of essential oil rich in sesquiterpenes (γ-curcumene and ar-curcumene chemotype). In vitro antimicrobial potential showed that five were sensitive among ten strains of tested microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans. Therefore, these microorganism models were used further for in silico molecular docking through the mechanism of ATP-ase inhibitory activity. Results showed that among all compounds from H. italicum essential oil, neryl acetate has the highest predicted binding energy. Artificial neural network modeling (ANN) showed that two major compounds γ-curcumene and α-pinene, as well as minor compounds such as trans-β-ocimene, terpinolene, terpinene-4-ol, isoitalicene, italicene, cis-α-bergamotene, trans-α-bergamotene, italidiones, trans-β-farnesene, γ-selinene, β-selinene, α-selinene, and guaiol are responsible for the antimicrobial activity of H. italicum essential oil. The results of this study indicate that H. italicum essential oil samples rich in γ-curcumene, α-pinene, and ar-curcumene cultivated in Serbia (Balkan) have antimicrobial potential both in vitro and in silico. In addition, according to ANN modeling, the proportion of neryl acetate and other compounds detected in these samples has the potential to exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticles synthesize using Lantana camara leaves extract on biofilm of sodium alginate

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) belong to the class of noble metal nanoparticles widely utilized across various sectors including biomedical applications, cosmetics, and everyday products like soaps, toothpaste, and detergents, thereby bringing individuals into direct contact with them. Extensive research has explored the antifungal properties of silver and silver nitrate. In this study, the synthesis of AgNPs was achieved effectively using a leaf extract from Lantana camara. Characterization of the synthesized AgNPs was performed employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Analysis via UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM and TEM proved reliable and sufficient, with the appearance of AgNPs resulting in a noticeable change in tonal form. SPR peaks for AgNPs were observed at 467–473 nm using UV–Vis spectroscopy, while FTIR studies delineated the stabilizing and peak properties of the AgNPs. Size of the synthesized silver nanoparticles increased with higher concentrations of AgNO3 solution, albeit averaging on the smaller side of the nanometer scale. Synthesized AgNPs have effective antibacterial properties of nanoparticles, their incorporation into food packaging materials could enhance food storage lifespan and ensure consumer safety. The burgeoning interest in developing biodegradable coatings, as alternatives to costly wax-based coatings lacking biodegradability, is on the rise. These coatings aim to preserve the qualities of harvested crops. These are flexible films derived from biological compounds like proteins and polysaccharides, act as barriers against external elements and exhibit bioflexibility. They hold potential applications in medicine, pharmacology, and the food industry. The integration of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids to enhance the functionality of films represents a recent advancement in the manufacturing of biodegradable and biofilm-based films. The anticipated outcome of this study is to augment the beneficial properties of Lantana camara for the preparation of nanoparticles using its extract, thereby highlighting its biological activity against emerging pathogenic biofilm-forming species.

Investigating lactic acid bacteria genus Lactococcus lactis properties: Antioxidant activity, antibiotic resistance, and antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus

BackgroundLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are utilized as a starter culture in the manufacturing of fermented dairy items, as a preservative for various food products, and as a probiotic. In our country, some research has been carried out, even if LAB plays a principal role in food preservation and improves the texture and taste of fermented foods, that is why we tried to evaluate their probiotic effect. The objective of this research was to determine the antibacterial activity of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ATCC 29213, investigate their antioxidant activity, and characterize their sensitivity against 18 antibiotics. MethodsA total of 23 LAB (L. lactis subsp. cremoris, L. lactis subsp. Lactis diacetylactis, L. lactis subsp. lactis) were isolated from cow's raw milk. The antibacterial activity was performed using two techniques, competition for nutrients and a technique utilizing components nature, using the disk diffusion method. The sensitivity of the studied LAB to different antibiotics was tested on Man rogosa sharp (MRS) agar using commercial antibiotic disks. All strains of LAB were examined for their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of L. lactis was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). ResultsThe results showed that the MRS medium was more adapted than Muller Hinton Agar (MHA) to investigate the antibacterial activity of L. lactis against S. aureus ATCC 29213. Also, L. lactis exhibited a notable degree of antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213. L. Lactis subsp. Lactis displayed higher antibacterial activities, followed by L. lactis ssp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis, and lastly, L. lactis ssp. cremoris against S. aureus ATCC 29213. Lc 26 among all strains of L. lactis showed a high potential antibacterial activity reaching 40 ± 3 mm against S. aureus ATCC 29213. All strains of L. lactis showed a slightly moderate antioxidant activity (10.56 ± 1.28%-26.29 ± 0.05 %). The results of the antibiotic resistance test indicate that all strains of L. lactis were resistant to cefotaxime, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and streptomycin and were sensitive to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Penicillin G, Teicoplanin, Vancomycin, Gentamicin 500, Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol. These test results indicate that this strain falls within the criteria of not posing any harmful effects on human health. The important antibacterial properties recorded for all L. Lactis strains were derived from the production of antibacterial active metabolites, such as protein, diacetyl, hydrogen peroxide, and lactic acid, together with the fight for nutrients. ConclusionThis study suggests that the strains of L. lactis could be added as an antibacterial agent against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and can provide an important nutritional property for their antioxidant potential.

Potential Use of Jerangau Rhizome (Acorus calamus L.) as an Antibacterial Agent for Streptococcus pneumoniae

Aims: The empirical use of jerangau rhizomes for treating pneumonia in Indonesia should be verified through scientific research. Study design: The experimental use of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) bacteria and jerangau (Acorus calamus L.) rhizome extract (JRE). Place Study: Pharmacy Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar, Indonesia. Methodology: Antibacterial activity was assessed using liquid dilution and agar diffusion methods. Results: The antibacterial activity of JRE against SP was determined to be effective at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% w/v. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum kill concentration (MKC) were found to be 0.5% and 1% in HJ, >2.5% at EJ, and 0.25% and 0.5% at EAJ. Conclusion: JRE has demonstrated antibacterial properties against SP in vitro.

Intelligent double-layer film based on gellan gum/modified anthocyanin/curcumin/sodium alginate/zinc oxide for monitoring shrimp freshness

In this study, intelligent double-layer films were prepared using modified black rice anthocyanin (MBRA)-curcumin (CUR)-gellan gum (GG) as the inner indicator layer and sodium alginate (ALG)‑zinc oxide (ZnO) as the outer antimicrobial layer. The bilayer films were successfully prepared, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements. The mechanical characteristics, moisture content, and water vapor resistance of GG-MBRA/CUR1@ALG-ZnO, GG-MBRA/CUR2@ALG-ZnO, and GG-MBRA/CUR3@ALG-ZnO films showed significant enhancement compared to GG-MBRA/CUR3 and ALG-ZnO films. The bilayer films exhibited excellent pH responsiveness and reacted effectively to ammonia. The outer layer significantly improved the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the inner layer. When the films were applied to shrimp, it was found that the double-layer films not only monitored the freshness of the shrimp in real-time but also were influential in extending the shelf life of the shrimp by about 1 d. Therefore, the double-layer film demonstrated potential as a smart packaging material for real-time monitoring of meat product freshness.

Insights into the potential dual-antibacterial mechanism of Kelisha capsule on Escherichia coli

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), AYURVEDA and Indian medicine are essential in disease prevention and treatment. Kelisha capsule (KLSC), a TCM formula listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has been clinically proven to possess potent antibacterial properties. However, the precise antimicrobial mechanism of KLSC remained unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the dual antibacterial mechanism of KLSC using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. By analyzing the growth curve of Escherichia coli (E. coli), it was observed that KLSC significantly inhibited its growth, showcasing a remarkable antibacterial effect. Furthermore, SEM and TEM analysis revealed that KLSC damaged the cell wall and membrane of E. coli, resulting in cytoplasmic leakage, bacterial death, and the exertion of antibacterial effects. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that KLSC exhibited an effect on E. coli ATP synthase, thereby influencing the energy metabolism process. The molecular docking outcomes provided evidence that the active compounds of KLSC could effectively bind to the ATP synthase subunit. Subsequently, experimental findings substantiated that KLSC effectively suppressed the activity of ATP synthase in E. coli and consequently decreased the ATP content. This study highlighted the dual antibacterial mechanism of KLSC, emphasizing its effects on cell structure and energy metabolism, suggesting its potential as a natural antibacterial agent for E. coli-related infections. These findings offered new insights into exploring the antibacterial mechanisms of TCM by focusing on the energy metabolism process.

ZIF-8@Hydroxyapatite Composite as a High Potential Material for Prolonged Delivery of Agrochemicals.

Although agrochemical practices can enhance agricultural productivity, their intensive application has resulted in the deterioration of ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more efficient and less toxic methods against pests and infections while improving crop productivity. Moving toward sustainable development, in this work, we originally described the preparation of a composite (ZIF-8@HA) consisting of the coating of zeolitic-like metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-8 (based on Zn, an essential micronutrient in plants with antibacterial, antifungal, and antifouling properties) with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (i.e., nanofertilizer). The interaction between the HA and ZIF-8 has been characterized through a combination of techniques, such as microscopic techniques, where the presence of a HA coating is demonstrated; or by analysis of the surface charge with a dramatic change in the Z-potential (from +18.7 ± 0.8 to -27.6 ± 0.7 mV for ZIF-8 and ZIF-8@HA, respectively). Interestingly, the interaction of HA with ZIF-8 delays the MOF degradation (from 4 h for pristine ZIF-8 to 168 h for HA-coated material), providing a slower and gradual release of zinc. After a comprehensive characterization, the potential combined fertilizer and bactericidal effect of ZIF-8@HA was investigated in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds and Pseudomonas syringae (Ps). ZIF-8@HA (7.3 ppm) demonstrated a great fertilizer effect, increasing shoot (9.4 %) and root length (27.1 %) of wheat seeds after 11 days at 25 °C under dark conditions, improving the results obtained with HA, ZIF-8, or ZnSO4 or even physically mixed constituents (HA + ZIF-8). It was also effective in the growth inhibition (>80 % of growth inhibition) of Ps, a vegetal pathogen causing considerable crop decline. Therefore, this work demonstrates the potential of MOF@HA composites and paves the way as a promising agrochemical with improved fertilizer and antibacterial properties.

An investigation into the probiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, and safety properties of Lactococcus lactis NJ414

Probiotics are live microorganisms that positively influence the host's gut by modifying and enhancing its microbial equilibrium. The study aimed to investigate the probiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, and safety properties of Lactococcus lactis NJ414. L. lactis NJ414 exhibited strong resistance to acidity, gut conditions, and bile salts. The strain exhibited notable characteristics, with percentages for hydrophobicity (44.30%), auto-aggregation (35.50%), co-aggregation (18.30%), antioxidant activity (48.80%), and cholesterol reduction (46.90%). L. lactis NJ414 demonstrated effectiveness in competing with, displacing, and hindering the adhesion of L. monocytogenes at rates of 37.80%, 24.50%, and 33.40%, respectively. Moreover, it displayed a 9.10% adhesion rate to epithelial cells, susceptibility to most antibiotics, and no DNase or hemolytic activity. The strain exhibited potent anti-microbial activity against L. monocytogenes, with inhibition zones of 11.20 mm in disk diffusion agar (DDA) and 11.75 mm in well diffusion agar (WDA), while Escherichia coli showed the lowest susceptibility, with inhibition zones of 3.25 mm in DDA and 3.40 mm in WDA. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of the strain demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting and eradicating biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes, with respective rates of 43.40 ± 0.58% and 38.90 ± 0.46%. Overall, these findings support the notion that L. lactis NJ414 holds probiotic potential.

Enhanced antibacterial and osteogenic properties of titanium by sputtering a nanostructured fluoride-doped tantalum oxide coating

Infections and poor osseointegration are the main challenges for titanium implants in clinical practice. Herein, we proposed fabricating a novel fluoride-doped tantalum oxide (F-TaOx) coating on titanium by one-step reactive sputtering deposition to endow implants with superior antibacterial and osteogenic ability. By altering the fluorine and oxygen loading amount, the coating’s physicochemical properties, corrosion resistance, antibacterial and osteogenic activities are tuned simultaneously. All coatings exhibit nano-morphology, superhydrophilicity and improved surface hardness. Despite containing fluoride, the F-TaOx coating produced with fluorine and oxygen dual-deposition still shows enhanced corrosion resistance due to the protection of existing metal oxidizes. The antibacterial test reveals that the F-TaOx coating exhibits long-lasting and superior antibacterial properties. The microenvironment acidification by F-, the excessive ROS generation and the disruption of ATP by F-, TiF3 and Ta2O5, and the repulsive force by superhydrophilic surface synergistically result in bacterial death. The cell experiments indicate that the F-TaOx coating shows good cytocompatibility, promote cell spread and osteogenic differentiation by enhancing ALP activities and ECM mineralization. This work provides a promising strategy for the surface functionalization of metallic implants to produce dual anti-infection and osteogenesis effects for orthopedic and dental applications.

Mesenchymal cells as the biological modifiers for stimulation and regulation of cellular and molecular healing and regeneration

Biologic modifiers are materials or proteins and factors that have the potential to alter the host tissue so as to stimulate or regulate the wound healing process. Classic examples of biologic modifiers are growth factors. Bioengineered materials are widely utilized due to their biocompatibility and degradability, as well as their moisturizing and antibacterial properties. One field of their application in medicine is to treat wounds by promoting tissue regeneration and improving wound healing. In addition to creating a physical and chemical barrier against primary infection, the mechanical stability of the porous structure of biomaterials provides an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like niche for cells. Growth factors are polypeptide molecules that control the growth, differentiation, and metabolism of cells during each of the three phases of wound healing. They are present throughout the body in only minute concentrations yet exert a powerful local influence on wound repair. They interact with specific receptors in the cell surface, leading to specific responses determined by the receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways within the target cells. Growth factors (GFs) and cytokines, which are secreted by the cells, are essential parts of the complex process of tissue regeneration and wound healing.

Multifunctional double-network hydrogel with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory synergistic effects contributes to wound healing of bacterial infection

Wound infection not only hinders the time sequence of tissue repair, but also may lead to serious complications. Multifunctional wound dressings with biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties and antibacterial properties can promote wound healing during skin infection and reduce the use of antibiotics. In this study, a multifunctional dual-network antibacterial hydrogel was constructed based on the electrostatic interaction of two polyelectrolytes, hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) and sodium alginate (SA). Attributing to the suitable physical crosslinking between HACC and SA, the hydrogel not only has good biocompatibility, mechanical property, but also has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. In vivo results showed that the hydrogel could regulate M2 polarization, promote early vascular regeneration, and create a good microenvironment for wound healing. Therefore, this hydrogel is an effective multifunctional wound dressing. Consequently, we propose a novel hydrogel with combined elements to expedite the intricate repair of wound infection.

Cellulose-based film with stable fluorescent, antibacterial, and UV-shielding performance fabricated via Biginelli reaction and enamine functionalization

Cellulosic multifunctional films offer extensive versatility and hold potential for diverse applications across multiple domains. However, the majority of cellulose-based multifunctional film studies have indicated issues with inadequate stability and consistency. Herein, a cellulose-based multifunctional film with exceptional stability was fabricated using multiple chemical modifications. Firstly, the solvent exchange method was used to prepare a cellulose acetoacetate (CAA) hydrogel film. Then, the fluorescent group and gentamicin sulfate (antibacterial group) were bonded to the CAA hydrogel film through Biginelli reaction and the formation of enamine bond, respectively. The resulting film exhibited photoluminescent, high transparency (above 80%), UV-shielding (blocking 90.9% UVA), and antibacterial properties, which are also very stable to external solvents. Hence, the multifaceted films made from cellulose displayed immense promise in various areas including eco-friendly packaging for perishables, ensuring authenticity, and in manufacturing unique types of films.