L929 Mouse Fibroblasts Research Articles

Effect of oxygen and fluorine plasma surface treatment of silicon‐incorporated diamond‐like carbon coatings on cellular responses of mouse fibroblasts

AbstractThe surface chemistry of silicon‐incorporated diamond‐like carbon (Si‐DLC) was tailored utilizing oxygen and fluorine plasma treatments. Successful anchoring of oxygen and fluorine functional groups to the surface of Si‐DLC was verified using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The impact of surface modification of Si‐DLC on hydrophobicity was correlated with the viability of L929 mouse fibroblasts. The confocal microscopy and viability results indicated that oxygen‐treated Si‐DLC showed increased cell viability compared to untreated Si‐DLC and fluorine‐treated Si‐DLC samples 5 days after seeding. The increased cell viability was correlated with the conversion of the hydrophobic surface of Si‐DLC into a hydrophilic surface by oxygen plasma treatment.

A different approach to immunochemotherapy for colon Cancer: Development of nanoplexes of cyclodextrins and Interleukin-2 loaded with 5-FU

Immune system deficiencies are crucial in the progression of cancer, predominantly because immune cells are not stimulated by cytokines to eradicate cancer cells. Immunochemotherapy is currently considered an innovative approach that creates pathways in cancer treatment, sometimes also aiding in the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. The aim of this study was to prepare a cyclodextrin (CD) nanoplex based on charge interaction to deliver the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Interleukin-2 (IL-2), thereby forming a nanoscale drug delivery system aimed at chemo-immunotherapy for colorectal cancers. The CD:IL-2 nanoplexes were obtained with a particle size below 100 nm and a cationic surface charge based on the extent of charge interaction of the cationic CD polymer with negatively charged IL-2. The loading capacity of CD nanoplexes was 40% for 5-FU and 99.8% for IL-2. Nanoplexes maintained physical stability in terms of particle size and zeta potential in aqueous solution for 1 week at + 4 °C. Moreover, the structural integrity of IL-2 loaded into CD nanoplexes was confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. The cumulative release rates of both 5-FU and IL-2 were found to be more than 80% in simulated biological fluids in 12 h. Cell culture studies demonstrate that CD polymers are safe on healthy L929 mouse fibroblast cells. Drug-loaded CD nanoplexes were determined to have a higher anticancer effect than free drug solution against CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells. In addition, intestinal permeability studies supported the conclusion that CD nanoplexes could be promising candidates for oral chemotherapy as well. In conclusion, effective cancer therapy utilizing the absorptive/cellular uptake effect of CDs, the synergic effect and co-transport of chemotherapeutic drugs and immunotherapeutic molecules is a promising approach. Furthermore, the transport of IL-2 with this nano-sized system can reduce or avoid its toxicity problem in the clinic.

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Epoxy Resin-Based Root Canal Sealers before and after Setting Procedures.

Epoxy resin-based sealers are commonly used for successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of epoxy resin-based sealers under unset and set conditions. Three epoxy resin-based sealers were used: Adseal, AH Plus, and Dia-Proseal. To test cytotoxicity, an agar overlay test and a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were performed using unset and set sealers on L929 mouse fibroblasts. The genotoxicity test of the comet assay was performed using the same cell line. Extract dilutions in the culture media were used as test materials for the MTT and comet assays. The comet tail produced by the damaged DNA was calculated by image analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test. Unset sealers did not show defined decolorized areas. Hardened specimens of resin-based sealers showed circular discolored zones in the agar overlay test. Dia-Proseal was the least cytotoxic after hardening. These results were confirmed in the MTT assay. Cell viability was significantly higher in cells treated with hardened sealers in both groups than that in cells treated with freshly mixed sealers in the MTT assay. Unset AH Plus® and Dia-Proseal™ significantly increased cell viability with decreasing dilution. Adseal™ was the least cytotoxic. Freshly mixed Adseal™ was more genotoxic when freshly mixed than when set. Unset epoxy resin-based sealers were generally more cytotoxic and genotoxic than set materials. Cytotoxicity does not always match the genotoxicity results; therefore, various test tools are required to test toxicity. It is necessary to properly evaluate the toxic effects to establish a biocompatibility test that mimics clinical conditions.

Blood-Vessel-Inspired Hierarchical Trilayer Scaffolds: PCL/Gelatin-Driven Protein Adsorption and Cellular Interaction.

Fabrication of scaffolds with hierarchical structures exhibiting the blood vessel topological and biochemical features of the native extracellular matrix that maintain long-term patency remains a major challenge. Within this context, scaffold assembly using biodegradable synthetic polymers (BSPs) via electrospinning had led to soft-tissue-resembling microstructures that allow cell infiltration. However, BSPs fail to exhibit the sufficient surface reactivity, limiting protein adsorption and/or cell adhesion and jeopardizing the overall graft performance. Here, we present a methodology for the fabrication of three-layered polycaprolactone (PCL)-based tubular structures with biochemical cues to improve protein adsorption and cell adhesion. For this purpose, PCL was backbone-oxidized (O-PCL) and cast over a photolithography-manufactured microgrooved mold to obtain a bioactive surface as demonstrated using a protein adsorption assay (BSA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and calorimetric analyses. Then, two layers of PCL:gelatin (75:25 and 95:5 w/w), obtained using a novel single-desolvation method, were electrospun over the casted O-PCL to mimic a vascular wall with a physicochemical gradient to guide cell adhesion. Furthermore, tensile properties were shown to withstand the physiological mechanical stresses and strains. In vitro characterization, using L929 mouse fibroblasts, demonstrated that the multilayered scaffold is a suitable platform for cell infiltration and proliferation from the innermost to the outermost layer as is needed for vascular wall regeneration. Our work holds promise as a strategy for the low-cost manufacture of next-generation polymer-based hierarchical scaffolds with high bioactivity and resemblance of ECM’s microstructure to accurately guide cell attachment and proliferation.

Photoprotective effects of Sargassum thunbergii on ultraviolet B-induced mouse L929 fibroblasts and zebrafish

BackgroundChronic exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) causes a series of adverse skin reactions, such as erythema, sunburn, photoaging, and cancer, by altering signaling pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Marine algae have abundant amounts and varieties of bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the photoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of Sargassum thunbergii.MethodsSargassum thunbergii phenolic-rich extract (STPE) was prepared, and its activity against UVB damage was evaluated using L929 fibroblast cells and zebrafish. STPE was extracted and purified by 40% ethanol and macroporous resin XDA-7. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were analyzed. The effect of STPE on UVB-induced inflammation was determined by inflammatory cytokine gene and protein expression. The expression of signaling molecules in the Nuclear Factor KappaB (NF-κB) pathway was determined by western blotting. DNA condensation was analyzed and visualized by Hoechst 33342 staining. In vivo evaluation was performed by tail fin area and ROS measurement using the zebrafish model.ResultsThe total polyphenol content of STPE was 72%. STPE reduced ROS content in L929 cells, improved SOD and CAT activities, and significantly reduced MDA content, thereby effectively alleviating UVB radiation-induced oxidative damage. STPE inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1α. STPE reversed DNA condensation at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/mL compared with the UVB control. Moreover, STPE inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation and alleviated DNA agglutination in L929 cells after UVB irradiation. Additionally, 1.67 μg/mL STPE significantly increased the tail fin area in zebrafish, and 0.8–1.6 μg/mL STPE effectively eliminated excessive ROS after UVB radiation.ConclusionsSTPE inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine expression, and DNA condensation via the downregulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that it prevents UVB-induced photodamage, and has potential for clinical development for skin disease treatment.

Fabrication and characterization of starch-copper nanoparticles/rutin nanofiber hybrid scaffold

Rutin has antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and heart disease protective activities but its poor solubility plays a critical role in limiting its activity. To relieve this problem, we prepared polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) electrospun nanofibers as carrier to release rutin for potential applications. Starch-coated copper nanoparticles were also added to the polymeric precursor solution before electrospinning to increase the activity of rutin. The water soluble monodisperse starch-protected zero-valent copper nanoparticles of about 36 nm diameter have been synthesized by chemical reduction route using starch as green capping agent. The resulting starch coated copper nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). It was found that copper nanoparticles were significantly protected by starch coating. PVP solutions incorporated with rutin and starch capped copper nanoparticles were electrospun at different weight percentages. The nanofibers were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. We confirmed that copper nanoparticles were embedded in PVP nanofibers. The cytotoxic efficacy of the nanofiber involving starch capped copper nanoparticles and rutin against L929 mouse fibroblast cells was compared using a standard MTT assay. The in vitro release studies were performed using rutin-copper loaded nanofibers through dialysis membrane on the Franz diffusion cells. The nanofiber involving starch capped copper nanoparticles and rutin exhibited no cytotoxicity compared to PVP nanofibers.

Alginate-based multifunctional films incorporated with sulfur quantum dots for active packaging applications

Sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) were fabricated using a facile hydrothermal method and used for the preparation of functional food packaging film and compared the properties with other sulfur-based fillers like elemental sulfur (ES) and sulfur nanoparticles (SNP). The SQDs have an average size of 5.3 nm and were very stable in aqueous suspension. Unlike other sulfur-based fillers, the SQD showed high antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity, but no cytotoxicity was found for L929 mouse fibroblasts even after long-term exposure of 48 h. When sulfur-based fillers were added to the alginate film, SQD was more evenly dispersed in the polymer matrix than SNP and ES. The addition of SQD to the alginate film increased the film's UV barrier property by 82% and tensile strength by 18%. Also, the addition of SQDs to the films did not affect the stiffness (elastic modulus, EM) and water vapor barrier permeability (WVP) of the films. In addition, SQD-added films exhibited excellent antioxidant and strong antibacterial activity against bacterial (E. coli and L. monocytogenes) and fungal (A. niger and P. chrysogenum) food pathogens. When the film was applied as a bread packaging test, the SQD-added film prevented mold growth for 14 days, unlike the ES and SNP-added films.

Preparation and characterization of a new bio nanocomposites based poly(glycerol sebacic-urethane) containing nano-clay (Cloisite Na+ ) and its potential application for tissue engineering.

Nanocomposites containing clay nanoparticles often present favorable properties such as good mechanical and thermal properties. They frequently have been studied for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine applications. On the other hand, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), a revolutionary bioelastomer, has exhibited substantial potential as a promising candidate for biomedical application. Here, we present a facile approach to synthesizing stiff, elastomeric nanocomposites from sodium-montmorillonite nano-clay (MMT) in the commercial name of Cloisite Na+ and poly(glycerol sebacate urethane) (PGSU). The strong physical interaction between the intercalated Cloisite Na+ platelets and PGSU chains resulted in desirable property combinations for TE application to follow. The addition of 5% MMT nano-clay resulted in an over two-fold increase in the tensile modulus, increased the onset thermal decomposition temperature of PGSU matrix by 18°C, and noticeably improved storage modulus of the prepared scaffolds, compared with pure PGSU. As well, Cloisite Na+ enhanced the hydrophilicity and water uptake ability of the samples and accelerated the in-vitro biodegradation rate. Finally, in-vitro cell viability assay using L929 mouse fibroblast cells indicated that incorporating Cloisite Na+ nanoparticles into the PGSU network could improve the cell attachment and proliferation, rendering the synthesized bioelastomers potentially suitable for TE and regenerative medicine applications.

Direct Reprograming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Dermal Papilla Cells via Small Molecules.

The reprogramming of somatic fibroblasts into alternative cell linages could provide a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine and cell therapy. However, the direct conversion of fibroblasts into other functional cell types is still challenging. In this study, we show that dermal-papilla-cell-like cells (DPC-LCs) can be generated by treating fibroblasts, including L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines and somatic mouse fibroblasts, with small molecules. Based on alkaline phosphatase activity and other molecular markers, different compounds or their combinations are needed for converting the two different fibroblasts into DPC-LCs. Notably, we found that TTNPB alone can efficiently convert primary adult mouse fibroblasts into DPC-LCs. DPC-LCs generated from mouse fibroblasts showed a stronger hair-inducing capacity. Transcriptome analysis reveals that expression of genes associated with a hair-inducing capacity are increased in DPC-LCs. This pharmacological approach to generating functional dermal papilla cells may have many important implications for hair follicle regeneration and hair loss therapy.

Photo- and thermo-responsive extracellular matrix mimicking nano-coatings prepared from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-spiropyran copolymer for effective cell sheet harvesting

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-spiropyran (PNIPAAm-SP) copolymers were tethered onto the glass substrate using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The substrate was previously activated by ultra-violet ozone (UVO) irradiation and the pre-synthesized initiator was immobilized on it. A block of PNIPAAm was grafted onto the glass substrates, followed by a second block of mixed NIPAAm and spiropyran acrylate (SPA). The effects of UVO irradiation time and polymerization time of spiropyran containing block on cell sheet formation and detachment characteristics were evaluated. The photo-responsiveness of SPA was evaluated by ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). The presence and thickness of the grafted polymer layers were evidenced by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results of water contact angle (WCA) analysis showed that the modified surfaces became hydrophilic with decreasing temperature from 37 to 20 °C as well as with light irradiation. L929 mouse fibroblast cell culture results indicated a complete cell sheet formation. By applying temperature or light stimuli, the cell sheets were detached in a trypsin-free procedure.

Antibacterial properties of functionalized silk fibroin and sericin membranes for wound healing applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral wounds are among the most troublesome injuries which easily affect the patients' quality of life. To date, the development of functional antibacterial dressings for oral wound healing remains a challenge. In this regard, we investigated antibacterial silk protein-based membranes for the application as wound dressings in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The present study includes five variants of casted membranes, i.e., i) membranes-silver nanoparticles (CM-Ag), ii) membranes-gentamicin (CM-G), iii) membranes-control (without functionalization) (CM-C), iv) membranes-silk sericin control (CM-SSC), and v) membranes-silk fibroin/silk sericin (CM-SF/SS), and three variants of nonwovens, i.e., i) silver nanoparticles (NW-Ag), ii) gentamicin (NW-G), iii) control (without functionalization) (NW-C). The surface structure of the samples was visualized with scanning electron microscopy. In addition, antibacterial testing was accomplished using agar diffusion assay, colony forming unit (CFU) analysis, and qrt-PCR. Following antibacterial assays, biocompatibility was evaluated by cell proliferation assay (XTT), cytotoxicity assay (LDH), and live-dead assay on L929 mouse fibroblasts. Findings indicated significantly lower bacterial colony growth and DNA counts for CM-Ag with a reduction of bacterial counts by 3log levels (99.9% reduction) in CFU and qrt-PCR assay compared to untreated control membranes (CM-C and CM-SSC) and membranes functionalized with gentamicin (CM-G and NW-G) (p<0.001). Similarly, NW-G yielded significantly lower DNA and colony growth counts compared to NW-Ag and NW-C (p<0.001). In conclusion, CM-Ag represented 1log level better antibacterial activity compared to NW-G, whereas NW-G showed better cytocompatibility for L929 cells. As data suggest, these two membranes have the potential of application in the field of bacteria-free oral wound healing. However, provided that loading strategy and cytocompatibility are adjusted according to the antibacterial agents' characteristic and fabrication technique of the membranes.

Gelatin-based packaging material incorporated with potato skins carbon dots as functional filler

Carbon dots (CD) were developed via hydrothermal synthesis using potato peel as functional fillers for food packaging films. The CD showed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity with low cytotoxicity as more than 80% of mouse fibroblast L929 cells survived even when exposed to 500 μg/mL for 72 h. The CD was used as a functional filler for preparing a gelatin-based functional film, and it was uniformly dispersed in biopolymer, indicating a compatible packaging film. The FTIR result showed no change in the chemical structure, but an H-bond was apparent between the CD and gelatin. The addition of CD produced a highly transparent film with significant improvement in the water vapor permeability (by 28%) and hydrophobicity (by 9% and 13%) properties of the gelatin film without much changing of the mechanical properties. The CD-added gelatin films indicated UV-barrier property and strong antioxidant activity. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy increased significantly. Therefore, the CD-added gelatin films have great potential as a value-added, low-cost, safe, and functional nanofiller for the preparation of packaging applications.

Evaluation of photocytotoxicity liposomal form of furanocoumarins Sosnowsky's hogweed

Sosnovsky's hogweed, Heracleum sosnowskyi has a high photosensitizing ability. Although Sosnovsky's hogweed is known as a poisonous plant, its chemical composition and phototoxicity are poorly studied. We analyzed the chemical composition of the Sosnovsky's hogweed juice that grew in natural conditions. It was found that the content of 8-methoxypsoralen in the juice is 1332.7 mg/L, and that of 5-methoxypsoralen is 34.2 mg/L. We have developed and analyzed liposomes containing furanocoumarins of Sosnovsky's hogweed juice and studied their photocytotoxicity in L929 mouse fibroblast cell culture. It was found that liposomes containing furanocoumarins of Sosnovsky's hogweed juice are more toxic for L929 cells in comparison with liposomal forms of pure substances 8-methoxypsoralen and 5-methoxypsoralen. It was found that when exposed to UV radiation at 365 nm at a dose of 22.2 J/cm2, the liposomal form of furanocoumarins Sosnovsky's hogweed is 3 times more toxic to L929 cells than in the dark. It was found that the photocytotoxic effect of liposomal furanocoumarins Sosnovsky's hogweed is a strongly stimulation of apoptosis.The data obtained suggest that the raw material of Sosnovsky's hogweed claims to be a source of furanocoumarins, and the liposomal form, given the hydrophobic properties of furanocoumarins, is very suitable for creating a phototherapeutic drug.

A Comparison Study of Fiber Diameter's Effect on Characteristic Features of Donepezil/Curcumin‐Loaded Polycaprolactone/Polylactic Acid Nanofibers

AbstractNanofibers (NFs) offer an alternative option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by addressing unmet clinical problems. In this study, anti‐AD drugs, donepezil (DO) and curcumin (CUR), are loaded in polylactic acid/polycaprolactone NFs. The effect of fiber diameter on drug release behavior is mainly observed, and the successful loading of DO and CUR to NFs is demonstrated. The tensile strength of DO/CUR‐loaded NFs (DNFs) with lower fiber diameter is found to be higher. The working temperature is increased by the decrease of glass transition temperature and increase of the melting temperature after loading drugs. Furthermore, the increase in the percentage of swelling and decrease in the degradation rate for NFs are observed due to the increase of fiber diameter. Encapsulation efficiency and burst release percentages for DNFs are augmented by the increase of fiber diameter. Nevertheless, DNFs exhibit a sustained drug release manner over 2 weeks. NFs do not demonstrate a toxic effect on L929 (mouse fibroblast) cells, and additionally, they promote cell proliferation. Considering all these results, it is proven that the fiber diameter affects all characteristic features of NFs, and DNFs lead to a new and promising drug delivery system for the treatment of AD.

Thermal activation of Ti(1-x)Au(x) thin films with enhanced hardness and biocompatibility.

The lifetime of orthopaedic implants can be extended by coating the softer Ti6Al4V alloy with harder biocompatible thin films. In this work, thin films of Ti(1-x)Au(x) are grown on Ti6Al4V and glass substrates by magnetron sputtering in the entire x = 0–1 range, before their key biomechanical properties are performance tuned by thermal activation. For the first time, we explore the effect of in-situ substrate heating versus ex-situ post-deposition heat-treatment, on development of mechanical and biocompatibility performance in Ti–Au films. A ∼250% increase in hardness is achieved for Ti–Au films compared to bulk Ti6Al4V and a ∼40% improvement from 8.8 GPa as-grown to 11.9 and 12.3 GPa with in-situ and ex-situ heat-treatment respectively, is corelated to changes in structural, morphological and chemical properties, providing insights into the origins of super-hardness in the Ti rich regions of these materials. X-ray diffraction reveals that as-grown films are in nanocrystalline states of Ti–Au intermetallic phases and thermal activation leads to emergence of mechanically hard Ti–Au intermetallics, with films prepared by in-situ substrate heating having enhanced crystalline quality. Surface morphology images show clear changes in grain size, shape and surface roughness following thermal activation, while elemental analysis reveals that in-situ substrate heating is better for development of oxide free Ti3Au β-phases. All tested Ti–Au films are non-cytotoxic against L929 mouse fibroblast cells, while extremely low leached ion concentrations confirm their biocompatibility. With peak hardness performance tuned to >12 GPa and excellent biocompatibility, Ti–Au films have potential as a future coating technology for load bearing medical implants.

Cytotoxic Effect of Nano Fast Cement and ProRoot Mineral Trioxide Aggregate on L-929 Fibroblast Cells: an in vitro Study.

Statement of the Problem: Endodontic materials that are placed in direct contact with living tissues should be biocompatible. The cytotoxicity of Nano Fast Cement (NFC) compared to ProRoot Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (ProRoot MTA) must be evaluated.Purpose: This In vitro study aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of NFC in comparison to ProRoot MTA on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells.Materials and Method: In this animal study, L-929 mouse fibroblast cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) in an atmosphere of 5% co2/95% air at 37 C̊. A total of 104 cells from the fourth collection were plated in each well of a 96-well micro-titer plate. Materials were mixed according to the manufacturer’s instruction and placed into the related plastic molds with 5 mm diameter and 3 mm height. After 24 hours and a complete setting, the extracts of the tested materials were produced at six different concentrations and placed in the related wells. Cells in DMEM served as the negative control group. DMEM alone was used as the positive control group. Methyl-thiazoltetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay was conducted after 24, 48, and 72 hours. The absorbance values were measured by ELISA plate reader at 540 nm wavelength. Three-way analysis of variance, post-hoc Tukey, LSD, and independent t-test were used for the statistical analyses using SPSS software, version 16.0.Results: There was no statically significant difference between MTA and NFC in cell viability values at different concentrations and different time intervals (p= 0.649). Viability values were significantly decreased after 72 hours, but there was no significant difference between the first and second MTT assays (p= 0.987). Cytotoxicity significantly increased at concentrations higher than 6.25 µɡ/ml.Conclusion: Cytotoxicity depends on time, concentration, and cement composition. There was no statistically significant difference between NFC and MTA concerning their cytotoxic effects on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells.

One-pot biofabrication and characterization of Tara gum/Riceberry phenolics–silver nanogel: A cytocompatible and green nanoplatform with multifaceted biological applications

This work proposed a one-pot green route for the development of a biocompatible Tara gum-Riceberry phenolics‑silver nanosphere hybrid nanocomposite (TG/RiPE-SNG) with manifold biological potentialities. The reaction system comprised of AgNO3 as nanosilver precursor, Riceberry phenolic extract as the green in situ reductant, and Tara gum as stabilizing and anchoring agent. TG/RiPE-SNG was extensively characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR, RAMAN, TEM, FESEM, EDX, DLS/zeta potential, XRD, and TGA analyses. Small, stable, spherical, well-dispersed SNP with an average particle size of 13.01 nm and λmax of 421 nm were synthesized in situ, and uniformly distributed within the gel-like TG/RiPE composite. The prepared nanocomposite demonstrated superior antibacterial properties (MIC of 12.5 μg/mL) against S. aureus and S. epidermidis compared to the gum or extract. Additionally, TG/RiPE-SNG exhibited strong light barrier, tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant functionalities. TG/RiPE-SNG also exhibited high stability at different pH and was more thermally stable relative to the plain TG/RiPE composite. Furthermore, TG/RiPE-SNG showed good biocompatibility towards mouse L929 fibroblasts and rat erythrocytes. The obtained findings revealed a simple, benign, and inexpensive approach using only natural ingredients for the preparation of gum-based biopolymer-nanosilver hybrid nanocomposite and underscored the strong attributes of TG/RiPE-SNP as a nanomaterial with desirable biomedical potentials.

Nanomagnetic hydrogel based on chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and glucose oxidase as a nanotheranostic platform for simultaneous therapeutic and imaging applications

Theranostic platform including therapeutic agent and diagnostics factor is of great interest in the current cancer treatment research. In this study, we constructed a pH-responsive nanomagnetic hydrogel based on chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and glucose oxidase (NMH-CsHA-GOx) as a platform, which represents good performance both as a nanomedicine and as a dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. The NMH-CsHA-GOx is a hybrid catalyst that catalyzes a cascade reaction that results in the production of hydroxyl radicals. This leads to the apoptosis and death of cancer cells under the mildly acidic TME. Moreover, the ultrasmall superparamagnetic Fe3O4 NPs act as the T1-weighted and T2-weighted (dual-modal) MRI contrast agents that can be used to identify the cancer cells. The r1 = 6.37, r2 = 27.07/mM/s, and r2/r1 ratio were obtained from MRI relaxivity measurements. The NMH-CsHA-GOx was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The morphology of the hydrogel and nanomagnetic hydrogel were characterized by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The size and distribution of Fe3O4NPs were studied by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray elemental mapping, respectively. The analysis confirmed the very small size of the Fe3O4 NPs (5–12 nm), which were dispersed uniformly. The NMH-CsHA-GOx represents high selectivity between normal cells (L929 mouse fibroblast cell line) and tumor cells (MCF-7 breast cancer cell line). The pH-sensitive NMH-CsHA-GOx, can produce a controlled amount of hydroxyl radical under the mildly acidic TME.

Folic Acid-Adorned Curcumin-Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Cervical Cancer.

Cancer is a deadly disease that has long plagued humans and has become more prevalent in recent years. The common treatment modalities for this disease have always faced many problems and complications, and this has led to the discovery of strategies for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The use of magnetic nanoparticles in the past two decades has had a significant impact on this. One of the objectives of the present study is to introduce the special properties of these nanoparticles and how they are structured to load and transport drugs to tumors. In this study, iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with 6 nm sizes were coated with hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) and folic acid (FA). The functionalized nanoparticles (10–20 nm) were less likely to aggregate compared to non-functionalized nanoparticles. HPG@Fe3O4 and FA@HPG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles were compared in drug loading procedures with curcumin. HPG@Fe3O4 and FA@HPG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles’ maximal drug-loading capacities were determined to be 82 and 88%, respectively. HeLa cells and mouse L929 fibroblasts treated with nanoparticles took up more FA@HPG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles than HPG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The FA@HPG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles produced in the current investigation have potential as anticancer drug delivery systems. For the purpose of diagnosis, incubation of HeLa cells with nanoparticles decreased MRI signal enhancement’s percentage and the largest alteration was observed after incubation with FA@HPG@Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Cytotoxicity of Acrylic Resins, Particulate Filler Composite Resin and Thermoplastic Material in Artificial Saliva with and without Melatonin.

There is limited information on the effect of melatonin on the cytotoxicity of dental materials. The study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of heat- and auto-polymerized acrylic resin, particulate filler composite resin and a thermoplastic material on L-929 fibroblast cell viability at different incubation periods in artificial saliva without and with melatonin. Disk-shaped specimens were prepared according to each manufacturer’s instructions and divided into two groups to be stored either in artificial saliva (AS) and AS with melatonin (ASM). The measurements were performed using an MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide) assay, in which the L-929 mouse fibroblasts cell culture was used. For the MTT test, extracts were examined at 1, 24, 72 h and 1 and 2 weeks. Data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests. No significant difference was found between groups AS and ASM (F = 0.796; p = 0.373). Incubation period significantly affected all materials tested (p < 0.001). Storing resin-based materials in artificial saliva with melatonin solution for 24 h may reduce cytotoxic effects on the fibroblast cells for which the highest effect was observed. Soaking resin prosthesis or orthodontic appliances in artificial saliva with melatonin at least 24 h before intraoral use or rinsing medium containing melatonin may be recommended for decreasing the cytotoxicity of dental resin materials.