L929 Fibroblasts Research Articles

Design of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and poly(ethylene glycol) microneedle arrays for delivering glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder characterized by cartilage and bone degradation. Medical therapies like glucosaminoglycan (GAG), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and hyaluronic acid (HA) aim to preserve joint function and reduce inflammation but may cause side effects when administered orally or via injection. Microneedle arrays (MNAs) offer a localized drug delivery method that reduces side effects. Thus, this study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of delivering GAG, CS, and HA using microneedles in vitro. An optimal needle geometry is crucial for the successful application of MNA. To address this, here we employ a multi-objective optimization framework using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) to determine the ideal MNA design, focusing on preventing needle failure. Then, a three-step fabrication approach is followed to fabricate the MNAs. First, the master (male) molds are fabricated from poly(methyl methacrylate) using mechanical micromachining based on optimized needle geometry. Second, a micro-molding with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is used for the fabrication of production (female) molds. In the last step, the MNAs were fabricated by microcasting the hydrogels using the production molds. Light microscopy (LIMI) confirms the accuracy of the MNAs manufactured, and in vitro skin insertion tests demonstrate failure-free needle insertion. Subsequently, we confirmed the biocompatibility of MNAs by evaluating their impact on the L929 fibroblast cell line, human chondrocytes, and osteoblasts.

Ultra‐thin benzalkonium chloride‐doped poly(lactic acid) electrospun mat

AbstractIn this study, poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and benzalkonium chloride with different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9%wt.) (PLA/PEG/BCL) composite electrospun mats were produced. PLA is a non‐toxic polymer with high biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, it may be fragile due to its structure. Therefore, in this study, PEG was used as a plasticizer to improve the structural properties of PLA and it was aimed at providing antibacterial properties by adding BCL salt. Its use as an antibacterial composite nanomaterial effective against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial cultures and as a dermal wound dressing material has been examined in two different areas. The addition of BCL salt reduced the bead formation in PLA/PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion. 9% BCL‐doped composite nanofiber was obtained as the smoothest and most homogeneous surface. This mat was reported to have the highest ductility. The low Tm of pure BCL salt enabled the Tg temperature of PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers to be observed. It was observed that as the BCL salt ratio increased, the T5 and T10 temperatures of the nanofibers decreased and then increased. BCL‐doped mats exhibited liquid absorption behavior in the range of 497%–708%. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers showed high toxicity to the L929 fibroblast cell line. So, it has been reported that it cannot be used as a dermal wound dressing. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanomaterials were reported to have 99.99% antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. It was suggested that it could be used in antibacterial coating applications by taking into account modern nanocoating technology.Highlights Poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and benzalkonium chloride (PLA/PEG/BCL) composite electrospun mats were produced. The addition of BCL salt reduced the bead formation in PLA/PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion. 9% BCL‐doped composite nanofiber was obtained as the smoothest and most homogeneous surface. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers showed high toxicity to the L929 fibroblast cell line. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanomaterials were reported to have 99.99% antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Acute Toxicity Of Pereskia aculeata, In Zophobas morio Larvae.

Pereskia aculeata has been widely investigated due to its anti-inflammatory potential. Among the metabolites found in this species are the phytosterols beta-sitosterol (β-SIT) and stigmasterol (STIG). The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicity activities of the hexane partition of P. aculeata (PHEX), as well as β-SIT and STIG. PHEX was prepared and the phytosterols were quantified. In terms of toxicity against L929 fibroblast cells, PHEX showed toxicity up to 200 μg/mL; STIG and β-SIT showed toxicity up to 25 μg/mL. PHEX inhibited 66 % of nitric oxide radicals, while STIG and β-SIT inhibited 33.73 % and 34.94 %, respectively. In an anti-inflammatory test against Zophobas morio larvae, all samples significantly reduced hemocyte levels. Additionally, the LD50 values were calculated: 229.6 mg/kg for PHEX, 101.5 mg/kg for STIG, and 103.8 mg/kg for β-SIT. In conclusion, the study indicates that the phytosterols present in PHEX may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Investigation of Cytotoxic Effects and Antimicrobial Activities of Light-cured and Self-cured Universal Adhesive Systems

Objective: This study aimed to compare the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of a light-cured adhesive system and a self-cured adhesive system from the same company. Materials and Methods: A Tokuyama BOND force II (Light-cured) adhesive system (TF2B) and a Tokuyama Universal Bond (Self-cured) adhesive system (TUB) were selected for the study. The cytotoxicity evaluation of these two systems on cell cultures was performed using MTT assay and Agar Diffusion assay in L929 fibroblast cells. Disk diffusion method and liquid microdilution (MIC) method were used to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. The experiments were performed on 6 pathogenic bacteria and 1 yeast fungus. Results: According to MTT test results, both adhesive systems have no significant toxic effect on healthy cells (L929). However, when TUB and TF2B were compared with each other, it was found that TF2B had almost no toxic effect. In the agar diffusion test, when the two bonds were compared with each other, a weak color lightening was observed only around the first concentration of TUB. No visible melting was detected in other concentrations of TUB and TF2B. Both adhesive systems failed to reach MIC values effectively on the test microorganisms. Since the results were far above the MIC values of the reference antibiotics, it was determined that they did not have antimicrobial effects. Disk diffusion results similarly showed that both bonds did not form an inhibition zone on the test microorganisms. Conclusions: In dentistry, cytotoxic effects of universal adhesive systems on living cells can be observed. Self-cured and Light-cured adhesive systems did not show toxic effects on L929 cells. In addition, antimicrobial effects on test microorganisms were not detected. The cytotoxicity of the materials can be tested on different cells.

A grafting approach for nisin-chitosan bio-based antibacterial films: preparation and characterization

Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium,Lactococcus lactisand currently recognized in the Generally Recognızed as Safe (GRAS) category due to its non-toxicity. Herein, nisin has been grafted to chitosan structure to obtain natural bio-active films with enhanced antibacterial activity. Grafting was performed using ethyl ester lysine diisocyanate and dimer fatty acid-based diisocyanate (DDI); two different close to fully bio-based diisocyanates and Disuccinimidyl suberate; a homo-bifunctional molecule acting as a crosslinker between amino groups. The grafting process allowed the chemical immobilization of nisin to chitosan structure. Physicochemical characterization studies showed the successful grafting of nisin. The antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureuswas evident for all nisin modified chitosan films and best pronounced when DDI was used as a crosslinker with a maximum zone of inhibition of ∼13 mm. All nisin grafted chitosan films were cytocompatible and the cell viability of L929 fibroblasts were >80% pointing out the non-toxic structure. Considering the results of the presented study, bio-based diisocyanates and homo-bifunctional crosslinkers are effective molecules in synthesis of nisin grafted chitosan structures and the new chitosan based antibacterial biopolymers obtained after nisin modification come forward as promising non-toxic and bioactive candidates to be applied in medical devices, implants, and various food coating products.

Exploring the anticancer potential of novel chalcone derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, computational analysis, and biological evaluation against breast cancer

This study presents a detailed synthesis and in-depth structural analysis of chalcone compounds with putative anticancer activity. The synthesis procedure for (2E)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(4-methylphenyl) prop‑2-en-1-one (MLDCL), (2E)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylphenyl) prop‑2-en-1-one(MLFC) and (2E)-3-(4-methylphenyl)-1-(4-nitrophenyl) prop‑2-en-1-one (MLNC) involves Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction. Modern analytical methods like FT-IR and H1 NMR spectroscopy were performed for structural characterization and accurate determination of chalcone compounds in the study. Using a UV–Vis-NIR spectrometer, the linear absorption spectra of three crystals were determined. The optical band gap (Eg) value of these chalcones is acquired from the tauc's plot of (αhv)2/3 against (hv). The in silico molecular docking with protein 3EQM provided valuable insights into potential interactions with the created compounds, yielding docking scores ranging from -8.8 to -7.8. Specific amino acid residues, such as ALA438, ALA306, and ILE133, were implicated in these interactions. The top-ranked compound MLNC (TOP1) from docking was further deemed for molecular dynamics studies, MTT assay, apoptosis, and cell cycle studies. The structural dynamics and stability of protein complexes 3EQM-APO, 3EQM-ASD (standard), and 3EQM-TOP1 were assessed over a 300 ns simulation period. Molecular dynamics studies showed that the complex was stable for a complete 300 ns. MTT assay was performed on triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDMAB-231 and normal fibroblast L929 cell line. An apoptosis and cell cycle studies were performed to further confirm the anti-cancer activity of the top-ranked compound MLNC.

Syntheses, structures and biological activities of new pyridinyl lactones

Several novel lactones containing either a pyridin-3-yl or a pyridin-2-yl ring in their structure were synthesized: trans δ halolactones 6–8a,b (chloro‑, bromo‑ and iodo-), γ iodolactone 11b and isomeric γ hydroxylactones 9–10a,b. Their structures were confirmed by NMR, IR and HR-MS and additionally by single crystal X-ray diffraction for trans δ bromolactone 6a, trans δ chlorolactone 7b and γ hydroxylactone 10b. Spectral analyses were further supported by DFT calculations. In testing of the compounds for antibacterial activity, none of the lactones exhibited activity against several bacteria strains. However, all lactones exhibited significant cytotoxicity against normal eukaryotic murine fibroblast L929 and human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cell lines with lactones possessing a pyridine-2-yl ring being more cytotoxic than their pyridine-3-yl counterparts.

Development and characterization of UV‐curable PCL/AESO/CNT nanocomposites for biomedical engineering

AbstractThis study investigates the development and characterization of UV‐curable Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), Acrylated Epoxidized Soybean Oil (AESO), and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites for biomedical engineering applications. The PCL/AESO blends were prepared in various ratios, and CNTs were incorporated at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% to enhance mechanical properties. The UV‐curable formulations aimed to leverage rapid curing times, precise control over material properties, and the ability to fabricate complex structures. Results indicated that the incorporation of CNTs improved the tensile strength, modulus, and toughness of the composites. The PCL/AESO/CNT nanocomposites exhibited a tensile strength increase of 25%, a modulus improvement of 30%, and a toughness enhancement of 20% compared to pure PCL. Thermal analysis showed an increase in crystallization temperature and thermal stability, with a crystallinity degree of 63.31% and a maximum degradation temperature of 407°C for the B/C 50/50/1.5 sample. Biocompatibility assessments using L929 fibroblast cells revealed that the composites supported cell viability and proliferation over 7 days with negligible cytotoxicity. Cell attachment studies indicated favorable morphology and adherence, suggesting a conducive environment for cell growth and differentiation. Hydrolytic biodegradation studies demonstrated adjustable degradation rates, making these composites suitable for various biomedical applications requiring controlled biodegradation.

Green synthesized chitosan-coated iron oxide nanocomposite using Cissus quadrangularis plant extract for antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer applications

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated their potential to eliminate a wide range of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens and cancer cells in recent years. Iron oxide (Fe3O4) NPs have received significant attention due to their wide range of uses in the field of biomedicine. In specific, biopolymer-encapsulated Fe3O4 NPs were applied in cancer therapy owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. The current investigation describes a bio-inspired approach to synthesize chitosan-based Fe3O4 nanocomposite (NC) employing Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) plant extract in a sustainable manner. The physicochemical, morphological, compositional, surface texture and thermal stability properties of the biopolymer-coated nanocomposites were characterised using FT-IR, UV–vis, XRD, XPS, HR-SEM, TEM, TGA, BET and TGA analyses. The antibacterial efficacy was examined in strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which verified that the growth of bacterial pathogens was inhibited by a substantial increase in the concentration of composites. The DPPH assay results were utilized to assess the free radical scavenging activity. The in vitro anticancer activity was found to be significant against the human osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line, with an IC50 value of 54 ± 0.50 μg/mL. The enhanced biocompatibility of NCs was confirmed by cytotoxic testing on human RBCs and normal L929 fibroblast cells.

Biomedical potential of green-engineered chitosan-magnesium oxide nanoparticles: An in vitro study on antibacterial and anticancer activities

The development of low-cost, highly effective, environmentally friendly, multi-functional bio-cidal substances has become a top priority in the current scenario. This study aimed to create low-cost materials, such as green-engineered magnesium oxide (GEMgO) and chitosan-coated magnesium oxide (GECsMgO) nanoparticles (NPs), using Chara zeylanica Klein ex Willd extract as a reducing agent. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed the cubic face-centered structure of the GEMgO and GECsMgO NPs. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed that GEMgO and GECsMgO NPs exhibit a spherical structure and nanoflakes with spherical structures, respectively. The Mg–O stretching frequencies were measured at 779 and 456 cm−1 for GEMgO and 543 cm−1 for GECsMgO NPs in the Fourier-transform infrared spectra. The oxygen vacancies responsible for the biocidal activities of GEMgO and GEC-MgO NPs were observed in their photoluminescence spectra at 501 and 520 nm and at 506 and 524 nm, respectively. The antioxidant activity of GEMgO and GECsMgO NPs was investigated using a DPPH assay. The GECsMgO NPs exhibited higher scavenging activity than the GEMgO NPs. Antibacterial studies on gram-negative bacteria treated with GEMgO and GECsMgO NPs showed that GECsMgO NPs exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The ultrastructural morphological results of E. coli showed that GECsMgO NPs can damage it better than GEMgO NPs. An MTT assay determined that GEC-MgO NPs had better anticancer properties than GEMgO NPs when tested against a blood cancer cell line (MOLT-7). Fibroblast L929 cell toxicity tests showed that GEC-MgO NPs were less toxic than GEMgO NPs. In the future, GECsMgO NPs can be used as biocidal agents in clinical and industrial applications.

Wound Healing Potential of a Novel Sedum Species: S. album Murales.

Natural wound healing products are in increased demand. The potential for unexplored Sedum species in wound healing was discovered based on benefits of the genus reported in traditional medicine. The objectives were to screen ten Sedum species for wound healing, to ascertain the optimal harvest period using the five best, and finally to investigate effects of extraction protocols on wound healing using the most promising species. Different protocols were used to extract leaf polyphenol and mucilage content. Wound healing was assessed from L929 fibroblast migration. April was the optimal harvest month for wound healing efficacy, whereas the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were evident in September and November. S. album Murales (ALBU), the best candidate, was then compared with S. telephium (TELE), which is well recognized in skin care. The mucilage-containing aqueous extract of ALBU was shown for the first time to induce the highest fibroblast migration after 24 h, not evident in TELE. Moreover, functional constituents contained within the absolute acetone- and isopropanol-containing polyphenol pools from ALBU induced significantly higher migration compared to TELE. A prototype cream, containing the water- and solvent-extracted bioactive compounds was effective at inducing fibroblast migration at 24 h in ALBU. The potential of ALBU in wound healing was evidenced and warrants further investigation.

Superabsorbent crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose-PEG hydrogel containing a nutgall extract as a broad antimicrobial agent for wound dressing applications

The treatment of chronic wounds encounters major challenges from oxidative stress that results from chronic inflammation and microbial infections. A hydrogel containing an ethanolic extract of Quercus infectoria galls (Qi) was developed as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronically infected wounds. FTIR confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds with 9.42 mg/g gallic acid as revealed by HPLC. Qi hydrogel presented a rough and compact surface with macroporous networks that contributed to an extremely high absorption of wound exudate equivalent to approximately 2300 % of the weight of the hydrogel. The biological activities of Qi hydrogel were compared with those of commercially-available products. According to the kinetic release, the correlation coefficients showed that the hydrogel fitted to the Higuchi model. Qi hydrogel exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against pathogens of clinical importance associated with wound infections. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 250 and 3.91 to >250 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, microbial biofilms were significantly inhibited compared with the untreated control (p < 0.05). At concentrations from 0.78 to 12.5 mg/mL, Qi hydrogel scavenged almost 100 % of DPPH and ABTS radicals and showed a ferric ion reducing power of 443.11 μM FeSO4/g hydrogel by FRAP assay. A biocompatibility assessment of the hydrogel on L929 fibroblast cells confirmed no toxic effects and the hydrogel significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages (p < 0.05). The absorbency, permeability, phytochemical compounds and biological activities of Qi hydrogel are suitable properties of a dressing for treating and preventing chronically infected wounds.

Synthesis of Cyclodextrin-Based Multifunctional Biocompatible Hydrogels and Their Use in the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions (Asherman's Syndrome) after Surgical Injury.

Asherman's syndrome, which can occur during the regeneration of damaged uterine tissue after surgical interventions, is a significant health problem in women. This study aimed to acquire and characterize cyclodextrin-based hydrogels, which can be used to prevent Asherman's syndrome, and investigate their effectiveness with biomedical applications. A series of hydrogels were synthesized from the cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin and different polyphenols with epoxy-functional PEG. Their chemical, physical, and biological properties were subsequently determined. The results demonstrated that the cyclodextrin-based hydrogels had a porous structure, high swelling ratio, good injectability, drug release ability, and antioxidant activity. Cell culture results illustrated that the hydrogels had no significant cytotoxicity toward L929 fibroblast cells. Considering all properties, the β-CD-PEG-600-Ec hydrogel showed the most satisfactory properties rather than other ones. The potential of this hydrogel in preventing Asherman's syndrome was evaluated in a rat model. The results revealed that the β-estradiol- and melatonin-loaded cyclodextrin-based multifunctional hydrogel group both structurally and mechanically showed an antiadhesion effect in the uterus and a therapeutic effect on the damage with the β-estradiol and melatonin that it contains compared to the Asherman (ASH) group. This double drug-loaded hydrogel can be a promising candidate for preventing Asherman's syndrome due to its versatile properties.

A bioactive xyloglucan polysaccharide hydrogel mechanically enhanced by Pluronic F127 micelles for promoting chronic wound healing

Chronic wounds represent a formidable global healthcare challenge due to the bacteria infections and uncontrollable inflammation responses, while developing wound healing materials capable of resolving these issues remains a challenge. In this study, we integrated xyloglucan (XG) with Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA)to develop a composite hydrogel for wound healing, where the XG introduced anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties to the construct, and F127DA provides the photocurable properties essential for hydrogel formation and robust mechanical characteristics to achieve physical strength that matches tissue regeneration. The material characterizations suggested that XG/F127DA hydrogels had great biostability, blood compatibility and antibacterial effects, which was suitable to be used as a wound healing material. The in vitro analysis by culturing L929 fibroblasts on the hydrogel surface demonstrated that the inclusion of XG could promote the cellular proliferation rate, migration rate, and re-epithelialization-related marker expression, while downregulate the inflammation process. The XG/F127DA hydrogel was further used for the full-thickness skin wound healing test on mice, where the inclusion of XG significantly increased the wound closure rate through reducing the inflammation responses, and promote re-epithelialization and angiogenesis. These results indicated that XG/F127DA hydrogel has great potential to be used for wound healing in future clinical translation.

Trilayered nanocellulose-based patches loaded with acyclovir and hyaluronic acid for the treatment of herpetic lesions

This study focuses on the preparation of layered bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) patches for drug delivery and wound healing in the context of herpes labialis. Nanostructured patches were prepared by selective aqueous diffusion of acyclovir (ACV, antiviral drug), hyaluronic acid (HA, skin healing promoter), and glycerol (GLY, plasticizer and humectant) in the BNC network, followed by assembly into trilayered patches with ACV on the central layer of the patch (ACVT) or divided between two layers (ACVH), to modulate drug release. Both patches showed good layers' adhesion and thermal stability (125 °C), UV barrier properties, good static (Young's modulus up to 0.9 GPa (dry) and 0.7 GPa (wet)) and dynamic mechanical performance, and adhesion strength (21 kPa) comparable to or higher than other materials and commercial adhesives for wound healing. In vitro drug dissolution showed faster ACV release from the ACVH patch (77 ± 5 %, 10 min) than from the ACVT one (50 ± 7 %), suggesting efficient drug delivery. ACVH closely resembled a commercial cream formulation in terms of release and permeation profiles. The patches were non-cytotoxic toward L929 fibroblasts, promoting cell adhesion and wound closure (in vitro). These results underscore the dual-action potential of the layered patches for managing herpetic lesions.

A new 3D model of L929 fibroblasts microtissues uncovers the effects of Bothrops erythromelas venom and its antivenom.

In Brazil, around 80% of snakebites are caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops. A three-dimensional culture model was standardized and used to perform treatments with Bothrops erythromelas venom (BeV) and its antivenom (AV). The MRC-5 and L929 cell lines were cultured at increasing cell densities. Morphometric parameters were evaluated through images obtained from an inverted microscope: solidity, circularity, and Feret diameter. L929 microtissues (MT) showed better morphometric data, and thus they were used for further analysis. MT viability was assessed using the acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining method, which showed viable cells in the MT on days 5, 7, and 10 of cultivation. Histochemical and histological analyses were performed, including hematoxylin/eosin staining, which showed a good structure of the spheroids. Alcian blue staining revealed the presence of acid proteoglycans. Immunohistochemical analysis with ki-67 showed different patterns of cell proliferation. The MT were also subjected to pharmacological tests using the BeV, in the presence or absence of its AV. The results showed that the venom was not cytotoxic, but it caused morphological changes. The MT showed cell detachment, losing their structure. The antivenom was able to partially prevent the venom activities.

The effect of sulfur atom on the biomedical properties of metal organic frameworks (MOF) prepared from mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) with Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared at room temperature using natural occurring succinic acid derivatives, mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA), and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), as organic linker with Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) as metal ions. The porosity, thermal, and structural properties of MSA- and DMSA-based Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) MOFs were characterized and DMSA-Cu(II) MOFs were found to have higher surface area and lower pore size values, 73.7 m2/g, and 12.7 nm, respectively. The metal ion amount in MSA and DMSA-based MOF structures via Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) analysis revealed an increased amount of Metal ions with the increasing number of −SH groups in the MOF structures. The antioxidant activities of DMSA-based MOFs were measured higher than MSA-based MOFs by ABTS•+scavenging assay. DMSA-Cu(II) MOFs showed higher antioxidant activity with 4.58 ± 0.13 μmol trolox g−1. Both MSA- and DMSA-MOFs presented hemocompatible behavior at concentrations < 100 µg/mL. Also, against B. subtilis and S. aureus bacteria strains, DMSA-Cu(II) MOFs showed higher antimicrobial activity than all the other prepared MSA- and DMSA-based MOFs with a MIC value of 31 µg/mL and MBC value of 125 µg/mL for both bacteria strains. Moreover, the MSA- and DMSA-MOFs at 250 μg/mL concentration retain about 80 % cell viability for L929 fibroblast cells at 24 incubation time.

Irinotecan-loaded magnetite-silica core-shell systems for colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer represents a worldwide spread type of cancer and it is regarded as one of the leading death causes, along with lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Since conventional surgical resection and chemotherapy proved limited efficiency, the use of alternative drug delivery systems that ensure the controlled release of cytostatic agents possess immense potential for treatment. In this regard, the present study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficiency of a series of irinotecan-loaded magnetite-silica core–shell systems. The magnetite particles were obtained through a solvothermal treatment, while the silica shell was obtained through the Stöber method directly onto the surface of magnetite particles. Subsequently, the core–shell systems were physico-chemically and morpho-structurally evaluated trough X-ray diffraction (XRD) and (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy ((HR-)TEM) equipped with a High Annular Angular Dark Field Detector (HAADF) for elemental mapping. After the irinotecan loading, the drug delivery systems were evaluated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Additionally, the Brunauer–Emmett-Teller (BET) method was employed for determining the surface area and pore volume of the systems. The biological functionality of the core-shells was investigated through the MTT assay performed on both normal and cancer cells. The results of the study confirmed the formation of highly crystalline magnetite particles comprising the core and mesoporous silica layers of sizes varying between 2 and 7 nm as the shell. Additionally, the drug loading and release was dependent on the type of the silica synthesis procedure, since the lack of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) resulted in higher drug loading but lower cumulative release. Moreover, the nanostructured systems demonstrated a targeted efficiency towards HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, as in the case of normal L929 fibroblast cells, the cell viability was higher than for the pristine drug. In this manner, this study provides the means and procedures for developing drug delivery systems with applicability in the treatment of cancer.

Improved Cell Adhesion on Self-Assembled Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystal Films.

Chirality is ubiquitous in nature, and closely related to biological phenomena. Nature-originated nanomaterials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are able to self-assemble into hierarchical chiral nematic CNC films and impart handedness to nano and micro scale. However, the effects of the chiral nematic surfaces on cell adhesion are still unknown. Herein, this work presents evidence that the left-handed self-assembled chiral nematic CNC films (L-CNC) significantly improve the adhesion of L929 fibroblasts compared to randomly arranged isotropic CNC films (I-CNC). The fluidic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy is introduced to assess the cell adhesion forces on the substrates of L-CNC and I-CNC, respectively. With this method, a maximum adhesion force of 133.2 nN is quantified for mature L929 fibroblasts after culturing for 24h on L-CNC, whereas the L929 fibroblasts exert a maximum adhesion force of 78.4 nN on I-CNC under the same condition. Moreover, the instant SCFS reveals that the integrin pathways are involved in sensing the chirality of substrate surfaces. Overall, this work offers a starting point for the regulation of cell adhesion via the self-assembled nano and micro architecture of chiral nematic CNC films, with potential practical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Using chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles as a drug carrier for opioid delivery against breast cancer

Over the past decades, opium derivatives have been discovered as new anticancer agents. In our study, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs) decorated with chitosan were loaded with papaverine or noscapine to surmount drug delivery-related obstacles. Modifying the magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) surface with polymeric materials such as chitosan prevents oxidation and provides a site for drug linkage, which renders them a great drug carrier. The obtained systems were characterized by DLS (20–40 nm were achieved for MNPs and drug- loaded MNPs), TEM (spherical with average size of 11–20 nm) FTIR, XRD, and VSM (71.3 − 42.8 emu/g). Contrary to noscapine, papaverine-MNPs attenuated 4T1 murine breast cancer cell proliferation (11.50 ± 1.74 µg/mL) effectively compared to the free drug (62.35 ± 2.88 µg/mL) while sparing L-929 fibroblast cells (138.14 ± 4.38 µg/mL). Furthermore, SPION and SPION-chitosan displayed no cytotoxic activity. Colony-formation assay confirmed the long-term cytotoxicity of nanostructures. Both developed formulations promoted ROS production accompanied by late apoptotic cell death. The biocompatible nanoparticle exerted an augmenting effect to deliver papaverine to metastatic breast cancer cells.