Synthetic Origin Research Articles

Biodegradable mulching materials for agriculture: technology and environmental safety

Soil mulching is a common agricultural technique that reduces moisture loss, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and generally increases yield. Traditionally, low-density polyethylene is used for these purposes due to its mechanical and barrier properties, resistance to all forms of degradation, simple processing of cover soil, and low cost. However, using polyethylene has several artificial and environmental risks associated with difficult biodegradability, the difficulty of its removal after the harvest cycle, and final disposal. Therefore, there is great interest in the use of biodegradable mulch films. Two groups of materials most suitable for producing biodegradable coatings are polysaccharides of natural origin and biopolymers of synthetic origin. Technological methods for producing biopolymers from raw natural material by extraction from biomass and chemical or biotechnological methods are analyzed. Data are presented on the potential of biodegradable mulch materials of natural origin, films based on polysaccharides, synthetic polymers, and those applied as a solution for possible replacement of traditional mulch materials. A comparison was made of the compositions of biodegradable coatings, their properties, and their effects when used. The prospects and ways of introducing biodegradable film materials into agricultural practice are summarized.

A System Biology Approach Reveals New Targets for Human Thyroid Gland Toxicity in Embryos and Adult Individuals.

Compounds of natural or synthetic origin present in personal care products, food additives, and packaging may interfere with hormonal regulation and are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The thyroid gland is an important target of these compounds. The objective of this study was to analyze public data on the human thyroid transcriptome and investigate potential new targets of EDCs in the embryonic and adult thyroid glands. We compared the public transcriptome data of adult and embryonic human thyroid glands and selected 100 up- or downregulated genes that were subsequently subjected to functional enrichment analysis. In the embryonic thyroid, the most highly expressed gene was PRMT6, which methylates arginine-4 of histone H2A (86.21%), and the downregulated clusters included plasma lipoprotein particles (39.24%) and endopeptidase inhibitory activity (24.05%). For the adult thyroid gland, the most highly expressed genes were related to the following categories: metallothionein-binding metals (56.67%), steroid hormone biosynthetic process (16.67%), and cellular response to vascular endothelial growth factor stimulus (6.67%). Several compounds ranging from antihypertensive drugs to enzyme inhibitors were identified as potentially harmful to thyroid gland development and adult function.

Anticancer mechanisms of β-carbolines.

β-Carboline nucleus is therapeutically valuable in medicinal chemistry for the treatment of varied number of diseases, most importantly cancer. The potent and wide-ranging activity of β-carboline has established them as imperative pharmacological scaffolds especially in the cancer treatment. Numerous derivatives such as Tetrahydro β-carbolines, metal complexed β-carbolines, mono, di and tri substituted β-carbolines have been reported to possess dynamic anticancer activity. These different substituted β-carboline derivatives had shown different mechanism of action and plays important role in anticancer drug discovery and development. The review is an update of the chemistry of β-carbolines, both synthetic and natural origin acting through various targets against cancerous cells. In addition to this, studies of multitarget molecules designed by coupling β-carbolines along with other mechanisms for treatment of neoplasm are also summarized.

Algal Membrane Bioreactors for Efficient Removal of Emerging Contaminants and Resource Recovery: Current Advances and Future Outlook

Emerging contaminants (ECs), whether of synthetic or natural origin, pose a significant environmental concern, particularly in the context of industrial wastewater. The Algae Membrane Photobioreactor (AMBR) has emerged as a promising technology for ECs remediation. AMBRs effectively remove contaminants due to its considerable flexibility, scalability and a huge surface area for pollutant adsorption. The productivity and efficiency of biomass are increased when it operates in regulated conditions, which minimizes land footprint. AMBR hold immense appeal in favoring integrated circular economy approach and its implementation could achieve the goals for carbon-neutrality and resource recovery by producing value-added products like biofuels, bioplastics, biochemicals, animal feed, biofertilizers and waste re-uses. However, addressing scalability, harvesting efficiency, membrane fouling, algal strain optimization, economic viability, and regulatory approval are some of the challenges faced in order to the advancement of AMBR technology. Life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno-economic assessments (TEAs) are crucial area of future research in implementation of AMBR at pilot scale. LCA evaluates the sustainability of AMBRs with those of conventional techniques. In contrast, TEA examines economic viability parameters like cost-effectiveness, by-product market potential, and policy implications for AMBR implementation. This review emphasizes AMBR's advantages over conventional wastewater treatment technologies in detail, focusing on algal physiology responsible for ECs removal. The innovations related to the design and configuration of AMBRs are also discussed. Several benefits of this technology via integrated circular paradigm are highlighted. Noteworthy pilot case studies, LCA, TEA, challenges and future perspective are spotlighted to underscore the compelling promise of this technology.

Computational Approaches Molecular Docking and MD Simulation Establishes the Potential COVID-19 Main Protease Inhibitors from Natural Products

Aim: COVID-19 was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. No reliable cure, however, was found. To prevent viral replication, complementary therapy with antiviral and antimalarial medications were used. However, due to their synthetic origin, they have a lot of side effects. To overcome this bane natural origin drugs were repositioned. Background: As repositioned drugs do not undergo a pro-long process of pre-clinical trial, hence, they play an excellent role in the spillover of pathogens. The main protease (6LU7) enzyme found in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SAR-CoV-2) is essential for viral replication. Thus, it acts as a hotspot in drug discovery. Objective: A molecular docking computational approach was used to determine the ability of the binding contract between the selected 3D-models of COVID-19 protease target and proposed natural compounds pristimerin, amazoquinone, kendomycin, celastrol, 20-epi-isoguesterinol, phenanthrenequinone, taxodione, maytenoquinone, hippeastrine, ammothamnine, 28-hydroxy isoiguesterin, hemanthamine, alisol-B, stigmasterol, β-pinene,and β-sitosterol through Autodock v.1.5.6 software. Method: The present study is designed to perform in-silico studies using molecular docking (Autodock tool v.1.5.6), Discovery Studio 2017 R2 client, Patch dock, SWISS-ADME prediction, and molecular simulation (Desmond simulation package of Schrodinger) between 6LU7 and natural origin compounds. Result: The results of docking study performed between 6LU7 and compounds pristimerin, amazoquinone, kendomycin, celastrol, 20-epi-isoguesterinol, phenanthrenequinone, taxodione, maytenoquinone, hippeastrine, ammothamnine, 28-hydroxy isoiguesterin, hemanthamine, alisol-B, stigmasterol, β-pinene, and β-sitosterol, showed binding energy as -9.68, -7.34, -5.34, -4.63, -4.24, -4.13, -4.08, -3.85, -3.83, -3.7, -3.6, -3.57, -3.54, -3.39, -3.18, and -3.03 Kcal/mol, respectively. It can be shown that the Pristimerin-6LU7 protein complex was maintained throughout the simulation since the ligand RMSDs varied with a maximum value of 4.2Å during the first 10 ns, followed by more stable interactions for the remaining time of the simulation. Conclusion: The goal of the current work was to find inhibitors for both prophylactic and therapeutic usage in COVID-19 patients.

Replace or Regenerate? Diverse Approaches to Biomaterials for Treating Corneal Lesions.

The inner structures of the eye are protected by the cornea, which is a transparent membrane exposed to the external environment and subjected to the risk of lesions and diseases, sometimes resulting in impaired vision and blindness. Several eye pathologies can be treated with a keratoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at replacing the cornea with tissues from human donors. Even though the success rate is high (up to 90% for the first graft in low-risk patients at 5-year follow-up), this approach is limited by the insufficient number of donors and several clinically relevant drawbacks. Alternatively, keratoprosthesis can be applied in an attempt to restore minimal functions of the cornea: For this reason, it is used only for high-risk patients. Recently, many biomaterials of both natural and synthetic origin have been developed as corneal substitutes to restore and replace diseased or injured corneas in low-risk patients. After illustrating the traditional clinical approaches, the present paper aims to review the most innovative solutions that have been recently proposed to regenerate the cornea, avoiding the use of donor tissues. Finally, innovative approaches to biological tissue 3D printing and xenotransplantation will be mentioned.

Target and suspect screening of psychoactive substances in seizures and oral fluid exploiting retention time prediction and LC-MS/MS analysis

BackgroundNovel psychoactive substances (NPS) are a group of substances, mainly of synthetic origin, characterized by toxicological properties extremely dangerous. The main difficulty in recognizing NPS in seizures and biological samples lies in their dynamic nature, related to the continuous synthesis and introduction on the market of new drugs, often with very similar structures to existing ones. The aim of this study was the creation of a robust and versatile method for the analysis of traditional drugs and NPS in different matrices. ResultsBoth target analysis and suspect screening methodologies were developed. The strategy used for suspect screening allowed to collect data through a scheduled multi reaction monitoring (sMRM) survey which triggered the collection of enhanced product ion (EPI) spectra when a compound met information dependent acquisition (IDA) criteria. The retention time of the different drugs, which was crucial to define the sMRM survey scan parameters, was predicted with a Quantitative Structure Retention (Chromatographic) Relationship (QSRR) model by Multiple Linear Regression. The model was validated through the evaluation of training set predictions, an external validation set and a leave-one out strategy; the results showed that the method fit for its purpose. The target method was validated in oral fluid as a testing matrix, with excellent results in term of recovery, accuracy, precision and matrix effect. Finally, the performances of the suspect method were evaluated by analysing a mixture containing 8 reference standards not included in the initial dataset, as well as seizures and real oral fluid samples. Four NPS were putatively identified in the analysed samples. SignificanceThe advantage of the proposed approach is the possibility of quantifying 65 classical drugs of abuse and NPS and, at the same time, detect and putatively identify 146 additional drugs in one single LC-MS/MS run. This is an innovative strategy for multi analyte detection and enables detection of low concentrations of drugs in complex biological matrices such as oral fluid. Considering the highly dynamic drug market, a strength of this strategy is that the analytical method can be kept up to date through the addition of new compounds based on the last drug monitoring bodies alerts without the need of authentic standards.

Expanding Luminescence Horizons in Macropolyhedral Heteroboranes

AbstractLuminescence is observed in three novel macropolyhedral nineteen‐ and eighteen‐vertex chalcogenaboranes: Se2B17H17 (1), SeB17H19 (3) and SeB18H20 (4). This led us to the recognition that previously published macropolyhedral heteroborane species might also exhibit luminescence. Thus, the known nineteen‐ and eighteen‐vertex dithiaboranes S2B17H17 (2), n‐S2B16H16 (5) and i‐S2B16H16 (6) were synthesised and also found to exhibit a range of luminescent properties. These macropolyhedral species are very different from the previously unique fluorescent binary borane B18H22 in terms of their structural architectures, by the presence of borane cluster hetero atoms, and, as in the cases of 5 and 6, that their synthetic origins are not derived simply through the modification of B18H22 itself. They consequently greatly expand the possibilities of finding new luminescent inorganic borane species.

Expanding Luminescence Horizons in Macropolyhedral Heteroboranes.

Luminescence is observed in three novel macropolyhedral nineteen- and eighteen-vertex chalcogenaboranes: Se2B17H17 (1), SeB17H19 (3) and SeB18H20 (4). This led us to the recognition that previously published macropolyhedral heteroborane species might also exhibit luminescence. Thus, the known nineteen- and eighteen-vertex dithiaboranes S2B17H17 (2), n-S2B16H16 (5) and i-S2B16H16 (6) were synthesised and also found to exhibit a range of luminescent properties. These macropolyhedral species are very different from the previously unique fluorescent binary borane B18H22 in terms of their structural architectures, by the presence of borane cluster hetero atoms, and, as in the cases of 5 and 6, that their synthetic origins are not derived simply through the modification of B18H22 itself. They consequently greatly expand the possibilities of finding new luminescent inorganic borane species.

INFLUENCE OF POPULUS BALZAMIFERA BUDNEY EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CABBAGE

In recent years, there has been a persistent search for new methods and technologies for cultivating individual crops in order to increase their productivity and improve product quality. New methods of pre-sowing seed treatment with biological stimulants are increasingly being introduced, increasing not only crop yields, but also changing (increasingly) the content of important nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, oils, and others). Despite the rapid development of chemistry and the growth in the number of new highly effective drugs of biotechnological and synthetic origin, plants continue to occupy a significant place as a growth stimulator of agricultural crops.
 The aim of the work is to evaluate the effect of poplar extract on the growth and development of white cabbage.
 Tasks: to investigate the qualitative composition of the aqueous extract of poplar buds; to establish the growth-stimulating activity of the extract of balsamic poplar buds in relation to the seeds of white cabbage.
 Methodology and scientific approaches: in the course of the work, experimental studies were carried out on the extraction of natural compounds of balsam poplar buds, evaluating the effectiveness of the balsam poplar bud extract on the growth and development of white cabbage.
 Results and conclusions: in the composition of the aqueous extract of poplar buds, such classes of compounds as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, saponins, amino acids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides were identified; the use of poplar bud extract had a significant impact on morphogenesis, physiological and biochemical parameters, and the productivity of white cabbage of the "Gift" variety.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest plants utilized by humans for both economic and medical purposes. Although the use of cannabis started millennia ago in the Eastern hemisphere, its use has moved and flourished in the Western nations in more recent centuries. C. sativa is the source of psychoactive cannabinoids that are consumed as recreational drugs worldwide. The C21 aromatic hydrocarbons are restricted in their natural occurrence to cannabis (with a few exceptions). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, with many pharmacological effects and various approved medical applications. However, a wide range of side effects are associated with the use of Δ9-THC, limiting its medical use. In 1966, another psychoactive cannabinoid, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) was isolated from marijuana grown in Maryland but in very low yield. Δ8-THC is gaining increased popularity due to its better stability and easier synthetic manufacturing procedures compared to Δ9-THC. The passing of the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018 led to an increase in the sale of Δ8-THC in the United States. The marketed products contain Δ8-THC from synthetic sources. In this review, methods of extraction, purification, and structure elucidation of Δ8-THC will be presented. The issue of whether Δ8-THC is a natural compound or an artifact will be discussed, and the different strategies for its chemical synthesis will be presented. Δ8-THC of synthetic origin is expected to contain some impurities due to residual amounts of starting materials and reagents, as well as side products of the reactions. The various methods of analysis and detection of impurities present in the marketed products will be discussed. The pharmacological effects of Δ8-THC, including its interaction with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in comparison with Δ9-THC, will be reviewed.

Hypervisor-based data synthesis: On its potential to tackle the curse of client-side agent remnants in forensic image generation

In the field of digital forensics, the number and heterogeneity of devices typically involved in an investigation is increasing. In order to train digital forensics practitioners and make faster progress in the development and validation of forensic tools, the demand for up-to-date data sets is high. However, manually creating data sets is a complex, tedious, and time-consuming task increasing the need for automated solutions. Existing data generation frameworks typically use components that run directly on the simulated client (e.g., a client-side agent controlled via SSH). On the one hand, this facilitates simulation by providing direct feedback from the client and the ability to use client-side libraries to access software. On the other hand, however, this approach creates unintended traces in the generated data sets that quickly reveal their synthetic origin and affect their realism and thus their relevance. To avoid such traces, this paper presents a hypervisor-based solution to eliminate such a client-side software component in a recent digital forensic data set generator, while compensating for its absence only through host-side means. To demonstrate the practicability of the proposed approach as well as the indistinguishability of the generated traces, a multi-participant scenario is performed as a proof of concept to replicate a realistic attack scenario on a Linux system from a Kali attacker machine. During the evaluation, the generated data set is compared in terms of unintended traces and realism to a data set generated by the same framework using an agent component. In this way, we demonstrate the benefits and overall usefulness of an agent-less data synthesis approach.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of Using Commercial Wound Coatings as a Carrier Matrix for Bacteriophages.

Twelve varieties of commercial wound coverings based on biopolymers of natural and synthetic origin, a biological preparation Staphylophag produced by scientific-industrial association Microgen (Russia), registration certificate P N001973/01, and the S. aureus 3196 test strain (GenBank JARQZO000000000) isolated from a patient with a burn wound have been used in our work. The ability of commercial biological wound coatings to absorb solutions was examined by immersing them in a physiological solution (pH 7.0-7.2) followed by weighing. The lytic activity of three bacteriophage series against the test strain was studied using the Appelman method and a spot test. The lytic activity of the bacteriophage in the wound samples was studied within 7 days after its absorption by the wound coatings. The greatest volume of fluid was absorbed by the LycoSorb, NEOFIX FibroSorb Ag, Biatravm, and Chitocol-S wound coatings. All bacteriophage series have been found to have a high lytic activity against the test strain. It has also been shown that Chitocol-S, Collachit-FA, Algipran, and Aquacel Ag Extra possessed their own inherent antibacterial activity under in vitro conditions stable for 7 days; moreover, the lysis zones of the test strain increased after their saturation with bacteriophage. On day 0, a high level of bacteriophage lytic activity with the maximum size of the test strain lysis zones from 49 to 59 mm have been found to remain in all samples of the wound coverings. The bacteriophage activity persisted for 1 day in the samples of Hydrofilm, Polypran, and NEOFIX FibroCold Ag coatings, up to 4 days in Algipran, Nano-Aseptica, and Biatravm coatings; and for 7 days in the Chitocol-S, Collachit-FA, Opsite Post-Op Visible, NEOFIX FibroSorb Ag, Aquacel Ag Extra, and LycoSorb samples. Modern commercial wound dressings based on chitosan-collagen complex (Chitocol-S, Collachit-FA), polyurethane (Opsite Post-Op Visible, LycoSorb, NEOFIX FibroSorb Ag), and Hydrofiber (Aquacel Ag Extra) have a sufficient level of bacteriophage solution absorption, provide a stable preservation of the bacteriophage lytic activity under in vitro conditions up to 7 days. Thus, the in vitro studies prove the possibility of their use as a carrier matrix for bacteriophages.

Comparative immunotoxicity of bees, apis mellifera (hymenoptera: apidae), exposed to natural and synthetic xenobiotics

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of natural and synthetic chemical pesticides, thereby examining the supposed selectivity of these natural compounds on Apis mellifera bees. The LC50 values used in the bioassays were obtained from the research by Souza et al. (2023) and are as follows: Karate® (13.4 µL/100 mL), Limonene compound (1,440 µL/100 mL), and Roundup® (712,290 µL/100 mL). However, as reported by these authors, a concentration of 250 µL/100 ml was used for Azamax®. These LC50 values, along with a concentration of 250 µL/100 mL of Azamax®, were employed in immunohistochemical analyzes using the TUNEL method and PCNA in the midgut of bees. Immunological assessments (nitric oxide, phenoloxidase, and oxidative stress markers TBARS and GSH) were also conducted on adult worker bees. The xenobiotic treatments did not reveal apoptosis or cell proliferation. Nonetheless, we observed epithelial degeneration, marked by the presence of vacuolated cells, suggesting a necrotic process. Except for the Limonene compound, all substances induced oxidative stress, leading to increased levels of TBARS. Although there were no differences in GSH levels, we observed alterations in the immune system of these insects, characterized by increased phenoloxidase activity and NO2 levels. Based on the acquired results, it is possible to conclude that caution should be exercised when using chemical pesticides in agriculture, whether they are of synthetic or natural origin, as they have the potential to cause irreversible histopathological and immunological damage. This study also underscores the importance of conducting more comprehensive investigations into the impact of natural products on the physiology of pollinator insects.

Coumarin-transition metal complexes with biological activity: current trends and perspectives.

Coumarin (2H-1-benzopyran-2-one) presents the fundamental structure of an enormous class of biologically active compounds of natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic origin. Extensive efforts are continually being put into the research and development of coumarin derivatives with medicinal properties by the broad scientific community. Transition metal coordination compounds with potential biological activity are a "hot topic" in the modern search for novel drugs. Complexation with transition metals can enhance the physiological effect of a molecule, modify its safety profile, and even imbue it with novel attributes of interest in the fields of medicine and pharmacy. The present review aims to inform the reader of the latest developments in the search for coumarin transition metal complexes with biological activity, their potential applications, and structure-activity relationships, where such can be elucidated. Each section of the present review addresses a certain kind of biological activity (antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.), explores the most recent discoveries in the field, and, at the same time, tries to offer useful perspectives for potential future investigations.

Variation in the use of anthropogenic materials in tit nests: influence of human activities and pandemic restrictions

As urbanization expands, so does the presence of anthropogenic materials within bird’s nests. However, our understanding of this phenomenon remains limited, particularly in terrestrial birds. This study describes and compares the use of anthropogenic materials in great tit (Parus major) and blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) nests in relation to the intensity of anthropogenic activities, distance to contamination sources and reproductive metrics, in nest boxes in a suburban wood in Coimbra, Portugal, during the breeding seasons of 2020 and 2021. Nests were collected after fledging and sorted to remove anthropogenic materials. From a total of 9.71% anthropogenic materials in great tit nests we observed an abundance of uncoloured tangles of mixed fibres, representing 78% of the total weight of the anthropogenic materials in great tit nests in 2021. The chemical composition of these mixtures was determined by spectroscopy analysis, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 56% of the nests (16/25) contained fibres from synthetic origin. The percentage of anthropogenic materials was higher in great tit than in blue tit nests and increased in 2021, comparatively to 2020. The proximity to potential contamination sources influenced positively the percentage of anthropogenic materials in nests, as those closer to areas with more intense anthropogenic activities (the bar/tennis court and the wastewater treatment plant) had a higher percentage of these materials. No effects on productivity were detected. Our results suggest that the use of these materials is probably related to the intensity of anthropogenic activities.

Biosurfactants: Promising Biomolecules for Agricultural Applications

Population growth and the need for increased agricultural productivity pose a global problem. Therefore, the development of green compounds to ensure agricultural sustainability is an urgent necessity. Surfactant compounds hold significant commercial importance due to their diverse industrial uses. However, the synthetic origin of these agents limits their commercial application due to their toxicity. As a result, extensive research has focused on the production of microbial-originated green surfactants, known as biosurfactants, over the past fifteen years. These biomolecules not only offer a green alternative for agriculture but also exhibit reduced toxicity and excellent stability under specific environmental conditions. Biosurfactants can lower surface tension more effectively than synthetic surfactants. With properties such as detergency and foam formation, biosurfactants are suitable for various agricultural applications, particularly in pesticide and agrochemical formulations. They can function as biopesticides to manage pests, pathogens, phytopathogenic fungi, and weeds due to their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, plants can benefit from biosurfactant molecules and microorganisms as nutrients. They can also aid efficiently in the distribution of micronutrients and metals in the soil. They also stimulate plant immunity and are utilized for soil hydrophilization to ensure proper moisture levels and uniform fertilizer distribution. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the role and properties of biosurfactants as agricultural adjuvants, fostering the development of sustainable formulations to replace the chemical surfactants used in pesticides. For this purpose, the general aspects of global agricultural activity are initially described, followed by a discussion of pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticide products. Next, the properties of chemical surfactants are discussed and the use of green surfactants, with emphasis on microbial biosurfactants, is demonstrated. The application of biosurfactants in the agricultural industry and trends are addressed and prospects for the application of these agents are discussed.

Application of metal-organic framework materials in regenerative medicine.

In the past few decades, scaffolds manufactured from composite or hybrid biomaterials of natural or synthetic origin have made great strides in enhancing wound healing and repairing fractures and pathological bone loss. However, the prevailing use of such scaffolds in tissue engineering is accompanied by numerous constraints, including low mechanical stability, poor biological activity, and impaired cell proliferation and differentiation. The performance of scaffolds in wound and bone tissue engineering may be enhanced by some modifications in the synthesis of nanoscale metal-organic framework (nano-MOF) scaffolds. Nano-MOFs have attracted researchers' attention in recent years due to their distinctive features, which include tenability, biocompatibility, good mechanical stability, and ultrahigh surface area. The biological properties of scaffolds are enhanced and tissue regeneration is facilitated by the introduction of nano-MOFs. Moreover, the physicochemical characteristics, drug loading, and ion release capacities of the scaffolds are improved by the nanoscale structure and topological features of nano-MOFs, which also control stem cell differentiation, proliferation, and attachment. This review provides further comprehensive detail about the most recent uses of nano-MOFs in tissue engineering. The distinct characteristics of nano-MOFs are explored in enhancing tissue repair, wound healing, osteoinduction, and bone conductivity. Significant attributes include high antibacterial activity, substantial drug-loading capacity, and the ability to regulate drug release. Finally, this discussion addresses the obstacles, clinical impediments, and considerations encountered in the application of these nanomaterials to diverse scaffolds, tissue-mimicking structures, dressings, fillers, and implants for bone tissue repair and wound healing.

Encapsulation of short-chain bioactive peptides (BAPs) for gastrointestinal delivery: a review.

The majority of known peptides with high bioactivity (BAPs) such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, are short-chain sequences of less than ten amino acids. These short-chain BAPs of varying natural and synthetic origin must be bioaccessible to be capable of being adsorbed systemically upon oral administration to show their full range of bioactivity. However, in general, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that gastrointestinal digestion reduces BAPs bioactivity unless they are protected from degradation by encapsulation. This review gives a critical analysis of short-chain BAP encapsulation and performance with regard to the oral delivery route. In particular, it focuses on short-chain BAPs with antihypertensive and antidiabetic activity and encapsulation methods via nanoparticles and microparticles. Also addressed are the different wall materials used to form these particles and their associated payloads and release kinetics, along with the current challenges and a perspective of the future applications of these systems.

The effect of selected process parameters on shape fidelity in extrusion-based bioprinting of natural and synthetic hydrogels

Recently application of 3D bioprinting to bioengineering has gained interest for the availability of advanced biomaterials with promising properties for regenerative medicine and drug delivery. In particular, extrusion-based bioprinting has the possibility to use a wide range of hydrogels of natural and synthetic origin. One of the most critical weaknesses of bioprinting is the poor post-printing shape fidelity of 3D scaffold possibly due to the porous-viscoelastic nature and swelling behavior of extruded polymers through the printing head. In this work, a quantitative index, termed shape fidelity index, is proposed to evaluate the discrepancy between ideal and real printed scaffolds. Scaffolds were printed with natural polysaccharides, such as alginate and cellulose (Xplore®), and synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (START®). Four process parameters on 2 levels were selected for the study according to a DOE analysis: inlet pressure, printing speed, temperature and type of biomaterial. 16 experiments were performed with an extrusion-based bioprinter to produce 3D porous scaffolds, the shape and surface areas of which were characterized with optical microscopy and image analysis. Shape fidelity indices were characterized to guide the optimization of the bioprinting process. The proposed approach permits also to determine the process parameter influencing the most the printing outcome and to rank the parameter importance for optimizing the shape fidelity of the bioprinted manufacts with soft biomaterials.