Search

Starch-based nanofibrous scaffolds exhibit a potential wound healing processes as they are cost-effective, flexible, and biocompatible. Recently, natural polymers have received greater importance in regenerative medicine, mainly in the process of healing wounds and burns due to their unique properties which also include safety, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this respect, starch is considered to be one of the reliable natural polymers to promote the process of wound healing at a significantly faster rate. Starch and starch-based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have been used for the wound healing process which includes the process of adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration of cells. It also possesses significant activity to encapsulate and deliver biomaterials at a specific site which persuades the wound healing process at an increased rate. As the aforementioned scaffolds mimic the native extracellular matrix more closely, may help in the acceleration of wound closure, which in turn may lead to the promotion of tissue reorganization and remodeling. In-depth knowledge in understanding the properties of nanofibrous scaffolds paves a way to unfold novel methods and therapies, also to overcome challenges associated with wound healing. This review is intended to provide comprehensive information and recent advances in starch-based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for wound healing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burgeoning field of starch-based nanomaterials in biomedical applications has perceived notable progressions, with a particular emphasis on their pivotal role in precision drug delivery and the inhibition of tumor growth. The complicated challenges in current biomedical research require innovative approaches for improved therapeutic outcomes, prompting an exploration into the possible of starch-based nanomaterials. The conceptualization of this review emerged from recognizing the need for a comprehensive examination of the structural attributes, versatile properties, and mechanisms underlying the efficiency of starch-based nanomaterials in inhibiting tumor growth and enabling targeted drug delivery. This review delineates the substantial growth in utilizing starch-based nanomaterials, elucidating their small size, high surface-volume ratio, and biocompatibility, predominantly emphasizing their possible to actively recognize cancer cells, deliver anticancer drugs, and combat tumors efficiently. The investigation of these nanomaterials encompasses to improving biocompatibility and targeting specific tissues, thereby contributing to the evolving landscape of precision medicine. The review accomplishes by highlighting the auspicious strategies and modern developments in the field, envisioning a future where starch-based nanomaterials play a transformative role in molecular nanomaterials, evolving biomedical sciences. The translation of these advancements into clinical applications holds the potential to revolutionize targeted drug delivery and expand therapeutic outcomes in the realm of precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising, especially in India. Medicinal herbs, whether used alone or in combination with conventional medicines, have shown promise in managing diabetes and improving overall well-being. Piperine (PIP), a major bioactive compound found in pepper, is gaining attention for its beneficial properties. This study aimed to assess whether PIP could alleviate diabetes by targeting insulin pathway-related molecules in the adipose tissue of rats on a high-fat diet (HFD). After 60 days on the HFD, rats received PIP at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight for one month. The results showed that PIP significantly improved metabolic indicators, antioxidant enzymes, and carbohydrate metabolic enzymes. It also regulated the mRNA and protein expression of insulin signaling, which had been disrupted by the diet and sucrose intake. Molecular docking analysis also revealed strong binding of PIP to key diabetes-related regulatory proteins, including Akt (−6.2 kcal/mol), IR (−7.02 kcal/mol), IRS-1 (−6.86 kcal/mol), GLUT4 (−6.24 kcal/mol), AS160 (−6.28 kcal/mol), and β-arrestin (−6.01 kcal/mol). Hence, PIP may influence the regulation of glucose metabolism through effective interactions with these proteins, thereby controlling blood sugar levels due to its potent antilipidemic and antioxidant properties. In conclusion, our study provides in vivo experimental evidence against the HFD-induced T2DM model for the first time, making PIP a potential natural remedy to enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients and aid in their management. • PIP enhances insulin and glucose tolerance in rats on HFD. • PIP increases IR/Akt/GLUT4 signaling, boosting insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. • Computational data indicate PIP interacts with IR/Akt/GLUT4 signaling molecules, potentially amplifying their activity. • PIP holds potential as a natural remedy for IR and associated metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers like starch, a renewable and widely available resource, are increasingly being used to fabricate the films for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Starch-based edible films offer significant advantages for food packaging, including biodegradability and the ability to extend shelf life. However, they also present challenges such as moisture sensitivity and limited barrier properties compared to synthetic materials. These limitations can be mitigated by incorporating bioactive components, such as antimicrobial agents or antioxidants, which enhance the film's resistance to moisture and improve its barrier properties, making it a more viable option for food packaging. This review explores the emerging field of starch-based sustainable edible films enhanced with bioactive components for food packaging applications. It delves into fabrication techniques, structural properties, and functional attributes, highlighting the potential of these innovative films to reduce environmental impact and preserve food quality. Key topics discussed include sustainability issues, processing methods, performance characteristics, and potential applications in the food industry. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current research and developments in starch-based edible films, presenting them as promising alternatives to conventional food packaging that can help reduce plastic waste and environmental impact., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)