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The gut microbiota dysbiosis that often occurs in cancer therapy requires more efficient treatment options to be developed. In this concern, the present research approach is to develop drug delivery systems based on magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds. First, MNPs were synthesized through the spraying-assisted coprecipitation method, followed by loading bee pollen or bee bread extracts and an antitumoral drug (5-fluorouracil/5-FU). The loaded-MNPs were morphologically and structurally characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to establish the release profiles and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antitumoral activity of loaded-MNPs was assessed. The results demonstrate that MNPs with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, and prebiotic properties are obtained. Moreover, the data highlight the improvement of 5-FU antibacterial activity by loading on the MNPs' surface and the synergistic effects between the anticancer drug and phenolic compounds (PCs). In addition, the prolonged release behavior of PCs for many hours (70–75 h) after the release of 5-FU from the developed nanocarriers is an advantage, at least from the point of view of the antioxidant activity of PCs. Considering the enhancement of L. rhamnosus MF9 growth and antitumoral activity, this study developed promising drug delivery alternatives for colorectal cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of efficient controlled local release of drugs that prevent systemic side effects is a challenge for anti-osteoporotic treatments. Research for new bone-regeneration materials is of high importance. Strontium (Sr) is known as an anti-resorptive and anabolic agent useful in treating osteoporosis. In this study, we compared two different types of synthesis used for obtaining nano hydroxyapatite (HA) and Sr-containing nano hydroxyapatite (SrHA) for bone tissue engineering. Synthesis of HA and SrHA was performed using co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods. Regardless of the synthesis route for the SrHA, the intended content of Sr was 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 molar %. The chemical, morphological, and biocompatibility properties of HA and SrHA were investigated. Based on our results, it was shown that HA and SrHA exhibited low cytotoxicity and demonstrated toxic behavior only at higher Sr concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hernias and abdominal wall defects are routinely treated using synthetic and biological meshes. However, complications such as hernia recurrence and seroma and adhesion formation are quite common. So far, various materials have been employed to prevent adhesions while ensuring good mechanical properties. A good hernia mesh should harbor outstanding parietal surface tissue in-growth with minimal visceral surface adhesiveness. A good way to minimize the disadvantages of surgical meshes is to combine synthetic and natural polymers to ensure adequate biomechanical properties, or to design innovative meshes that can replace current hernia meshes. In this study, we have designed polyester (PES) meshes impregnated with chitosan that exhibited increased biocompatibility. These preliminary results pave the way for future ex vivo and in vivo studies.

The aim of this study is to decorate a glass surface with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and further prove its efficiency in the removal of some thio-derivatives—potential pollutants from water. Therefore, grafting the surface of glass-based platforms with AgNPs will strongly influence their interaction with other substances or molecules. The most commonly used molecules for glass-based platform functionalization/modification are organosilanes. In this case, the main interest is in thioalkyl organosilanes because, after silanization, the thio (-SH) functional groups that have a high affinity for AgNPs can intermediate their binding on the surface. By decorating the glass platforms with AgNPs, these surfaces become active for the adsorption of dyes from wastewater. Certainly, in this case, the dyes must bear -SH groups to ensure a high affinity for these surfaces. Therefore, the desired purpose of this study was to develop glass-based platforms decorated with AgNPs able to bind model molecules—dyes from aqueous media (dithizone—DIT and thioindigo—TIO), with these platforms being potentially used for environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to obtain a hydrogel-based film as a carrier for the sustained and controlled release of vancomycin, an antibiotic commonly used in various types of infections. Considering the high-water solubility of vancomycin (>50 mg/mL) and the aqueous medium underlying the exudates, a prolonged release of vancomycin from an MCM-41 carrier was sought. The present work focused on the synthesis of malic acid coated magnetite (Fe3O4/malic) by co-precipitation, synthesis of MCM-41 by a sol-gel method and loading of MCM-41 with vancomycin, and their use in alginate films for wound dressing. The nanoparticles obtained were physically mixed and embedded in the alginate gel. Prior to incorporation, the nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, TGA-DSC and DLS. The films were prepared by a simple casting method and were further cross-linked and examined for possible heterogeneities by means of FT-IR microscopy and SEM. The degree of swelling and the water vapor transmission rate were determined, considering their potential use as wound dressings. The obtained films show morpho-structural homogeneity, sustained release over 48 h and a strong synergistic enhancement of the antimicrobial activity as a consequence of the hybrid nature of these films. The antimicrobial efficacy was tested against S. aureus, two strains of E. faecalis (including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, VRE) and C. albicans. The incorporation of magnetite was also considered as an external triggering component in case the films were used as a magneto-responsive smart dressing to stimulate vancomycin diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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