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Osteoarticular implants are designed to facilitate full recovery of lost function and ensure effective fixation of the implant. However, challenges may arise, resulting in implant failure, primarily attributed to infections at the implantation site and aseptic loosening. Thus, the surface of an implant must be altered to simultaneously offer osteoinductive and antibacterial properties. Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) is frequently employed to modify metallic implant surfaces or serve as a bone filler material. To enhance its biocompatibility, HAP-based polymer composites were developed. Among most popular synthetic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), is widely used because of its similar structure to the native extracellular matrix, along with chitosan (CS), a natural cationic polysaccharide, that shows biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial action, and could act as a carrier of antibacterial agents. The antibiotic of choice was Gentamicin (Gent), a water-soluble aminoglycoside, with very potent antibacterial activity for the treatment of wide range of infections, caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The original approach of the presented research is the single-step electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on Ti plates of thus prepared biocomposite that would allow for on-site release of the drug. Obtained hydroxyapatite/chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol/gentamicin (HAP/PVA/CS/Gent) biocomposite coating exhibited strong antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus. Gentamicin release study indicated “burst” release in the first 48 h, with ~ 30% of total gentamicin released from the HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coating which is beneficial for the blockage of biofilm formation, followed by slow and steady release in the later period. Cytotoxic effect of HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coating was not pronounced in investigated MRC-5 and L929 cell lines. Also, in MRC-5 fibroblast cells, alkaline phosphatase levels doubled when in contact with HAP/PVA/CS/Gent, indicating good o

Proteini glutena spadaju u visokonutritivno vredne proteine koji čine osnovnu hemijsku građu zrna žitarica, kao što su pšenica, raž i ječam. Međutim, ovi proteini odlikuju se visokim sadržajem glutamina i prolamina što ih čini otporne na enzime (Pepsin, Tripsin i Himotripsin) prisutne u digestivnom traktu ljudi. Kao posledica toga, konzumiranjem proizvoda bogatih glutenom obrazuju se velike peptidne frakcije koje iniciraju imunogenu reakciju, čineći tako ovaj protein jednim od najznačajnih prehrambenih alergena. Upravo naveden problem poslužio je kao polazna osnova za kreiranje cilja ove doktorske disertacije, u kojoj su istraživanja bazirana na primeni enzima kao biokatalizatora prirodnog porekla i nekonvencionalnih termičkih tretmana, poput mikrotalasnog zračenja, zarad proizvodnje i modifikacije nealergenih proteina glutena. Generalno, u okviru ove disertacije pristupilo se definisanju parametara netermičkih postupaka za modifikaciju proteina glutena iz pšenice kakav je mikrotalasno zračenje pod kontrolisanim uslovima u odgovarajućem reaktoru, a sve u cilju smanjenja alergenosti, odnosno sadržaja alergenih epitopa glutena. Osim toga, u cilju smanjenja alergenosti pšeničnog glutena pristupilo se i razvoju biotehnološkog postupka zasnovanog na primeni proteolitičkih enzima velike specifičnosti. Ovaj postupak je optimizovan uz pažljivo definisanje svih važnih procesnih parametara, ali je i upotpunjen i/ili dopunjen kombinovanjem sa mikrotalanim zračenjem. Kao izvor pšeničnog glutena, u okviru eksperimenata, korišćena su dva supstrata: • prvi, model protein glutena poreklom iz pšenice (bogat frakcijama glutenina i gliadina), i • drugi, komercijalno dostupna sirovina koja se koristi u svakodnevnoj ishrani ljudi, pšenično belo brašno. U svakoj fazi eksperimentalnog rada vršena je detaljna karakterizacija modifikovanog pšeničnog glutena, kako model proteina, tako i pšeničnog brašna. Karaktertizacija je podrazumevala ispitivanje alergenih svojstava modifikovanih proteina, Gluten proteins belong to highly nutritionally valuable proteins that make up the basic chemical structure of cereal grains, such as wheat, rye and barley. However, these proteins are characterized by a high content of glutamine and prolamin, which makes them resistant to enzymes (Pepsin, Trypsin and Chymotrypsin) present in the human digestive tract. As a consequence, by consuming products rich in gluten proteins, large peptide fractions are formed that initiate an immunogenic reaction, thus making gluten proteins one of the most important food allergens. The problem just mentioned served as the starting point for creating the goal of this doctoral dissertation, in which research is based on the application of enzymes as biocatalysts of natural origin and unconventional thermal treatments, such as microwave radiation, for the production and modification of non-allergenic gluten proteins. In general, within the framework of this dissertation, the parameters of non-thermal procedures for the modification of wheat gluten protein, such as microwave radiation under controlled conditions in a suitable reactor, were defined, all with the aim of reducing allergenicity, i.e. the content of allergenic gluten epitopes. In addition, in order to reduce the allergenicity of wheat gluten, the development of a biotechnological procedure based on the application of highly specific proteolytic enzymes was also undertaken. This procedure was optimized with careful definition of all important process parameters, but it was also completed and/or supplemented by combining it with microwave radiation. As a source of wheat gluten, two substrates were used in the experiments: • the first, a model of gluten protein originating from wheat (rich in glutenin and gliadin fractions), and • the second, a commercially available raw material used in the daily diet of people, wheat white flour. In each phase of the experimental work, a detailed characterization of the modified wheat gluten, both the

This study presents comparison of our recently formulated two compartmental model with General fractional derivative (GFD) and Korsmeyer-Peppas, Makoid-Banakar and Kopcha diffusion models. We have used our GFD model to study the release of gentamicin in poly (vinylalcohol)/chitosan/gentamicin (PVA/CHI/Gent) hydrogel aimed for wound dressing in medical treatment of deep chronical wounds. The PVA/CHI/Gent hydrogel was prepared by physical cross linking of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan dispersion using freezing-thawing method, and then was swollen for 48 h in gentamicin solution, at 37 °C. Different physico-chemical (FTIR, SEM), mechanical and biological (cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity) properties have been determined. The concentration of released gentamicin was determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). The ratio between concentration of released gentamicin and initial concentration of gentamicin in the hydrogel was monitored for the prolonged time period in order to obtain gentamicin release profile. It was proven that our novel diffusion GFD model better fitted with experimental data, and enabled the determination of diffusion coefficient precisely for the entire time period.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue engineering strives for innovative solutions in addressing challenges associated with contemporary bone tissue implants. This study focuses on the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic composites containing antibacterial agents onto titanium surfaces. Two composite coatings, hydroxyapatite/ chitosan (HAP/CS) and hydroxyapatite/chitosan/gentamicin (HAP/CS/Gent) were developed to combat issues such as poor adhesion, limited antibacterial potential, limited bioactivity, and potential toxicity of implant materials [1]. EXPERIMENTAL: EPD was performed at constant voltage (5 V, 12 min) on pure Ti plates from aqueous (HAP/CS and HAP/CS/Gent) suspensions. The uniformity and functionality of the deposited coatings were assessed through comprehensive physico-chemical characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) (Philips PW 1710, Netherlands) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Hitachi S-4700, J) equipped with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS, X-Max, Oxford Instruments, UK). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus TL and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 by quantitatively monitoring changes in the viable number of bacterial cells in suspension. Cytotoxicity against MRC-5 and L929 cell lines was investigated using trypan blue dye-exclusion test (DET) and MTT assay for assessing cell metabolic activity. Statistical significance was determined for antibacterial and cytotoxicity results by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by multiple comparisons post-hoc test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: XRD revealed broadened diffraction maximums corresponding to fine HAP crystallites. Porous surface with homogeneously distributed spherical HAP agglomerates embedded in wax-like polymers' matrix of CS was observed for both coatings by SEM. The addition of gentamicin significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the HAP/CS/Gent coating – complete reduction of S. aureus bacterial cells was achieved

INTRODUCTION: Following orthopedic surgery, bacterial infection may lead to significant complications related to inflammation in the peri-implant region, including the potential for implant loosening. To address this concern, the surface of metallic implants was modified through the application of bioactive and antibacterial coatings, aiming to mitigate these issues. EXPERIMENTAL: HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coatings was single-step electrophoretically deposited from four-component aqueous suspension containing 1 wt.% hydroxyapatite powder (HAP, particles < 200 nm particle size, Sigma-Aldrich), 0.1 wt.% poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA, medium molecular weight 89 to 98 kDa, 99 % hydrolysed, Sigma-Aldrich), 0.05 wt% chitosan powder (CS, medium molecular weight, 190 to 310kDa with 75 to 85 % deacetylation degree, Sigma-Aldrich), and aqueous gentamicin sulfate solution (Gent, concentration 50 mg/ml, Sigma-Aldrich) on titanium plates (Sigma-Aldrich). Antibacterial activity of HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coating was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus TL (culture collection- FTM, University of Belgrade, Serbia) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, while kinetics of antibacterial activity was monitored according to our previously published data [1]. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed towards two fibroblast cell lines of different origin-mouse origin cell line (L929 (ATCC CRL-6364)) and human lung origin cell line (MRC-5 (ATCC CCL-171)) [2]. To evaluate the statistical significance of the biological assay results (antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and ALP activity), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a multiple comparisons posthoc test was used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coating exhibited strong antibacterial effect against both S. aureus and E. coli, especially pronounced against S. aureus, causing bactericidal effect. Cytotoxic effect of HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coating was not pronounced in investigated MRC-5 and L929 cell lines. MRC-5 fibroblast cells in contact with HAP

Hidrogel poli(vinil alkohol)/hitozan/gentamicin (PVA/CHI/Gent) pripremljen je fizičkim umrežavanjem disperzije poli(vinil alkohola)/hitozana i namenjen je za upotrebu kao materijal za medicinske obloge dubokih nekrotičnih rana kao što su dekubitusi. Ispitivane su fizičko-hemijske (FTIR, SEM), mehaničke i biološke (citotoksičnost, antibakterijska aktivnost) osobine. Mehanizam difuzije gentamicina iz hidrogela PVA/CHI/Gent proučavan je upoređivanjem novog dvo-kompartmentskog modela sa opštim frakcionim izvodima (GFD) i Korsmajer-Pepas, Makoid-Banakar i Kopča difuzionih modela. GFD model bolje se poklapao sa eksperimentalnim podacima od drugih modela i takođe je omogućio određivanje koeficijenta difuzije gentamicina tokom celog proučavanog vremenskog perioda.

The search for waste minimization possibilities and the valorization of by-products are key to good management and improved sustainability in the food industry. Although dairy products still remain at the forefront of probiotic food development, in recent years non-dairy food products have increased in popularity owing to their unique characteristics and advantages. Due to its beneficial properties, caused by the presence of various bioactive compounds, the almond parts that remain after almond milk production can be considered promising sources of ingredients for the development of non-dairy food products. The aim of this study was to examine the potential and possibility of using a surplus product that remains after almond milk production. The antioxidant properties of the remained surplus product were characterized based on the polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content as well as FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant activity. The fermented beverage that combines the properties of almonds and probiotic bacteria, formulated using inulin, lyophilized fruit and aroma, was evaluated for physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties during cold storage (4 °C, 21 day). The surplus product that remains after the almond milk production contains 61.4 mg GAE/100g DW, 16.11 mg QE/100g DW, and 0.993 mg CYE/100g DW of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins (respectively), and expresses DPPH, FRAP and ABTS antioxidant activity of 71.56 mg DW/mL, 50.47 mg DW/mL and 53.11 mg DW/mL (respectively). The fermentation of surplus product that remains after almond milk production leads to the production of the beverage with satisfactory values of quality parameters as follows: pH value of 4,75, titratable acidity 28,8 °SH, syneresis 7,5%, viable cell count of 7.77 log (CFU mL-1), and sensory characteristics value of 10, that is stable during 21 day of cold storage. A new probiotic almond-based beverage that combines the properties of both almonds and probiotics can be con

Biocomposite hydroxyapatite/poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/gentamicin coatings were fabricated on titanium by an electrophoretic deposition process (EPD) from an aqueous suspension using the constant voltage method. Characterization of the deposited coatings was performed by scanning electron micros-copy with field emission (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. The concentration of the released gentamicin was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS). The release profile confirmed an initial “burst-release effect” with ~ 30 % of the gen-tamicin released in the first 48 h, which could be of assistance in the prevention of biofilm formation. An-tibacterial activity was proven by the agar diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus TL and Escherich-ia coli ATCC 25922 bacterial strains. Cytotoxicity was tested by the dye exclusion test (DET) on MRC-5 and L929 fibroblast cell lines, with both coatings expressing nontoxicity. The results showed the high ap-plicability potential of a poly(vinyl alcohol)-based biocomposite coating for medical purposes.

Bioactive peptides are promising cosmetic active ingredients that can improve skin healthand appearance. They exhibit a broad spectrum of activity, including anti-aging, antioxidant, an-timicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to develop a safe, stable, andefficacious environmentally friendly (“green”) emulsion using a milk protein hydrolysate as a modelactive ingredient. Potential emulsions were formulated with biodegradable emollients, stabilizedwith naturally derived mixed emulsifier, and prepared by cold process. They were evaluated forrheological behavior (continuous rotation and oscillation tests), physical stability (dynamic me-chanical thermal analysis—DMTA test), and texture profiles, as well as cytotoxic, antioxidant, andantimicrobial effects. Rheological characterization revealed shear-thinning flow behavior with yieldpoint from continuous rotation tests and predominantly elastic character from oscillation (amplitudeand frequency sweep) tests, with small structural change detected in the DMTA test. These resultsimplied satisfactory rheological properties and good stability. Texture analysis revealed acceptablespreadability and substantivity of the emulsions. The protein hydrolysate showed antioxidant activity.The developed emulsions showed low antibacterial activity against selected microorganisms, butthis was due to the action of preservatives, not peptides. All potential emulsions showed a desirablesafety profile. The results obtained provide the basis for the next stage of formulation development,i.e., in vivo efficacy tests.

The aim of this study is to compare the antimicrobial activity of clove essential oil against probiotic strains isolated from different pharmaceutical preparations currently available on the local market (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii).

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was employed to fabricate composite coatings aimed for orthopedic implants. Hydroxyapatite (HAP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) coatings, with or without antibiotic gentamicin (Gent) were deposited in a single-step process from aqueous suspension, using EPD. Polymer/mineral composite coatings were formed with the aim to mimic the natural composition of bone tissue, along with improved coatings antibacterial properties, at the same time serving as a drug carrier, allowing local administration of antibiotic. Structural and morphological characterization of HAP/PVA/CS and HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coatings was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proving carbonate-substituted HAP. The presence of gentamicin contributed to the bactericidal activity of composite HAP/PVA/CS/Gent coating against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity studies were performed towards human MRC-5 and mice L929 fibroblast cell lines, and both investigated samples (HAP/PVA/CS and HAP/PVA/CS/Gent) expressed good biocompatibility, without causing toxic effect on tested cells. Biomineralization potential was investigated by measuring the alkaline phosphatase activity, demonstrating high potential of HAP/PVA/CS/Gent to induce the growth of new HAP layer. Therefore, the present investigation proposes the production of nents, along with antibiotic gentamicin, improving the antibacterial coatings’ properties.

Uvođenje antibiotika u polimer/mineralnu kompozitnu prevlaku poboljšava antibakterijska svojstva prevlaka. Kompozitna prevlaka (hidroksiapatit - HAP, poli(vinilalkohol), hitozan, gentamicin) dobijena je elektroforetskim taloženjem iz četvorokomponentne vodene suspenzije. Primenom termogravimetrijske i rendgenske difrakcione analize pokazano je prisustvo karbonatno-supstituisanog HAP. Antibakterijska aktivnost kompozitne prevlake sa gentamicinom potvrđena je protiv soja S. aureus i E. coli, čineći ovu prevlaku pogodnom za potencijalnu primenu u biomedicini., Antibiotic introduction in polymer/mineral coating can improve the antibacterial properties of coatings. Composite coating (hydroxyapatite, poly(vinyl alcohol), chitosan, gentamicin) was fabricated from a four-component aqueous suspension using electrophoretic deposition. Structural and morphological characterization of the coating was investigated by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis proving carbonate-substituted HAP. The presence of gentamicin contributed to the antibacterial activity of composite coating against S. aureus and E. coli strains, representing a suitable material for possible application in biomedicine.

Recent advances in biomaterials science are increasingly focused on (re)search for next-generation soft tissue regeneration solutions. Hydrogel-based materials are becoming a focal point to address many tissue engineering requirements, possessing exceptional biocompatibility, with tailorable shape, structure and mechanical properties, as well as infinite possibilities drug delivery. The widespread antibiotics use has led to aggravated resistance issues in many bacterial strains, so the focus is increasingly shifted towards alternative antibacterial solutions such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In this work, we have developed novel composite materials based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CHI) and poly(vinyl alcohol)/ chitosan/graphene (PVA/CHI/Gr) hydrogels with silver nanoparticles obtained through green in situ constant-voltage electrochemical synthesis. The obtained AgNPs’ properties, sizes and size distributions were examined using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro swelling and silver release kinetics were monitored in the simulated physiological conditions (pH7.4, 37 C). The obtained release and swelling isotherms were fitted with several theoretical models that helped discern the mechanisms of these processes. Tensile testing was carried out to examine the composites’ mechanical behavior and elasticity – important properties for soft tissue engineering materials. Finally, the excellent antibacterial activity of the obtained silver/ poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (Ag/PVA/CHI) and silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/graphene (Ag/PVA/CHI/Gr) hydrogels against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed quantitatively by colony counting method, and their non-toxicity was verified towards two model fibroblast cell lines (MRC-5 and L929) utilizing the MTT assay. Through thorough characterization, the obtained nanocomposite hydrogel materials were identified as strong candidates for acti

Candida albicans is pathogenic yeast species present as a part of the normal microbiota mucosal surface oral and vaginal cavities and digestive tract of warm-blooded animals and humans, without causing any health problems. Intensive growth and infection can occur as a result of excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, in immunosuppressive individuals, so as under the influence of numerous external factors that weaken the body's defence system. Since antibiotics stimulate the growth of Candida albicans, treatment is based on the use of antimycotic drugs and dietary adjustments, when healing process can sometimes take several weeks. In addition, long-term use of antimycotic drugs causes side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and their frequent use contributes development of resistant strains of Candida albicans, which further complicates curing. In order to alleviate treatment, recent years great interest is focused on finding and application of natural preparations, such as essential oils of spices and medicinal herbs, which possess numerous biological properties, including antifungal activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils of various spices and medicinal herbs against Candida albicans in order to find an alternative treatment for candidiasis. The antifungal activity of twenty essential oils and herbal tinctures was investigated by agar well diffusion and broth macrodilution methods, and the obtained results were compared with the effect of antimycotic drugs (nystatin) and commercial preparations present in the local marketplace. Based on the results obtained by the agar well diffusion method, undiluted essential oils and herbal tinctures can be divided into five groups, according to the diameter of inhibition zone they form. Very strong antifungal activity was observed with essential oils of oregano, basil, thyme and cinnamon, with a diameter of the inhibition zones greater than 40mm, while st

Titanium (Ti) is an implant material widely used in orthopedics due to its high corrosion resistance (naturally forms a passive oxide layer) and good mechanical properties. Although Ti has certain ability to osseointegrate, the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Ti can be significantly improved by modifying its surface. In order to improve antibacterial properties a broad spectrum antibiotic gentamicin was loaded in a composite coating of hydroxyapatite (HAP) with natural polymers chitosan (CS) and poly(vinyl alcohol (PVA) and was deposited on Ti using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. EPD was carried out at the constant voltage on pure titanium plates from an aqueous suspension. Deposited HAP/CS/PVA and HAP/CS/PVA/Gent coating were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The obtained results confirmed the formation of new composite coatings. Cytotoxicity against two types of cell lines (MRC-5 and L929) was investigated using trypan blue dye-exclusion test (DET) and MTT assay for assessing cell metabolic activity. The antibiotic loaded coating (HAP/CS/PVA/Gent) exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while preserving low cytotoxicity, indicating the high potential for biomedical applications. Excellent osteogenic properties, through the promotion of osteoblast differentiation were confirmed by ALP assay. Results were much more pronounced for HAP/CS/PVA/Gent coating. Therefore, HAP/CS/PVA/Gent coating can be considered as an excellent promising candidate for biomedical hard tissue implants.

Multifunkcionalni i višekomponentni biomaterijali se cesto primenjuju u rekonstruktivnoj hirurgiji zbog sposobnosti da pospešuju osteointegraciju, istovremeno omogucavajuci primenu antibakterijskih agenasa direktno na mestu intervencije. Primenom elektroforetskog taloženja, iz cetvorokomponentne vodene suspenzije (hidroksiapatit, poli(vinilalkohol), hitozan i gentamicin) dobijene su, u jednom koraku, bioaktivne i antibakterijske kompozitne prevlake na titanu. Karakterizacija prevlaka je izvršena primenom rendgenske difrakcione analize (XRD), infracrvene spektroskopije sa Furijeovom transformacijom (FTIR) i skenirajuce elektronske mikroskopije (SEM). Pracenjem kinetike antibakterijske aktivnosti u suspenziji potvr ena je antibakterijska efikasnost prevlake sa gentamicinom. Prema dobijenim rezultatima moguce je zakljuciti da dobijene kompozitne prevlake sa gentamicinom predstavljaju uspešan biomaterijal za potencijalnu primenu u biomedicini., Multifunctional and multicomponent biomaterials are very often the material of choice in reconstructive surgery, having the ability to promote osteointegration, allowing the antibacterial agents application directly at the site of intervention. Single-step electrophoretic deposition was employed to assemble bioactive and antibacterial composite coatings on titanium, from a four-component aqueous suspension (hydroxyapatite, poly(vinyl alcohol), chitosan and gentamicin). Physico-chemical characterization of the coatings was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity of gentamicin loaded coating was confirmed by antibacterial activity kinetics in suspension. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that composite coating loaded with gentamicin represents a successful biomaterial for possible application in biomedicine.

Trenutni trendovi u nauci o biomaterijalima favorizuju dizajniranje multifunkcionalnih prevlaka za implantate koji služe kao nosači antibakterijskih sredstava sa primarnom namerom da inhibiraju rast bakterija na površini kontakta implantata i tkiva, a da istovremeno promovišu osteointegraciju. Elektroforetskim taloženjem (EPD) u jednom koraku pri konstantnom naponu, uspešno je dobijena kompozitna prevlaka na bazi hidroksiapatita (HAP), hitozana (CS) i gentamicina (Gent) iz vodene suspenzije na titanu. Kinetika otpuštanja leka ispitivana je u dejonizovanoj vodi na 37 °C tečnom hromatografijom visokih performansi u kombinaciji sa masenom spektrometrijom. Sposobnost osteointegracije dalje je potvrđena merenjem aktivnosti alkalne fosfataze (ALP), što ukazuje na povoljne osteopromotivne osobine taloženih prevlaka. Kada su testirane na humane i mišje fibroblastne ćelijske linije (MRC-5 i L929), kompozitna prevlaka pokazala je necitotoksični efekat. HAP/CS/Gent prevlaka je pokazala dobru antibakterijsku aktivnost prema Staphylococcus aureus i Escherichia coli, što ukazuje na visok potencijal za biomedicinske primene., Current trends in biomaterials science favor designing multifunctional implant coatings that serve as carriers of antibacterial agents with the primary intention of inhibiting bacterial growth on the implant-tissue interface, while still promoting osseointegration. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in a single step at the constant voltage was successfully used to obtain composite coating based on hydroxyapatite (HAP), chitosan (CS) and gentamicin (Gent) from an aqueous suspension on titanium. Drug-release kinetics was investigated in deionized water at 37 °C by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The osseointegration ability was further validated by measuring the alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) indicating the favorable osseopromotive properties of deposited coatings. When tested against human and mice fibroblast cells lines (MRC-5 and L929), composite coatings showed a noncytotoxic effect. HAP/CS/Gent coating exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating the high potential for biomedical applications.

The aim of this study was to develop a stable hydrogel carrier system for thyme essential oil (TEO) that could protect its sensitive polyphenol compounds. The impact of wall material (soy protein and alginate) on encapsulation efficiency and thymol release in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, was investigated. The release of thymol was ~ 80 % and 20 % in simulated gastric and pancreatic solutions, respectively. Thyme essential oil plays an important role as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. Results indicated that encapsulated TEO inside the hydrogel matrix exhibited antioxidant activity demonstrated by CUPRAC and ABTS analysis, even after thermal treatment of the beads, indicating the metal chelate effect as dominant. In vitro antimicrobial activity of encapsulated TEO has been studied against several pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans. Beads coded as Ca-A1.5/SP1.5 showed anti-Candida albicans activity, while modified bead formulations Ca-A1.5/SP1.5* and Ca-A1.5/SP0.25** showed bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Wheat bran is a by-product of wheat flour production used as a nutritious and economic feed ingredient, but since it possesses several anti-nutritional factors that entrap nutrients and interfere with digestion and absorption, its application is limited. The utilization of organic-rich wastes for the production of value-added products and nutritional improvement of food is a means to an end - sustainability. Here we propose addressing these challenges via fermentation by Bacillus sp. TMF-2, a strain that produces several enzymes and simultaneously, wheat bran of higher nutritional quality. Following solid-state fermentation, the soluble phenolic content of wheat bran nearly triplicated compared to the raw bran. The total proportion of polyphenols along with the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging rate were significantly improved, particularly the ability to reduce Fe3+ increased by 10-fold. Additionally, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes: amylase, cellulase, pectinase, mannanase, protease, and phytase increased during fermentation, whereas the level of anti-nutrient, phytic acid decreased. Among all produced enzymes, there is a special emphasis on the protease prone to degrade gluten thus resulting in gluten-free wheat bran. The results of this research could contribute to a beneficial procedure for the natural modification of wheat bran, which further augments the health benefits and utilization of wheat bran.