Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Extraction and Industrial Applications of Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2024) | Viewed by 31158

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia e Ciência dos Materiais-PIPE, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba 81531-990, PR, Brazil
2. Embrapa Florestas, Colombo 83411-000, PR, Brazil
Interests: nanocellulose; lignin; hemicellulose; tannin; thymol; curcumin; neem oil; glow discharge; biogenic nanosilica; biogenic nanoalumina; nanocomposites; slow release; biorefinery; artificial photosynthesis

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Guest Editor
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Alimentos (PPGEAL), Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, CEP 81531-990, PR, Brazil
Interests: antioxidant activity; biodegradable coatings; cellulose; nanoparticles; composites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Population growth and industrial development have caused an increase in demand for polymer-based materials, mainly from the petrochemical industry. However, their production has caused a significant environmental impact. In order to collaborate toward sustainable development, researchers have been studying alternatives to conventional polymeric materials, and in this context, biomaterials, derived from renewable natural sources or synthesized by bacteria, appear as biodegradable, economical, and promising alternatives for applications in different industrial areas. Biomaterials based on antioxidant compounds have attracted the attention of researchers and have shown great potential for expansion. The release of antioxidant compounds from biomaterials contributes to important biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, healing, and antiaging effects. These properties make biomaterials incorporated with antioxidants important additives for the development of products in the biomedical, chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food areas. Thus, antioxidant biomaterials can take on functions for active packaging, technological additives in food, face masks, antimicrobial coatings/hydrogels, dressings, and drug delivery systems, among others. Applications of antioxidant biomaterials in other industrial segments can also be explored. For that, physical, chemical, and biological characterization, as well as the study of the biocompatibility of these materials, allows predicting behavior in relation to a process, product, or property in particular. In this Special Issue on “Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials”, we invite researchers to write research articles and review articles that report results in the field of antioxidant biomaterials with benefits for human health, considering new biomaterials with antioxidant functions, physical–chemistry characterization, biocompatibility studies, mechanisms involved in the development process, as well as applications in different industrial segments. The articles will be published online in Antioxidants.

Prof. Dr. Washington Luiz Esteves Magalhães
Dr. Alessandra Cristina Pedro
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  •  biological properties
  •  antioxidant biomaterials
  •  biomedical applications
  •  sustainable materials
  •  natural sources

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 7715 KiB  
Article
Pristine Photopolymerizable Gelatin Hydrogels: A Low-Cost and Easily Modifiable Platform for Biomedical Applications
by Maria Pérez-Araluce, Alessandro Cianciosi, Olalla Iglesias-García, Tomasz Jüngst, Carmen Sanmartín, Íñigo Navarro-Blasco, Felipe Prósper, Daniel Plano and Manuel M. Mazo
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101238 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 850
Abstract
The study addresses the challenge of temperature sensitivity in pristine gelatin hydrogels, widely used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, low cost, and cell adhesion properties. Traditional gelatin hydrogels dissolve at physiological temperatures, limiting their utility. Here, we introduce a novel method [...] Read more.
The study addresses the challenge of temperature sensitivity in pristine gelatin hydrogels, widely used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, low cost, and cell adhesion properties. Traditional gelatin hydrogels dissolve at physiological temperatures, limiting their utility. Here, we introduce a novel method for creating stable hydrogels at 37 °C using pristine gelatin through photopolymerization without requiring chemical modifications. This approach enhances consistency and simplifies production and functionalization of the gelatin with bioactive molecules. The stabilization mechanism involves the partial retention of the triple-helix structure of gelatin below 25 °C, which provides specific crosslinking sites. Upon activation by visible light, ruthenium (Ru) acts as a photosensitizer that generates sulphate radicals from sodium persulphate (SPS), inducing covalent bonding between tyrosine residues and “locking” the triple-helix conformation. The primary focus of this work is the characterization of the mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and biocompatibility of the photopolymerized gelatin hydrogels. Notably, these hydrogels supported better cell viability and elongation in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) compared to GelMA, and similar performance was observed for human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). As a proof of concept for functionalization, gelatin was modified with selenous acid (GelSe), which demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities, particularly against E. coli and S. aureus. These results suggest that pristine gelatin hydrogels, enhanced through this new photopolymerization method and functionalized with bioactive molecules, hold potential for advancing regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by providing robust, biocompatible scaffolds for cell culture and therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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22 pages, 8921 KiB  
Article
Lanthanide-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles: Unraveling Their Role in Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Nanotoxicology
by Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez, Diego E. Navarro-López, Araceli Sanchez-Martinez, Oscar Ceballos-Sanchez, Luis Eduardo Garcia-Amezquita, Naveen Tiwari, Karla Juarez-Moreno, Gildardo Sanchez-Ante and Edgar R. López-Mena
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020213 - 8 Feb 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2943
Abstract
This study used a sonochemical synthesis method to prepare (La, Sm)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The effect of incorporating these lanthanide elements on the structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs was analyzed. The cytotoxicity and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity of [...] Read more.
This study used a sonochemical synthesis method to prepare (La, Sm)-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The effect of incorporating these lanthanide elements on the structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs was analyzed. The cytotoxicity and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capacity of ZnO-NPs were evaluated against breast (MCF7) and colon (HT29) cancer cell lines. Their antioxidant activity was analyzed using a DPPH assay, and their toxicity towards Artemia salina nauplii was also evaluated. The results revealed that treatment with NPs resulted in the death of 10.559–42.546% and 18.230–38.643% of MCF7 and HT29 cells, respectively. This effect was attributed to the ability of NPs to downregulate ROS formation within the two cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In the DPPH assay, treatment with (La, Sm)-doped ZnO-NPs inhibited the generation of free radicals at IC50 values ranging from 3.898 to 126.948 μg/mL. Against A. salina nauplii, the synthesized NPs did not cause death nor induce morphological changes at the tested concentrations. A series of machine learning (ML) models were used to predict the biological performance of (La, Sm)-doped ZnO-NPs. Among the designed ML models, the gradient boosting model resulted in the greatest mean absolute error (MAE) (MAE 9.027, R2 = 0.86). The data generated in this work provide innovative insights into the influence of La and Sm on the structural arrangement and chemical features of ZnO-NPs, together with their cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and in vivo toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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20 pages, 11815 KiB  
Article
SiONx Coating Regulates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Antioxidant Capacity via Nuclear Erythroid Factor 2 Activity under Toxic Oxidative Stress Conditions
by Neelam Ahuja, Kamal Awad, Su Yang, He Dong, Antonios Mikos, Pranesh Aswath, Simon Young, Marco Brotto and Venu Varanasi
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020189 - 1 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Healing in compromised and complicated bone defects is often prolonged and delayed due to the lack of bioactivity of the fixation device, secondary infections, and associated oxidative stress. Here, we propose amorphous silicon oxynitride (SiONx) as a coating for the fixation [...] Read more.
Healing in compromised and complicated bone defects is often prolonged and delayed due to the lack of bioactivity of the fixation device, secondary infections, and associated oxidative stress. Here, we propose amorphous silicon oxynitride (SiONx) as a coating for the fixation devices to improve both bioactivity and bacteriostatic activity and reduce oxidative stress. We aimed to study the effect of increasing the N/O ratio in the SiONx to fine-tune the cellular activity and the antioxidant effect via the NRF2 pathway under oxidative stress conditions. The in vitro studies involved using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to examine the effect of SiONx coatings on osteogenesis with and without toxic oxidative stress. Additionally, bacterial growth on SiONx surfaces was studied using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonies. NRF2 siRNA transfection was performed on the hMSCs (NRF2-KD) to study the antioxidant response to silicon ions. The SiONx implant surfaces showed a >4-fold decrease in bacterial growth vs. bare titanium as a control. Increasing the N/O ratio in the SiONx implants increased the alkaline phosphatase activity >1.5 times, and the other osteogenic markers (osteocalcin, RUNX2, and Osterix) were increased >2-fold under normal conditions. Increasing the N/O ratio in SiONx enhanced the protective effects and improved cell viability against toxic oxidative stress conditions. There was a significant increase in osteocalcin activity compared to the uncoated group, along with increased antioxidant activity under oxidative stress conditions. In NRF2-KD cells, there was a stunted effect on the upregulation of antioxidant markers by silicon ions, indicating a role for NRF2. In conclusion, the SiONx coatings studied here displayed bacteriostatic properties. These materials promoted osteogenic markers under toxic oxidative stress conditions while also enhancing antioxidant NRF2 activity. These results indicate the potential of SiONx coatings to induce in vivo bone regeneration in a challenging oxidative stress environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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21 pages, 6641 KiB  
Article
Innovative Fibrous Materials Loaded with 5-Nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline via Electrospinning/Electrospraying Demonstrate Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities
by Mariya Spasova, Nikoleta Stoyanova, Nasko Nachev, Milena Ignatova, Nevena Manolova, Iliya Rashkov, Ani Georgieva, Reneta Toshkova and Nadya Markova
Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061243 - 9 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1789
Abstract
A new type of fibrous mat based on a cellulose derivative—cellulose acetate (CA) or CA and water-soluble polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP or poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA)—loaded with the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (5N) was fabricated via electrospinning or electrospinning in conjunction with electrospraying. Scanning electron microscopy [...] Read more.
A new type of fibrous mat based on a cellulose derivative—cellulose acetate (CA) or CA and water-soluble polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP or poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA)—loaded with the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (5N) was fabricated via electrospinning or electrospinning in conjunction with electrospraying. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurements and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) were used for the complex characterization of the obtained novel material. The decoration of CA fibers with a water-soluble polymer containing the drug resulted in the facilitation of wetting and fast drug release. The 5N-containing fibrous material showed antioxidant activity. Moreover, the proposed materials’ antibacterial and antifungal properties were tested against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Well-distinguished, sterile zones with diameters above 3.5 cm were observed around all 5N-containing mats. The mats’ cytotoxicity toward HeLa carcinoma cells and normal mouse BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts was assessed. The 5N-in-CA, PVP,5N-on-(5N-in-CA) and PVA,5N-on-(5N-in-CA) fibrous mats possessed anticancer efficacies and much lower levels of toxicity against normal cells. Therefore, the as-created novel electrospun materials, which are based on polymers loaded with the drug 5N via electrospinning/electrospraying, can potentially be applied for topical wound healing and for local cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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11 pages, 2042 KiB  
Article
Host–Guest Complexes HP-β-CD/Citrus Antioxidants: Exploratory Evaluations of Enhanced Properties in Biodegradable Film Packaging
by Giovanni Gallo, Domenico Zannini, Barbara Immirzi, Alessandra De Bruno, Gabriella Fiorentino and Giovanni Dal Poggetto
Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030763 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
The aim of this work was to exploit the antioxidant potential of molecules recovered during the pectin purification process of citrus lemon waste and to encapsulate them in stable pectin films, with a view to a green and circular economy process. Antioxidant molecules [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was to exploit the antioxidant potential of molecules recovered during the pectin purification process of citrus lemon waste and to encapsulate them in stable pectin films, with a view to a green and circular economy process. Antioxidant molecules were recovered during the pectin purification process, further recovering matter from the waste. Seven molecules were identified and quantified, and the antioxidant power of the mixture and its stability over time was evaluated. To improve the stability of the bioactive fraction, this was complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD); indeed, this procedure increased their thermal stability from 120 °C up to 250 °C, as verified by thermogravimetry. Furthermore, the most promising complexes were studied under autoclave-like conditions (120 °C, 28 min) to simulate thermal sterilization. The antioxidants and HP-β-CD were combined in a pectin film, showing increased stability over time (up to three times) compared to uncomplexed antioxidants. This process represents a first step towards the development of applicable devices for the delivery of antioxidant molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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12 pages, 670 KiB  
Article
Influence of 5-Week Snack Supplementation with the Addition of Gelatin Hydrolysates from Carp Skins on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Balance Disturbances (TOS, TAS) in a Group of Athletes
by Małgorzata Morawska-Tota, Łukasz Tota and Joanna Tkaczewska
Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071314 - 30 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1808
Abstract
The research objective was to assess the effects of 5-week snack supplementation with added enzymatic hydrolysates from carp skins on shifts in pro-oxidative and antioxidant balance among athletes. The study comprised 49 adults (experimental group (E)—17, placebo (P)—16, control (C)—16) practicing endurance disciplines. [...] Read more.
The research objective was to assess the effects of 5-week snack supplementation with added enzymatic hydrolysates from carp skins on shifts in pro-oxidative and antioxidant balance among athletes. The study comprised 49 adults (experimental group (E)—17, placebo (P)—16, control (C)—16) practicing endurance disciplines. Selected somatic indices and maximal oxygen uptake/m (VO2max) were measured. Based on VO2max, an individual exercise intensity was selected with predominating eccentric contractions (60% VO2max). The conducted tests consisted of 2 series (1st—graded and eccentric, 2nd—eccentric). The experimental group consumed a snack with added gelatin hydrolysates from carp skins for 5 weeks in between the series, the placebo—a snack without added hydrolysates, and in the control—no supplementation was implemented. Blood samples were taken before, and 1, 24 and 48 h after completion of the eccentric test. TAS and TOC concentrations in the blood plasma were assessed. No significant changes in TOS/TOC and TAS/TAC concentrations were noted between the 1st and the 2nd test series, before or following the eccentric test in the control and placebo groups. In the measurements performed 1, 24 and 48 h after completion, the observed differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). After 5 weeks of snack consumption, an increase from medium to high antioxidant potential was observed for E. Differences between the 1st and the 2nd test series were of high statistical significance (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance indices between successive series allow to confirm antioxidant effects and indicate possibilities for its implementation, not only in sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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10 pages, 2296 KiB  
Article
Coral Hydrate, a Novel Antioxidant, Improves Alcohol Intoxication in Mice
by Hung-Tsung Wu, Ting-Hsing Chao, Horng-Yih Ou and Liang-Miin Tsai
Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071290 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3671
Abstract
Alcohol-drinking culture may cause individuals to periodically experience unpleasant hangovers. In addition, ethanol catabolism stimulates the production of free radicals that may cause liver injury and further lead to the development of chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although a number of studies have [...] Read more.
Alcohol-drinking culture may cause individuals to periodically experience unpleasant hangovers. In addition, ethanol catabolism stimulates the production of free radicals that may cause liver injury and further lead to the development of chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although a number of studies have suggested that hydrogenated water may be consumed to act as free radical scavenger, its instability limits its application. In this study, we used coral hydrate (i.e., hydrogenated coral materials) as a more stable hydrogen source and evaluated its effects in a murine model of alcohol intoxication. In solution, coral hydrate exhibited much more stable redox potential than did hydrogenated water. Furthermore, administration of coral hydrate by oral gavage significantly prolonged the time to fall asleep and decreased the total sleep time in mice that received intraperitoneal injection of ethanol. The mice receiving coral hydrate also had lower plasma ethanol and acetaldehyde levels than controls. In line with this observation, hepatic expression of alcohol dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were all significantly increased by the treatment. Meanwhile, alcohol-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors was attenuated by the administration of coral hydrate. Taken together, our data suggest that coral hydrate might be an effective novel treatment for alcohol intoxication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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22 pages, 2730 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Biofoil Based on Chitosan and Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica, Houtt.) Rhizome Bark Extract
by Katerina Naumoska, Urška Jug, Kristi Kõrge, Ana Oberlintner, Majda Golob, Uroš Novak, Irena Vovk and Blaž Likozar
Antioxidants 2022, 11(6), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061200 - 18 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3440
Abstract
A 70% ethanol(aq) extract of the rhizome bark of the invasive alien plant species Japanese knotweed (JKRB) with potent (in the range of vitamin C) and stable antioxidant activity was incorporated in 1% w/v into a chitosan biofoil, which was then characterized [...] Read more.
A 70% ethanol(aq) extract of the rhizome bark of the invasive alien plant species Japanese knotweed (JKRB) with potent (in the range of vitamin C) and stable antioxidant activity was incorporated in 1% w/v into a chitosan biofoil, which was then characterized on a lab-scale. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay confirmed the antioxidant activity of the JKRB biofoil upon contact with the food simulants A, B, C, and D1 (measured half-maximal inhibitory concentrations—IC50) and supported the Folin–Ciocalteu assay result. The migration of the antioxidant marker, (−)-epicatechin, into all food simulants (A, B, C, D1, D2, and E) was quantified using liquid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Calculations showed that 1 cm2 of JKRB biofoil provided antioxidant activity to ~0.5 L of liquid food upon 1 h of contact. The JKRB biofoil demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The incorporation of JKRB into the chitosan biofoil resulted in improved tensile strength from 0.75 MPa to 1.81 MPa, while elongation decreased to 28%. JKRB biofoil’s lower moisture content compared to chitosan biofoil was attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds between chitosan biofoil and JKRB compounds, further confirmed with attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The JKRB biofoil completely degraded in compost in 11 days. The future upscaled production of JKRB biofoil from biowastes for active packaging may support the fights against plastic waste, food waste, and the invasiveness of Japanese knotweed, while greatly contributing to the so-called ‘zero-waste’ strategy and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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18 pages, 7271 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized from Bauhinia tomentosa Linn
by Senthil Renganathan, Sugunakala Subramaniyan, Nivetha Karunanithi, Preethi Vasanthakumar, Arne Kutzner, Pok-Son Kim and Klaus Heese
Antioxidants 2021, 10(12), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10121959 - 7 Dec 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4347
Abstract
The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we synthesized AgNPs using the aqueous flower extract of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn. Formation of AgNPs was observed using ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometry at different time intervals. [...] Read more.
The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we synthesized AgNPs using the aqueous flower extract of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn. Formation of AgNPs was observed using ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometry at different time intervals. Maximum absorption was observed after 4 h at 420 nm due to the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0. The stabilizing activity of functional groups was identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Size and surface morphology were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The present study revealed the AgNPs were spherical in form with a diameter of 32 nm. The face-centered cubic structure of AgNPs was indexed using X-ray powder diffraction with peaks at 2θ = 37°, 49°, 63°, and 76° (corresponding to the planes of silver 111, 200, 220, 311), respectively. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that pure reduced silver (Ag0) was the major constituent (59.08%). Antimicrobial analyses showed that the biosynthesized AgNPs possess increased antibacterial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), with larger zone formation against S. aureus (9.25 mm) compared with that of E. coli (6.75 mm)) and antifungal activity (against Aspergillus flavus and Candida albican (with superior inhibition against A. flavus (zone of inhibition: 7 mm) compared with C. albicans (zone of inhibition: 5.75 mm)). Inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was found to be dose-dependent with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 56.77 μg/mL and 43.03 μg/mL for AgNPs and ascorbic acid (control), respectively, thus confirming that silver nanoparticles have greater antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid. Molecular docking was used to determine the mode of antimicrobial interaction of our biosynthesized B. tomentosa Linn flower-powder extract-derived AgNPs. The biogenic AgNPs preferred hydrophobic contacts to inhibit bacterial and fungal sustainability with reducing antioxidant properties, suggesting that biogenic AgNPs can serve as effective medicinal agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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Review

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22 pages, 3985 KiB  
Review
The Multifaceted Role of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Cancer Prevention, Occurrence, and Treatment
by Shuai Yan, Jiajie Lu, Bingqing Chen, Liuxia Yuan, Lin Chen, Linglin Ju, Weihua Cai and Jinzhu Wu
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080897 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2517
Abstract
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound synthesized by mitochondria and widely distributed in both animal and plant tissues. It primarily influences cellular metabolism and oxidative stress networks through its antioxidant properties and is an important drug for treating metabolic diseases associated [...] Read more.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound synthesized by mitochondria and widely distributed in both animal and plant tissues. It primarily influences cellular metabolism and oxidative stress networks through its antioxidant properties and is an important drug for treating metabolic diseases associated with oxidative damage. Nevertheless, research indicates that the mechanism by which ALA affects cancer cells is distinct from that observed in normal cells, exhibiting pro-oxidative properties. Therefore, this review aims to describe the main chemical and biological functions of ALA in the cancer environment, including its mechanisms and effects in tumor prevention and anticancer activity, as well as its role as an adjunctive drug in cancer therapy. We specifically focus on the interactions between ALA and various carcinogenic and anti-carcinogenic pathways and discuss ALA’s pro-oxidative capabilities in the unique redox environment of cancer cells. Additionally, we elaborate on ALA’s roles in nanomedicine, hypoxia-inducible factors, and cancer stem cell research, proposing hypotheses and potential explanations for currently unresolved issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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22 pages, 5388 KiB  
Review
The Importance of Antioxidant Biomaterials in Human Health and Technological Innovation: A Review
by Alessandra Cristina Pedro, Oscar Giordani Paniz, Isabela de Andrade Arruda Fernandes, Débora Gonçalves Bortolini, Fernanda Thaís Vieira Rubio, Charles Windson Isidoro Haminiuk, Giselle Maria Maciel and Washington Luiz Esteves Magalhães
Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091644 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4319
Abstract
Biomaterials come from natural sources such as animals, plants, fungi, algae, and bacteria, composed mainly of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate molecules. The great diversity of biomaterials makes these compounds promising for developing new products for technological applications. In this sense, antioxidant biomaterials have [...] Read more.
Biomaterials come from natural sources such as animals, plants, fungi, algae, and bacteria, composed mainly of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate molecules. The great diversity of biomaterials makes these compounds promising for developing new products for technological applications. In this sense, antioxidant biomaterials have been developed to exert biological and active functions in the human body and industrial formulations. Furthermore, antioxidant biomaterials come from natural sources, whose components can inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, these materials incorporated with antioxidants, mainly from plant sources, have important effects, such as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antitumor, and anti-aging, in addition to increasing the shelf-life of products. Aiming at the importance of antioxidant biomaterials in different technological segments as biodegradable, economic, and promising sources, this review presents the main available biomaterials, antioxidant sources, and assigned biological activities. In addition, potential applications in the biomedical and industrial fields are described with a focus on innovative publications found in the literature in the last five years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications and Health Benefits of Novel Antioxidant Biomaterials)
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