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17 pages, 10896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Injectable Tannin-Containing Hydroxypropyl Chitin Hydrogel as Novel Bioactive Pulp Capping Material Accelerates Repair of Inflamed Dental Pulp

by Linfang Zhou, Wenjie Shi, Xinye Zhang, Ming Liu, Lu Zhang, Xulin Jiang and Zhi Chen

Biomolecules 2024, 14(9), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14091129 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 921

Abstract

Conventional pulp capping materials have limited anti-inflammatory capacity. It is necessary to develop more effective pulp capping material for the treatment of inflamed pulps. Tannic acid (TA) is a natural, water-soluble polyphenol with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the [...] Read more.

Conventional pulp capping materials have limited anti-inflammatory capacity. It is necessary to develop more effective pulp capping material for the treatment of inflamed pulps. Tannic acid (TA) is a natural, water-soluble polyphenol with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a tannin-containing hydroxypropyl chitin hydrogel (HPCH/TA hydrogel) as an innovative pulp capping material. The physicochemical properties of the composite hydrogels were characterized. The effects of HPCH/TA hydrogel as a pulp capping material were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of HPCH/TA hydrogel was explored. The HPCH/TA hydrogel demonstrated favorable temperature sensitivity, injectability, and antibacterial properties. In vitro, the HPCH/TA hydrogel effectively promoted the proliferation of human dental pulp cells and inhibited interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression, possibly by suppressing the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway. In vivo, on the fourth day after capping, the HPCH/TA hydrogel group showed lower inflammatory scores compared to the control and iRoot BP Plus (commercial pulp capping material) group. By the sixth week, complete reparative dentin formation was observed in the HPCH/TA hydrogel group, with no difference in thickness compared to the iRoot BP Plus group. Collectively, the HPCH/TA hydrogel holds promise as a bioactive pulp capping material for promoting the repair of inflamed pulp in vital pulp therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 4167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Limonene Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect on LPS-Induced Jejunal Injury in Mice by Inhibiting NF-κB/AP-1 Pathway

by Sarmed H. Kathem, Yasameen Sh. Nasrawi, Shihab H. Mutlag and Surya M. Nauli

Biomolecules 2024, 14(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14030334 - 12 Mar 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal system is a complex ecosystem crucial for well-being. During sepsis-induced gut injury, the integrity of the intestinal barrier can be compromised. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria, disrupts the intestinal barrier, contributing to inflammation and various dysfunctions. The current [...] Read more.

The human gastrointestinal system is a complex ecosystem crucial for well-being. During sepsis-induced gut injury, the integrity of the intestinal barrier can be compromised. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria, disrupts the intestinal barrier, contributing to inflammation and various dysfunctions. The current study explores the protective effects of limonene, a natural compound with diverse biological properties, against LPS-induced jejunal injury in mice. Oral administration of limonene at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg was used in the LPS mouse model. The Murine Sepsis Score (MSS) was utilized to evaluate the severity of sepsis, while serum levels of urea and creatinine served as indicators of renal function. Our results indicated that LPS injection induced renal function deterioration, evidenced by elevated serum urea and creatinine levels compared to control mice. However, pretreatment with limonene at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg mitigated this decline in renal function, evidenced from the reduced levels of serum urea and creatinine. Limonene demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2), suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/AP-1 but not IRF3 signaling pathways, and modulating oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation. The results suggest that limonene holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating intestinal inflammation and preserving gastrointestinal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 25704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Sericin Content on the Structural Characteristics and Properties of New Silk Nonwoven Fabrics

by Ye Eun Kim, Yu Jeong Bae, Mi Jin Jang and In Chul Um

Biomolecules 2023, 13(8), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13081186 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

Recently, natural silk nonwoven fabrics have attracted attention in biomedical and cosmetic applications because of their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and easy preparation. Herein, silk nonwoven fabrics were prepared by carding silk filaments to improve their productivity, and the effect of sericin content [...] Read more.

Recently, natural silk nonwoven fabrics have attracted attention in biomedical and cosmetic applications because of their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and easy preparation. Herein, silk nonwoven fabrics were prepared by carding silk filaments to improve their productivity, and the effect of sericin content on the structure and properties of silk nonwoven fabrics was investigated. Owing to the binding effect of sericin in silk, a natural silk nonwoven fabric was successfully prepared through carding, wetting, and hot press treatments. Sericin content affected the structural characteristics and properties of the silk nonwoven fabrics. As the sericin content increased, the silk nonwoven fabrics became more compact with reduced porosity and thickness. Further, with increasing sericin content, the crystallinity and elongation of the silk nonwoven fabrics decreased while the moisture regain and the maximum stress increased. The thermal stability of most silk nonwoven fabrics was not affected by the sericin content. However, silk nonwoven fabrics without sericin had a lower thermal decomposition temperature than other nonwoven fabrics. Regardless of the sericin content, all silk nonwoven fabrics exhibited optimal cell viability and are promising candidates for cosmetic and biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 4942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Step Controlled Release of Berberine Hydrochloride from the Trans-Scale Hybrids of Nanofibers and Microparticles

by Jianfeng Zhou, Yelin Dai, Junhao Fu, Chao Yan, Deng-Guang Yu and Tao Yi

Biomolecules 2023, 13(6), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13061011 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

In this nano era, nanomaterials and nanostructures are popular in developing novel functional materials. However, the combinations of materials at micro and macro scales can open new routes for developing novel trans-scale products with improved or even new functional performances. In this work, [...] Read more.

In this nano era, nanomaterials and nanostructures are popular in developing novel functional materials. However, the combinations of materials at micro and macro scales can open new routes for developing novel trans-scale products with improved or even new functional performances. In this work, a brand-new hybrid, containing both nanofibers and microparticles, was fabricated using a sequential electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) process. Firstly, the microparticles loaded with drug (berberine hydrochloride, BH) molecules in the cellulose acetate (CA) were fabricated using a solution electrospraying process. Later, these microparticles were suspended into a co-dissolved solution that contained BH and a hydrophilic polymer (polypyrrolidone, PVP) and were co-electrospun into the nanofiber/microparticle hybrids. The EHDA processes were recorded, and the resultant trans-scale products showed a typical hybrid topography, with microparticles distributed all over the nanofibers, which was demonstrated by SEM assessments. FTIR and XRD demonstrated that the components within the hybrids were presented in an amorphous state and had fine compatibility with each other. In vitro dissolution tests verified that the hybrids were able to provide the designed dual-step drug release profiles, a combination of the fast release step of BH from the hydrophilic PVP nanofibers through an erosion mechanism and the sustained release step of BH from the insoluble CA microparticles via a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. The present protocols pave a new way for developing trans-scale functional materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 4826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

β-Glucan and Fatty Acid Based Mucoadhesive Carrier for Gastrointestinal Tract Specific Local and Sustained Drug Delivery

by Stephanie Vargas Esquivel, Himanshu N. Bhatt, Rimpy Diwan, Ahsan Habib, Wen-Yee Lee, Zehedina Khatun and Md Nurunnabi

Biomolecules 2023, 13(5), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13050768 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2961

Abstract

The oral route is considered the most convenient route of drug administration for both systemic and local delivery. Besides stability and transportation, another unmet but important issue regarding oral medication is retention duration within the specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We [...] Read more.

The oral route is considered the most convenient route of drug administration for both systemic and local delivery. Besides stability and transportation, another unmet but important issue regarding oral medication is retention duration within the specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We hypothesize that an oral vehicle that can adhere and maintain retention within the stomach for a longer duration can be more effective to treat stomach-related diseases. Therefore, in this project, we developed a carrier that is highly specific to the stomach and maintains its retention for a longer duration. We developed a vehicle composed of β-Glucan And Docosahexaenoic Acid (GADA) to observe its affinity and specificity to the stomach. GADA forms a spherical-shaped particle with negative zeta potential values that vary based on the feed ratio of docosahexaenoic acid. Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that has transporters and receptors throughout the GI tract, such as CD36, plasma membrane-associated fatty acid-binding protein (FABP (pm)), and a family of fatty acid transport proteins (FATP1-6). The in vitro studies and characterization data showed that GADA has the capability to carry a payload of hydrophobic molecules and specifically deliver the payload to the GI tract, exert its therapeutic effects, and help to maintain stability for more than 12 h in the gastric and intestinal fluid. The particle size and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) data showed that GADA has a strong binding affinity with mucin in the presence of simulated gastric fluids. We observed a comparatively higher drug release of lidocaine in gastric juice than that in intestinal fluids, demonstrating the influence of the pH values of the media on drug-release kinetics. In vivo and ex vivo imaging of mice demonstrated that GADA maintains its retention within the stomach for at least 4 hr. This stomach-specific oral vehicle holds strong promise to translate various injectable therapeutic drugs to oral form upon further optimizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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20 pages, 2582 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Immunomodulatory Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Inflammatory and Cancer Therapies

by Bin Gu, Qin Zhao and Yiran Ao

Biomolecules 2024, 14(9), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14091057 - 25 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1440

Abstract

In recent decades, immunotherapy has been considered a promising treatment approach. The modulatable enhancement or attenuation of the body’s immune response can effectively suppress tumors. However, challenges persist in clinical applications due to the lack of precision in antigen presentation to immune cells, [...] Read more.

In recent decades, immunotherapy has been considered a promising treatment approach. The modulatable enhancement or attenuation of the body’s immune response can effectively suppress tumors. However, challenges persist in clinical applications due to the lack of precision in antigen presentation to immune cells, immune escape mechanisms, and immunotherapy-mediated side effects. As a potential delivery system for drugs and immunomodulators, mesoporous silica has attracted extensive attention recently. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) possess high porosity, a large specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and facile surface modifiability, making them suitable as multifunctional carriers in immunotherapy. This article summarizes the latest advancements in the application of MSNs as carriers in cancer immunotherapy, aiming to stimulate further exploration of the immunomodulatory mechanisms and the development of immunotherapeutics based on MSNs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Chicken Egg: An Advanced Material for Tissue Engineering

by Yuli Zhang, Hieu M. Pham and Simon D. Tran

Biomolecules 2024, 14(4), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14040439 - 4 Apr 2024

Viewed by 2899

Abstract

The chicken egg, an excellent natural source of proteins, has been an overlooked native biomaterial with remarkable physicochemical, structural, and biological properties. Recently, with significant advances in biomedical engineering, particularly in the development of 3D in vitro platforms, chicken egg materials have increasingly [...] Read more.

The chicken egg, an excellent natural source of proteins, has been an overlooked native biomaterial with remarkable physicochemical, structural, and biological properties. Recently, with significant advances in biomedical engineering, particularly in the development of 3D in vitro platforms, chicken egg materials have increasingly been investigated as biomaterials due to their distinct advantages such as their low cost, availability, easy handling, gelling ability, bioactivity, and provision of a developmentally stimulating environment for cells. In addition, the chicken egg and its by-products can improve tissue engraftment and stimulate angiogenesis, making it particularly attractive for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. Evidence suggests that the egg white (EW), egg yolk (EY), and eggshell membrane (ESM) are great biomaterial candidates for tissue engineering, as their protein composition resembles mammalian extracellular matrix proteins, ideal for cellular attachment, cellular differentiation, proliferation, and survivability. Moreover, eggshell (ES) is considered an excellent calcium resource for generating hydroxyapatite (HA), making it a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration. This review will provide researchers with a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the chicken egg structure, composition, and associated bioactive molecules in each component and introduce up-to-date tissue engineering applications of chicken eggs as biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessReview

Drug Delivery Systems for Personal Healthcare by Smart Wearable Patch System

by Bikram Khadka, Byeongmoon Lee and Ki-Taek Kim

Biomolecules 2023, 13(6), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13060929 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3389

Abstract

Smart wearable patch systems that combine biosensing and therapeutic components have emerged as promising approaches for personalized healthcare and therapeutic platforms that enable self-administered, noninvasive, user-friendly, and long-acting smart drug delivery. Sensing components can continuously monitor physiological and biochemical parameters, and the monitoring [...] Read more.

Smart wearable patch systems that combine biosensing and therapeutic components have emerged as promising approaches for personalized healthcare and therapeutic platforms that enable self-administered, noninvasive, user-friendly, and long-acting smart drug delivery. Sensing components can continuously monitor physiological and biochemical parameters, and the monitoring signals can be transferred to various stimuli using actuators. In therapeutic components, stimuli-responsive carrier-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) provide on-demand drug delivery in a closed-loop manner. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in smart wearable patch systems, focusing on sensing components, stimuli, and therapeutic components. Additionally, this review highlights the potential of fully integrated smart wearable patch systems for personalized medicine. Furthermore, challenges associated with the clinical applications of this system and future perspectives are discussed, including issues related to drug loading and reloading, biocompatibility, accuracy of sensing and drug delivery, and largescale fabrication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Biomedical Applications: 2nd Edition)

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