Journal of Functional Biomaterials

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11 pages, 2581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Infrared Light Photodynamic Therapy with PEI-Capped Up-Conversion Nanoparticles and Chlorin e6 Induces Apoptosis of Oral Cancer Cells

by Jinhao Cui, Yoshimasa Makita, Tomoharu Okamura, Chihoko Ikeda, Shin-ichi Fujiwara and Kazuya Tominaga

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110333 - 7 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy in the oral cavity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new alternative for the treatment of diseases using photosensitizers (PS) and light. In this study, we used a photosensitizer complex (Ce6-MnNPs—Chlorin e6 combined with up-conversion [...] Read more.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy in the oral cavity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new alternative for the treatment of diseases using photosensitizers (PS) and light. In this study, we used a photosensitizer complex (Ce6-MnNPs—Chlorin e6 combined with up-conversion nanoparticles NaYF₄:Yb/Er/Mn) to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of this treatment against oral cancer cells. We also investigated the mechanism of action of near-infrared light PDT (NIR-PDT) combined with the Ce6-MnNPs. After determining a suitable concentration of Ce6-MnNPs using an MTT assay, human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-3) were treated with NIR-PDT with Ce6-MnNPs. We examined the characteristics of Ce6-MnNPs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); a zeta potential and particle size analyzer; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); cell viability by MTT assay; and apoptosis by FITC-Annexin V/PI assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis-related mRNA level (Bax and Bcl-2) and p53 protein were also researched. NIR-PDT with 0.5 ng/µL Ce6-MnNPs inhibited the proliferation of HSC-3 (p < 0.05). After treatment with NIR-PDT, changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis occurred (p < 0.01). The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and p53-positive cells increased (p < 0.01). These results suggest that this treatment can induce apoptosis of oral cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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14 pages, 3923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity of Amino-Modified Cellulose Nanofibrils Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles

by Vesna Lazić, Jovan M. Nedeljković and Vanja Kokol

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100304 - 13 Oct 2024

Viewed by 961

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) conjugated with amino-functionalized cellulose nanofibrils (NH₂−CNFs) were in situ-prepared by reducing silver ions with free amino groups from NH₂−CNFs. The spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements confirmed the presence of non-agglomerated nanometer-in-size Ag NPs within [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) conjugated with amino-functionalized cellulose nanofibrils (NH₂−CNFs) were in situ-prepared by reducing silver ions with free amino groups from NH₂−CNFs. The spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements confirmed the presence of non-agglomerated nanometer-in-size Ag NPs within micrometer-large NH₂−CNFs of high (20 wt.-%) content. Although the consumption of amino groups during the formation of Ag NPs lowers the ζ-potential and surface charge of prepared inorganic–organic hybrids (from +31.3 to +19.9 mV and from 2.4 to 1.0 mmol/g at pH 7, respectively), their values are sufficiently positive to ensure electrostatic interaction with negatively charged cell walls of pathogens in acidic and slightly (up to pH ~8.5) alkaline solutions. The antimicrobial activity of hybrid microparticles against various pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans) is comparable with pristine NH₂−CNFs. However, a long-timescale use of hybrids ensures the slow and controlled release of Ag⁺ ions to surrounding media (less than 1.0 wt.-% for one month). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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13 pages, 6742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dihydromyricetin Nanoparticles Alleviate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Decreasing Inflammation and Cell Apoptosis via the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

by Hongmei Yin, Qiaohua Yan, Yinglun Li and Huaqiao Tang

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(9), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15090249 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most severe and fatal complication of sepsis resulting from infectious trauma. Currently, effective treatment options are still lacking. Dihydromyricetin is the main component extracted from Vine tea (Ampelopsis megalophylla Diels et Gilg). In our previous [...] Read more.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most severe and fatal complication of sepsis resulting from infectious trauma. Currently, effective treatment options are still lacking. Dihydromyricetin is the main component extracted from Vine tea (Ampelopsis megalophylla Diels et Gilg). In our previous research, chitosan–tripolyphosphate-encapsulated nanoparticles of dihydromyricetin (CS-DMY-NPs) have been proven to have potential protective effects against cisplatin-induced AKI. Here, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of DMY and its nano-formulations against LPS-induced AKI by assessing pathological and inflammatory changes in mice. In mice with LPS-AKI treated with 300 mg/kg CS-DMY-NPs, the levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and KIM-1 were significantly reduced by 56%, 49%, and 88%, respectively. CS-DMY-NPs can upregulate the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT by 47%, 7%, and 14%, respectively, to inhibit LPS-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, CS-DMY-NPs decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 by 31%, 49%, and 35%, respectively, to alleviate the inflammatory response. TUNEL and immunohistochemistry showed that CS-DMY-NPs reduced the number of apoptotic cells, increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio by 30%, and attenuated renal cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis of renal tissue indicated that CS-DMY-NPs inhibited TLR4 expression and downregulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα. In summary, DMY prevented LPS-induced AKI by increasing antioxidant capacity, reducing inflammatory responses, and blocking apoptosis, and DMY nanoparticles were shown to have a better protective effect for future applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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23 pages, 11069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles Alleviate High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) by Modulating the Gut Barrier Function and Microbiota

by Yuhang Luo, Shujiang Peng, Jintao Cheng, Hongli Yang, Lin Lin, Guiling Yang, Yuanxiang Jin, Qingchi Wang and Zhengshun Wen

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(8), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15080236 - 22 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Low molecular weight chitosan selenium nanoparticles (LCS-SeNPs), a biologically active compound derived from selenium polysaccharides, have demonstrated potential in addressing obesity. However, the mechanism through which LCS-SeNPs alleviate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. Our results elucidated that LCS-SeNPs [...] Read more.

Low molecular weight chitosan selenium nanoparticles (LCS-SeNPs), a biologically active compound derived from selenium polysaccharides, have demonstrated potential in addressing obesity. However, the mechanism through which LCS-SeNPs alleviate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. Our results elucidated that LCS-SeNPs significantly inhibited fat accumulation and markedly improved the intestinal barrier by increasing mucus secretion from goblet cells. Moreover, LCS-SeNPs reshaped intestinal flora composition by increasing the abundance of mucus-associated microbiota (Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Muribaculaceae_unclassified) and decreasing the abundance of obesity-contributed bacterium (Anaerotruncus, Lachnoclostridium, and Proteus). The modulation of intestinal microbiota by LCS-SeNPs influenced several metabolic pathways, including bile acid secretion, purine metabolites, and tryptophan derivation. Meanwhile, glycocholic acid and tauro-beta-muricholic acid were significantly reduced in the LCS-SeNP group. Our study suggests the crucial role of intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism, providing a new theoretical foundation for utilizing selenium polysaccharides in the intervention of HFD-induced NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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10 pages, 2165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antibacterial Properties of a Reinforced Zinc Oxide Eugenol Combined with Cloisite 5A Nanoclay: An In-Vitro Study

by Bahareh Nazemisalman, Shaghayegh Niaz, Shayan Darvish, Ayda Notash, Ali Ramazani and Ionut Luchian

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(7), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15070198 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1077

Abstract

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are the most common clinical approach for dental caries in the primary dentition. Reinforced zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is an ideal material for filling in the pulp chamber after pulp therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the [...] Read more.

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are the most common clinical approach for dental caries in the primary dentition. Reinforced zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is an ideal material for filling in the pulp chamber after pulp therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the addition of Cloisite 5A nanoclay material to ZOE and evaluate its antibacterial properties. In this case–control study, the nanoclay nanoparticles were dissolved using a solvent (Eugenol) in different concentrations and their antibacterial properties were assessed using the agar diffusion test and biofilm analysis of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in in vitro conditions using the AATCC 100 standards. The diameter of the inhibition zone was measured and assessed statistically using the SPSS software (Version 28, IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) with a significance level of 0.05. The antibacterial properties of the ZOE with nanoclay particles were significantly greater in comparison to the plain ZOE against E. faecalis, S. mutans, and E. coli. The inhibition zone against E. coli under the effect of the ZOE and nanoclay particles combined was significantly higher than that against E. faecalis and S. mutans. The current study showed that the addition of Cloisite 5A nanoclay particles can improve the antibacterial properties of ZOE significantly at certain concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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13 pages, 2498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence of Lysosomal β-Hexosaminidase Enzymatic Activity Associated with Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Applications for the Correction of Sandhoff Disease

by Eleonora Calzoni, Giada Cerrotti, Krizia Sagini, Federica Delo, Sandra Buratta, Roberto Maria Pellegrino, Husam B. R. Alabed, Federica Fratini, Carla Emiliani and Lorena Urbanelli

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(6), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15060153 - 4 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1150

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be isolated from biological fluids and cell culture medium. Their nanometric dimension, relative stability, and biocompatibility have raised considerable interest for their therapeutic use as delivery vehicles of macromolecules, namely nucleic acids and proteins. Deficiency in lysosomal enzymes and [...] Read more.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be isolated from biological fluids and cell culture medium. Their nanometric dimension, relative stability, and biocompatibility have raised considerable interest for their therapeutic use as delivery vehicles of macromolecules, namely nucleic acids and proteins. Deficiency in lysosomal enzymes and associated proteins is at the basis of a group of genetic diseases known as lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), characterized by the accumulation of undigested substrates into lysosomes. Among them, GM2 gangliosidoses are due to a deficiency in the activity of lysosomal enzyme β-hexosaminidase, leading to the accumulation of the GM2 ganglioside and severe neurological symptoms. Current therapeutic approaches, including enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), have proven unable to significantly treat these conditions. Here, we provide evidence that the lysosomal β-hexosaminidase enzyme is associated with EVs released by HEK cells and that the EV-associated activity can be increased by overexpressing the α-subunit of β-hexosaminidase. The delivery of EVs to β-hexosaminidase-deficient fibroblasts results in a partial cross-correction of the enzymatic defect. Overall findings indicate that EVs could be a source of β-hexosaminidase that is potentially exploitable for developing therapeutic approaches for currently untreatable LSDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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14 pages, 6794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxicity Assessment of New Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites: An In Vitro and In Vivo Approach

by José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Pablo Igor Ribeiro Franco, Yarlla Loyane Lira Braga, Jordana Fernandes de Oliveira, Hugo Felix Perini, Luís Fernando Duarte Albuquerque, Danieli Brolo Martins, Fernanda Rodrigues Helmo, Anderson Assunção Andrade, Marina Pacheco Miguel, Mara Rúbia Nunes Celes, Thiago Lopes Rocha, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva, Juliana Reis Machado and Marcos Vinícius da Silva

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15030051 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2111

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are metal oxide nanomaterials, which are important for several applications: antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiprotozoal and antitumoral, among others. These applications are mainly related to the ability to spontaneously produce and induce the production of reactive oxygen species that are [...] Read more.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are metal oxide nanomaterials, which are important for several applications: antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiprotozoal and antitumoral, among others. These applications are mainly related to the ability to spontaneously produce and induce the production of reactive oxygen species that are important components for the destruction of pathogens and tumor cells. While trying to potentiate ZnO NPs, studies have associated these NPs with silver oxide (AgO) or silver (Ag) NPs. It has already been reported that this combination (Ag-ZnO/AgO NPs) is able to enhance the microbicidal potential. Although possessing much potential for several purposes, it is important to evaluate whether this association also poses the risk of toxicity to cells and experimental models. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the toxicity of various Ag-ZnO/AgO NP nanocomposites, in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, ZnO nanocrystals and nanocomposites with various concentrations of AgO (ZnO:5Ag, ZnO:9Ag or ZnO:11Ag) were used in different cytotoxicity models: Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella), cell lines (VERO and RAW 264.7) and C57BL/6 mice. In the G. mellonella model, four concentrations were used in a single dose, with subsequent evaluation of mortality. In the case of cells, serial concentrations starting at 125 µg/mL were used, with subsequent cytotoxicity assessment. Based on the safe doses obtained in G. mellonella and cell models, the best doses were used in mice, with subsequent evaluations of weight, biochemistry as also renal and liver histopathology. It was observed that the toxicity, although low, of the nanocomposites was dependent upon the concentration of AgO used in association with ZnO NPs, both in vitro and in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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19 pages, 7431 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multifunctional ZnO@DOX/ICG-LMHP Nanoparticles for Synergistic Multimodal Antitumor Activity

by Zhuoyue Li, Jingru Wang, Junwei Liu, Jianming Yu, Jingwen Wang, Hui Wang, Qingchao Wei, Man Liu, Meiqi Xu, Zhenhan Feng, Ting Zhong and Xuan Zhang

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15020035 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2564

Abstract

Multifunctional nanoparticles are of significant importance for synergistic multimodal antitumor activity. Herein, zinc oxide (ZnO) was used as pH-sensitive nanoparticles for loading the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (DOX) and the photosensitizer agent indocyanine green (ICG), and biocompatible low-molecular-weight heparin (LMHP) was used as the [...] Read more.

Multifunctional nanoparticles are of significant importance for synergistic multimodal antitumor activity. Herein, zinc oxide (ZnO) was used as pH-sensitive nanoparticles for loading the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (DOX) and the photosensitizer agent indocyanine green (ICG), and biocompatible low-molecular-weight heparin (LMHP) was used as the gatekeepers for synergistic photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemotherapy/immunotherapy. ZnO was decomposed into cytotoxic Zn²⁺ ions, leading to a tumor-specific release of ICG and DOX. ZnO simultaneously produced oxygen (O₂) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The released ICG under laser irradiation produced ROS for PDT and raised the tumor temperature for photothermal therapy (PTT). The released DOX directly caused tumor cell death for chemotherapy. Both DOX and ICG also induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) for immunotherapy. The in vivo and in vitro results presented a superior inhibition of tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, this study could provide an efficient approach for designing multifunctional nanoparticles for synergistic multimodal antitumor therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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15 pages, 4166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Oleogel Containing Sustainably Prepared Silver-Based Nanomaterials for Topical Application

by Valeria Ambrogi, Morena Nocchetti, Donatella Pietrella, Giulia Quaglia, Alessandro Di Michele and Loredana Latterini

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15010004 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1961

Abstract

Oleogels containing silica–silver-based nanomaterials were prepared to be used as potential antimicrobial treatment for preventing and curing skin infections. Fumed silica was used as a bifunctional excipient able to offer support to silver-based nanoparticle growth and act as a gelling agent for oleogel [...] Read more.

Oleogels containing silica–silver-based nanomaterials were prepared to be used as potential antimicrobial treatment for preventing and curing skin infections. Fumed silica was used as a bifunctional excipient able to offer support to silver-based nanoparticle growth and act as a gelling agent for oleogel formulation. First, silica–silver composites were prepared following a sustainable method by contact of fumed silica and silver nitrate in the presence of ethanol and successive UV irradiation. The composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ATR FT-IR spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The presence of 8–20 nm spherical nanoparticles, in addition to the silica aggregates and AgNO₃ crystals, was detected. The composites showed good antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thus, they were formulated in an oleogel, obtained using fumed silica as a gelling agent. For comparison, oleogels containing AgNO₃ were prepared according to two different formulative techniques. The silica–silver-based oleogels showed good antimicrobial activity and did not show cytotoxic effects for fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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14 pages, 1979 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Lutein Encapsulated in PLGA–Phospholipid Nano-Carrier Effectively Mitigates Cytokines by Inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor TNF-α and Nuclear Factor NF-κB in Mice Retina

by Ranganathan Arunkumar and Vallikannan Baskaran

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14040197 - 3 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1718

Abstract

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL), (poly (lactic-co-glycolic [...] Read more.

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL), (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarrier with phospholipid) to improve the biological availability and bioefficacy of lutein in the retina of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lutein-devoid (LD) mice. The effect of lutein-loaded NCs with/without PL was studied in comparison with micellar lutein. The induction of inflammation by LPS significantly increased the production of nitrites in the LPS-induced group, revealing higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum (760%) and retina (891%) compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum (93%) and retina (205%) of the LPS-induced group were higher compared to the control group. LPS induction resulted in increased protein carbonyls in the serum (481%) and retina (487%) of the LPS group compared to the control group. Further, to conclude, lutein-PLGA NCs (+PL) effectively down-regulated inflammatory complications in the retina. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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21 pages, 3822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Patch Loaded with Clarithromycin Nanovesicles for Transdermal Drug Delivery

by Ahlam Zaid Alkilani, Batool Musleh, Rania Hamed, Lubna Swellmeen and Haneen A. Basheer

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14020057 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5161

Abstract

Clarithromycin (CLR), categorized as a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drug, has several gastrointestinal tract side effects and an extremely unpalatable bitter taste. The current study aimed to design transdermal patch-embedded CLR niosomes to overcome the aforementioned CLR-related challenges. Various niosomal formulations were [...] Read more.

Clarithromycin (CLR), categorized as a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drug, has several gastrointestinal tract side effects and an extremely unpalatable bitter taste. The current study aimed to design transdermal patch-embedded CLR niosomes to overcome the aforementioned CLR-related challenges. Various niosomal formulations were successfully fabricated and characterized for their morphology, size, in vitro release, and antimicrobial efficacy. Subsequently, the CLR niosomes were loaded into transdermal patches using the solvent casting method. The polydispersity index of the niosomes ranged from 0.005 to 0.360, indicating the uniformity of the niosomes. The encapsulating efficiency (EE)% varied from 12 to 86%. The optimal Chol: surfactant ratio for drug release was found to be 0.5:1. In addition, the encapsulation of CLR into niosomal nanovesicles did not reduce the antibacterial activity of the CLR. The niosomal patch had a significantly higher permeability coefficient of CLR than the conventional patch. In addition to that, a shear-thinning behavior was observed in the niosomal gels before loading them into a niosomal patch. The flux (Jss) of the niosomal patch was significantly higher than the conventional patch by more than 200 times. In conclusion, niosome-based transdermal patches could be a promising method for the transdermal drug delivery of class II drugs and drugs experiencing GIT side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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Review

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15 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessReview

PMA-Zeolite: Chemistry and Diverse Medical Applications

by Aleksandar Bulog, Kresimir Pavelic, Ivana Šutić and Sandra Kraljevic Pavelic

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100296 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1067

Abstract

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted in recent decades with the aim to study targeted application of zeolites in various industries, ecology, agronomy and medicine. The biggest advances, however, have been documented in medical and veterinary research of the natural zeolite, clinoptilolite. Although [...] Read more.

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted in recent decades with the aim to study targeted application of zeolites in various industries, ecology, agronomy and medicine. The biggest advances, however, have been documented in medical and veterinary research of the natural zeolite, clinoptilolite. Although the exact biological mechanisms of action of the zeolite clinoptilolite are not completely elucidated, obtained results point to its antioxidative, immunomodulatory and detoxifying effects, the latter partially based on release of soluble and bioavailable silica forms from the surface material. The studied zeolite clinoptilolite materials have different geographical origins which confer to the physicochemical differences in the material. In addition, the production process of the material for oral applications differs between different producers which also accounts for different properties of the surface upon mechanical activation. Recently, a well-characterized zeolite clinoptilolite material, namely the PMA-zeolite, has been tested in different clinical applications and has shown potential as supportive therapy in inflammatory conditions, osteoporosis as well as during tumor chemotherapy. We accordingly present a comprehensive review of the PMA-zeolite effects in the clinical applications and discuss its probable mechanisms of effect in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials/Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications)

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