Antibacterial Effect of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles on Infected Wound Healing

Background: It is widely acknowledged that pathogenic germs delay wound healing to some extent. To explore factors influencing the wound healing process, the current study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial effect of topical application of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) in vitro and on infected wound healing process in the rat model. Materials and Methods: In this study, the morphology and size of CuS NPs were detected. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were used so that the antibacterial ability of CuS NPs could be evaluated better. In addition, a 2-cm circular full-thickness wound infected with a solution of 10⁷ colony forming units (CFU) Staphylococcus aureus was created on the back of each rat. The rats were divided into four groups including the control group, the 100 mcg/mL CuS NPs group, the 250 mcg/mL CuS NPs group, and the 500 mcg/mL CuS NPs group. Tissue bacterial count and histologic assessment were evaluated. Results: The results indicated that CuS NPs had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moreover, they could decrease the incidence of bacterial colonization and promote wound healing through re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. Furthermore, CuS NPs could maintain Cu²⁺ continuous release and inhibit the viability of Staphylococcus aureus through lipid peroxidation. Conclusions: This study found that CuS NPs have fine antibacterial properties, and particularly, the 500 mcg/mL CuS NPs had better effects, without increase of side effects. They could promote infected wound healing, the prospective clinical application of which was further confirmed in the treatment of wound infection.

Photo induced mechanistic activity of GO/Zn(Cu)O nanocomposite against infectious pathogens: Potential application in wound healing

Treating infection causing microorganisms is one of the major challenges in wound healing. These may gain resistance due to the overuse of conventional antibiotics. A promising technique is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) used to selectively cause damage to infectious pathogenic cells via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We report on biocompatable nanomaterials that can serve as potential photosensitizers for aPDT. GO/Zn(Cu)O nanocomposite was synthesized by co-precipitation method. Graphene Oxide (GO) is known for its high surface to volume ratio, excellent surface functionality and enhanced antimicrobial property. ZnO nanoparticle induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation and it leads to recombination of electron-hole pair. Nanocomposites of GO and Cu doped ZnO increases visible light absorption and enhances the photocatalytic property. It generates more ROS and increases the bacterial inhibition. GO/Zn(Cu)O nanocomposite was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella typhi (S. typhi), Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) by well diffusion method, growth curve, colony count, biofilm formation under both dark and visible light condition. Reactive Oxygen Species assay (ROS), Lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) assay, Protein estimation assay and membrane integrity study proves the mechanism of inhibition of bacteria. Inhibition kinetics shows the sensitivity between bacteria and GO/Zn(Cu)O nanocomposite.

Conductive Materials for Healing Wounds: Their Incorporation in Electroactive Wound Dressings, Characterization, and Perspectives

The use of conductive materials to promote the activity of electrically responsive cells is an effective means of accelerating wound healing. This article focuses on recent advancements in conductive materials, with emphasis on overviewing their incorporation with non-conducting polymers to fabricate electroactive wound dressings. The characteristics of these electroactive dressings are deliberated, and the mechanisms on how they accelerate the wound healing process are discussed. Potential directions for the future development of electroactive wound dressings and their potential in monitoring the course of wound healing in vivo concomitantly are also proposed.

Antibiotic-Loaded Psyllium Husk Hemicellulose and Gelatin-Based Polymeric Films for Wound Dressing Application

Wound infections are one of the major reasons for the delay in the healing of chronic wounds and can be overcome by developing effective wound dressings capable of absorbing exudate, providing local antibiotic release, and improving patient comfort. Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major hemicellulose present in psyllium seed husk (PSH) and exhibits promising characteristics for developing film dressings. Herein, AX-gelatin (GL) films were prepared by blending AX, gelatin (GL), glycerol, and gentamicin (antibiotic). Initially, the optimal quantities of AX, GL, and glycerol for preparing transparent, bubble-free, smooth, and foldable AX-GL films were found. Physiochemical, thermal, morphological, drug release, and antibacterial characteristics of the AX-GL films were evaluated to investigate their suitability as wound dressings. The findings suggested that the mechanical, water vapor transmission, morphological, and expansion characteristics of the optimized AX-GL films were within the required range for wound dressing. The results of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analyses suggested chemical compatibility among the ingredients of the films. In in vitro drug release and antibacterial activity experiments, gentamicin (GM)-loaded AX-GL films released approximately 89% of the GM in 24 h and exhibited better antibacterial activity than standard GM solution. These results suggest that AX-GL films could serve as a promising dressing to protect against wound infections.

Nanomaterials Versus The Microbial Compounds With Wound Healing Property

Age and diabetes related slow-healing or chronic wounds may result in morbidity and mortality through persistent biofilms infections and prolonged inflammatory phase. Nano-materials [metal/metal oxide NPs (39%), lipid vehicles (21%), polymer NPs (19%), ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) (14%), and carbon nanomaterials (NMs) (7%)] can be introduced as a possible next-generation therapy because of either their intrinsic wound healing activity or via carrying bioactive compounds including, antibiotics, antioxidants, growth factor or stem cell. The nanomaterials have been shown to implicate in all four stages of wound healing including hemostasis (polymer NPs, ceramic NPs, nanoceria-6.1%), inflammation (liposome/vesicles/solid lipid NPs/polymer NPs/ceramic NPs/silver NPs/gold NPs/nanoceria/fullerenes/carbon-based NPs-32.7%), proliferation (vesicles/liposome/solid lipid NPs/gold NPs/silver NPs/iron oxide NPs/ceramic NPs/copper NPs/self-assembling elastin-like NPs/nanoceria/micelle/dendrimers/polymer NPs-57.1%), remodeling (iron oxide NPs/nanoceria-4.1%). Natural compounds from alkaloids, flavonoids, retinoids, volatile oil, terpenes, carotenoids, or polyphenolic compounds with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or antimicrobial characteristics are also well known for their potential to accelerate the wound healing process. In the current paper, we survey the potential and properties of nanomaterials and microbial compounds in improving the process of wound and scar healing. Finally, we review the potential biocompounds for incorporation to nano-material in perspective to designate more effective or multivalent wound healing natural or nano-based drugs.

Effects of Hsian-tsao (Mesona procumbens Hemsl.) extracts and its polysaccharides on the promotion of wound healing under diabetes-like conditions

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Hsian-tsao (Mesona procumbens Hemsl.) and its polysaccharides on impaired wound healing in diabetes. The results indicate that ethanol extracts of Hsian-tsao (EE) and crude polysaccharides from water extracts of Hsian-tsao (WEP) had strong inhibitory effects on methylglyoxal (MG)-induced glycation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. EE and WEP also decreased MG-induced inflammation-related factors in RAW 264.7 macrophages and restored MG-impaired wound-healing factors in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. Furthermore, EE and WEP were found to dose-dependently enhance the MG-impaired phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by macrophages. Excitingly, EE and WEP significantly enhanced wound healing on the dorsal skin through regulation of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) protein expressions in diabetic mice, as evidenced by the percentage reduction in wound surface area and the results of histopathologic scoring analysis. In conclusion, these results suggest that Hsian-tsao extract and its polysaccharides might be utilized in alternative natural therapy to promote wound healing in diabetic individuals.

Multifunction gelatin/chitosan composite microspheres with ROS-scavenging and antibacterial activities for improving the microenvironment of chronic wounds

Multifunction gelatin/chitosan composite microspheres with ROS-scavenging and antibacterial activities for chronic wound healing.

Antibiotic-free combinational hyaluronic acid blend nanofibers for wound healing enhancement

An innovative approach in the functionalization of nanofibers (NFs) for wound healing relies on non-antibiotic combinational therapy to subdue microbial invasion while reducing antimicrobial resistance and enhancing healing. Despite great potentials, wound healing efficacy of NFs embedding antimicrobial metal nanoparticles (NPs)/essential oils has been scarcely documented. We developed combinational NFs using an electrospinnable hyaluronic acid/polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene oxide blend embedding a new ZnO NPs/cinnamon essential oil (CEO) antimicrobial combination. Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of HA and distribution of ZnO NPs and CEO within NFs. Results for mean diameter, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, tensile strength, in vitro biodegradability, and cytocompatibility of crosslinked combinational NFs were intermediate between those of their singly loaded counterparts. All NFs inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Compared with singly loaded NFs, combinational NFs showed the greatest healing efficacy of full thickness S. aureus inoculated incision wounds in rats in terms of bacterial inhibition following a single application, healing speed, and quality of skin structure recovery as verified by morphological, microbiological, and histopathological studies. Results highlighted the potentials of metal NPs/essential oil functionalization of nanofibrous wound dressings as an emerging antibiotic-free combinational approach for more effective and safer wound healing.

Biogenic nanoparticles: a comprehensive perspective in synthesis, characterization, application and its challenges

BACKGROUND

Translating the conventional scientific concepts into a new robust invention is a much needed one at a present scenario to develop some novel materials with intriguing properties. Particles in nanoscale exhibit superior activity than their bulk counterpart. This unique feature is intensively utilized in physical, chemical, and biological sectors. Each metal is holding unique optical properties that can be utilized to synthesize metallic nanoparticles. At present, versatile nanoparticles were synthesized through chemical and biological methods. Metallic nanoparticles pose numerous scientific merits and have promising industrial applications. But concerning the pros and cons of metallic nanoparticle synthesis methods, researchers elevate to drive the synthesis process of nanoparticles through the utilization of plant resources as a substitute for use of chemicals and reagents under the theme of green chemistry. These synthesized nanoparticles exhibit superior antimicrobial, anticancer, larvicidal, leishmaniasis, wound healing, antioxidant, and as a sensor. Therefore, the utilization of such conceptualized nanoparticles in treating infectious and environmental applications is a warranted one.

CONCLUSION

Green chemistry is a keen prudence method, in which bioresources is used as a template for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Therefore, in this review, we exclusively update the context of plant-based metallic nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and applications in detailed coverage. Hopefully, our review will be modernizing the recent trends going on in metallic nanoparticles synthesis for the blooming research fraternities.

Comprehensive Survey on Nanobiomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

One of the most important ideas ever produced by the application of materials science to the medical field is the notion of biomaterials. The nanostructured biomaterials play a crucial role in the development of new treatment strategies including not only the replacement of tissues and organs, but also repair and regeneration. They are designed to interact with damaged or injured tissues to induce regeneration, or as a forest for the production of laboratory tissues, so they must be micro-environmentally sensitive. The existing materials have many limitations, including impaired cell attachment, proliferation, and toxicity. Nanotechnology may open new avenues to bone tissue engineering by forming new assemblies similar in size and shape to the existing hierarchical bone structure. Organic and inorganic nanobiomaterials are increasingly used for bone tissue engineering applications because they may allow to overcome some of the current restrictions entailed by bone regeneration methods. This review covers the applications of different organic and inorganic nanobiomaterials in the field of hard tissue engineering.

Phyto-Engineered Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) with Potential Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing Activities Under in vitro and in vivo Conditions

Background

A diabetic ulcer is one of the major causes of illness among diabetic patients that involves severe and intractable complications associated with diabetic wounds. Hence, a suitable wound-healing agent is urgently needed at this juncture. Greener nanotechnology is a very promising and emerging technology currently employed for the development of alternative medicines. Plant-mediated synthesis of metal nanoparticles has been intensively investigated and regarded as an alternative strategy for overcoming various diseases and their secondary complications like microbial infections. Hence, we are interested in developing phyto-engineered gold nanoparticles as useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of infectious diseases and wounds effectively.

Methods and Results

We have synthesized phyto-engineered gold nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of Acalypha indica and characterized using advanced bio-analytical techniques. The surface plasmon resonance feature and crystalline behavior of gold nanoparticles were revealed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the extract demonstrated the presence of different constituents, while major functional groups were interpreted by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy as the various stretching vibrations appeared for important O-H (3443 cm⁻¹), C=O (1644 cm⁻¹) and C-O (1395 cm⁻¹) groups. Scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results revealed a distribution of spherical and rod-like nanostructures with 20 nm of size. The gold nanoparticle-coated cotton fabric was evaluated for the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacterial strains which revealed remarkable inhibition at the zone of inhibition of 31 mm diameter against S. epidermidis. Further, antioxidant activity was tested for their free radical scavenging property, and the maximum antioxidant activity of the extract containing gold nanoparticles was found to be 80% at 100 µg/mL. The potent free radical scavenging property of the nanoparticles is observed at IC₅₀ value 16.25 µg/mL. Moreover, in vivo wound-healing activity was carried out using BALB/c mice model with infected diabetic wounds and observed the stained microscopic images at different time intervals (day 2, day 7 and day 15). It was noted that in 15 days, the wound area is completely re-epithelialized due to the presence of different morphologies such as spherical, needle and triangle nanoparticles. The re-epithelialization layer is fully covered by nanoparticles on the wound area and also collagen filled in the scar tissue when compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The pharmacological evaluation results of the study indicated an encouraging antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the greener synthesized gold nanoparticles tethered with aqueous extract of Acalypha indica. Moreover, we demonstrated enhanced in vivo wound-healing efficiency of the synthesized gold nanoparticles through the animal model. Thus, the outcome of this work revealed that the phyto-engineered gold nanoparticles could be useful for biomedical applications, especially in the development of promising antibacterial and wound-healing agents.

Surface Engineered Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Based Novel Hybrid Systems for Effective Wound Healing: A Review of Recent Developments

Wounds present serious medical complications and their healing requires strategies that promote angiogenesis, deposition of collagen as well as re-epithelialization of wounds. Currently used conventional wound healing strategies have become less effective due to various issues associated with them. Thus, novel strategies are needed to be developed for early and effective healing of wounds. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), formed by linking of metal ions through organic bridging ligands, are highly tunable hybrid materials and have attracted more considerable scientific attention due to their charming and prominent properties, such as abundant pore structures and multiple functionalities. Surface engineering of MOFs with unique ligands can overcome issues associated with conventional wound healing methods, thus resulting in early and effective wound healing. This review has been undertaken to elaborate wound healing, and the use of surface engineered MOFs for effective and rapid wound healing. The process of wound healing will be discussed followed by a detailed review of recent literature for summarizing applications of surface engineered MOFs for wound healing. MOFs wound healing will be discussed in terms of their use as antibacterial agents, therapeutic delivery vehicles, and dressing systems in wound healing.

Uniting Drug and Delivery: Metal Oxide Hybrid Nanotherapeutics for Skin Wound Care

Wound care and soft tissue repair have been a major human concern for millennia. Despite considerable advancements in standards of living and medical abilities, difficult-to-heal wounds remain a major burden for patients, clinicians and the healthcare system alike. Due to an aging population, the rise in chronic diseases such as vascular disease and diabetes, and the increased incidence of antibiotic resistance, the problem is set to worsen. The global wound care market is constantly evolving and expanding, and has yielded a plethora of potential solutions to treat poorly healing wounds. In ancient times, before such a market existed, metals and their ions were frequently used in wound care. In combination with plant extracts, they were used to accelerate the healing of burns, cuts and combat wounds. With the rise of organic chemistry and small molecule drugs and ointments, researchers lost their interest in inorganic materials. Only recently, the advent of nano-engineering has given us a toolbox to develop inorganic materials on a length-scale that is relevant to wound healing processes. The robustness of synthesis, as well as the stability and versatility of inorganic nanotherapeutics gives them potential advantages over small molecule drugs. Both bottom-up and top-down approaches have yielded functional inorganic nanomaterials, some of which unite the wound healing properties of two or more materials. Furthermore, these nanomaterials do not only serve as the active agent, but also as the delivery vehicle, and sometimes as a scaffold. This review article provides an overview of inorganic hybrid nanotherapeutics with promising properties for the wound care field. These therapeutics include combinations of different metals, metal oxides and metal ions. Their production, mechanism of action and applicability will be discussed in comparison to conventional wound healing products.

Nanoparticle-Based Wound Dressing: Recent Progress in the Detection and Therapy of Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections in wounds often delay the healing process, and may seriously threaten human life. It is urgent to develop wound dressings to effectively detect and treat bacterial infections. Nanoparticles have been extensively used in wound dressings because of their specific properties. This review highlights the recent progress on nanoparticle-based wound dressings for bacterial detection and therapy. Specifically, nanoparticles have been applied as intrinsic antibacterial agents or drug delivery vehicles to treat bacteria in wounds. Moreover, nanoparticles with photothermal or photodynamic property have also been explored to endow wound dressings with significant optical properties to further enhance their bactericidal effect. More interestingly, nanoparticle-based smart dressings have been recently explored for bacteria detection and treatment, which enables an accurate assessment of bacterial infection and a more precise control of on-demand therapy.

Understanding the mechanisms of silica nanoparticles for nanomedicine

As a consequence of recent progression in biomedicine and nanotechnology, nanomedicine has emerged rapidly as a new discipline with extensive application of nanomaterials in biology, medicine, and pharmacology. Among the various nanomaterials, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are particularly promising in nanomedicine applications due to their large specific surface area, adjustable pore size, facile surface modification, and excellent biocompatibility. This paper reviews the synthesis of SNPs and their recent usage in drug delivery, biomedical imaging, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and other applications. In addition, the possible adverse effects of SNPs in nanomedicine applications are reviewed from reported in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the potential opportunities and challenges for the future use of SNPs are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Topical delivery of growth factors and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles to infected wounds by polymeric nanoparticles: an overview

INTRODUCTION

Infected chronic wounds particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) can result from stable colonization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi at the wound sites. In this context, the rapid healing of infected wounds has been the main goal in recent investigations. This issue can be solved by improving wound-healing phases including hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling/maturation, and removal of bacteria and fungi. The applications of growth factors (GFs) and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs/MONPs) are two choices for these targets. However, the lack of sustainable release of these agents is an important problem for appropriate wound healing.

AREA COVERED

The present review is focused on recent advances in delivery systems composed of growth factor and MNPs/MONPs for rapid wound healing.

EXPERT OPINION

Synthetic and natural polymeric micro- and nanocarriers including polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and chitosan play a vital role in the healing of infected chronic wounds. Using various derivatives of chitosan as pH-responsive polymer with basic and acidic groups can be the best option to prepare controllable and sequential GF release. However, it warrants further extensive research to solve wound-healing problems.

Quantum-Sized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesised within Mesoporous Silica (SBA-11) by Humid Thermal Decomposition of Zinc Acetate

A modified facile method is presented to synthesise quantum-sized zinc oxide nanoparticles within the pores of a mesoporous silica host (SBA-11). This method eliminates the 3 h alcohol reflux and the basic solution reaction steps of zinc acetate. The mesoporous structure and the ZnO nanoparticles were analysed by X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen sorption analysis and UV–VIS spectroscopy. These tests confirm the synthesis of ~1 nm sized ZnO within the pores of SBA-11 and that the porous structure remained intact after ZnO synthesis.

Nanoparticle-Based Therapeutic Approach for Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease characterized by a state of hyperglycemia (higher level of glucose in the blood than usual). DM and its complications can lead to diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). DFU is associated with impaired wound healing, due to inappropriate cellular and cytokines response, infection, poor vascularization, and neuropathy. Effective therapeutic strategies for the management of impaired wound could be attained through a better insight of molecular mechanism and pathophysiology of diabetic wound healing. Nanotherapeutics-based agents engineered within 1-100 nm levels, which include nanoparticles and nanoscaffolds, are recent promising treatment strategies for accelerating diabetic wound healing. Nanoparticles are smaller in size and have high surface area to volume ratio that increases the likelihood of biological interaction and penetration at wound site. They are ideal for topical delivery of drugs in a sustained manner, eliciting cell-to-cell interactions, cell proliferation, vascularization, cell signaling, and elaboration of biomolecules necessary for effective wound healing. Furthermore, nanoparticles have the ability to deliver one or more therapeutic drug molecules, such as growth factors, nucleic acids, antibiotics, and antioxidants, which can be released in a sustained manner within the target tissue. This review focuses on recent approaches in the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutics for enhancing diabetic wound healing.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Wound-Healing Activity of Phenytoin-Loaded Copper Nanoparticles

Wound-healing is a very complex and evolutionary process that involves a great variety of dynamic steps. Although different pharmaceutical agents have been developed to hasten the wound-healing process, the existing agents are still far from optimal. The present work aimed to prepare and evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of phenytoin-loaded copper nanoparticles (PHT-loaded CuNPs). CuNPs were biosynthesized using licorice aqueous extract. The prepared CuNPs were loaded with PHT by adsorption, characterized, and evaluated for wound-healing efficiency. Results showed that both plain and PHT-loaded CuNPs were monodisperse and exhibited a cubic and hexagonal morphology. The mechanism by which PHT was adsorbed on the surface of CuNPs was best fit by the Langmuir model with a maximum loaded monolayer capacity of 181 mg/g. The kinetic study revealed that the adsorption reaction followed the pseudo-second order while the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was physical in nature and endothermic, and occurred spontaneously. Moreover, the in vivo wound-healing activity of PHT-loaded CuNP impregnated hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) gel was carried out using an excisional wound model in rats. Data showed that PHT-loaded CuNPs accelerated epidermal regeneration and stimulated granulation and tissue formation in treated rats compared to controls. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that lesions treated with PHT-loaded CuNPs were associated with a marked increase in the expression of dermal procollagen type I and a decrease in the expression of the inflammatory JAK3 compared to control samples. In conclusion, PHT-loaded CuNPs are a promising platform for effective and rapid wound-healing.

Efficacy of A Novel Smart Polymeric Nanodrug in the Treatment of Experimental Wounds in Rats

High-quality and aesthetic wound healing, as well as effective medical support of this process, continue to be relevant. This study aims to evaluate the medical efficacy of a novel smart polymeric nanodrug (SPN) on the rate and mechanism of wound healing in experimental animals. The study was carried out in male Wistar rats (aged 8-9 months). In these animals, identical square wounds down to the fascia were made in non-sterile conditions on the back on both sides of the vertebra. SPN was used for the treatment of one wound, and the other wound was left without treatment (control group). Biocompatible citrate-stabilized cerium oxide nanoparticles integrated into a polysaccharide hydrogel matrix containing natural and synthetic polysaccharide polymers (pectin, alginate, chitosan, agar-agar, water-soluble cellulose derivatives) were used as the therapeutic agent. Changes in the wound sizes (area, volume) over time and wound temperature were assessed on Days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. Histological examination of the wounds was performed on Days 3, 7, and 14. The study showed that the use of SPN accelerated wound healing in comparison with control wounds by inhibiting the inflammatory response, which was measured by a decreased number of white blood cells in SPN-treated wounds. It also accelerated the development of fibroblasts, with an early onset of new collagen synthesis, which eventually led to the formation of more tender postoperative scars. Thus, the study demonstrated that the use of SPN for the treatment of wounds was effective and promising.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/pectin/ZnO porous films for wound healing

Three-dimensional (3D) porous films based on chitosan/pectin/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared for wound healing by the freeze-drying method. The chemical nature, composition and morphology of these films were revealed by FTIR, XRD, EDX, SEM and BET analysis. SEM micrographs showed a decrease in the pore size and porosity of chitosan/pectin/ZnO films when increasing the content of ZnO NPs. The developed films presented the swelling degree and water retention ability in the range of 189-465 and 230-390%, respectively. Moreover, they showed an improved compression strength and controlled degradation in the lysozyme-containing medium in comparison with control. MTT assay demonstrated the biocompatibility of chitosan/pectin/ZnO films against the primary human dermal fibroblast cells (HFCs). Among the developed chitosan/pectin/ZnO films, CPZnO-2 films presented the increased rate of cell proliferation and migration. Also, they exhibited antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. These results suggested that chitosan/pectin/ZnO films could be safe, convenient and effective for wound healing.

Reflectance structured illumination imaging of internalized cerium oxide nanoparticles modulating dose-dependent reactive oxygen species in breast cancer cells

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have been shown to sensitize cancer cells to radiation damage. Their unique redox properties confer excellent therapeutic potential by augmenting radiation dose with reactive oxygen species mediating bystander effects. Owing to its metallic properties, cerium oxide nanoparticles can be visualized inside cells using reflected light and optical sectioning. This can be advantageous in settings requiring none or minimal sample preparation and modification. We investigated the use of reflectance imaging for the detection of unmodified nanoceria in MDA MB231 breast cancer cells along with differential interference contrast imaging and fluorescent nuclear labeling. We also performed studies to evaluate the uptake capability, cellular toxicity and redox properties of nanocaria in these cells. Our results demonstrate that reflectance structured illumination imaging can effectively localize cerium oxide nanoparticles in breast cancer cells, and when combining with differential interference contrast and fluorescent cell label imaging, effective compartmental localization of the nanoparticles can be achieved. The total number of cells taking up the nanoparticles and the amount of nanoparticle uptake increased significantly in proportion to the dose, with no adverse effects on cell survival. Moreover, significant reduction in reactive oxygen species was also observed in proportion to increasing nanoceria concentrations attesting to its ability to modulate oxidative stress. In conclusion, this work serves as a pre-clinical scientific evaluation of the effective use of reflectance structured illumination imaging of cerium oxide nanoparticles in breast cancer cells and the safe use of these nanoparticles in MDA MB231 cells for further therapeutic applications.

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Internalized cerium oxide nanoparticles are imaged with reflected light in breast cancer cells for the first time.

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Cerium oxide nanoparticles demonstrated no toxicity in MDA MB231 breast cancer cells

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Cerium oxide nanoparticles modulated free radicals in MBA MB231 cells in a dose dependent manner

The rapid photoresponsive bacteria-killing of Cu-doped MoS2

This material of Cu doped MoS₂ can produce reactive oxygen species and photothermal under 660 nm light, thus achieving a rapid bacterial effect. Which is a kind of good photothermal and photodynamic material.

Technology Advancements in Blood Coagulation Measurements for Point-of-Care Diagnostic Testing

In recent years, blood coagulation monitoring has become crucial to diagnosing causes of hemorrhages, developing anticoagulant drugs, assessing bleeding risk in extensive surgery procedures and dialysis, and investigating the efficacy of hemostatic therapies. In this regard, advanced technologies such as microfluidics, fluorescent microscopy, electrochemical sensing, photoacoustic detection, and micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) have been employed to develop highly accurate, robust, and cost-effective point of care (POC) devices. These devices measure electrochemical, optical, and mechanical parameters of clotting blood. Which can be correlated to light transmission/scattering, electrical impedance, and viscoelastic properties. In this regard, this paper discusses the working principles of blood coagulation monitoring, physical and sensing parameters in different technologies. In addition, we discussed the recent progress in developing nanomaterials for blood coagulation detection and treatments which opens up new area of controlling and monitoring of coagulation at the same time in the future. Moreover, commercial products, future trends/challenges in blood coagulation monitoring including novel anticoagulant therapies, multiplexed sensing platforms, and the application of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and monitoring have been included.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Three-Dimensional Structure Generation of Zinc Oxide-Based Nanomedicine for Biomedical Applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been studied as metal-based drugs that may be used for biomedical applications due to the fact of their biocompatibility. Their physicochemical properties, which depend on synthesis techniques involving physical, chemical, biological, and microfluidic reactor methods affect biological activity in vitro and in vivo. Advanced tool-based physicochemical characterization is required to identify the biological and toxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have variable morphologies and can be molded into three-dimensional structures to enhance their performance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown therapeutic activity against cancer, diabetes, microbial infection, and inflammation. They have also shown the potential to aid in wound healing and can be used for imaging tools and sensors. In this review, we discuss the synthesis techniques, physicochemical characteristics, evaluation tools, techniques used to generate three-dimensional structures, and the various biomedical applications of ZnO nanoparticles.