Systematic Study of NaF Nanoparticles in Micelles loaded on Polylactic Acid Nanoscaffolds: In Vitro Efficient Delivery

Nanomaterial-based synergistic strategies for combating dental caries: progress and perspectives

Dental caries, as the predominant global oral disease, remains a critical public health issue worldwide, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. However, common caries prevention approaches (e.g., oral health education, mechanical plaque removal, and delivery of fluoride agents) are still insufficient for optimal caries management, and therefore, alternative regimens that can supplement existing strategies are highly warranted. Nanomaterials exhibit considerable potential in combating cariogenic pathogens and biofilms owing to their promising antimicrobial capacity, improved penetration into biofilms, targeted precision delivery, and versatile physicochemical properties. As unifunctional materials are limited in caries management, this review underscores the latest advancement in multifunctional anti-caries nanomaterials/nanomedicines. It highlights the cutting-edge materials developed or engineered to (i) incorporate diagnostic capabilities to prevent caries at an early stage, thus enhancing treatment efficiency, (ii) integrate mechanical "brushing" with anti-caries approaches to mechanochemically eradicate biofilms, (iii) exert antimicrobial/antibiofilm effects while preserving dental hard tissue. The current work also outlines future directions for optimizing nanosystems in the management of dental caries while emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to improve preventive and therapeutic efficacies.

On the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells by a fabricated porous nano-hydroxyapatite substrate loaded with sodium fluoride

In the present study, nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) powder was extracted from carp bone waste to fabricate porous n-HA substrates by a molding and sintering process. Subsequently, the substrates were loaded with different amounts of sodium fluoride (NaF) through immersion in NaF suspensions for 10, 7.5, and 5 min. The NaF-loaded n-HA substrates were then examined for their structural and physical properties, chemical bonds, loading and release profile, pH changes, cytotoxicity, and osteogenic effect on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) at the level of RNA and protein expression. The results showed that the n-HA substrates were porous (> 40% porosity) and had rough surfaces. The NaF could be successfully loaded on the substrates, which was 6.43, 4.50, and 1.47 mg, respectively for n-HA substrates with immersion times of 10, 7.5, and 5 min in the NaF suspensions. It was observed that the NaF release rate was rather fast during the first 24 h in all groups (39.06%, 36.43%, and 39.57% for 10, 7.5, and 5 min, respectively), and decreased dramatically after that, indicating a slow detachment of NaF. Furthermore, the pH of the medium related to all materials was changed during the first 4 days of immersion (from 7.38 to pH of about 7.85, 7.84, 7.63, and 7.66 for C0, C5, C7.5, and C10, respectively). The pH of media associated with the C7.5, and C10 increased up to 4 days and remained relatively constant until day 14 (pH = 7.6). The results of the cytotoxicity assay rejected any toxicity of the fabricated NaF-loaded n-HA substrates on DPSCs, and the cells could adhere to their surfaces with enlarged morphology. The results showed no effect on the osteogenic differentiation at the protein level. Nevertheless, this effect was observed at the gene level.

Design and Fabrication of Environmentally Responsive Nanoparticles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease poses a significant threat to human health in today's society. A major contributor to cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis (AS). The development of plaque in the affected areas involves a complex pathological environment, and the disease progresses rapidly. Nanotechnology, combined with emerging diagnostic and treatment methods, offers the potential for the management of this condition. This paper presents the latest advancements in environment-intelligent responsive controlled-release nanoparticles designed specifically for the pathological environment of AS, which includes characteristics such as low pH, high reactive oxygen species levels, high shear stress, and multienzymes. Additionally, the paper summarizes the applications and features of nanotechnology in interventional therapy for AS, including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and drug-eluting stents. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis of AS shows promising real-time, accurate, and continuous effects. Lastly, the paper explores the future prospects of nanotechnology, highlighting the tremendous potential in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic diseases, especially with the ongoing development in nano gas, quantum dots, and Metal-Organic Frameworks materials.

HF-Free synthesis of colloidal Cs2ZrF6 and (NH4)2ZrF6 nanocrystals

A solution-phase synthesis of colloidally stable A₂BF₆ nanocrystals is reported for the first time, focusing on A⁺ = Cs⁺, NH₄⁺ and B⁴⁺ = Zr⁴⁺. Handling hypertoxic HF is avoided by using NH₄F and a low-boiling-point alcohol, representing the first synthesis of any A₂BF₆ nanocrystals without HF addition. The chemical incompatability of Zr⁴⁺ with other common fluoride sources is discussed.

Advanced Drug Delivery Platforms for the Treatment of Oral Pathogens

The oral cavity is a complex ecosystem accommodating various microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi). Various factors, such as diet change and poor oral hygiene, can change the composition of oral microbiota, resulting in the dysbiosis of the oral micro-environment and the emergence of pathogenic microorganisms, and consequently, oral infectious diseases. Systemic administration is frequently used for drug delivery in the treatment of diseases and is associated with the problems, such as drug resistance and dysbiosis. To overcome these challenges, oral drug delivery systems (DDS) have received considerable attention. In this literature review, the related articles are identified, and their findings, in terms of current therapeutic challenges and the applications of DDSs, especially nanoscopic DDSs, for the treatment of oral infectious diseases are highlighted. DDSs are also discussed in terms of structures and therapeutic agents (e.g., antibiotics, antifungals, antiviral, and ions) that they deliver. In addition, strategies (e.g., theranostics, hydrogel, microparticle, strips/fibers, and pH-sensitive nanoparticles), which can improve the treatment outcome of these diseases, are highlighted.

Dexamethasone: Insights into Pharmacological Aspects, Therapeutic Mechanisms, and Delivery Systems

Dexamethasone (DEX) has been widely used to treat a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, ocular disorders, cancer, and, more recently, COVID-19. However, DEX usage is often restricted in the clinic due to its poor water solubility. When administered through a systemic route, it can elicit severe side effects, such as hypertension, peptic ulcers, hyperglycemia, and hydro-electrolytic disorders. There is currently much interest in developing efficient DEX-loaded nanoformulations that ameliorate adverse disease effects inhibiting advancements in scientific research. Various nanoparticles have been developed to selectively deliver drugs without destroying healthy cells or organs in recent years. In the present review, we have summarized some of the most attractive applications of DEX-loaded delivery systems, including liposomes, polymers, hydrogels, nanofibers, silica, calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite. This review provides our readers with a broad spectrum of nanomedicine approaches to deliver DEX safely.

Drug Delivery (Nano)Platforms for Oral and Dental Applications: Tissue Regeneration, Infection Control, and Cancer Management

The oral cavity and oropharynx are complex environments that are susceptible to physical, chemical, and microbiological insults. They are also common sites for pathological and cancerous changes. The effectiveness of conventional locally-administered medications against diseases affecting these oral milieus may be compromised by constant salivary flow. For systemically-administered medications, drug resistance and adverse side-effects are issues that need to be resolved. New strategies for drug delivery have been investigated over the last decade to overcome these obstacles. Synthesis of nanoparticle-containing agents that promote healing represents a quantum leap in ensuring safe, efficient drug delivery to the affected tissues. Micro/nanoencapsulants with unique structures and properties function as more favorable drug-release platforms than conventional treatment approaches. The present review provides an overview of newly-developed nanocarriers and discusses their potential applications and limitations in various fields of dentistry and oral medicine.

New Horizons in Hydrogels for Methotrexate Delivery

Since its first clinical application, methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used for the treatment of human diseases. Despite great advantages, some properties such as poor absorption, short plasma half-life and unpredictable bioavailability have led researchers to seek novel delivery systems to improve its characteristics for parenteral and oral administration. Recently, great attention has been directed to hydrogels for the preparation of MTX formulations. This review describes the potential of hydrogels for the formulation of MTX to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and central nervous system diseases. We will delineate the state-of-the-art and promising potential of hydrogels for systemic MTX delivery as well as transdermal delivery of the drug-using hydrogel-based formulations.

Functionalization of Polymers and Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Antimicrobial Platforms and Drug Carriers

The use of polymers and nanomaterials has vastly grown for industrial and biomedical sectors during last years. Before any designation or selection of polymers and their nanocomposites, it is vital to recognize the targeted applications which require these platforms to be modified. Surface functionalization to introduce the desired type and quantity of reactive functional groups to target a cell or tissue in human body is a pivotal approach to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of these materials. Herein, advances in the functionalized polymer and nanomaterials surfaces are highlighted along with their applications in biomedical fields, e.g., antimicrobial therapy and drug delivery.