1
|
Najm A, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM, Beuran M. Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in Sarcopenia: An Updated Review on Pathogenesis and Treatment Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4300. [PMID: 38673885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a prevalent degenerative skeletal muscle condition in the elderly population, posing a tremendous burden on diseased individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Conventionally, sarcopenia is currently managed through nutritional interventions, physical therapy, and lifestyle modification, with no pharmaceutical agents being approved for specific use in this disease. As the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still poorly understood and there is no treatment recognized as universally effective, recent research efforts have been directed at better comprehending this illness and diversifying treatment strategies. In this respect, this paper overviews the new advances in sarcopenia treatment in correlation with its underlying mechanisms. Specifically, this review creates an updated framework for sarcopenia, describing its etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and conventional treatments, further discussing emerging therapeutic approaches like new drug formulations, drug delivery systems, stem cell therapies, and tissue-engineered scaffolds in more detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Najm
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Beuran
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niculescu AG, Mük GR, Avram S, Vlad IM, Limban C, Nuta D, Grumezescu AM, Chifiriuc MC. Novel strategies based on natural products and synthetic derivatives to overcome resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116268. [PMID: 38460268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
One of the biggest health challenges of today's world is the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which renders conventional therapeutics insufficient and urgently demands the generation of novel antimicrobial strategies. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the pathogen causing tuberculosis (TB), is among the most successful bacteria producing drug-resistant infections. The versatility of M. tuberculosis allows it to evade traditional anti-TB agents through various acquired and intrinsic mechanisms, rendering TB among the leading causes of infectious disease-related mortality. In this context, researchers worldwide focused on establishing novel approaches to address drug resistance in M. tuberculosis, developing diverse alternative treatments with varying effectiveness and in different testing phases. Overviewing the current progress, this paper aims to briefly present the mechanisms involved in M. tuberculosis drug-resistance, further reviewing in more detail the under-development antibiotics, nanotechnological approaches, and natural therapeutic solutions that promise to overcome current treatment limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 90 Panduri Road, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Ramona Mük
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 91-95, Bucharest, R-050095, Romania; St. Stephen's Pneumoftiziology Hospital, Șoseaua Ștefan cel Mare 11, Bucharest, 020122, Romania.
| | - Speranta Avram
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 91-95, Bucharest, R-050095, Romania.
| | - Ilinca Margareta Vlad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia, 020956, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Carmen Limban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia, 020956, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Diana Nuta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia, 020956, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 90 Panduri Road, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 90 Panduri Road, Bucharest, Romania; Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 91-95, Bucharest, R-050095, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Niculescu AG, Mihaiescu B, Mihaiescu DE, Hadibarata T, Grumezescu AM. An Updated Overview of Magnetic Composites for Water Decontamination. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:709. [PMID: 38475395 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Water contamination by harmful organic and inorganic compounds seriously burdens human health and aquatic life. A series of conventional water purification methods can be employed, yet they come with certain disadvantages, including resulting sludge or solid waste, incomplete treatment process, and high costs. To overcome these limitations, attention has been drawn to nanotechnology for fabricating better-performing adsorbents for contaminant removal. In particular, magnetic nanostructures hold promise for water decontamination applications, benefiting from easy removal from aqueous solutions. In this respect, numerous researchers worldwide have reported incorporating magnetic particles into many composite materials. Therefore, this review aims to present the newest advancements in the field of magnetic composites for water decontamination, describing the appealing properties of a series of base materials and including the results of the most recent studies. In more detail, carbon-, polymer-, hydrogel-, aerogel-, silica-, clay-, biochar-, metal-organic framework-, and covalent organic framework-based magnetic composites are overviewed, which have displayed promising adsorption capacity for industrial pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Mihaiescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tony Hadibarata
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Environmental Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Miri 98009, Malaysia
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Niculescu AG, Tudorache DI, Bocioagă M, Mihaiescu DE, Hadibarata T, Grumezescu AM. An Updated Overview of Silica Aerogel-Based Nanomaterials. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2024; 14:469. [PMID: 38470798 DOI: 10.3390/nano14050469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Silica aerogels have gained much interest due to their unique properties, such as being the lightest solid material, having small pore sizes, high porosity, and ultralow thermal conductivity. Also, the advancements in synthesis methods have enabled the creation of silica aerogel-based composites in combination with different materials, for example, polymers, metals, and carbon-based structures. These new silica-based materials combine the properties of silica with the other materials to create a new and reinforced architecture with significantly valuable uses in different fields. Therefore, the importance of silica aerogels has been emphasized by presenting their properties, synthesis process, composites, and numerous applications, offering an updated background for further research in this interdisciplinary domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana-Ionela Tudorache
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Bocioagă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tony Hadibarata
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Environmental Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Miri 98000, Malaysia
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Constantinescu S, Niculescu AG, Hudiță A, Grumezescu V, Rădulescu D, Bîrcă AC, Dorcioman G, Gherasim O, Holban AM, Gălățeanu B, Vasile BȘ, Grumezescu AM, Bolocan A, Rădulescu R. Nanostructured Coatings Based on Graphene Oxide for the Management of Periprosthetic Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2389. [PMID: 38397066 PMCID: PMC10889398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To modulate the bioactivity and boost the therapeutic outcome of implantable metallic devices, biodegradable coatings based on polylactide (PLA) and graphene oxide nanosheets (nGOs) loaded with Zinforo™ (Zin) have been proposed in this study as innovative alternatives for the local management of biofilm-associated periprosthetic infections. Using a modified Hummers protocol, high-purity and ultra-thin nGOs have been obtained, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. The matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique has been successfully employed to obtain the PLA-nGO-Zin coatings. The stoichiometric and uniform transfer was revealed by infrared microscopy (IRM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. In vitro evaluation, performed on fresh blood samples, has shown the excellent hemocompatibility of PLA-nGO-Zin-coated samples (with a hemolytic index of 1.15%), together with their anti-inflammatory ability. Moreover, the PLA-nGO-Zin coatings significantly inhibited the development of mature bacterial biofilms, inducing important anti-biofilm efficiency in the as-coated samples. The herein-reported results evidence the promising potential of PLA-nGO-Zin coatings to be used for the biocompatible and antimicrobial surface modification of metallic implants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Constantinescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Street, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.H.); (A.M.H.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Ariana Hudiță
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.H.); (A.M.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (G.D.); (O.G.)
| | - Dragoș Rădulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Street, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Gabriela Dorcioman
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (G.D.); (O.G.)
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (G.D.); (O.G.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.H.); (A.M.H.)
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Lane, 77206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Gălățeanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.H.); (A.M.H.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Street, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| | - Radu Rădulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Street, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Udriște AS, Burdușel AC, Niculescu AG, Rădulescu M, Grumezescu AM. Coatings for Cardiovascular Stents-An Up-to-Date Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1078. [PMID: 38256151 PMCID: PMC10817058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) increasingly burden health systems and patients worldwide, necessitating the improved awareness of current treatment possibilities and the development of more efficient therapeutic strategies. When plaque deposits narrow the arteries, the standard of care implies the insertion of a stent at the lesion site. The most promising development in cardiovascular stents has been the release of medications from these stents. However, the use of drug-eluting stents (DESs) is still challenged by in-stent restenosis occurrence. DESs' long-term clinical success depends on several parameters, including the degradability of the polymers, drug release profiles, stent platforms, coating polymers, and the metals and their alloys that are employed as metal frames in the stents. Thus, it is critical to investigate new approaches to optimize the most suitable DESs to solve problems with the inflammatory response, delayed endothelialization, and sub-acute stent thrombosis. As certain advancements have been reported in the literature, this review aims to present the latest updates in the coatings field for cardiovascular stents. Specifically, there are described various organic (e.g., synthetic and natural polymer-based coatings, stents coated directly with drugs, and coatings containing endothelial cells) and inorganic (e.g., metallic and nonmetallic materials) stent coating options, aiming to create an updated framework that would serve as an inception point for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Scafa Udriște
- Department 4 Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cristina Burdușel
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Scafa Udriște A, Burdușel AC, Niculescu AG, Rădulescu M, Grumezescu AM. Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1001. [PMID: 38256075 PMCID: PMC10815551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability. While there are many therapeutic alternatives available for the management of CVDs, the majority of classic therapeutic strategies were found to be ineffective at stopping or significantly/additionally slowing the progression of these diseases, or they had unfavorable side effects. Numerous metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) have been created to overcome these limitations, demonstrating encouraging possibilities in the treatment of CVDs due to advancements in nanotechnology. Metallic nanomaterials, including gold, silver, and iron, come in various shapes, sizes, and geometries. Metallic NPs are generally smaller and have more specialized physical, chemical, and biological properties. Metal-based NPs may come in various forms, such as nanoshells, nanorods, and nanospheres, and they have been studied the most. Massive potential applications for these metal nanomaterial structures include supporting molecular imaging, serving as drug delivery systems, enhancing radiation-based anticancer therapy, supplying photothermal transforming effects for thermal therapy, and being compounds with bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral qualities that may be helpful for cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present paper aims to review the applications of relevant metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in CVDs, creating an up-to-date framework that aids researchers in developing more efficient treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Scafa Udriște
- Department 4 Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cristina Burdușel
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Najm A, Niculescu AG, Bolocan A, Rădulescu M, Grumezescu AM, Beuran M, Gaspar BS. Chitosan and Cyclodextrins-Versatile Materials Used to Create Drug Delivery Systems for Gastrointestinal Cancers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:43. [PMID: 38258054 PMCID: PMC10819812 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are characterized by a frequent incidence, a high number of associated deaths, and a tremendous burden on the medical system and patients worldwide. As conventional chemotherapeutic drugs face numerous limitations, researchers started to investigate better alternatives for extending drug efficacy and limiting adverse effects. A remarkably increasing interest has been addressed to chitosan and cyclodextrins, two highly versatile natural carbohydrate materials endowed with unique physicochemical properties. In this respect, numerous studies reported on fabricating various chitosan and cyclodextrin-based formulations that enabled prolonged circulation times, improved cellular internalization of carried drugs, preferential uptake by the targeted cells, reduced side effects, enhanced apoptosis rates, and increased tumor suppression rates. Therefore, this paper aims to briefly present the advantageous properties of these oligo- and polysaccharides for designing drug delivery systems, further focusing the discussion on nanocarrier systems based on chitosan/cyclodextrins for treating different gastrointestinal cancers. Specifically, there are reviewed studies describing promising solutions for colorectal, liver, gastric, pancreatic, and other types of cancers of the digestive system towards creating an updated framework of what concerns anticancer chitosan/cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Najm
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (M.B.); (B.S.G.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- General Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, The University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Beuran
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (M.B.); (B.S.G.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Severus Gaspar
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (M.B.); (B.S.G.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Constantinescu S, Niculescu AG, Hudiță A, Grumezescu V, Rădulescu D, Bîrcă AC, Irimiciuc SA, Gherasim O, Holban AM, Gălățeanu B, Oprea OC, Ficai A, Vasile BȘ, Grumezescu AM, Bolocan A, Rădulescu R. Silver/Graphene Oxide Nanostructured Coatings for Modulating the Microbial Susceptibility of Fixation Devices Used in Knee Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:246. [PMID: 38203420 PMCID: PMC10779033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exploring silver-based and carbon-based nanomaterials' excellent intrinsic antipathogenic effects represents an attractive alternative for fabricating anti-infective formulations. Using chemical synthesis protocols, stearate-conjugated silver (Ag@C18) nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanosheets (nGOs) were herein obtained and investigated in terms of composition and microstructure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations revealed the formation of nanomaterials with desirable physical properties, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the high purity of synthesized nanomaterials. Further, laser-processed Ag@C18-nGO coatings were developed, optimized, and evaluated in terms of biological and microbiological outcomes. The highly biocompatible Ag@C18-nGO nanostructured coatings proved suitable candidates for the local modulation of biofilm-associated periprosthetic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Constantinescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eroii Sanitari St. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.H.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.F.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Ariana Hudiță
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor St., 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (S.A.I.); (O.G.)
| | - Dragoș Rădulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eroii Sanitari St. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.F.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Stefan Andrei Irimiciuc
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor St., 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (S.A.I.); (O.G.)
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor St., 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (S.A.I.); (O.G.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.H.)
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Lane, District 5, 77206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Gălățeanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Spl. Independenței 54, 50085 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.F.); (B.Ș.V.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Spl. Independenței 54, 50085 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.F.); (B.Ș.V.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.H.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu St. 1-7, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.B.); (A.F.); (B.Ș.V.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Spl. Independenței 54, 50085 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eroii Sanitari St. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| | - Radu Rădulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eroii Sanitari St. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.C.); (D.R.); (A.B.); (R.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Najm A, Niculescu AG, Gaspar BS, Grumezescu AM, Beuran M. A Review of Abdominal Meshes for Hernia Repair-Current Status and Emerging Solutions. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:7124. [PMID: 38005054 PMCID: PMC10672379 DOI: 10.3390/ma16227124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal hernias are common issues in the clinical setting, burdening millions of patients worldwide. Associated with pain, decreased quality of life, and severe potential complications, abdominal wall hernias should be treated as soon as possible. Whether an open repair or laparoscopic surgical approach is tackled, mesh reinforcement is generally required to ensure a durable hernia repair. Over the years, numerous mesh products have been made available on the market and in clinical settings, yet each of the currently used meshes presents certain limitations that reflect on treatment outcomes. Thus, mesh development is still ongoing, and emerging solutions have reached various testing stages. In this regard, this paper aims to establish an up-to-date framework on abdominal meshes, briefly overviewing currently available solutions for hernia repair and discussing in detail the most recent advances in the field. Particularly, there are presented the developments in lightweight materials, meshes with improved attachment, antimicrobial fabrics, composite and hybrid textiles, and performant mesh designs, followed by a systematic review of recently completed clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Najm
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (B.S.G.); (M.B.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Severus Gaspar
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (B.S.G.); (M.B.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Beuran
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, Sector 5, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (B.S.G.); (M.B.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 8 Calea Floresca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Niculescu AG, Moroșan A, Bîrcă AC, Gherasim O, Oprea OC, Vasile BȘ, Purcăreanu B, Mihaiescu DE, Rădulescu M, Grumezescu AM. Microwave-Assisted Silanization of Magnetite Nanoparticles Pre-Synthesized by a 3D Microfluidic Platform. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:2795. [PMID: 37887945 PMCID: PMC10609521 DOI: 10.3390/nano13202795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) are among the most investigated nanomaterials, being recognized for their biocompatibility, versatility, and strong magnetic properties. Given that their applicability depends on their dimensions, crystal morphology, and surface chemistry, Fe3O4 NPs must be synthesized in a controlled, simple, and reproducible manner. Since conventional methods often lack tight control over reaction parameters and produce materials with unreliable characteristics, increased scientific interest has been directed to microfluidic techniques. In this context, the present paper describes the development of an innovative 3D microfluidic platform suitable for synthesizing uniform Fe3O4 NPs with fine-tuned properties. On-chip co-precipitation was performed, followed by microwave-assisted silanization. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized from the compositional and microstructural perspectives by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, supplementary physicochemical investigations, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Kaiser Test, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) analyses, demonstrated the successful surface modification. Considering the positive results, the presented synthesis and functionalization method represents a fast, reliable, and effective alternative for producing tailored magnetic nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (B.P.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Moroșan
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (B.P.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor St., 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (O.C.O.); (M.R.)
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (B.P.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Bogdan Purcăreanu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (B.P.); (A.M.G.)
- BIOTEHNOS S.A., Gorunului Rue, No. 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (O.C.O.); (M.R.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (B.P.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Najm A, Niculescu AG, Rădulescu M, Gaspar BS, Grumezescu AM, Beuran M. Novel Material Optimization Strategies for Developing Upgraded Abdominal Meshes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14298. [PMID: 37762601 PMCID: PMC10531784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 20 million hernias are operated on globally per year, with most interventions requiring mesh reinforcement. A wide range of such medical devices are currently available on the market, most fabricated from synthetic polymers. Yet, searching for an ideal mesh is an ongoing process, with continuous efforts directed toward developing upgraded implants by modifying existing products or creating innovative systems from scratch. In this regard, this review presents the most frequently employed polymers for mesh fabrication, outlining the market available products and their relevant characteristics, further focusing on the state-of-the-art mesh approaches. Specifically, we mainly discuss recent studies concerning coating application, nanomaterials addition, stem cell seeding, and 3D printing of custom mesh designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Najm
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (B.S.G.); (M.B.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Severus Gaspar
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (B.S.G.); (M.B.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Beuran
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.N.); (B.S.G.); (M.B.)
- Emergency Hospital Floreasca Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Costăchescu B, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM. Screw Osteointegration-Increasing Biomechanical Resistance to Pull-Out Effect. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:5582. [PMID: 37629873 PMCID: PMC10456840 DOI: 10.3390/ma16165582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Spinal disorders cover a broad spectrum of pathologies and are among the most prevalent medical conditions. The management of these health issues was noted to be increasingly based on surgical interventions. Spinal fixation devices are often employed to improve surgery outcomes, increasing spinal stability, restoring structural integrity, and ensuring functionality. However, most of the currently used fixation tools are fabricated from materials with very different mechanical properties to native bone that are prone to pull-out effects or fail over time, requiring revision procedures. Solutions to these problems presently exploited in practice include the optimal selection of screw shape and size, modification of insertion trajectory, and utilization of bone cement to reinforce fixation constructs. Nevertheless, none of these methods are without risks and limitations. An alternative option to increasing biomechanical resistance to the pull-out effect is to tackle bone regenerative capacity and focus on screw osteointegration properties. Osteointegration was reportedly enhanced through various optimization strategies, including use of novel materials, surface modification techniques (e.g., application of coatings and topological optimization), and utilization of composites that allow synergistic effects between constituents. In this context, this paper takes a comprehensive path, starting with a brief presentation of spinal fixation devices, moving further to observations on how the pull-out strength can be enhanced with existing methods, and further focusing on techniques for implant osteointegration improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Costăchescu
- “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Stoica (Oprea) AE, Bîrcă AC, Mihaiescu DE, Grumezescu AM, Ficai A, Herman H, Cornel B, Roșu M, Gharbia S, Holban AM, Vasile BȘ, Andronescu E, Hermenean AO. Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Profile of Acid Usnic-Loaded Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)-Magnetite Nanofibers. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3282. [PMID: 37571176 PMCID: PMC10422401 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The highest amount of the world's polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is designated for fiber production (more than 60%) and food packaging (30%) and it is one of the major polluting polymers. Although there is a great interest in recycling PET-based materials, a large amount of unrecycled material is derived mostly from the food and textile industries. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize nanostructured membranes with fibrillar consistency based on recycled PET and nanoparticles (Fe3O4@UA) using the electrospinning technique. The obtained fibers limit microbial colonization and the development of biofilms. Such fibers could significantly impact modern food packaging and the design of improved textile fibers with antimicrobial effects and good biocompatibility. In conclusion, this study suggests an alternative for PET recycling and further applies it in the development of antimicrobial biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Elena Stoica (Oprea)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.S.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Alexandra Catalina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.S.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.S.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- ICUB—Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 060102 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.S.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (A.O.H.)
| | - Baltă Cornel
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (A.O.H.)
| | - Marcel Roșu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (A.O.H.)
| | - Sami Gharbia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (A.O.H.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Center for Advanced Materials, Products and Processes, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.S.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- ICUB—Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 060102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (S.G.); (A.O.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bîrcă AC, Gherasim O, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM, Neacșu IA, Chircov C, Vasile BȘ, Oprea OC, Andronescu E, Stan MS, Curuțiu C, Dițu LM, Holban AM. A Microfluidic Approach for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent in Alginate-Hyaluronic Acid-Based Wound Dressings. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11466. [PMID: 37511219 PMCID: PMC10380883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The recognized antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is a well-studied property, especially when designing and developing biomaterials with medical applications. As biological activity is closely related to the physicochemical characteristics of a material, aspects such as particle morphology and dimension should be considered. Microfluidic systems in continuous flow represent a promising method to control the size, shape, and size distribution of synthesized nanoparticles. Moreover, using microfluidics widens the synthesis options by creating and controlling parameters that are otherwise difficult to maintain in conventional batch procedures. This study used a microfluidic platform with a cross-shape design as an innovative method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles and varied the precursor concentration and the purging speed as experimental parameters. The compositional and microstructural characterization of the obtained samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Four formulations of alginate-based hydrogels with the addition of hyaluronic acid and silver nanoparticles were obtained to highlight the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles and the efficiency of such a composite in wound treatment. The porous structure, swelling capacity, and biological properties were evaluated through physicochemical analysis (FT-IR and SEM) and through contact with prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The results of the physicochemical and biological investigations revealed desirable characteristics for performant wound dressings (i.e., biocompatibility, appropriate porous structure, swelling rate, and degradation rate, ability to inhibit biofilm formation, and cell growth stimulation capacity), and the obtained materials are thus recommended for treating chronic and infected wounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionela Andreea Neacșu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Silvia Stan
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Curuțiu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lia Mara Dițu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Puiu RA, Bîrcă AC, Grumezescu V, Duta L, Oprea OC, Holban AM, Hudiță A, Gălățeanu B, Balaure PC, Grumezescu AM, Andronescu E. Multifunctional Polymeric Biodegradable and Biocompatible Coatings Based on Silver Nanoparticles: A Comparative In Vitro Study on Their Cytotoxicity towards Cancer and Normal Cell Lines of Cytostatic Drugs versus Essential-Oil-Loaded Nanoparticles and on Their Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1882. [PMID: 37514068 PMCID: PMC10385235 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We report on a comparative in vitro study of selective cytotoxicity against MCF7 tumor cells and normal VERO cells tested on silver-based nanocoatings synthesized by the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were loaded with five representative cytostatic drugs (i.e., doxorubicin, fludarabine, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and carboplatin) and with five essential oils (EOs) (i.e., oregano, rosemary, ginger, basil, and thyme). The as-obtained coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry coupled with differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy, IR mapping, and scanning electron microscopy. A screening of the impact of the prepared nanocoatings on the MCF7 tumor and normal VERO cell lines was achieved by means of cell viability MTT and cytotoxicity LDH assays. While all nanocoatings loaded with antitumor drugs exhibited powerful cytotoxic activity against both the tumor and the normal cells, those embedded with AgNPs loaded with rosemary and thyme EOs showed remarkable and statistically significant selective cytotoxicity against the tested cancercells. The EO-loaded nanocoatings were tested for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. For all studied pathogens, the cell viability, assessed by counting the colony-forming units after 2 and 24 h, was significantly decreased by all EO-based nanocoatings, while the best antibiofilm activity was evidenced by the nanocoatings containing ginger and thyme EOs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Alexandra Puiu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Liviu Duta
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ariana Hudiță
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Gălățeanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul Cătălin Balaure
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stoica Oprea AE, Albuleț D, Bîrcă AC, Iordache F, Ficai A, Grumezescu AM, Vasile BȘ, Andronescu E, Marinescu F, Holban AM. Electrospun Nanofibrous Mesh Based on PVA, Chitosan, and Usnic Acid for Applications in Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11037. [PMID: 37446215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Injuries and diseases of the skin require accurate treatment using nontoxic and noninvasive biomaterials, which aim to mimic the natural structures of the body. There is a strong need to develop biodevices capable of accommodating nutrients and bioactive molecules and generating the process of vascularization. Electrospinning is a robust technique, as it can form fibrous structures for tissue engineering and wound dressings. The best way of forming such meshes for wound healing is to choose two polymers that complement each other regarding their properties. On the one hand, PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer widely used for the preparation of hydrogels in the field of biomedicine owing to its biocompatibility, water solubility, nontoxicity, and considerable mechanical properties. PVA is easy to subject to electrospinning and can offer strong mechanical stability of the mesh, but it is necessary to improve its biological properties. On the other hand, CS has good biological properties, including biodegradability, nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. Still, it is harder to electrospin and does not possess as good mechanical properties as PVA. As these structures also allow the incorporation of bioactive agents due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, the interesting point was to incorporate usnic acid into the structure as it is a natural and suitable alternative agent for burn wounds treatment which avoids an improper or overuse of antibiotics and other invasive biomolecules. Thus, we report the fabrication of an electrospun nanofibrous mesh based on PVA, chitosan, and usnic acid with applications in wound healing. The obtained nanofibers mesh was physicochemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro biological assays were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the samples using the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) assay and evaluating the influence of fabricated meshes on the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development, as well as their biocompatibility (demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy results, an XTT assay, and a glutathione (GSH) assay).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Elena Stoica Oprea
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Delia Albuleț
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Iordache
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 105 Blvd. Splaiul Independentei, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov Str. No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Center for Advanced Materials, Products and Processes, University of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Marinescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Stoica Oprea AE, Bîrcă AC, Gherasim O, Ficai A, Grumezescu AM, Oprea OC, Vasile BȘ, Balta C, Andronescu E, Hermenean AO. Electrospun Fibrous Silica for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1728. [PMID: 37376176 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of highly porous and three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with biomimicking abilities has gained extensive attention in recent years for tissue engineering (TE) applications. Considering the attractive and versatile biomedical functionality of silica (SiO2) nanomaterials, we propose herein the development and validation of SiO2-based 3D scaffolds for TE. This is the first report on the development of fibrous silica architectures, using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) during the self-assembly electrospinning (ES) processing (a layer of flat fibers must first be created in self-assembly electrospinning before fiber stacks can develop on the fiber mat). The compositional and microstructural characteristics of obtained fibrous materials were evaluated by complementary techniques, in both the pre-ES aging period and post-ES calcination. Then, in vivo evaluation confirmed their possible use as bioactive scaffolds in bone TE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Elena Stoica Oprea
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- HTP Research and Consulting, Joita, 087150 Giurgiu, Romania
- Research Center for Advanced Materials, Products and Processes, University of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bîrcă AC, Chircov C, Niculescu AG, Hildegard H, Baltă C, Roșu M, Mladin B, Gherasim O, Mihaiescu DE, Vasile BȘ, Grumezescu AM, Andronescu E, Hermenean AO. H2O2-PLA-(Alg)2Ca Hydrogel Enriched in Matrigel® Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030857. [PMID: 36986719 PMCID: PMC10057140 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel-based dressings exhibit suitable features for successful wound healing, including flexibility, high water-vapor permeability and moisture retention, and exudate absorption capacity. Moreover, enriching the hydrogel matrix with additional therapeutic components has the potential to generate synergistic results. Thus, the present study centered on diabetic wound healing using a Matrigel-enriched alginate hydrogel embedded with polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The synthesis and physicochemical characterization of the samples, performed to evidence their compositional and microstructural features, swelling, and oxygen-entrapping capacity, were reported. For investigating the three-fold goal of the designed dressings (i.e., releasing oxygen at the wound site and maintaining a moist environment for faster healing, ensuring the absorption of a significant amount of exudate, and providing biocompatibility), in vivo biological tests on wounds of diabetic mice were approached. Evaluating multiple aspects during the healing process, the obtained composite material proved its efficiency for wound dressing applications by accelerating wound healing and promoting angiogenesis in diabetic skin injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Herman Hildegard
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Baltă
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Roșu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Anca Oana Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Scafa Udriște A, Niculescu AG, Iliuță L, Bajeu T, Georgescu A, Grumezescu AM, Bădilă E. Progress in Biomaterials for Cardiac Tissue Engineering and Regeneration. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051177. [PMID: 36904419 PMCID: PMC10007484 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality, posing considerable health and economic burden on patients and medical systems worldwide. This phenomenon is attributed to two main motives: poor regeneration capacity of adult cardiac tissues and insufficient therapeutic options. Thus, the context calls for upgrading treatments to deliver better outcomes. In this respect, recent research has approached the topic from an interdisciplinary perspective. Combining the advances encountered in chemistry, biology, material science, medicine, and nanotechnology, performant biomaterial-based structures have been created to carry different cells and bioactive molecules for repairing and restoring heart tissues. In this regard, this paper aims to present the advantages of biomaterial-based approaches for cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration, focusing on four main strategies: cardiac patches, injectable hydrogels, extracellular vesicles, and scaffolds and reviewing the most recent developments in these fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Scafa Udriște
- Department 4 Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luminița Iliuță
- Department 4 Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Teodor Bajeu
- Department 4 Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Georgescu
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu” of the Romanian Academy, 050568 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Elisabeta Bădilă
- Department 4 Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Cardiology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Preda MD, Popa ML, Neacșu IA, Grumezescu AM, Ginghină O. Antimicrobial Clothing Based on Electrospun Fibers with ZnO Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021629. [PMID: 36675140 PMCID: PMC9862659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a surge in interest in developing protective textiles and clothes to protect wearers from risks such as chemical, biological, heat, UV, pollution, and other environmental factors. Traditional protective textiles have strong water resistance but lack breathability and have a limited capacity to remove water vapor and moisture. Electrospun fibers and membranes have shown enormous promise in developing protective materials and garments. Textiles made up of electrospun fibers and membranes can provide thermal comfort and protection against a wide range of environmental threats. Because of their multifunctional properties, such as semi-conductivity, ultraviolet absorption, optical transparency, and photoluminescence, their low toxicity, biodegradability, low cost, and versatility in achieving diverse shapes, ZnO-based nanomaterials are a subject of increasing interest in the current review. The growing uses of electrospinning in the development of breathable and protective textiles are highlighted in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Daniela Preda
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Leila Popa
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionela Andreea Neacșu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Octav Ginghină
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila from Bucharest, 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, District 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hudiță A, Grumezescu V, Gherasim O, Grumezescu AM, Dorcioman G, Negut I, Oprea OC, Vasile BȘ, Gălățeanu B, Curuțiu C, Holban AM. MAPLE Processed Nanostructures for Antimicrobial Coatings. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315355. [PMID: 36499682 PMCID: PMC9738358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their great benefits for debilitated patients, indwelling devices are prone to become easily colonized by resident and opportunistic microorganisms, which have the ability to attach to their surfaces and form highly specialized communities called biofilms. These are extremely resistant to host defense mechanisms and antibiotics, leading to treatment failure and device replacement, but also to life-threatening complications. In this study, we aimed to optimize a silica (SiO2)-coated magnetite (Fe3O4)-based nanosystem containing the natural antimicrobial agent, eugenol (E), suitable for MAPLE (matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation) deposition as a bioactive coating for biomedical applications. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy investigations were employed to characterize the obtained nanosystems. The in vitro tests evidenced the superior biocompatibility of such nanostructured coatings, as revealed by their non-cytotoxic activity and ability to promote cellular proliferation and sustain normal cellular development of dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, the obtained nanocoatings did not induce proinflammatory events in human blood samples. Our studies demonstrated that Fe3O4 NPs can improve the antimicrobial activity of E, while the use of a SiO2 matrix may increase its efficiency over prolonged periods of time. The Fe3O4@SiO2 nanosystems showed excellent biocompatibility, sustaining human dermal fibroblasts' viability, proliferation, and typical architecture. More, the novel coatings lack proinflammatory potential as revealed by the absence of proinflammatory cytokine expression in response to human blood sample interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Hudiță
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dorcioman
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Irina Negut
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 1–7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Gălățeanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Curuțiu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei Street, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Florea DA, Grumezescu V, Bîrcă AC, Vasile BȘ, Iosif A, Chircov C, Stan MS, Grumezescu AM, Andronescu E, Chifiriuc MC. Bioactive Hydroxyapatite-Magnesium Phosphate Coatings Deposited by MAPLE for Preventing Infection and Promoting Orthopedic Implants Osteointegration. Materials (Basel) 2022; 15:7337. [PMID: 36295401 PMCID: PMC9609740 DOI: 10.3390/ma15207337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we used the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique to obtain hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2) thin coatings containing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4) for promoting implants osteointegration and further nebulized with the antibiotic ceftriaxone (CXF) to prevent peri-implant infections. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), infrared microscopy (IRM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties were evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and the cytocompatibility on the MC3T3-E1 cell line. The obtained results proved the potential of the obtained coatings for bone implant applications, providing a significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect, especially in the first 48 h, and cytocompatibility in relation to murine osteoblast cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Alexandra Florea
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Iosif
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna S. Stan
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Calea Victoriei 25, District 1, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Busnatu ȘS, Niculescu AG, Bolocan A, Andronic O, Pantea Stoian AM, Scafa-Udriște A, Stănescu AMA, Păduraru DN, Nicolescu MI, Grumezescu AM, Jinga V. A Review of Digital Health and Biotelemetry: Modern Approaches towards Personalized Medicine and Remote Health Assessment. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101656. [PMID: 36294795 PMCID: PMC9604784 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
With the prevalence of digitalization in all aspects of modern society, health assessment is becoming digital too. Taking advantage of the most recent technological advances and approaching medicine from an interdisciplinary perspective has allowed for important progress in healthcare services. Digital health technologies and biotelemetry devices have been more extensively employed for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, and predicting the evolution of various diseases, without requiring wires, invasive procedures, or face-to-face interaction with medical personnel. This paper aims to review the concepts correlated to digital health, classify and describe biotelemetry devices, and present the potential of digitalization for remote health assessment, the transition to personalized medicine, and the streamlining of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ștefan Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Andronic
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Alexandru Scafa-Udriște
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Dan Nicolae Păduraru
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chircov C, Bîrcă AC, Vasile BS, Oprea OC, Huang KS, Grumezescu AM. Microfluidic Synthesis of -NH 2- and -COOH-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:3160. [PMID: 36144948 PMCID: PMC9503789 DOI: 10.3390/nano12183160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has emerged as a promising alternative for the synthesis of nanoparticles, which ensures precise control over the synthesis parameters, high uniformity, reproducibility, and ease of integration. Therefore, the present study investigated a one-step synthesis and functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) using sulfanilic acid (SA) and 4-sulfobenzoic acid (SBA). The flows of both the precursor and precipitating/functionalization solutions were varied in order to ensure the optimal parameters. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The results demonstrated the successful synthesis of magnetite as the unique mineralogical phase, as well as the functionalization of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the possibility to control the crystallinity, size, shape, and functionalization degree by varying the synthesis parameters was further confirmed. In this manner, this study validated the potential of the microfluidic platform to develop functionalized MNPs, which are suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Stefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Food Safety, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Keng-Shiang Huang
- The School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 840301, Taiwan
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Splaiul Independentei, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Păduraru DN, Niculescu AG, Bolocan A, Andronic O, Grumezescu AM, Bîrlă R. An Updated Overview of Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14081748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Encompassing a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases, cancer continues to be a challenge for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Thus, it is of vital importance to develop advanced treatment strategies that could reduce the trends of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality rates. Scientists have focused on creating performant delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents. Among the possible materials, cyclodextrins (CDs) attracted increasing interest over the past few years, leading to the emergence of promising anti-tumor nanomedicines. Tackling their advantageous chemical structure, ease of modification, natural origin, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and commercial availability, researchers investigated CD-based therapeutical formulations against many types of cancer. In this respect, in this paper, we briefly present the properties of interest of CDs for designing performant nanocarriers, further reviewing some of the most recent potential applications of CD-based delivery systems in cancer management.
Collapse
|
27
|
Florea DA, Grumezescu V, Bîrcă AC, Vasile BȘ, Mușat M, Chircov C, Stan MS, Grumezescu AM, Andronescu E, Chifiriuc MC. Design, Characterization, and Antibacterial Performance of MAPLE-Deposited Coatings of Magnesium Phosphate-Containing Silver Nanoparticles in Biocompatible Concentrations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147910. [PMID: 35887261 PMCID: PMC9321465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone disorders and traumas represent a common type of healthcare emergency affecting men and women worldwide. Since most of these diseases imply surgery, frequently complicated by exogenous or endogenous infections, there is an acute need for improving their therapeutic approaches, particularly in clinical conditions requiring orthopedic implants. Various biomaterials have been investigated in the last decades for their potential to increase bone regeneration and prevent orthopedic infections. The present study aimed to develop a series of MAPLE-deposited coatings composed of magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) designed to ensure osteoblast proliferation and anti-infective properties simultaneously. Mg3(PO4)2 and AgNPs were obtained through the cooling bath reaction and chemical reduction, respectively, and then characterized through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). Subsequently, the obtained coatings were evaluated by Infrared Microscopy (IRM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Their biological properties show that the proposed composite coatings exhibit well-balanced biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, promoting osteoblasts viability and proliferation and inhibiting the adherence and growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most important agents of orthopedic implant-associated infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Alexandra Florea
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Mihaela Mușat
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Miruna S. Stan
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.A.F.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (M.M.); (C.C.); (A.M.G.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor Str. 1-3, District 5, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Calea Victoriei 25, District 1, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Teleanu DM, Niculescu AG, Lungu II, Radu CI, Vladâcenco O, Roza E, Costăchescu B, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu RI. An Overview of Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115938. [PMID: 35682615 PMCID: PMC9180653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been linked with a variety of diseases, being involved in the debut and/or progress of several neurodegenerative disorders. This review intends to summarize some of the findings that correlate the overproduction of reactive oxygen species with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Oxidative stress was also noted to modify the inflammatory response. Even though oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are two totally different pathological events, they are linked and affect one another. Nonetheless, there are still several mechanisms that need to be understood regarding the onset and the progress of neurodegenerative diseases in order to develop efficient therapies. As antioxidants are a means to alter oxidative stress and slow down the symptoms of these neurodegenerative diseases, the most common antioxidants, enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic, have been mentioned in this paper as therapeutic options for the discussed disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mihai Teleanu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (D.M.T.); (O.V.); (E.R.); (R.I.T.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (I.I.L.)
| | - Iulia Ioana Lungu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (I.I.L.)
- National Institute of Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics (NILPRP), 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Crina Ioana Radu
- Department of Neurosurgery (I), Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Oana Vladâcenco
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (D.M.T.); (O.V.); (E.R.); (R.I.T.)
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugenia Roza
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (D.M.T.); (O.V.); (E.R.); (R.I.T.)
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Costăchescu
- “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (I.I.L.)
- ICUB—Research Institute of University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Raluca Ioana Teleanu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (D.M.T.); (O.V.); (E.R.); (R.I.T.)
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, “Dr. Victor Gomoiu” Children’s Hospital, 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Busnatu Ș, Niculescu AG, Bolocan A, Petrescu GED, Păduraru DN, Năstasă I, Lupușoru M, Geantă M, Andronic O, Grumezescu AM, Martins H. Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence-An Updated Overview. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082265. [PMID: 35456357 PMCID: PMC9031863 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize modern society in all its aspects. Encouraged by the variety and vast amount of data that can be gathered from patients (e.g., medical images, text, and electronic health records), researchers have recently increased their interest in developing AI solutions for clinical care. Moreover, a diverse repertoire of methods can be chosen towards creating performant models for use in medical applications, ranging from disease prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis to opting for the most appropriate treatment for an individual patient. In this respect, the present paper aims to review the advancements reported at the convergence of AI and clinical care. Thus, this work presents AI clinical applications in a comprehensive manner, discussing the recent literature studies classified according to medical specialties. In addition, the challenges and limitations hindering AI integration in the clinical setting are further pointed out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ștefan Busnatu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - George E. D. Petrescu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - Dan Nicolae Păduraru
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - Iulian Năstasă
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - Mircea Lupușoru
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - Marius Geantă
- Centre for Innovation in Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Octavian Andronic
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.B.); (A.B.); (G.E.D.P.); (D.N.P.); (I.N.); (M.L.); (O.A.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Henrique Martins
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilha, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Burdușel AC, Gherasim O, Andronescu E, Grumezescu AM, Ficai A. Inorganic Nanoparticles in Bone Healing Applications. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040770. [PMID: 35456604 PMCID: PMC9027776 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern biomedicine aims to develop integrated solutions that use medical, biotechnological, materials science, and engineering concepts to create functional alternatives for the specific, selective, and accurate management of medical conditions. In the particular case of tissue engineering, designing a model that simulates all tissue qualities and fulfills all tissue requirements is a continuous challenge in the field of bone regeneration. The therapeutic protocols used for bone healing applications are limited by the hierarchical nature and extensive vascularization of osseous tissue, especially in large bone lesions. In this regard, nanotechnology paves the way for a new era in bone treatment, repair and regeneration, by enabling the fabrication of complex nanostructures that are similar to those found in the natural bone and which exhibit multifunctional bioactivity. This review aims to lay out the tremendous outcomes of using inorganic nanoparticles in bone healing applications, including bone repair and regeneration, and modern therapeutic strategies for bone-related pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Cristina Burdușel
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-C.B.); (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Oana Gherasim
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-C.B.); (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (A.F.)
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomiștilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-C.B.); (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (A.F.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-C.B.); (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (A.F.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 90–92 Panduri Road, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1–7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-C.B.); (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (A.F.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dumitru CD, Neacsu IA, Grumezescu AM, Andronescu E. Bee-Derived Products: Chemical Composition and Applications in Skin Tissue Engineering. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040750. [PMID: 35456584 PMCID: PMC9030501 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin tissue regeneration is one of the population’s most common problems, and the complications that may appear in the healing process can have detrimental consequences. An alternative to conventional treatments could be represented by sustainable materials based on natural products, such as honey and its derivates (propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, beeswax, and bee venom). They exhibit significant inhibitory activities against bacteria and have great potential in dermal tissue regeneration. Research in the pharmaceutical field demonstrates that conventional medication combined with bee products can deliver better results. The advantages include minimizing side effects and maintaining the same effectiveness by using low concentrations of antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or chemotherapy drugs. Several studies suggested that bee products can replace the antimicrobial activity and efficiency of antibiotics, but further investigation is needed to establish a topical mixture’s potential, including honey, royal jelly, and propolis. Bee products seem to complete each other’s deficiencies, and their mixture may have a better impact on the wound healing process. The topic addressed in this paper highlights the usefulness of honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, beeswax, and bee venom in the re-epithelization process and against most common bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Dana Dumitru
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.D.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Ionela Andreea Neacsu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.D.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.D.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.D.D.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Peralta-Rodríguez RD, Mendoza-Mendoza E, Liakos I, Grumezescu AM. Editorial: Microemulsions and Nanostructures for Efficient Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery. Front Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.860434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
33
|
Păduraru DN, Ion D, Niculescu AG, Mușat F, Andronic O, Grumezescu AM, Bolocan A. Recent Developments in Metallic Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy, Diagnosing and Imaging Applications. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:435. [PMID: 35214167 PMCID: PMC8874382 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to represent a global health concern, imposing an ongoing need to research for better treatment alternatives. In this context, nanomedicine seems to be the solution to existing problems, bringing unprecedented results in various biomedical applications, including cancer therapy, diagnosing, and imaging. As numerous studies have uncovered the advantageous properties of various nanoscale metals, this review aims to present metal-based nanoparticles that are most frequently employed for cancer applications. This paper follows the description of relevant nanoparticles made of metals, metal derivatives, hybrids, and alloys, further discussing in more detail their potential applications in cancer management, ranging from the delivery of chemotherapeutics, vaccines, and genes to ablative hyperthermia therapies and theranostic platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Nicolae Păduraru
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.N.P.); (D.I.); (F.M.); (O.A.); (A.B.)
- Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Ion
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.N.P.); (D.I.); (F.M.); (O.A.); (A.B.)
- Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Florentina Mușat
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.N.P.); (D.I.); (F.M.); (O.A.); (A.B.)
- Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Andronic
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.N.P.); (D.I.); (F.M.); (O.A.); (A.B.)
- Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.N.P.); (D.I.); (F.M.); (O.A.); (A.B.)
- Emergency University Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. An Up-to-Date Review of Biomaterials Application in Wound Management. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:421. [PMID: 35160411 PMCID: PMC8839538 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether they are caused by trauma, illness, or surgery, wounds may occur throughout anyone's life. Some injuries' complexity and healing difficulty pose important challenges in the medical field, demanding novel approaches in wound management. A highly researched possibility is applying biomaterials in various forms, ranging from thin protective films, foams, and hydrogels to scaffolds and textiles enriched with drugs and nanoparticles. The synergy of biocompatibility and cell proliferative effects of these materials is reflected in a more rapid wound healing rate and improved structural and functional properties of the newly grown tissue. This paper aims to present the biomaterial dressings and scaffolds suitable for wound management application, reviewing the most recent studies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Applications of Chitosan-Alginate-Based Nanoparticles-An Up-to-Date Review. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:186. [PMID: 35055206 PMCID: PMC8778629 DOI: 10.3390/nano12020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chitosan and alginate are two of the most studied natural polymers that have attracted interest for multiple uses in their nano form. The biomedical field is one of the domains benefiting the most from the development of nanotechnology, as increasing research interest has been oriented to developing chitosan-alginate biocompatible delivery vehicles, antimicrobial agents, and vaccine adjuvants. Moreover, these nanomaterials of natural origin have also become appealing for environmental protection (e.g., water treatment, environmental-friendly fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides) and the food industry. In this respect, the present paper aims to discuss some of the newest applications of chitosan-alginate-based nanomaterials and serve as an inception point for further research in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Caciandone M, Niculescu AG, Roșu AR, Grumezescu V, Negut I, Holban AM, Oprea O, Vasile BȘ, Bîrcă AC, Grumezescu AM, Stan MS, Anghel AG, Anghel I. PEG-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles for Modulation of Microbial Biofilms on Voice Prosthesis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 11:antibiotics11010039. [PMID: 35052915 PMCID: PMC8773041 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the fabrication of nanostructured coatings based on magnetite, polyethyleneglycol, and biologically active molecule (polymyxin B-PM) for producing biofilm-resistant surfaces (voice prosthesis). Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been synthesized and functionalized using a co-precipitation method and were further deposited into thin coatings using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The obtained nanoparticles and coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and infrared microscopy (IRM). Their antibiofilm activity was tested against relevant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strains. The Fe3O4@PEG/PM surface of modified voice prosthesis sections reduced the number of CFU/mL up to four orders of magnitude in the case of S. aureus biofilm. A more significant inhibitory effect is noticed in the case of P. aeruginosa up to five folds. These results highlight the importance of new Fe3O4@PEG/PM in the biomedical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Caciandone
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (A.G.A.); (I.A.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.R.R.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Aurelian Radu Roșu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.R.R.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (I.N.)
| | - Irina Negut
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (I.N.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.R.R.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.R.R.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.R.R.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.C.B.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Miruna Silvia Stan
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Georgiana Anghel
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (A.G.A.); (I.A.)
- ENT Department, Saint Mary Clinical Hospital Bucharest, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ion Anghel
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (A.G.A.); (I.A.)
- “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ion D, Niculescu AG, Păduraru DN, Andronic O, Mușat F, Grumezescu AM, Bolocan A. An Up-to-Date Review of Natural Nanoparticles for Cancer Management. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:18. [PMID: 35056915 PMCID: PMC8779479 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an urgent need to develop more efficient treatment alternatives. In this respect, much attention has been drawn from conventional cancer treatments to more modern approaches, such as the use of nanotechnology. Extensive research has been done for designing innovative nanoparticles able to specifically target tumor cells and ensure the controlled release of anticancer agents. To avoid the potential toxicity of synthetic materials, natural nanoparticles started to attract increasing scientific interest. In this context, this paper aims to review the most important natural nanoparticles used as active ingredients (e.g., polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and sterol-like compounds) or as carriers (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, viral nanoparticles, and exosomes) of various anticancer moieties, focusing on their recent applications in treating diverse malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ion
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.I.); (D.N.P.); (O.A.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
- 3rd Clinic of General and Emergency Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Dan Nicolae Păduraru
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.I.); (D.N.P.); (O.A.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
- 3rd Clinic of General and Emergency Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Andronic
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.I.); (D.N.P.); (O.A.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
- 3rd Clinic of General and Emergency Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Mușat
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.I.); (D.N.P.); (O.A.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
- 3rd Clinic of General and Emergency Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- General Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.I.); (D.N.P.); (O.A.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
- 3rd Clinic of General and Emergency Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gherasim O, Grumezescu AM, Grumezescu V, Andronescu E, Negut I, Bîrcă AC, Gălățeanu B, Hudiță A. Bioactive Coatings Loaded with Osteogenic Protein for Metallic Implants. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:4303. [PMID: 34960852 PMCID: PMC8703935 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoconductive and osteoinductive coatings represent attractive and tunable strategies towards the enhanced biomechanics and osseointegration of metallic implants, providing accurate local modulation of bone-to-implant interface. Composite materials based on polylactide (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) are proved beneficial substrates for the modulation of bone cells' development, being suitable mechanical supports for the repair and regeneration of bone tissue. Moreover, the addition of osteogenic proteins represents the next step towards the fabrication of advanced biomaterials for hard tissue engineering applications, as their regulatory mechanisms beneficially contribute to the new bone formation. In this respect, laser-processed composites, based on PLA, Hap, and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4), are herein proposed as bioactive coatings for metallic implants. The nanostructured coatings proved superior ability to promote the adhesion, viability, and proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells, without affecting their normal development and further sustaining the osteogenic differentiation of the cells. Our results are complementary to previous studies regarding the successful use of chemically BMP-modified biomaterials in orthopedic and orthodontic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oana Gherasim
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (A.C.B.)
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics, RO-77125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (A.C.B.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics, RO-77125 Magurele, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (A.C.B.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Negut
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma, and Radiation Physics, RO-77125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (O.G.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Bianca Gălățeanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (B.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Ariana Hudiță
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91–95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (B.G.); (A.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zarif ME, Yehia SA, Biță B, Sătulu V, Vizireanu S, Dinescu G, Holban AM, Marinescu F, Andronescu E, Grumezescu AM, Bîrcă AC, Farcașiu AT. Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Activation of Hydroxyapatite to Improve Fluoride Incorporation and Modulate Bacterial Biofilm. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13103. [PMID: 34884908 PMCID: PMC8658314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the technological progress of the last decade, dental caries is still the most frequent oral health threat in children and adults alike. Such a condition has multiple triggers and is caused mainly by enamel degradation under the acidic attack of microbial cells, which compose the biofilm of the dental plaque. The biofilm of the dental plaque is a multispecific microbial consortium that periodically develops on mammalian teeth. It can be partially removed through mechanical forces by individual brushing or in specialized oral care facilities. Inhibition of microbial attachment and biofilm formation, as well as methods to strengthen dental enamel to microbial attack, represent the key factors in caries prevention. The purpose of this study was to elaborate a cold plasma-based method in order to modulate microbial attachment and biofilm formation and to improve the retention of fluoride (F-) in an enamel-like hydroxyapatite (HAP) model sample. Our results showed improved F retention in the HAP model, which correlated with an increased antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect. The obtained cold plasma with a dual effect exhibited through biofilm modulation and enamel strengthening through fluoridation is intended for dental application, such as preventing and treating dental caries and enamel deterioration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Zarif
- Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sașa Alexandra Yehia
- Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Bogdan Biță
- Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Veronica Sătulu
- Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Sorin Vizireanu
- Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Dinescu
- Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Măgurele, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Marinescu
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov no. 3, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov no. 3, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Titus Farcașiu
- Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 032799 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Niculescu AG, Bîrcă AC, Grumezescu AM. New Applications of Lipid and Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acids Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2053. [PMID: 34959335 PMCID: PMC8708541 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids represent a promising lead for engineering the immune system. However, naked DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and other nucleic acids are prone to enzymatic degradation and face challenges crossing the cell membrane. Therefore, increasing research has been recently focused on developing novel delivery systems that are able to overcome these drawbacks. Particular attention has been drawn to designing lipid and polymer-based nanoparticles that protect nucleic acids and ensure their targeted delivery, controlled release, and enhanced cellular uptake. In this respect, this review aims to present the recent advances in the field, highlighting the possibility of using these nanosystems for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes towards combatting a broad range of infectious, chronic, and genetic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Modrogan C, Cǎprǎrescu S, Dǎncilǎ AM, Orbuleț OD, Grumezescu AM, Purcar V, Radițoiu V, Fierascu RC. Modified Composite Based on Magnetite and Polyvinyl Alcohol: Synthesis, Characterization, and Degradation Studies of the Methyl Orange Dye from Synthetic Wastewater. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13223911. [PMID: 34833210 PMCID: PMC8625922 DOI: 10.3390/polym13223911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the present paper was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the performance of the modified composite based on magnetite (Fe3O4) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The obtained composite was used to degrade Methyl Orange dye from synthetic wastewater by a laboratory photocatalytic reactor. Various parameters of the photodegradation process were tested: composite dosage, amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and pH. The composite was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The degradation experiments indicated that the complete dye decolorization depended on the amount of H2O2. In addition, the H2O2 could accelerate Methyl Orange degradation to more highly oxidized intermediates in the presence of UV light (99.35%). The results suggested that the obtained modified composite could be used to treat wastewater containing various types of dyes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Modrogan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghe. Polizu Street No 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.); (A.M.D.); (O.D.O.)
| | - Simona Cǎprǎrescu
- Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Department, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghe. Polizu Street No 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Annette Madelene Dǎncilǎ
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghe. Polizu Street No 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.); (A.M.D.); (O.D.O.)
| | - Oanamari Daniela Orbuleț
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghe. Polizu Street No 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.M.); (A.M.D.); (O.D.O.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghe. Polizu Street No 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (R.C.F.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Violeta Purcar
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei, No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Valentin Radițoiu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei, No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Radu Claudiu Fierascu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghe. Polizu Street No 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (R.C.F.)
- National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei, No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.P.); (V.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Polymer-Based Nanosystems-A Versatile Delivery Approach. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:6812. [PMID: 34832213 PMCID: PMC8619478 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Polymer-based nanoparticles of tailored size, morphology, and surface properties have attracted increasing attention as carriers for drugs, biomolecules, and genes. By protecting the payload from degradation and maintaining sustained and controlled release of the drug, polymeric nanoparticles can reduce drug clearance, increase their cargo's stability and solubility, prolong its half-life, and ensure optimal concentration at the target site. The inherent immunomodulatory properties of specific polymer nanoparticles, coupled with their drug encapsulation ability, have raised particular interest in vaccine delivery. This paper aims to review current and emerging drug delivery applications of both branched and linear, natural, and synthetic polymer nanostructures, focusing on their role in vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov no. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Spirescu VA, Niculescu AG, Slave Ș, Bîrcă AC, Dorcioman G, Grumezescu V, Holban AM, Oprea OC, Vasile BȘ, Grumezescu AM, Nica IC, Stan MS, Andronescu E. Anti-Biofilm Coatings Based on Chitosan and Lysozyme Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1269. [PMID: 34680849 PMCID: PMC8532956 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms represent a common and increasingly challenging problem in healthcare practices worldwide, producing persistent and difficult to manage infections. Researchers have started developing antibiotic-free treatment alternatives in order to decrease the risk of resistant microbial strain selection and for the efficient management of antibiotic tolerant biofilm infections. The present study reports the fabrication and characterization of magnetite-based nanostructured coatings for producing biofilm-resistant surfaces. Specifically, magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were functionalized with chitosan (CS) and were blended with lysozyme (LyZ) and were deposited using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. A variety of characterization techniques were employed to investigate the physicochemical properties of both nanoparticles and nanocoatings. The biological characterization of the coatings assessed through cell viability and antimicrobial tests showed biocompatibility on osteoblasts as well as antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and no cytotoxic effect against human-cultured diploid cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Alexandra Spirescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
| | - Ștefan Slave
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
| | - Alexandra Cătalina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
| | - Gabriela Dorcioman
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.D.); (V.G.)
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.D.); (V.G.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Ionela Cristina Nica
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Silvia Stan
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (A.-G.N.); (Ș.S.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chircov C, Bîrcă AC, Grumezescu AM, Vasile BS, Oprea O, Nicoară AI, Yang CH, Huang KS, Andronescu E. Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles through a Lab-On-Chip Device. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:5906. [PMID: 34640303 PMCID: PMC8510126 DOI: 10.3390/ma14195906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) represent one of the most intensively studied types of iron oxide nanoparticles in various fields, including biomedicine, pharmaceutics, bioengineering, and industry. Since their properties in terms of size, shape, and surface charge significantly affects their efficiency towards the envisaged application, it is fundamentally important to develop a new synthesis route that allows for the control and modulation of the nanoparticle features. In this context, the aim of the present study was to develop a new method for the synthesis of MNPs. Specifically, a microfluidic lab-on-chip (LoC) device was used to obtain MNPs with controlled properties. The study investigated the influence of iron precursor solution concentration and flowed onto the final properties of the nanomaterials. The synthesized MNPs were characterized in terms of size, morphology, structure, composition, and stability. Results proved the formation of magnetite as a single mineral phase. Moreover, the uniform spherical shape and narrow size distribution were demonstrated. Optimal characteristics regarding MNPs crystallinity, uniformity, and thermal stability were obtained at higher concentrations and lower flows. In this manner, the potential of the LoC device is a promising tool for the synthesis of nanomaterials by ensuring the necessary uniformity for all final applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chircov
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (A.C.B.); (B.S.V.); (A.I.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (A.C.B.); (B.S.V.); (A.I.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (A.C.B.); (B.S.V.); (A.I.N.); (E.A.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Spl. Independentei, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Stefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (A.C.B.); (B.S.V.); (A.I.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Ovidiu Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adrian Ionuț Nicoară
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (A.C.B.); (B.S.V.); (A.I.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Chih-Hui Yang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan;
- Pharmacy Department of E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan
- Taiwan Instrument Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Shiang Huang
- The School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 840301, Taiwan;
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (A.C.B.); (B.S.V.); (A.I.N.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Spl. Independentei, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Spirescu VA, Șuhan R, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu V, Negut I, Holban AM, Oprea OC, Bîrcă AC, Vasile BȘ, Grumezescu AM, Bejenaru LE, Mogoşanu GD, Bejenaru C, Balaure PC, Andronescu E, Mogoantă L. Biofilm-Resistant Nanocoatings Based on ZnO Nanoparticles and Linalool. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:nano11102564. [PMID: 34685006 PMCID: PMC8540015 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms represent an increasing challenge in the medical practice worldwide, imposing a serious threat to public health. As bacterial strains have developed antibiotic resistance, researcher’s attention has been extensively focused on developing more efficient antimicrobial strategies. In this context, the present study reports the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, ex vivo biodistribution, and in vitro evaluation of the capacity of nanostructured surfaces based on zinc oxide (ZnO) and biologically active molecules to modulate clinically relevant microbial biofilms. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a co-precipitation method without thermal treatment. The matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was applied for preparing nanostructured coatings based on ZnO NPs surface modified with linalool that were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and infrared microscopy (IRM). Histological analyses carried out at 7 days and 14 days after the intraperitoneal administration of linalool modified ZnO NPs revealed the absence of the latter from the brain, kidney, liver, lung, myocardium, and pancreas. Through in vitro assays on prokaryotic cells, it was proven that ZnO coatings hinder microbial biofilm formation of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Alexandra Spirescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Raluca Șuhan
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (I.N.)
| | - Irina Negut
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (I.N.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ludovic Everard Bejenaru
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (L.E.B.); (G.D.M.)
| | - George Dan Mogoşanu
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (L.E.B.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Cornelia Bejenaru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Paul Cătălin Balaure
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (V.A.S.); (R.Ș.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (B.Ș.V.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laurenţiu Mogoantă
- Research Center for Microscopic Morphology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Natural Compounds for Preventing Ear, Nose, and Throat-Related Oral Infections. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10091847. [PMID: 34579380 PMCID: PMC8468404 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oral health is an essential element in maintaining general well-being. By preserving the complex equilibrium within the oral microbial community, commensal microorganisms can protect against extrinsic pathogenic threats. However, when an imbalance occurs, the organism is susceptible to a broad range of infections. Synthetic drugs can be administered to help the body fight against the fungal, bacterial, or viral burden. Nonetheless, they may produce undesirable consequences such as toxicity, adverse effects, and drug resistance. In this respect, research has focused on finding safer and more efficient alternatives. Particularly, increasing attention has been drawn towards developing novel formulations based on natural compounds. This paper reviews the plant-based, algae-based, and beehive products investigated for their antimicrobial properties, aiming to thoroughly present the state of the art on oral infection prevention in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-21-402-3997
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Puiu RA, Balaure PC, Constantinescu E, Grumezescu AM, Andronescu E, Oprea OC, Vasile BS, Grumezescu V, Negut I, Nica IC, Stan MS. Anti-Cancer Nanopowders and MAPLE-Fabricated Thin Films Based on SPIONs Surface Modified with Paclitaxel Loaded β-Cyclodextrin. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091356. [PMID: 34575432 PMCID: PMC8468465 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, cancer is the second most common cause of death, and Europe accounts for almost 25% of the global cancer burden, although its people make up only 10% of the world’s population. Conventional systemically administered anti-cancer drugs come with important drawbacks such as inefficiency due to poor bioavailability and improper biodistribution, severe side effects associated with low therapeutic indices, and the development of multidrug resistance. Therefore, smart nano-engineered targeted drug-delivery systems with tailored pharmacokinetics and biodistribution which can selectively deliver anti-cancer agents directly to the tumor site are the solution to most difficulties encountered with conventional therapeutic tools. Here, we report on the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility and anti-tumor activity of novel magnetically targetable SPIONs based on magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles’ surface modified with β-cyclodextrin (CD) and paclitaxel (PTX)–guest–host inclusion complexes (Fe3O4@β-CD/PTX). Both pristine Fe3O4@β-CD nanopowders and PTX-loaded thin films fabricated by MAPLE technique were investigated. Pristine Fe3O4@β-CD and Fe3O4@β-CD/PTX thin films were physicochemically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biocompatibility of bare magnetic nanocomposite thin films was evaluated by MTT cell viability assay on a normal 3T3 osteoblast cell line culture and by measuring the level of NO in the culture medium. No significant modifications, neither in cell viability nor in NO level, could be observed, thereby demonstrating the excellent biocompatibility of the SPIONs thin films. Inverted phase-contrast microscopy showed no evident adverse effect on the morphology of normal osteoblasts. On the other hand, Fe3O4@β-CD/PTX films decreased the cell viability of the MG-63 osteosarcoma cell line by 85%, demonstrating excellent anti-tumor activity. The obtained results recommend these magnetic hybrid films as promising candidates for future delivery, and hyperthermia applications in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Alexandra Puiu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.P.); (E.C.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (B.S.V.)
| | - Paul Cătălin Balaure
- “Costin Nenitzescu” Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-21-402-3997
| | - Ema Constantinescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.P.); (E.C.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (B.S.V.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.P.); (E.C.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (B.S.V.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.P.); (E.C.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (B.S.V.)
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Stefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.P.); (E.C.); (A.M.G.); (E.A.); (B.S.V.)
| | - Valentina Grumezescu
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (I.N.)
| | - Irina Negut
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (V.G.); (I.N.)
| | - Ionela Cristina Nica
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Silvia Stan
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania; (I.C.N.); (M.S.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bădilă AE, Rădulescu DM, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM, Rădulescu M, Rădulescu AR. Recent Advances in the Treatment of Bone Metastases and Primary Bone Tumors: An Up-to-Date Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4229. [PMID: 34439383 PMCID: PMC8392383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the treatment of primary and secondary bone tumors has faced a slow-down in its development, being mainly based on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. However, these conventional therapeutic strategies present a series of disadvantages (e.g., multidrug resistance, tumor recurrence, severe side effects, formation of large bone defects), which limit their application and efficacy. In recent years, these procedures were combined with several adjuvant therapies, with different degrees of success. To overcome the drawbacks of current therapies and improve treatment outcomes, other strategies started being investigated, like carrier-mediated drug delivery, bone substitutes for repairing bone defects, and multifunctional scaffolds with bone tissue regeneration and antitumor properties. Thus, this paper aims to present the types of bone tumors and their current treatment approaches, further focusing on the recent advances in new therapeutic alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Emilian Bădilă
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.B.); (D.M.R.); (A.R.R.)
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bucharest University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragoș Mihai Rădulescu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.B.); (D.M.R.); (A.R.R.)
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bucharest University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Rădulescu
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu St., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Radu Rădulescu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.E.B.); (D.M.R.); (A.R.R.)
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bucharest University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gheorghe DC, Ilie A, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Preventing Biofilm Formation and Development on Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Devices. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1025. [PMID: 34440229 PMCID: PMC8394763 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Otorhinolaryngology is a vast domain that requires the aid of many resources for optimal performance. The medical devices utilized in this branch share common problems, such as the formation of biofilms. These structured communities of microbes encased in a 3D matrix can develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus making it a problem with challenging solutions. Therefore, it is of concern the introduction in the medical practice involving biomaterials for ear, nose and throat (ENT) devices, such as implants for the trachea (stents), ear (cochlear implants), and voice recovery (voice prosthetics). The surface of these materials must be biocompatible and limit the development of biofilm while still promoting regeneration. In this respect, several surface modification techniques and functionalization procedures can be utilized to facilitate the success of the implants and ensure a long time of use. On this note, this review provides information on the intricate underlying mechanisms of biofilm formation, the large specter of implants and prosthetics that are susceptible to microbial colonization and subsequently related infections. Specifically, the discussion is particularized on biofilm development on ENT devices, ways to reduce it, and recent approaches that have emerged in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cristian Gheorghe
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- “M.S. Curie” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 077120 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Ilie
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.); (A.-G.N.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.); (A.-G.N.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cucu CI, Giurcăneanu C, Popa LG, Orzan OA, Beiu C, Holban AM, Grumezescu AM, Matei BM, Popescu MN, Căruntu C, Mihai MM. Electrochemotherapy and Other Clinical Applications of Electroporation for the Targeted Therapy of Metastatic Melanoma. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:ma14143985. [PMID: 34300902 PMCID: PMC8305146 DOI: 10.3390/ma14143985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an effective bioelectrochemical procedure that uses controlled electrical pulses to facilitate the increase of intracellular concentration of certain substances (electropermeabilization/ reversible electroporation). ECT using antitumor drugs such as bleomycin and cisplatin is a minimally invasive targeted therapy that can be used as an alternative for oncologic patients not eligible for surgery or other standard therapies. Even though ECT is mainly applied as palliative care for metastases, it may also be used for primary tumors that are unresectable due to size and location. Skin neoplasms are the main clinical indication of ECT, the procedure reporting good curative results and high efficiency across all tumor types, including melanoma. In daily practice, there are many cases in which the patient’s quality of life can be significantly improved by a safe procedure such as ECT. Its popularity must be increased because it has a safe profile and minor local adverse reactions. The method can be used by dermatologists, oncologists, and surgeons. The aim of this paper is to review recent literature concerning electrochemotherapy and other clinical applications of electroporation for the targeted therapy of metastatic melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Ioana Cucu
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology-“Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.I.C.); (C.G.); (O.A.O.); (C.B.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Călin Giurcăneanu
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology-“Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.I.C.); (C.G.); (O.A.O.); (C.B.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Liliana Gabriela Popa
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology-“Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.I.C.); (C.G.); (O.A.O.); (C.B.); (M.M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-727-173-767
| | - Olguța Anca Orzan
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology-“Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.I.C.); (C.G.); (O.A.O.); (C.B.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Cristina Beiu
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology-“Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.I.C.); (C.G.); (O.A.O.); (C.B.); (M.M.M.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania;
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Mircea Matei
- Department of Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marius Nicolae Popescu
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Constantin Căruntu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 22 Dambrovnicului, 031593 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mara Mădălina Mihai
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology-“Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (C.I.C.); (C.G.); (O.A.O.); (C.B.); (M.M.M.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|