Assessing the efficacy of carbon nanodots derived from curcumin on infectious diseases.

INTRODUCTION: The threat of new, emerging, and multidrug-resistant microbes is increasing which has created the necessity for new antimicrobials. In this regard, nanotechnology can be an alternative for the treatment of infectious microbes. Curcumin has been used since ancient times as antimicrobials; however, it has limitations due to its less aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and biocompatibility. This problem can be solved by curcumin-derived carbon nanodots which are emerging antimicrobials of <10 nm size, water-soluble, biocompatible, less toxic, and fluorescent. AREA COVERED: The review discusses the application of curcumin-derived carbon nanodots against various pathogenic microbes including bacteria and dreaded viruses like SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the role of curcumin carbon nanodots in biolabelling of pathogenic microbes, mechanism of action, bioimaging, and therapy has been critically examined. EXPERT OPINION: Carbon nanodots play an important role in combating pathogenic microbes by early diagnosis, bioimaging, nanocarrier for antimicrobial drugs, and therapy of infectious diseases. Curcumin carbon nanodots have already demonstrated their benefits of being water soluble, bioavailable, and biocompatible. However, more thorough research is needed to understand the efficacy and safety of curcumin carbon nanodots. In the future, curcumin-derived carbon nanodots can be used as alternative antimicrobial agents to fight microbial infections including multidrug-resistant microbes.

Synthesis, Characterization and Osteogenic Properties of Chitin-Polydioxanone Composite Gel.

In this study, we have developed a Chitin(Ch)-Poly(dioxanone)(PDO) gel system, which can be potentially used for tissue engineering. Hydrogel has been widely used in biomedical applications for its tuneable properties and biocompatibility. Chitin (Ch) is a natural biopolymer used for its ability to mimic the natural extracellular matrix due to N-acetyl glucosamine structural units. Poly (dioxanone) (PDO) is an FDA-approved synthetic biopolymer known for its mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and poor inflammatory response. Based on this, we have developed Ch-PDO composite gel using simple regeneration chemistry and characterized it using FT-IR and SEM. The developed composite gel showed improved gel strength, good swelling ability,and controlled degradation behaviour. It also showed good injectability with shear thinning properties and hemocompatibility. Further, the biocompatibility and cell adhesion studies of the prepared gels were studied using dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs). The prepared Ch-PDO gel was biocompatible and showed DFSCs cell attachment. Osteogenic mineralization and RUNX2 expression of the prepared Ch and Ch-PDO gel was studied and Ch-PDO gel showed an enhanced mineralization and RUNX2 expression. Therefore, the developed chitin-PDO gel could be potentially used for bone tissue engineering.

A comparison of several separation processes for eggshell membrane powder as a natural biomaterial for skin regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have focused on skin damage, the most prevalent physical injury, aiming to improve wound healing. The exploration of biomaterials, specifically eggshell membranes (ESMs), is undertaken to accelerate the recovery of skin injuries. The membrane must be separated from the shell to make this biomaterial usable. Hence, this investigation aimed to identify more about the methods for membrane isolation and determine the most efficient one for usage as a biomaterial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: For this purpose, ESM was removed from eggs using different protocols (with sodium carbonate, acetic acid, HCl, calcium carbonate, and using forceps for separation). Consequently, we have examined the membranes' mechanical and morphological qualities. RESULTS: According to the analysis of microscopic surface morphology, the membranes have appropriate porosity. MTT assay also revealed that the membranes have no cytotoxic effect on 3T3 cells. The results indicated that the ESM had acquired acceptable coagulation and was compatible with blood. Based on the obtained results, Provacol 4 (0.5-mol HCl and neutralized with 0.1-mol NaOH) was better than other methods of extraction and eggshell separation because it was more cell-compatible and more compatible with blood. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that ESMs can be used as a suitable biomaterial in medical applications.

Effect of Storage Conditions and Time on the Dimensional Stability of 3D Printed Surgical Guides: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dimensional stability over time of additively manufactured surgical templates, fabricated by different resins, and stored by different methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a 3D printer with DLS technology and two different resins (Surgical Guide (SG)-WhipMix and Key Guide (KG)-KeystoneIndustries), 96 surgical guides were additively manufactured. The guides were stored in three different environments: directly exposed to sunlight (S1), in normal interior room conditions (S2), and in darkness (S3). The guides were digitally scanned immediately after fabrication and post-processing, and after 1, 3, and 6 months of storage. For each group, the mean deviation of the root mean square (RMS) between guide's intaglio surface, as well as the axial deviation between sleeves' housings were calculated. RESULTS: The mean axial variations of angular axis deviation of sleeves' housings ranged between 0.09° and 3.99°. The mean deviation of the RMS discrepancy in guide's intaglio ranged from 0.1 to 0.18 mm. Variations were significant (p < 0.001) only for the S1 group and only for SG material. After 3 months, an additional storage time of 3 months did not have any further effect on dimensional stability. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, storage time of a surgical guide for up to 3 months after manufacturing, as well as printing material can significantly affect surgical guide's dimensional stability, when they are exposed to direct or indirect sunlight conditions. Storage of guides in a dark environment is recommended in order to avoid an additional source of error in computer-guided surgery workflows.

Innovative 3D bioprinting approaches for advancing brain science and medicine: a literature review.

This paper reviews 3D bioprinting technologies and Bio-inks materials in brain neuroscience applications. The integration of 3D bioprinting technology in neuroscience research offers a unique platform to create complex brain and tissue architectures that mimic the mechanical, architectural, and biochemical properties of native tissues, providing a robust tool for modeling, repair, and drug screening applications. The review provides discussions and conclusions to highlight the current research, research gaps and recommendations for the future research on 3D bioprinting in neuroscience. The investigation shows that 3D bioprinting has a great potential to fabricate brain-like tissue constructs, holds great promise for regenerative medicine and drug testing models, offering new avenues for studying brain diseases and potential treatments. It is also found that the future of bioinks requires continuous improvement and innovation to meet the needs of applications in the field of neuroscience, aiming to improve the functionality and performance of bioink materials for neural tissue engineering. .

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Biodegradable Chip Containing Salvadora persica (miswak) Extract in Chitosan Base as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in the Management of Periodontitis.

Objectives: This study attempted to develop 2 biodegradable periodontal chips containing Salvadora persica (miswak) or benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) extracts and evaluate their clinical effectiveness in managing periodontitis. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, from September 2010 to April 2012. Periodontal chips were formulated using S. persica, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and chitosan extracts. All patients were treated with full mouth scaling and root planing at baseline. Thereafter, the periodontal pockets (≥5 mm in length) were divided into 4 groups: the control group; group 2 (plain chitosan chip); group 3 (S. persica extract); and group 4 (BITC extract). Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels were recorded at days 0 and 60 only. Results: A total of 12 patients participated in this study. Overall, 240 periodontal pockets were evaluated. The study revealed significant improvements in PI, BOP and reduction in periodontal pocket depth in all 4 groups (P <0.05). The improvement in clinical attachment level was significantly higher (P <0.001) among the group that received S. persica chips compared to the control and other chip-treated groups. Conclusion: Periodontal chips containing S. persica can be used as adjuncts to treat patients with periodontitis.

Microfluidic-Assisted Pneumatic Droplet Generators Designed for Multiscenario Biomanufacturing with Favorable Biocompatibility and Extendibility.

Droplets, tiny liquid compartments, are increasingly emerging in the biomedical and biomanufacturing fields due to their unique properties to serve as templates or independent reaction units. Currently, the straightforward and efficient generation of various functional droplets in a biofriendly manner remains challenging. Herein, a novel microfluidic-assisted pneumatic strategy is described for the customizable and high-throughput production of monodispersed droplets, and the droplet size can be precisely controlled via a simplified gas pressure regulation module. In particular, numerous uniform alginate microcarriers can be rapidly fabricated in an all-aqueous manner, wherein the encapsulated islet or liver cells exhibit favorable viability and biological functions. Furthermore, by changing the microchannel configuration, several fluid manipulation functions developed by microfluidic technology, such as mixing and laminar flow, can be successfully incorporated into this platform. The droplet generators with scalable functionality are demonstrated in many biomanufacturing scenarios, including on-demand distribution of cell-mimetic particles, continuous synthesis of biomedical metal-organic framework (MOF), controllable preparation of compartmental microgel, etc. These may provide sustainable inspiration for developing droplet generators and their applications in tissue and organ engineering, biomaterials design, bioprinting nozzles, and other fields.

Antibacterial Electrospun Membrane with Hierarchical Bead-on-String Structured Fibres for Wound Infections.

Chronic wounds often result in multiple infections with various kinds of bacteria and uncontrolled wound exudate, resulting in several healthcare issues. Advanced medicated nanofibres prepared by electrospinning have gained much attention for their topical application on infected chronic wounds. The objective of this work is to enhance the critical variables of ciprofloxacin-loaded polycaprolactone-silk sericin (PCL/SS-PVA-CIP) nanofibre production via the process of electrospinning. To examine the antibacterial effectiveness of PCL/SS-PVA-CIP nanocomposites, the material was tested against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The combination of PCL/SS-PVA-CIP exhibited potent inhibitory properties, with the most effective concentrations of ciprofloxacin (CIP) being 3 µg/g and 7.0 µg/g for each bacterium, respectively. The biocompatibility was evaluated by conducting cell reduction and proliferation studies using the human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in vitro cell lines. The PCL/SS-PVA-CIP showed good cell compatibility with HaCaT and HGF cells, with effective proliferation even at antibiotic doses of up to 7.0 µg/g. The drug release effectiveness of the nanocomposites was assessed at various concentrations of CIP, resulting in a maximum cumulative release of 76.5% and 74.4% after 72 h for CIP concentrations of 3 µg/g and 7 µg/g, respectively. In summary, our study emphasizes the possibility of combining silk sericin (SS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) loading with CIP nanocomposite for wound management.

Oral Patch/Film for Drug Delivery-Current Status and Future Prospects.

In recent years, there has been extensive research into drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing drug utilization while minimizing drug toxicities. Among these systems, oral patches/films have garnered significant attention due to their convenience, noninvasive administration, ability to bypass hepatic first-pass metabolism, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability, and their potential to ensure good compliance, particularly among special patient populations. In this review, from the perspective of the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity and the advantages and difficulties of oral drug delivery, we illustrate the design ideas, manufacturing techniques, research methodologies, and the essential attributes of an ideal oral patch/film. Furthermore, the applications of oral patches/films in both localized and systemic drug delivery were discussed. Finally, we offer insights into the future prospects of the oral patch/film, aiming to provide valuable reference for the advancement of oral localized drug delivery systems.

Comparative Effectiveness of an Autologous Dentin Matrix for Alveolar Ridge Preservation.

An urgent issue is the preservation or reconstruction of the volume of bone tissue in planning and surgical treatment in the fields of medicine, such as traumatology, orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. After tooth extraction, resorption of the bone tissue of the alveolar crest of the jaws occurs, which must either be further eliminated by performing additional operations or using osteoplastic material for socket preservation at the extraction stage. Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of various osteoplastic materials used to preserve the volume of bone tissue in the preimplantation period. Materials and Methods: As part of the study, 80 patients were treated, who underwent socket preservation using xenografts, plasma enriched with growth factors, an autologous dentin matrix (ADM) and hydroxyapatite. Results: The results of the treatment 16 weeks after removal were comprehensively analyzed using a morphometric analysis of the bone's volume, cone beam tomography and morphological examination of burr biopsy specimens, as well as by determining the stability of the installed implant at different stages of treatment. Conclusions: The lowest level of bone tissue resorption according to the CBCT data was noted in the ADM and xenograft groups. It should be noted that the use of osteoplastic material in jaw surgery when reconstructing alveolar defects is an essential procedure for preventing the atrophy of bone tissue.

On the Fused Deposition Modelling of Personalised Bio-Scaffolds: Materials, Design, and Manufacturing Aspects.

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an important field of research, essential in order to heal bone defects or replace impaired tissues and organs. As one of the most used additive manufacturing processes, 3D printing can produce biostructures in the field of tissue engineering for bones, orthopaedic tissues, and organs. Scaffold manufacturing techniques and suitable materials with final structural, mechanical properties, and the biological response of the implanted biomaterials are an essential part of BTE. In fact, the scaffold is an essential component for tissue engineering where cells can attach, proliferate, and differentiate to develop functional tissue. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is commonly employed in the 3D printing of tissue-engineering scaffolds. Scaffolds must have a good architecture, considering the porosity, permeability, degradation, and healing capabilities. In fact, the architecture of a scaffold is crucial, influencing not only the physical and mechanical properties but also the cellular behaviours of mesenchymal stem cells. Cells placed on/or within the scaffolds is a standard approach in tissue engineering. For bio-scaffolds, materials that are biocompatible and biodegradable, and can support cell growth are the ones chosen. These include polymers like polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and certain bioglass or composite materials. This work comprehensively integrates aspects related to the optimisation of biocompatible and biodegradable composites with the low cost, simple, and stable FDM technology to successfully prepare the best designed composite porous bone-healing scaffolds. FDM can be used to produce low-cost bone scaffolds, with a suitable porosity and permeability.

Neovaginoplasty With Nile Tilapia Skin Graft in A Patient With Gonadal Dysgenesis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Gonadal dysgenesis, a genetic condition characterized by incomplete of defective formation of the gonads, can present with vaginal agenesis in individuals with 46, XY karyotype. CASE: We report an innovative intervention in the management of vaginal agenesis in a 19-year-old female with gonadal dysgenesis. Despite initial attempts with vaginal dilators, the patient presented unresponsive, leading to the adoption of a neovaginoplasty using Nile Tilapia Fish Skin (NTFS) as graft. The procedure, based on the McIndoe technique, involved the creation of a 10 cm x 3 cm vaginal canal with an NTFS-wrapped acrylic mold without complications. CONCLUSION: The use of NTFS as a graft for neovaginoplasty in gonadal dysgenesis, a novel approach not previously reported in medical literature for this diagnosis, demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of functionality and patient well-being.

WSe2/chitosan-based wearable multi-functional platform for monitoring electrophysiological signals, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body movements.

A cleanroom free optimized fabrication of a low-cost facile tungsten diselenide (WSe2) combined with chitosan-based hydrogel device is reported for multifunctional applications including tactile sensing, pulse rate monitoring, respiratory rate monitoring, human body movements detection, and human electrophysiological signal detection. Chitosan being a natural biodegradable, non-toxic compound serves as a substrate to the semiconducting WSe2 electrode which is synthesized using a single step hydrothermal technique. Elaborate characterization studies are performed to confirm the morphological, structural, and electrical properties of the fabricated chitosan/WSe2 device. Chitosan/WSe2 sensor with copper contacts on each side is put directly on skin to capture human body motions. The resistivity of the sample was calculated as 26 kΩ m-1. The device behaves as an ultrasensitive pressure sensor for tactile and arterial pulse sensing with response time of 0.9 s and sensitivity of around 0.02 kPa-1. It is also capable for strain sensing with a gauge factor of 54 which is significantly higher than similar other reported electrodes. The human body movements sensing can be attributed to the piezoresistive character of WSe2 that originates from its non-centrosymmetric structure. Further, the sensor is employed for monitoring respiratory rate which measures to 13 counts/min for healthy individual and electrophysiological signals like ECG and EOG which can be used later for detecting numerous pathological conditions in humans. Electrophysiological signal sensing is carried out using a bio-signal amplifier (Bio-Amp EXG Pill) connected to Arduino. The skin-friendly, low toxic WSe2/chitosan dry electrodes pave the way for replacing wet electrodes and find numerous applications in personalized healthcare.

Dual-mode optical biocompatible-sensor enabled by enzyme-like activity of UiO-66 (Zr) for ultra-sensitive ROS detection in vitro.

The simple, effective and highly sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which belongs to the reactive oxygen species (ROS), at low concentrations plays an indispensable role in the field of environmental protection, biological research and safety. In this study, a dual-mode optical biosensor, UiO-66@OPD, was developed based on the inherent peroxidase mimicking activity of UiO-66 (Zr) and the optical reaction of ortho-phenylenediamine (OPD) by extending the π-system through oxidative coupling, prototropism and elimination to form OPDox, thereby exhibiting strong orangish absorbance and greenish fluorescence. The catalase-mimicking activity of UiO-66 (Zr) was demonstrated by the catalytic oxidation of methylene blue in the presence of H2O2. Moreover, the Michaelis-Menten kinetic model confirmed the intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of UiO-66@OPD as a modified MOFzyme. The synthesized UiO-66 (Zr) facilitated the oxidation of OPD to OPDox by degrading H2O2 to the hydroxyl radicals. During the oxidation process, the absorption peak at 415 nm and the fluorescence peak at 565 nm of the synthesized probe were significantly enhanced by increasing the H2O2 concentration. Moreover, a colorimetric and fluorometric ultrasensitive sensor shows a good linear relationship between the intensity enhancement and H2O2 concentration in the range of 0-600 nM for absorption and fluorescence spectra with R2 = 0.9772, and R2 = 0.9948, respectively. To demonstrate the biological performance and biocompatibility of UiO-66@OPD as a biosensor, MTT evaluation was performed for the three cell lines MCF-10 A, HEK293 and A549, indicating high biocompatibility and good cell viability for biological applications. Ultimately, this convenient, environmentally friendly, biocompatible and cost-effective catalase-mimicking-based sensor system will open a new perspective for the development of portable kite-based biosensors In vitro.

Formation of Nanofibrillar Self-Healing Hydrogels Using Antimicrobial Peptides.

The rise of drug-resistant microorganisms has prompted the development of innovative strategies with the aim of addressing this challenge. Among the alternative approaches gaining increased attention are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a group of peptides with the ability to combat microbial pathogens. Here, we investigated a small peptide, KLVFF, derived from the Alzheimer's amyloid-ß (Aß) protein. While Aß has been associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases, the core part of the Aß protein, namely the Aß 16-20 fragment, has also been exploited to obtain highly functional biomaterials. In this study we found that KLVFF is capable of self-assembling into a fibrillar network to form a self-healing hydrogel. Moreover, this small peptide can undergo a transition from a gel to a liquid state following application of shear stress, in a reversible manner. As an AMP, this material exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal properties while remaining highly biocompatible and noncytotoxic toward mammalian cells. The propensity of the KLVFF hydrogel to rapidly assemble into highly ordered macroscopic structures makes it an ideal candidate for biomedical applications necessitating antimicrobial activity, such as wound healing.

Choline and geranate ionic liquid for subgingival biofilm control.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes destruction of the periodontium and eventual tooth loss. The priority in the periodontal treatment is to remove the subgingival biofilm. Chemical removal of biofilms using antimicrobial agents has been applied in clinical practice. However, their clinical effect is still limited because the agents must overcome biofilm's significant drug tolerance, which is primarily caused by the extracellular matrix, a physical barrier that attenuates drug diffusion. This study aimed to study the use of ionic liquids (ILs), a new class of biocompatible materials, for controlling subgingival biofilms because of their excellent permeability. Choline and geranate (CAGE) IL was tested for its highly potent antiseptic behavior and permeability. Antibacterial tests revealed that the significant efficacy of CAGE against periodontopathic microorganisms was derived from their ability to destroy cell membrane, as demonstrated by membrane permeability assay and transmission electron microscopy imaging. Antibiofilm tests using two pathogenic biofilm models revealed that CAGE exerted efficacy against the biofilm-embedded bacteria, conspicuously neutralized the biofilms, and eventually destroyed the biofilm structure. Furthermore, the penetration of CAGE into the biofilm was visually confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. This study highlighted the potential of CAGE as a powerful antibiofilm therapeutic.

Comparison of bioactive material failure rates in vital pulp treatment of permanent matured teeth - a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is the gold standard for vital pulp treatment (VPT), but its superiority over novel calcium silicate-based cements in permanent teeth lacks systematic evidence. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of these materials in VPT through a network meta-analysis. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science until January 20, 2024. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving VPT with biomaterials and reversible or irreversible pulpitis diagnoses in mature permanent teeth. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of failure rates with 95% confidence intervals. In the 21 eligible trials, failure rates were significantly higher with calcium-hydroxide than MTA at six (OR 2.26 [1.52-3.36]), 12 (OR 2.53 [1.76-3.62]), and 24 months (OR 2.46 [1.60-3.79]). Failure rates for Totalfill at six (OR 1.19 [0.55-2.58]) and 12 months (OR 1.43 [0.71-2.92]), and Biodentine at six (OR 1.09 [0.66-1.78]), 12 (OR 1.21 [0.74-1.96]), and 24 months (OR 1.47 [0.81-2.68]) were not significantly different from MTA. The results were similar in the direct pulp capping subgroup, whereas, in the partial and full pulpotomy subgroup, there was not enough evidence to achieve significant differences. MTA, Biodentine, and Totalfill are the most efficient materials for VPT. However, calcium-hydroxide-based materials are not recommended in VPT.

Electrospun Poly-ε-Caprolactone Nanofibers Incorporating Keratin Hydrolysates as Innovative Antioxidant Scaffolds.

This manuscript describes the development and characterization of electrospun nanofibers incorporating bioactive hydrolysates obtained from the microbial bioconversion of feathers, a highly available agro-industrial byproduct. The electrospun nanofibers were characterized using different instrumental methods, and their antioxidant properties and toxicological potential were evaluated. Keratin hydrolysates (KHs) produced by Bacillus velezensis P45 were incorporated at 1, 2.5, and 5% (w/w) into poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL; 10 and 15%, w/v solutions) before electrospinning. The obtained nanofibers were between 296 and 363 nm in diameter, showing a string-like morphology and adequate structural continuity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed three weight loss events, with 5% of the mass lost up to 330 °C and 90% from 350 to 450 °C. Infrared spectroscopy showed typical peaks of PCL and amide bands corresponding to keratin peptides. The biological activity was preserved after electrospinning and the hemolytic activity was below 1% as expected for biocompatible materials. In addition, the antioxidant capacity released from the nanofibers was confirmed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. The DPPH scavenging activity observed for the nanofibers was greater than 30% after 24 h of incubation, ranging from 845 to 1080 µM TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). The antioxidant activity for the ABTS radical assay was 44.19, 49.61, and 56.21% (corresponding to 972.0, 1153.3, and 1228.7 µM TEAC) for nanofibers made using 15% PCL with 1, 2.5, and 5% KH, respectively. These nanostructures may represent interesting antioxidant biocompatible materials for various pharmaceutical applications, including wound dressings, topical drug delivery, cosmetics, and packaging.

Design of biocompatible gelatin hydrogels reinforced with magnetite nanoparticles: Effective removal of chromium from water environment.

The development of biocompatible adsorbents is vital for environmental remediation to control and reduce pollution and waste accumulation in ecosystems. Biocompatible hydrogels represent an innovative class of materials that are primarily composed of polymer chain units forming their structural framework. They have a high affinity for water molecules. This research thus aims to incorporate iron oxide particles into the gelatin matrix to produce gelatin hydrogel beads to remove hexavalent chromium from an aqueous solution. The synthesized beads, known for their consistent size, low friction, high specific surface area, mechanical stability, and lightweight characteristics, demonstrated their suitability for various industrial applications. The effectiveness of these hydrogels in removing hexavalent chromium ions was confirmed through a thorough analysis using techniques such as FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDX, VSM, and XPS. Batch experiments revealed that the gelatin-based nanocomposite beads exhibited optimal adsorption efficiency under acidic conditions, lower initial concentrations of chromium ions, extended contact time, and elevated temperature (50-60 °C). The composite achieved a maximum removal efficiency of 99% at pH 1, with an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g at 50 °C, and an initial concentration of 50 mg per liter. The use of 0.7 N NaOH in the regeneration process resulted in a commendable 70.5% desorption efficiency, enabling potential reuse and regeneration. Significantly, the desorption efficiency remained consistently high even after four desorption-readsorption cycles, contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of chromium removal. Additionally, the study determined that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. These collective findings suggest that magnetic gelatin hydrogel beads could serve as a cost-effective alternative adsorbent for the efficient removal of chromium ions from aqueous solutions.

Hierarchical Biomaterial Scaffolds for Periodontal Tissue Engineering: Recent Progress and Current Challenges.

The periodontium is a complex hierarchical structure composed of alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, and gingiva. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that damages and destroys the periodontal tissues supporting the tooth. Periodontal therapies aim to regenerate the lost tissues, yet current treatments lack the integration of multiple structural/biochemical instructive cues to induce a coordinated regeneration, which leads to limited clinical outcomes. Hierarchical biomaterial scaffolds offer the opportunity to recreate the organization and architecture of the periodontium with distinct compartments, providing structural biomimicry that facilitates periodontal regeneration. Various scaffolds have been fabricated and tested preclinically, showing positive regenerative results. This review provides an overview of the recent research on hierarchical scaffolds for periodontal tissue engineering (TE). First, the hierarchical structure of the periodontium is described, covering the limitations of the current treatments used for periodontal regeneration and presenting alternative therapeutic strategies, including scaffolds and biochemical factors. Recent research regarding hierarchical scaffolds is highlighted and discussed, in particular, the scaffold composition, fabrication methods, and results from in vitro/in vivo studies are summarized. Finally, current challenges associated with the application of hierarchical scaffolds for periodontal TE are debated and future research directions are proposed.