Inside out: Exploring edible biocatalytic biosensors for health monitoring.

Edible biosensors can measure a wide range of physiological and biochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, gases, gastrointestinal biomarkers, enzymes, hormones, glucose, and drug levels, providing real-time data. Edible biocatalytic biosensors represent a new frontier within healthcare technology available for remote medical diagnosis. The main challenges to develop edible biosensors are: i) finding edible materials (i.e. redox mediators, conductive materials, binders and biorecognition elements such as enzymes) complying with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Medicines Agency (EMEA) regulations; ii) developing bioelectronics able to operate in extreme working conditions such as low pH (∼pH 1.5 gastric fluids etc.), body temperature (between 37 °C and 40 °C) and highly viscous bodily fluids that may cause surface biofouling issues. Nowadays, advanced printing techniques can revolutionize the design and manufacturing of edible biocatalytic biosensors. This review outlines recent research on biomaterials suitable for creating edible biocatalytic biosensors, focusing on their electrochemical properties such as electrical conductivity and redox potential. It also examines biomaterials as substrates for printing and discusses various printing methods, highlighting challenges and perspectives for edible biocatalytic biosensors.

Cytocompatible Hyperbranched Polyesters Capable of Altering the Ca2+ Signaling in Neuronal Cells In Vitro.

Synthetic hyperbranched polyesters with potential therapeutic properties were synthesized using the bifunctional polyethylene glycol or PEG with different molecular weights, ca., 4000, 6000, and 20,000 g/mol, and the trifunctional trans-aconitic acid or TAA. During polycondensation, a fixed amount of PEG was allowed to react with varying amounts of TAA (1:1 and 1:3) to control the branching extents. It was found that the synthetic polyesters had a considerable yield and were highly water soluble. Spectroscopic data (Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR) confirmed the polyester formation; the branching percentages were determined from 1H NMR spectroscopy which varied from 73% to 22% among the synthesized samples. As the molecular weight of PEG was increased, the branching percentage drastically dropped. All polyesters were found to be negatively charged due to the ionization of unreacted -COOH in the branched ends at the working pH (7.4). Both the hydrodynamic size and intrinsic viscosity were found to reduce as the branching extent increased. Among the sets of polyesters, the one with the highest branching percentage (73%) showed the core-shell morphology (evident from field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies). It also exhibited the highest efficiency toward Ca2+ influx in neuronal cells due to the unique morphology and the negatively charged surface. Nevertheless, this particular grade of polyester along with all the other grades was cytocompatible and induced reactive oxygen species generation. Since the maximally branched grade was highly efficient in altering the Ca2+ signaling through stronger influx, it may well be tested for treating neuronal disorders in vivo in future.

Hydroxyapatite synthesis and characterization from marine sources: A comparative study.

Background: Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible material widely used in biomedical applications. Recent studies have explored various marine sources for HAP synthesis, demonstrating its potential for diverse applications. Objective: This study aims to compare the characteristics of hydroxyapatite synthesized from sea shells and fish bones, specifically from the shells of Scylla olivacea (orange mud crab) and bones of Eleutheronema tetradactylum (fourfinger threadfin). Materials & methods: HAP was synthesized from Scylla olivacea shells and Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. The synthesized HAP underwent comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis, hemocompatibility testing, antibacterial assays, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Results: SEM revealed a complex structure of HAP with a clustered arrangement and biofilm-like features. HAP derived from crab shells exhibited superior structural properties compared to that from fish bones. Both sources demonstrated good hemocompatibility, essential for biomedical applications. The antibacterial assays indicated effective antibacterial properties for both HAP sources, with crab shell-derived HAP showing slightly better performance. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of key elements necessary for HAP, with a consistent composition in both sources. Conclusion: Our study concludes that hydroxyapatite derived from Scylla olivacea shells exhibits superior properties compared to that from Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. This research establishes a precedent for future investigations into other marine species, thereby broadening the scope and potential of hydroxyapatite synthesis from natural sources.

Multiple-Layer Chitosan-Based Patches Medicated With LTX-109 Antimicrobial Peptide for Modulated Local Therapy in the Management of Chronic Wounds.

In response to the critical issue of chronic wound management, this research explores the development of a multiple-layer biomaterial loaded with LTX-109 a novel broad-spectrum topical antimicrobial peptide currently investigated for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. The novel patch is conceived to load and preserve the function of LTX-109, release it on site in a progressive manner, and therefore make available a device for simultaneous wounds disinfection and tissues healing. Chitosan, tannic acid and glycerol along with the solvent casting process are selected for the development of a multilayer structure in which each single layer is designed by choosing a specific composition and stability to tune its behavior and function. On the top, a protective layer to protect the wound from external contaminations, in the middle a medicated layer loaded with LTX-109 and at the bottom a multifunctional layer to modulate the release of LTX-109. Extensive characterizations show that the patch meets the essential requirements for creating an effective wound healing environment, such as absorption of exudate, maintenance of good oxygen and moisture permeability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and sustained release of LTX-109 with fully retained antibacterial activity as demonstrated by MIC values obtained against reference bacteria.

Blue Light Controlled Supramolecular Soft Robotics of Phenylazothiazole Amphiphiles for Rapid Macroscopic Actuations.

Nature preprograms sophisticated processes in operating molecular machines at the nanoscale, amplifying the molecular motion across multiple length-scales, and controlling movements in living organisms. Supramolecular soft robotics serve as a new alternative to hard robotics, are able to transform and amplify collective motions of the supramolecularly assembled molecular machines in attaining macroscopic motions, upon photoirradiation. By taking advantage of oriented supramolecular macroscopic soft scaffold, here the first rapid macroscopic movements of supramolecular robotic materials driven by visible light are presented. Head-tail amphiphilic structure is designed with the phenylazothiazole motif as the photoswitching core. Unidirectionally aligned nanostructures of the amphiphilic phenylazothiazoles are controlled by non-invasive blue light irradiation and bends toward the light source, demonstrating a fast macroscopic actuation of supramolecular robotic systems (up to 17° s-1) in aqueous media. Through meticulous X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy analyzes, macroscopic actuation mechanism is illustrated in a tight relation to molecular geometric transformations upon photoisomerization. By elucidating the key macroscopic actuation parameters, this paves the way for the next generation design of supramolecular soft robotic systems with enhanced biomimetic actuating functions.

Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biopolymer Fibers: Fabrication Techniques and Characterization Methods.

Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a backbone, and could act as a support structure for the NPs. This shift towards biopolymers over traditional synthetic polymers is motivated by their sustainability, compatibility with biological systems, non-toxic nature, and natural decomposition. This study employed the solution blow spinning (SBS) method to obtain a nanocomposite comprising poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), PVA, and gelatin biodegradable polymer fibers incorporated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with poly(acrylic acid), PAA2k, coded as γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. The fiber production process entailed a preliminary investigation to determine suitable solvents, polymer concentrations, and spinning parameters. γ-Fe2O3-NPs were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation as maghemite and coated with PAA2k through the precipitation-redispersion protocol in order to prepare γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. Biopolymeric fibers containing coated NPs with sub-micrometer diameters were obtained, with NP concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 1.7% wt. The synthesized NPs underwent characterization via dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and infrared spectroscopy, while the biopolymer fibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful implementation of SBS for producing biopolymeric fibers incorporating iron oxide NPs, where the amalgamation of materials demonstrated superior thermal behavior to the plain polymers. The thorough characterization of the NPs and fibers provided valuable insights into their properties, paving the way for their potential applications in various fields such as biomedical engineering, environmental remediation, and functional materials.

Graphene Quantum Dots from Natural Carbon Sources for Drug and Gene Delivery in Cancer Treatment.

Cancer therapy is constantly evolving, with a growing emphasis on targeted and efficient treatment options. In this context, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising agents for precise drug and gene delivery due to their unique attributes, such as high surface area, photoluminescence, up-conversion photoluminescence, and biocompatibility. GQDs can damage cancer cells and exhibit intrinsic photothermal conversion and singlet oxygen generation efficiency under specific light irradiation, enhancing their effectiveness. They serve as direct therapeutic agents and versatile drug delivery platforms capable of being easily functionalized with various targeting molecules and therapeutic agents. However, challenges such as achieving uniform size and morphology, precise bandgap engineering, and scalability, along with minimizing cytotoxicity and the environmental impact of their production, must be addressed. Additionally, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of cellular mechanisms and drug release processes, as well as improved purification methods. Integrating GQDs into existing drug delivery systems enhances the efficacy of traditional treatments, offering more efficient and less invasive options for cancer patients. This review highlights the transformative potential of GQDs in cancer therapy while acknowledging the challenges that researchers must overcome for broader application.

Fabrication of highly flexible biopolymeric chitosan/agarose based bioscaffold with Matricaria recutita herbal extract for antimicrobial wound dressing applications.

A flexible biopolymer-based antimicrobial wound dressing has the potential to alleviate the burden of bacterial infections in wounds by enhancing antimicrobial effectiveness and promoting faster wound healing. This study focuses on the development of a highly flexible chitosan-agarose (CS-AG) bioscaffold, incorporating Matricaria recutita chamomile flower extract (CH) through a conventional casting method. The flexible CS-AG bioscaffold's physiochemical properties were confirmed by FTIR, indicating secondary interactions, and XRD, showing its crystalline structure. The addition of CH to the optimized CS-AG bioscaffold resulted in significant tensile strength (17.28 ± 0.33 MPa), distinctive structural morphology (SEM), surface roughness (AFM), contact angle, improved thermal properties (DSC), and enhanced thermal stability (TGA). Furthermore, the CH-infused bioscaffold significantly increased swelling capacity (~81.09 ± 1.74 % over 48 h), and degradation profile (~52 % over 180 h). The release studies of CS-AG-CH bioscaffold demonstrate controlled release of CH with in the bioscaffold at different pH conditions. The bioscaffold demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli strains. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays indicated that the bioscaffold supports better cell viability and proliferation in fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cell lines. Consequently, this antimicrobial bioscaffold shows promise as a drug release system and biocompatible wound dressing suitable for tissue engineering applications.

Polymeric Vehicles for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Enhancing the Therapeutic Efficacy and Cellular Uptake.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic gene delivery may be facilitated by the use of polymeric carriers. When combined with nucleic acids to form nanoparticles or polyplexes, a variety of polymers may shield the cargo from in vivo breakdown and clearance while also making it easier for it to enter intracellular compartments. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Polymer synthesis design choices result in a wide variety of compounds and vehicle compositions. Depending on the application, these characteristics may be changed to provide enhanced endosomal escape, longer-lasting distribution, or stronger connection with nucleic acid cargo and cells. Here, we outline current methods for delivering genes in preclinical and clinical settings using polymers. METHODOLOGY: Significant therapeutic outcomes have previously been attained using genetic material- delivering polymer vehicles in both in-vitro and animal models. When combined with nucleic acids to form nanoparticles or polyplexes, a variety of polymers may shield the cargo from in vivo breakdown and clearance while also making it easier for it to enter intracellular compartments. Many innovative diagnoses for nucleic acids have been investigated and put through clinical assessment in the past 20 years. RESULTS: Polymer-based carriers have additional delivery issues due to their changes in method and place of biological action, as well as variances in biophysical characteristics. We cover recent custom polymeric carrier architectures that were tuned for nucleic acid payloads such genomemodifying nucleic acids, siRNA, microRNA, and plasmid DNA. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the development of polymeric carriers for gene delivery holds promise for therapeutic applications. Through careful design and optimization, these carriers can overcome various challenges associated with nucleic acid delivery, offering new avenues for treating a wide range of diseases.

An open label, single-centric, post market clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new antimicrobial wound dressing (VELVERT) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: An open label, single-centric, post market clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new antimicrobial wound dressing (VELVERT) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcer (VLU). METHODS: Patients with VLU of grade C-5 according to CEAP classification and above were evaluated using doppler ultra sound. The efficacy of new antimicrobial wound dressing (VELVERT) was assessed in terms of wound area reduction within a time frame of 60 days and surgeon questioners. Patients were evaluated for VELVERT safety and pain level on a scale of 0-10 Numeric Pain Chart. Presence of micro-organism load was monitored at regular time interval. RESULTS: VELVERT treatment was effective as 71.43% reduction in the ulcer area was observed. After 60 days, a total of 9 (45%) patients had complete ulcer closure. A remarkable decrease in the severity of pain was observed with 11 (55%) patients expressing no pain at the EOT. Swab test showed negative result for micro-organism growth. No serious adverse events were observed during the trial. CONCLUSION: The data indicates that VELVERT is an effective treatment for VLUs and showed the potential in the wound care of VLUs.

Bornite (Cu5FeS4) nanocrystals as an ultrasmall biocompatible NIR-II contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging.

In this study, we demonstrate the potential of the bornite crystal structure (Cu5FeS4) of copper iron sulfide as a second near infrared (NIR-II) photoacoustic (PA) contrast agent. Bornite exhibits comparable dose-dependent biocompatibility to copper sulfide nanoparticles in a cell viability study with HepG2 cells, while exhibiting a 10-fold increase in PA amplitude. In comparison to other benchmark contrast agents at similar mass concentrations, bornite demonstrated a 10× increase in PA amplitude compared to indocyanine green (ICG) and a 5× increase compared to gold nanorods (AuNRs). PA signal was detectable with a light pathlength greater than 5 cm in porcine tissue phantoms at bornite concentrations where in vitro cell viability was maintained. In vivo imaging of mice vasculature resulted in a 2× increase in PA amplitude compared to AuNRs. In summary, bornite is a promising NIR-II contrast agent for deep tissue PA imaging.

Mussel-Inspired Multifunctional Polyethylene Glycol Nanoparticle Interfaces.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are receiving increasing interest in biomedical applications. However, due to their large surface area, in physiological environments, they tend to interact with plasma proteins, inducing their agglomeration and ultimately resulting in a substantial efficiency decrease in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. To overcome such problems, NPs are typically coated with a layer of hydrophilic and biocompatible polymers, such as PEG chains. However, few examples exist in which this property could be systematically fine-tuned and combined with added properties, such as emission. Herein, we report a novel mussel-inspired catechol-based strategy to obtain biocompatible and multifunctional coatings, using a previously developed polymerization methodology based on the formation of disulfide bridges under mild oxidative conditions. Two families of NPs were selected as the proof of concept: mesoporous silica NPs (MSNPs), due to their stability and known applications, and magnetite NPs (Fe3O4 NPs), due to their small size (<10 nm) and magnetic properties. The PEG coating confers biocompatibility on the NPs and can be further functionalized with bioactive molecules, such as glucose units, through the end carboxylic acid moieties. Once we demonstrated the feasibility of our approach to obtaining PEG-based coatings on different families of NPs, we also obtained multifunctional coatings by incorporating fluorescein functionalities. The resulting coatings not only confer biocompatibility and excellent cell internalization, but also allow for the imaging and tracking of NPs within cells.

Dialdehyde cellulose nanofibrils/polyquaternium stabilized ultra-fine silver nanoparticles for synergistic antibacterial therapy.

Dialdehyde cellulose nanofibrils (DACNF) and Polyquaternium-10 (PQ: chloro-2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylamino) propyl polyethylene glycol cellulose) have become increasingly favored as antibacterial substances due to their advantageous characteristics. DACNF exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility, whereas PQ demonstrates a positive charge that enhances its antibacterial activity. Combined in a DACNF/PQ mixture, they provide an excellent template material for preparing and stabilizing ultra-fine (~ 10.3 nm) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at room temperature. Here, the dialdehyde group of DACNF functions as a reducing agent, while the quaternary ammonium of PQ and carboxylate groups of DACNF synergistically helped in-situ generation of AgNPs uniformly. The synthesized nanocomposites, namely PQ@AgNPs, AgNPs@DACNF, and AgNPs@DACNF/PQ, were subjected to comprehensive characterization using various advanced analytical techniques. The films containing AgNPs@DACNF and AgNPs@DACNF/PQ, fabricated via vacuum filtration, exhibited excellent mechanical properties of 9.78 ± 0.21 MPa, and demonstrated superior antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the silver ion leaching from the prepared composite films was well controlled. The fabricated nanocomposites also effectively inhibited bacterial biofilm formation. It was also found to be highly biocompatible and non-toxic to human skin fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the nanocomposites exhibited enhanced migration of human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting their potential in facilitating wound healing processes.

Parameters Tailoring on the Deposition of Hydroxyapatite by Pulsed Electrical Discharge.

The creation of strong adhesive layers of hydroxyapatite-based bioceramics (with or without bioinert metals, such as Ta, Ag, and Ti) on biocompatible metallic supports enhances the local biofunctionalization of surfaces. The processing of electroconductive materials using electrical impulse discharges is versatile, enabling precise coating of selected areas with perfectly adherent layers of varying thicknesses. This study aims to quantify the effects of varying the electrical power from the source generating the impulse discharge and the specific processing time per unit area of the cathode (made of titanium alloy) on the relative mass increase of the cathode. The anode comprised a mixture of hydroxyapatite powder and a self-polymerizing electroconductive acrylic resin in a tantalum sheath. The effects of the parameter adjustments on single-layer deposition adherence were quantified using a central composite design to build a second-order orthogonal model. The most significant difference in relative mass was observed with a low-power source (5 W) ensuring the electrical discharge impulse, combined with the longest specified surface treatment time (17.5 s/cm2 on a 4 cm2 surface) for a single layer presenting the largest mass increase of 0.153% of the original mass. This study aimed to enhance the performance of medical implants by optimizing surface biofunctionalization through robust hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic adhesive layers on metallic supports, determining the optimal electrical power and processing time for cathode mass increase during deposition processes, and analyzing parameter adjustments using second-order statistical orthogonal central composite programming, with a focus on single-layer deposition to identify significant differences in relative mass under specific conditions.

Recent Advances in Polymer Science and Fabrication Processes for Enhanced Microfluidic Applications: An Overview.

This review explores significant advancements in polymer science and fabrication processes that have enhanced the performance and broadened the application scope of microfluidic devices. Microfluidics, essential in biotechnology, medicine, and chemical engineering, relies on precise fluid manipulation in micrometer-sized channels. Recent innovations in polymer materials, such as flexible, biocompatible, and structurally robust polymers, have been pivotal in developing advanced microfluidic systems. Techniques like replica molding, microcontact printing, solvent-assisted molding, injection molding, and 3D printing are examined, highlighting their advantages and recent developments. Additionally, the review discusses the diverse applications of polymer-based microfluidic devices in biomedical diagnostics, drug delivery, organ-on-chip models, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes. This paper also addresses future challenges, including enhancing chemical resistance, achieving multifunctionality, ensuring biocompatibility, and scaling up production. By overcoming these challenges, the potential for widespread adoption and impactful use of polymer-based microfluidic technologies can be realized.

A Novel Size-Based Centrifugal Microfluidic Design to Enrich and Magnetically Isolate Circulating Tumor Cells from Blood Cells through Biocompatible Magnetite-Arginine Nanoparticles.

This paper presents a novel centrifugal microfluidic approach (so-called lab-on-a-CD) for magnetic circulating tumor cell (CTC) separation from the other healthy cells according to their physical and acquired chemical properties. This study enhances the efficiency of CTC isolation, crucial for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. CTCs are cells that break away from primary tumors and travel through the bloodstream; however, isolating CTCs from blood cells is difficult due to their low numbers and diverse characteristics. The proposed microfluidic device consists of two sections: a passive section that uses inertial force and bifurcation law to sort CTCs into different streamlines based on size and shape and an active section that uses magnetic forces along with Dean drag, inertial, and centrifugal forces to capture magnetized CTCs at the downstream of the microchannel. The authors designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested the device with cultured cancer cells and human cells. We also proposed a cost-effective method to mitigate the surface roughness and smooth surfaces created by micromachines and a unique pulsatile technique for flow control to improve separation efficiency. The possibility of a device with fewer layers to improve the leaks and alignment concerns was also demonstrated. The fabricated device could quickly handle a large volume of samples and achieve a high separation efficiency (93%) of CTCs at an optimal angular velocity. The paper shows the feasibility and potential of the proposed centrifugal microfluidic approach to satisfy the pumping, cell sorting, and separating functions for CTC separation.

Poly-d,l-lactic Acid (PDLLA) Application in Dermatology: A Literature Review.

Poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has garnered significant attention in dermatology due to its unique properties and versatile applications. This literature review offers a comprehensive analysis of PDLLA's roles in various dermatological conditions and wound-healing applications. PDLLA demonstrates significant benefits in enhancing skin elasticity and firmness, reducing wrinkles, and promoting tissue regeneration and scar remodeling. Its biodegradable properties render it highly suitable for soft tissue augmentation, including facial and breast reconstruction. We discuss the critical importance of understanding PDLLA's physical and chemical characteristics to optimize its performance and safety, with a focus on how nano- and micro-particulate systems can improve delivery and stability. While potential complications, such as granuloma formation and non-inflammatory nodules, are highlighted, effective monitoring and early intervention strategies are essential. PDLLA's applications extend beyond dermatology into orthopedics and drug delivery, owing to its superior mechanical stability and biocompatibility. This review underscores the need for ongoing research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of PDLLA and to maximize its therapeutic potential across diverse medical fields.

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.

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. AREAS 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.

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.