Mesoporous silica nanoparticles adsorb aflatoxin B1 and reduce mycotoxin-induced cell damage.

The present study examined the effects of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) on its adsorption capacity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Moreover, the study evaluated the toxicity of MSNs with AFB1 using NIH3T3 cells and hemolysis test. The obtained MSNs were spherical, irregular-like in shape, having a mean size of 39.97 ± 7.85 nm and a BET surface area of 1195 m2/g. At 0.1 mg mL-1 concentration of MSN, the AFB1 adsorption capacity was 30%, which reached 70% when the MSN concentration increased to 2.0 mg mL-1. Our findings showed that AFB1 was adsorbed (∼67%) in the first few minutes on being in contact with MSNs, reaching an adsorption capacity of ∼70% after 15 min. Thereafter, the adsorption capacity remained constant in solution, demonstrating that the MSNs adsorbed toxins even beyond overnight. MSN treatment (0.5-2.0 mg mL-1) using NIH3T3 cells did not result in any reduction in cell viability. In addition, MSN treatment completely reversed the cytotoxic effect of AFB1 at all concentrations. Hemolysis test also revealed no hemolysis in MSNs evaluated alone and in those combined with AFB1. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that MSN can reduce cell toxicity produced by AFB1 due to its potential to adsorb mycotoxins.

UHMWPE/HA biocomposite compatibilized by organophilic montmorillonite: An evaluation of the mechanical-tribological properties and its hemocompatibility and performance in simulated blood fluid.

The low interaction between ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and hydroxyapatite (HA) has been one of the problems that results in a composite material with low mechanical and tribological performance due to the formation of agglomerates and microstructural defects. These properties affect the quality of the material when used for total joint implants and other applications in hard tissue engineering. This study investigated the effect of the addition of organophilic bentonite (BO) into the interface HA and UHMWPE. The composite was prepared by wet milling in a planetary mill and then by compression molding. The composites samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and DSC. The tensile and tribological mechanical properties were also evaluated. Furthermore, in vitro degradation using simulated blood fluid (SBF) and hemocompatibility was performed. The results suggest that the addition of 10 wt% of organophilic bentonite improved the interface between the UHMWPE and HA by exfoliation/intercalation, presenting the best results of modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, coefficient of friction and rate of wear. The composite UHMWPE/HA/BO-10 wt% presented low water absorption and induced the growth of apatite crystals on its surface. Additionally, its hemocompatibility index is within normal limits and induced a low adhesion and agglomeration of platelets in contact with human blood, evidencing that the UHMWPE/HA/BO-10 wt% composite is promising for application in bone tissue engineering.

Bentonite modified with zinc enhances aflatoxin B1 adsorption and increase survival of fibroblasts (3T3) and epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2).

Bentonites are commonly used as feed additives to reduce the bioavailability and thus the toxicity of aflatoxins by adsorbing the toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Aflatoxins are particular harmful mycotoxins mainly found in areas with hot and humid climates. They occur in food and feedstuff as a result of fungal contamination before and after harvest. The aim of this study was to modify Brazilian bentonite clay by incorporation of zinc (Zn) ions in order to increase the adsorption capacity and consequently reduce the toxicity of aflatoxins. The significance of Zn intercalating conditions such as concentration, temperature and reaction time were investigated. Our results showed that the Zn treatment of the bentonite increased the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adsorption and that Zn concentration had a negative effect. Indeed, temperature and time had no significant effect in the binding capacity. The modified bentonite (Zn-Bent1) was not cytotoxic to either fibroblasts (3T3) nor epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) cell lines. Interestingly, Zn-Bent1 has higher protective effect against AFB1 induced cytotoxicity than the unmodified bentonite. In conclusion, the Zn modified bentonite, Zn-Bent1, represent an improved tool to prevent aflatoxicosis in animals fed on AFB1 contaminated feed.

Advances in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene/hydroxyapatite composites for biomedical applications: A brief review.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a semicrystalline polymer that has been applied, as a bearing surface in total human joint replacements and artificial bones. UHMWPE has a superior wear resistance, low-friction surface, biological inertness, high levels of strength, creep resistance and low friction coefficient. However, the wear debris generated during the joint motions could cause problem in human implant, such as osteolysis and loosening. For this, several attempts was been made to improve UHMWPE properties and increases safety and biocompatibility in human implants. One of them, include the use of hydroxyapatite (HA), as reinforcement agent to modify the UHMWPE properties and facilitate biological fixation between the implant and the human cells. Recent studies showed that the addition of HA in polymer matrix result in enhancement of mechanical and tribological properties. In addition, it also improves the formation of the actual bond between the material and the living organism since the hydroxyapatite is the major component of the mineral part of the human bone. In this brief review the some properties and characteristic of UHMWPE and HA are described and main processing methods of UHMWPE/HA composites and biocompatibility studies were also reviewed.

Aqueous extracts of Mozambican plants as alternative and environmentally safe acid-base indicators.

Indicators are substances that change color as the pH of the medium. Many of these substances are dyes of synthetic origin. The mulala plant (Euclea natalensis), which roots are commonly used by rural communities for their oral hygiene, and roseira (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), an ornamental plant, are abundant in Mozambique. Currently, synthetic acid-base indicators are most commonly used but have environmental implications and, on the other hand, are expensive products, so the demand for natural indicators started. This study investigated the applicability of aqueous extracts of H. rosa-sinensis and E. natalensis as acid-base indicators. Ground on this work, the extracts can be used as acid-base indicators. On the basis of the absorption spectroscopy in both the UV-Vis region and previous studies, it was possible to preliminarily pinpoint anthocyanins and naphthoquinones as responsible for the shifting of colors depending on the pH range of aqueous extracts of H. rosa-sinensis and E. natalensis. These natural indicators are easily accessible, inexpensive, easy to extract, environmentally safe, and locally available.