Current Knowledge and Perspectives of Phage Therapy for Combating Refractory Wound Infections.

Wound infection is one of the most important factors affecting wound healing, so its effective control is critical to promote the process of wound healing. However, with the increasing prevalence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, the prevention and treatment of wound infections are now more challenging, imposing heavy medical and financial burdens on patients. Furthermore, the diminishing effectiveness of conventional antimicrobials and the declining research on new antibiotics necessitate the urgent exploration of alternative treatments for wound infections. Recently, phage therapy has been revitalized as a promising strategy to address the challenges posed by bacterial infections in the era of antibiotic resistance. The use of phage therapy in treating infectious diseases has demonstrated positive results. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms, characteristics, and delivery methods of phage therapy for combating pathogenic bacteria. Then, we focus on the clinical application of various phage therapies in managing refractory wound infections, such as diabetic foot infections, as well as traumatic, surgical, and burn wound infections. Additionally, an analysis of the potential obstacles and challenges of phage therapy in clinical practice is presented, along with corresponding strategies for addressing these issues. This review serves to enhance our understanding of phage therapy and provides innovative avenues for addressing refractory infections in wound healing.

Assessment soil cadmium and copper toxicity on barley growth and the influencing soil properties in subtropical agricultural soils.

Evaluation joint cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) phytotoxicity in wide range of subtropical agricultural soils is highly vital for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Cd and Cu. In this study, barley root elongation assays were performed in 30 representative soils in response to single and combined Cd and Cu inhibition. The single Cd caused nearly 50% inhibition of barley root elongation, and Cu induced more than 50% inhibition in most soils. Mixed Cd + Cu caused significant inhibition on barley growth with average relative root elongation values of 20.0% and 30.4% in soil with a pH < 7 and pH > 7, respectively. An antagonistic interaction was evaluated in combined Cd + Cu toxicity, which was strong in soils containing low soluble Cu and Cd contents. Soil pH was the controlling factor in predicting single and mixed Cd and Cu phytotoxicity, which could explain 44% and 46% variation of single Cd and Cu toxicity, respectively. Soil organic carbon and effective cation exchange capacity were another important factor positively influencing metal toxicity, which further improved empirical prediction models accuracy, with determined coefficient (r2) values of 0.44-0.84. These results provide a theoretical basis for soils Cd and Cu pollution control.

Brain-targeted nanoreactors prevent the development of organophosphate-induced delayed neurological damage.

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate (OP)-induced delayed neurological damage is attributed to permanent neuropathological lesions caused by irreversible OP-neurocyte interactions, without potent brain-targeted etiological antidotes to date. The development of alternative therapies to achieve intracerebral OP detoxification is urgently needed. METHODS: We designed a brain-targeted nanoreactor by integrating enzyme immobilization and biomimetic membrane camouflaging protocols with careful characterization, and then examined its blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability both in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the oxidative stress parameters, neuroinflammatory factors, apoptotic proteins and histopathological changes were measured and neurobehavioral tests were performed. RESULTS: The well-characterized nanoreactors exerted favourable BBB penetration capability both in vitro and in vivo, significantly inhibiting OP-induced intracerebral damage. At the cellular and tissue levels, nanoreactors obviously blocked oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis, inflammatory reactions and brain histopathological damage. Furthermore, nanoreactors radically prevented the occurrence of OP-induced delayed cognitive deficits and psychiatric abnormality. CONCLUSION: The nanoreactors significantly prevented the development of OP-induced delayed neurological damage, suggesting a potential brain-targeted etiological strategy to attenuate OP-related delayed neurological and neurobehavioral disorders.

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, fibroblast growth factor-23, and C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 with coronary artery calcification in nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) levels in nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and their relationship with coronary artery calcification (CAC). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients diagnosed with CKD were selected and all underwent cardiac computed tomography. CAC was assessed using the Agatston score, and coronary artery calcification score (CACs) >10 was identified as CAC. The differences in serum 25(OH)D3, FGF23, and CTRP3 levels between the CAC and non-CAC groups were analyzed. Their correlation with CACs was assessed by Spearman's analysis, and logistic regression analysis was used to find risk factors for CAC. RESULTS: Compared to the non-CAC group, the CAC group was older (64.21 ± 9.68 years), with a higher percentage of hypertension (93.10%) and diabetes (63.80%) and higher levels of serum CTRP3 [1079.20 (644.4-1567.2) ng/mL]. However, there was no significant difference in serum 25(OH)D3 and FGF23 between these two groups. The high level CTRP3 group had a higher prevalence of CAC (61.5%). Logistic regression results showed that age, diabetes, decreased 25(OH)D3 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.95, p = .030) and high levels of CTRP3 (OR = 3.19, p = .022) were risk factors for CAC in nondialysis CKD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum CTRP3 levels progressively increased with the progression of kidney disease, while 25(OH)D3 levels progressively decreased. Decreased 25(OH)D3 and high levels of CTRP3 are associated with CAC in patients with nondialysis CKD.

Systemic Review of Published Reports on Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis in Immunocompetent Patients.

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis (PCC) has been confirmed as a distinct clinical entity with secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis from systematic infection since 2003. Although it has been confirmed as a distinct clinical entity, little has progressed on PCC in immunocompetent hosts compared to their immunocompromised counterpart. We reviewed the literature on cases of PCC in immunocompetent patients from 2004 to 2014, and 21 cases from 16 reports were identified. Males are more likely to develop PCC infections, with a ratio of 17:4 male to female. These patients were found to be almost all senior population except for patients from Asia. Asymptomatic or moderate itching manifesting in a painful nodule is the most common presentation, although there is no typical clinical manifestation recorded. Upper limbs are the most common site of infection, accounting for 71.4 % of all patients. Of the 12 identified isolates, 6 strains are identified as C. neoformans, 5 as C. gattii, and 1 as C.laurentii. Fluconazole was used in 10 cases; however, only 80 % of the 10 cases could confirm that fluconazole was effective in clearing the infections. Interestingly although not approved as a treatment option, Itraconazole was effective in the seven cases it was used to treat cryptococcosis, with a dosage range of 100-400 mg/d and duration from 3 to 6 months. Even though the prognosis of these patients was generally good, more data are need to determine which antifungal azole is the better treatment option and whether primary skin infections could disseminate to systematic infection.

Cryptococcal meningitis in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

To summarize the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) patients and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of AIHA complicated with CM, we evaluated five cases of CM in patients with AIHA treated in our hospital from 2003 to 2013 and eight related foreign cases. All of the clinical isolates were Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and grouped into the VNI genotype and serotype A. The clinical features exhibit significant features. Headache, nausea, and fever are common symptoms of AIHA complicated with CM. The early clinical manifestations lack specificity, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Long-term use of prednisone (≥15 mg day(-1)), poor control of anemia, and splenectomy are risk factors for AIHA complicated with cryptococcal infection. The combination of intravenous amphotericin B and oral 5-fluorocytosine remains the preferred treatment for AIHA complicated with CM.

Roles of Two-Dimensional Materials in Antibiofilm Applications: Recent Developments and Prospects.

Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare, constituting 80% of bacterial infections and often leading to persistent, chronic conditions. Conventional antibiotics struggle with efficacy against these infections due to the high tolerance and resistance induced by bacterial biofilm barriers. Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as those from the graphene family, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), MXene, and black phosphorus, hold immense potential for combating biofilms. These nanomaterial-based antimicrobial strategies are novel tools that show promise in overcoming resistant bacteria and stubborn biofilms, with the ability to circumvent existing drug resistance mechanisms. This review comprehensively summarizes recent developments in two-dimensional nanomaterials, as both therapeutics and nanocarriers for precision antibiotic delivery, with a specific focus on nanoplatforms coupled with photothermal/photodynamic therapy in the elimination of bacteria and penetrating and/or ablating biofilm. This review offers important insight into recent advances and current limitations of current antibacterial nanotherapeutic approaches, together with a discussion on future developments in the field, for the overall benefit of public health.

Combination of H1 and H2 Histamine Receptor Antagonists: Current Knowledge and Perspectives of a Classic Treatment Strategy.

Histamine receptor antagonists, which can bind to specific histamine receptors on target cells, exhibit substantial therapeutic efficacy in managing a variety of histamine-mediated disorders. Notably, histamine H1 and H2 receptor antagonists have been extensively investigated and universally acknowledged as recommended treatment agents for numerous allergic diseases and acid-related disorders, respectively. Historically, the combination of H1 and H2 receptor antagonists has been considered a classic treatment strategy, demonstrating relatively superior efficacy compared with single-drug therapies in the treatment of diverse histamine-mediated diseases. The latest emerging studies have additionally suggested the underlying roles of histamine and H1R and H2R in the development of anxiety disorders, arthritic diseases, and postexercise hypotension. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of systematic reviews on the clinical efficacy of combination therapy, greatly limiting our understanding of its clinical application. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and perspectives regarding the combination of H1 and H2 histamine receptor antagonists in various histamine-mediated disorders. Furthermore, we critically analyze the adverse effects and limitations associated with combination therapy while suggesting potential solutions. Our review can offer a systematic summary and promising insights into the in-depth and effective application of the combination of H1 and H2 receptor antagonists.

[Role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in musculoskeletal disorders].

Inflammasomes are innate immune sensors and receptors that play key pathological roles in the development and progression of numerous diseases. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 inflammasomes are critical in the pathology of diseases with a high impact on public health, such as musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders, mainly caused or aggravated by work and the surrounding environment, are locomotor system disorders such as muscles, joints, bones, as well as diseases associated with neurological and circulatory system injuries. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes can induce inflammation and pyroptosis, leading to further bodily harm. Therefore, investigating the mechanism and function of NLRP3 inflammasomes, holds great significance and importance for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This review provides a summary of the activation pathway and mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and analyzes the role in musculoskeletal disorders such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis and arthritis, with the aim to facilitate the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Increased Expression and Prognostic Significance of BYSL in Melanoma.

We evaluated the BYSL content and underlying mechanism in melanoma (SKCM) overall survival (OS). In this study, we used a comprehensive approach combining bioinformatics tools, including miRNA estimation, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of miRNAs, E3 ligase estimation, STRING analysis, TIMER analysis, examination of associated upstream modulators, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, as well as retrospective and survival analyses, alongside clinical sample validation. These methods were used to investigate the content of BYSL, its methylation status, its relation to patient outcome, and its immunologic significance in tumors. Our findings revealed that BYSL expression is negatively regulated by BYSL methylation. Analysis of 468 cases of SKCM RNA sequencing samples demonstrated that enhanced BYSL expression was associated with higher tumor grade. We identified several miRNAs, namely hsa-miR-146b-3p, hsa-miR-342-3p, hsa-miR-511-5p, hsa-miR-3690, and hsa-miR-193a-5p, which showed a strong association with BYSL levels. Furthermore, we predicted the E3 ubiquitin ligase of BYSL and identified CBL, FBXW7, FZR1, KLHL3, and MARCH1 as potential modulators of BYSL. Through our investigation, we discovered that PNO1, RIOK2, TSR1, WDR3, and NOB1 proteins were strongly associated with BYSL expression. In addition, we found a close association between BYSL levels and certain immune cells, particularly dendritic cells (DCs). Notably, we observed a significant negative correlation between miR-146b-3p and BYSL mRNA expression in SKCM sera samples. Collectively, based on the previously shown evidences, BYSL can serve as a robust bioindicator of SKCM patient prognosis, and it potentially contributes to immune cell invasion in SKCM.

Gooderoside A from Anoectochilus elatus attenuates acute and chronic pains by inhibiting NO/cGMP and IRAK4/IRAK1/TAK1 signaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Anoectochilus elatus Lindl. was traditionally used for pain treatment and Gooderoside A (GA) was regarded as its principal constituent. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate whether GA can be responsible for the antinociceptive activity of A. elatus and explore its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and tail flick tests were employed to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of A. elatus (EEA) and GA. Formalin test was used to ascertain the antinociceptive pattern of GA. Entobarbital sodium induced sleep test was adopted to exclude its hypnotic effect, while open-field test was performed to rule out its motor impairment effect. Chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats was developed to evaluate its efficacy on neuropathic pain, and BV-2 cells were used to explore the underlying mechanism. RESULTS: EEA and GA, significantly inhibited chemical and thermal nociception. GA suppressed nociception in formalin test in both phase I and II, whereas methylene blue and L-NAME partially reversed its efficacy. GA located inner and slightly blocked sodium channel current, and did not show any hypnotic effect or motor impairment effect. Crucially, GA markedly attenuated chronic neuropathic pain in rats, inhibited the phosphorylation of IRAK4, IRAK1 and TAK1, and suppressed MAPKs pathway in BV-2 cells. CONCLUSION: GA relieved acute and chronic pains in vivo. The mechanism of action involves the blocking of NO/cGMP and IRAK4/IRAK1/TAK1 pathways. These results suggested GA may be a promising candidate for antinociceptive drug development.

Lactate induces C2C12 myoblasts differentiation by mediating ROS/p38 MAPK signalling pathway.

Lactate serves not merely as an energy substrate for skeletal muscle but also regulates myogenic differentiation, leading to an elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The present study was focused on exploring the effects of lactate and ROS/p38 MAPK in promoting C2C12 myoblasts differentiation. Our results demonstrated that lactate increased C2C12 myoblasts differentiation at a range of physiological concentrations, accompanied by enhanced ROS contents. We used n-acetylcysteine (NAC, a ROS scavenger) pretreatment and found that it delayed lactate-induced C2C12 myoblast differentiation by upregulating Myf5 expression on days 5 and 7 and lowering MyoD and MyoG expression. The finding implies that lactate accompanies ROS-dependent manner to promote C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Additionally, lactate significantly increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation to promote C2C12 cell differentiation, but pretreatment with SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) reduced lactate-induced C2C12 myoblasts differentiation. whereas lactate pretreatment with NAC inhibited p38 MAPK phosphorylation in C2C12 cells, demonstrating that lactate mediated ROS and regulated the p38 MAPK signalling pathway to promote C2C12 cell differentiation. In conclusion, our results suggest that the promotion of C2C12 myoblasts differentiation by lactate is dependent on ROS and the p38 MAPK signalling pathway. These observations reveal a beneficial role for lactate in increasing myogenesis through ROS-sensitive mechanisms as well as providing new ideas regarding the positive impact of ROS in improving the function of skeletal muscle.

Expression and electrophysiological characteristics of VGSC during mouse myoblasts differentiation.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are essential for triggering and relaying action potentials (AP), which perform critical functions in a variety of physiological processes, such as controlling muscle contractions and facilitating the release of neurotransmitters. In this study, we used a mouse C2C12 cell differentiation model to study the molecular expression and channel dynamics of VGSC and to investigate the exact role of VGSC in the development of muscle regeneration. Immunofluorescence, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and whole-cell patch clamp were employed for this purpose in mouse myoblasts. The findings revealed an increase in intracellular sodium concentration, NaV1.4 gene expression, and protein expression with the progress of differentiation (days 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7). Furthermore, VGSC dynamics exhibit the following characteristics: ① The increase of sodium current (INa); ② The decrease in the activation threshold and the voltage trigger maximum of INa; ③ A positive shift in the steady-state inactivation curve; ④ The recovery of INa during repolarization is delayed, the activity-dependent decay rate of INa was accelerated, and the proportionate amount of the fraction of activated channels was reduced. Based on these results, it is postulated that the activation threshold of AP could be decreased, and the refractory period could be extended with the extension of differentiation duration, which may contribute to muscle contraction. Taken together, VGSC provides a theoretical and empirical basis for exploring potential targets for neuromuscular diseases and other therapeutic muscle regeneration dysfunctions.

Lactate ameliorates palmitate-induced impairment of differentiative capacity in C2C12 cells through the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid enriched in high-fat diet, has been implicated in the development of skeletal muscle regeneration dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of lactate (Lac) treatment on PA-induced impairment of C2C12 cell differentiation capacity. Furthermore, the involvement of voltage-gated calcium channels in this context was examined. In this study, Lac could improve the PA-induced impairment of differentiative capacity in C2C12 cells by affecting Myf5, MyoD and MyoG. In addition, Lac increases the inward flow of Ca2+, and promotes the depolarization of the cell membrane potential, thereby activating voltage-gated calcium channels during C2C12 cell differentiation. The enchancement of Lac on myoblast differentiative capacity was abolished after the addition of efonidipine (voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitors). Therefore, voltage-gated calcium channels play an important role in improving PA-induced skeletal muscle regeneration disorders by exercising blood Lac. Our study showed that Lac could rescue the PA-induced impairment of differentiative capacity in C2C12 cells by affecting Myf5, MyoD and MyoG through the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Interdigital-type antifungal socks for prevention and treatment of tinea pedis.

BACKGROUND: Interdigital tinea pedis is the most common type of foot infection, which is often treated by topical or systemic antifungals. Due to the increase in antifungal resistance, antifungal socks are becoming potential alternatives for the daily management of tinea pedis. METHODS: In this study, antifungal fibres were adopted to produce interdigital hygiene socks to split the third and fourth toe seams of the feet. In vitro antifungal activity was first examined to verify the effectiveness of the socks. Preventive efficacy against tinea pedis was then evaluated among healthy participants, followed by therapeutic effect detection in patients diagnosed with tinea pedis by analysing the improvement in total symptom scores (TTS). RESULTS: The interdigital-type hygiene socks exhibited apparent antifungal activities in vitro. An in vivo study demonstrated significant preventive effects against tinea pedis for interdigital socks compared to plain socks (P = 0.011) and a lower TTS than noninterdigital (P = 0.04) or plain socks (P < 0.0001). Moreover, interdigital socks showed a total effectiveness rate of 72.9% in patients with tinea pedis, with most of the symptoms alleviated. CONCLUSION: Interdigital-type hygiene socks not only exhibited in vitro antifungal activities but also showed significant prophylactic and therapeutic effects against interdigital tinea pedis in vivo.

Serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody in pathological diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with proteinuria.

Patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with proteinuria can be diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic complicated with non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD), or DN with NDKD. Among these membranous nephropathy accounted for a large proportion of DN with NDRD. At present, serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody is widely used in the diagnosis and evaluation of therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy, our study aimed to investigate the diagnostic significance of anti-PLA2R antibody in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with proteinuria, providing a method for patients with contraindications of kidney biopsy. Eighty-seven T2DM patients with proteinuria who went on kidney biopsy were divided into the DN group, idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) group, and others group according to their pathological results. In our study, 52.87% and 28.74% of patients were found to have IMN and diabetic nephropathy respectively. The levels of anti-PLA2R antibody, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were higher in the IMN group, while the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and HbA1c were higher in the DN group. For T2DM patients with proteinuria, anti-PLA2R antibody (AUC = 0.904, 95%CI 0.838-0.970) has a high diagnostic value for IMN. The duration of diabetes (OR = 0.798, P = 0.030), eGFR level (OR = 1.030, P = 0.024), and positive anti-PLA2R antibody (OR = 72.727, P < 0.001) favor the diagnosis of IMN, while DR (OR = 50.234, P < 0.001), SBP (OR = 1.041, P = 0.030), and negative anti-PLA2R antibody (OR = 0.008, P = 0.001) is beneficial to the diagnosis of DN. Our study found that NDKD is not uncommon in patients with T2DM and proteinuria, and IMN was the main pathological type. Positive anti-PLA2R antibody has a strong accuracy in the diagnosis of IMN in patients with T2DM and proteinuria.

Biphasic drug release from electrospun structures.

INTRODUCTION: Biphasic release, as a special drug-modified release profile that combines immediate and sustained release, allows fast therapeutic action and retains blood drug concentration for long periods. Electrospun nanofibers, particularly those with complex nanostructures produced by multi-fluid electrospinning processes, are potential novel biphasic drug delivery systems (DDSs). AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the most recent developments in electrospinning and related structures. In this review, the role of electrospun nanostructures in biphasic drug release was comprehensively explored. These electrospun nanostructures include monolithic nanofibers obtained through single-fluid blending electrospinning, core-shell and Janus nanostructures prepared via bifluid electrospinning, three-compartment nanostructures obtained via trifluid electrospinning, nanofibrous assemblies obtained through the layer-by-layer deposition of nanofibers, and the combined structure of electrospun nanofiber mats with casting films. The strategies and mechanisms through which complex structures facilitate biphasic release were analyzed. EXPERT OPINION: Electrospun structures can provide many strategies for the development of biphasic drug release DDSs. However, many issues such as the scale-up productions of complex nanostructures, the in vivo verification of the biphasic release effects, keeping pace with the developments of multi-fluid electrospinning, drawing support from the state-of-the-art pharmaceutical excipients, and the combination with traditional pharmaceutical methods need to be addressed for real applications.

New insight into the role of fibroblasts in the epithelial immune microenvironment in the single-cell era.

The skin is exposed to environmental challenges and contains heterogeneous cell populations such as epithelial cells, stromal cells, and skin-resident immune cells. As the most abundant type of stromal cells, fibroblasts have been historically considered silent observers in the immune responses of the cutaneous epithelial immune microenvironment (EIME), with little research conducted on their heterogeneity and immune-related functions. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) have overcome the limitations of bulk RNA sequencing and help recognize the functional and spatial heterogeneity of fibroblasts, as well as their crosstalk with other types of cells in the cutaneous EIME. Recently, emerging single-cell sequencing data have demonstrated that fibroblasts notably participate in the immune responses of the EIME and impact the initiation and progression of inflammatory skin diseases. Here, we summarize the latest advances in the role of fibroblasts in the cutaneous EIME of inflammatory skin diseases and discuss the distinct functions and molecular mechanisms of activated fibroblasts in fibrotic skin diseases and non-fibrotic inflammatory skin diseases. This review help unveil the multiple roles of fibroblasts in the cutaneous EIME and offer new promising therapeutic strategies for the management of inflammatory skin diseases by targeting fibroblasts or the fibroblast-centered EIME.

Integrating Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine for New Wound Dressings through Handheld Electrospinning.

In this nanotechnology era, nanostructures play a crucial role in the investigation of novel functional nanomaterials. Complex nanostructures and their corresponding fabrication techniques provide powerful tools for the development of high-performance functional materials. In this study, advanced micro-nanomanufacturing technologies and composite micro-nanostructures were applied to the development of a new type of pharmaceutical formulation, aiming to achieve rapid hemostasis, pain relief, and antimicrobial properties. Briefly, an approach combining a electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique and reversed-phase solvent was employed to fabricate a novel beaded nanofiber structure (BNS), consisting of micrometer-sized particles distributed on a nanoscale fiber matrix. Firstly, Zein-loaded Yunnan Baiyao (YB) particles were prepared using the solution electrospraying process. Subsequently, these particles were suspended in a co-solvent solution containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) and hydrophilic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and electrospun into hybrid structural microfibers using a handheld electrospinning device, forming the EHDA product E3. The fiber-beaded composite morphology of E3 was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the amorphous state of CIP in the BNS membrane due to the good compatibility between CIP and PVP. The rapid dissolution experiment revealed that E3 exhibits fast disintegration properties and promotes the dissolution of CIP. Moreover, in vitro drug release study demonstrated the complete release of CIP within 1 min. Antibacterial assays showed a significant reduction in the number of adhered bacteria on the BNS, indicating excellent antibacterial performance. Compared with the traditional YB powders consisting of Chinese herbs, the BNS showed a series of advantages for potential wound dressing. These advantages include an improved antibacterial effect, a sustained release of active ingredients from YB, and a convenient wound covering application, which were resulted from the integration of Chinese herbs and Western medicine. This study provides valuable insights for the development of novel multiscale functional micro-/nano-composite materials and pioneers the developments of new types of medicines from the combination of herbal medicines and Western medicines.

Tri-Layer Core-Shell Fibers from Coaxial Electrospinning for a Modified Release of Metronidazole.

Polymers are the backbone of drug delivery. Electrospinning has greatly enriched the strategies that have been explored for developing novel drug delivery systems using polymers during the past two decades. In this study, four different kinds of polymers, i.e., the water-soluble polymer poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), the insoluble polymer poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), the insoluble polymer Eudragit RL100 (ERL100) and the pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit S100 (ES100) were successfully converted into types of tri-layer tri-polymer core-shell fibers through bi-fluid coaxial electrospinning. During the coaxial process, the model drug metronidazole (MTD) was loaded into the shell working fluid, which was an emulsion. The micro-formation mechanism of the tri-layer core-shell fibers from the coaxial emulsion electrospinning was proposed. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope evaluations verified the linear morphology of the resultant fibers and their obvious tri-layer multiple-chamber structures. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the drug MTD presented in the fibers in an amorphous state and was compatible with the three polymeric matrices. In vitro dissolution tests verified that the three kinds of polymer could act in a synergistic manner for a prolonged sustained-release profile of MTD in the gut. The drug controlled-release mechanisms were suggested in detail. The protocols reported here pioneer a new route for creating a tri-layer core-shell structure from both aqueous and organic solvents, and a new strategy for developing advanced drug delivery systems with sophisticated drug controlled-release profiles.