Ultrasound radiation as a "throwing stones" technique for the production of antibacterial nanocomposite textiles.

Ultrasound irradiation was applied as a "throwing stones" technique for coating cotton bandages with MgO and Al(2)O(3) commercially obtained nanoparticles. The homogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles without any aggregation on the fabrics was demonstrated. The antibacterial activities of the MgO/Al(2)O(3)-fabric nanocomposite were tested against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) cultures. A significant bactericidal effect, even in a concentration <1% (by weight), was detected.

Strontium hexaferrite nanomagnets suspended in a cosmetic preparation: a convenient tool to evaluate the biological effects of surface magnetism on human skin.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Magnetic therapy has been popular for ages, but its therapeutic abilities remain to be demonstrated. We aimed to develop a homogeneous, stable dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in a skin-care preparation, as a tool to analyze the biological and physiological effects of superficial magnetism in skin. METHODS: SrFe(12)O(19) nanoparticles were generated by ultrasound, dispersed in glycerol, stabilized in Dermud cream and permanently magnetized. The magnetic cream was applied on the epidermis of human skin organ cultures. The effects on UV-induced cell toxicity, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed. A clinical test was performed to check skin moisturization. RESULTS: Nanomagnets were found to be homogenously and stably dispersed. After magnetization, the preparation generated a magnetic field of 1-2 G. Upon cream application, no cytotoxicity and no impairment of cellular vitality were found after 24 and 48 h, respectively. The anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties of Dermud were not modified, but its long-term effect on moisturization in vivo was slightly increased. CONCLUSION: Nanomagnetic Dermud cream can be used as a tool to analyze the biological effects of nanomagnets dispersed on the skin surface at the cellular and molecular levels, thus allowing to explore the possible therapeutic uses of superficial magnetism for skin care.