Pharmaceutical Applications of Biomass Polymers: Review of Current Research and Perspectives.

Polymers derived from natural biomass have emerged as a valuable resource in the field of biomedicine due to their versatility. Polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, and lignin have demonstrated promising results in various applications, including drug delivery design. However, several challenges need to be addressed to realize the full potential of these polymers. The current paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and perspectives in this area, with a particular focus on developing effective methods and efficient drug delivery systems. This review aims to offer insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of natural polymers in biomedicine and to provide a roadmap for future research in this field.

Romanian Wild-Growing Chelidonium majus-An Emerging Approach to a Potential Antimicrobial Engineering Carrier System Based on AuNPs: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation.

Novel nanotechnology based on herbal products aspires to be a high-performing therapeutic platform. This study reports the development of an original engineering carrier system that jointly combines the pharmacological action of Chelidonium majus and AuNPs, with unique properties that ensure that the limitations imposed by low stability, toxicity, absorption, and targeted and prolonged release can be overcome. The metabolite profile of Romanian wild-grown Chelidonium majus contains a total of seventy-four phytochemicals belonging to eight secondary metabolite categories, including alkaloids, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, sterols, and miscellaneous others. In this study, various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, DLS, and TG/DTG) were employed to investigate his new carrier system's morpho-structural and thermal properties. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential and release profile. The results indicate 99.9% and 94.4% dissolution at different pH values for the CG-AuNPs carrier system and 93.5% and 85.26% for greater celandine at pH 4 and pH 7, respectively. Additionally, three in vitro antioxidant assays indicated an increase in antioxidant potential (flavonoid content 3.8%; FRAP assay 24.6%; and DPPH 24.4%) of the CG-AuNPs carrier system compared to the herb sample. The collective results reflect the system's promising perspective as a new efficient antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate with versatile applications, ranging from target delivery systems, oral inflammation (periodontitis), and anti-age cosmetics to extending the shelf lives of products in the food industry.

An Innovative Approach to a Potential Neuroprotective Sideritis scardica-Clinoptilolite Phyto-Nanocarrier: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation.

The cutting-edge field of nanomedicine combines the power of medicinal plants with nanotechnology to create advanced scaffolds that boast improved bioavailability, biodistribution, and controlled release. In an innovative approach to performant herb nanoproducts, Sideritis scardica Griseb and clinoptilolite were used to benefit from the combined action of both components and enhance the phytochemical's bioavailability, controlled intake, and targeted release. A range of analytical methods, such as SEM-EDX, FT-IR, DLS, and XDR, was employed to examine the morpho-structural features of the nanoproducts. Additionally, thermal stability, antioxidant screening, and in vitro release were investigated. Chemical screening of Sideritis scardica Griseb revealed that it contains a total of ninety-one phytoconstituents from ten chemical categories, including terpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, iridoids, sterols, nucleosides, and miscellaneous. The study findings suggest the potential applications as a promising aspirant in neurodegenerative strategy.

Nicotinamide Riboside, a Promising Vitamin B3 Derivative for Healthy Aging and Longevity: Current Research and Perspectives.

Many studies have suggested that the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is involved in an extensive spectrum of human pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiomyopathy, obesity, and diabetes. Further, healthy aging and longevity appear to be closely related to NAD+ and its related metabolites, including nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). As a dietary supplement, NR appears to be well tolerated, having better pharmacodynamics and greater potency. Unfortunately, NR is a reactive molecule, often unstable during its manufacturing, transport, and storage. Recently, work related to prebiotic chemistry discovered that NR borate is considerably more stable than NR itself. However, immediately upon consumption, the borate dissociates from the NR borate and is lost in the body through dilution and binding to other species, notably carbohydrates such as fructose and glucose. The NR left behind is expected to behave pharmacologically in ways identical to NR itself. This review provides a comprehensive summary (through Q1 of 2023) of the literature that makes the case for the consumption of NR as a dietary supplement. It then summarizes the challenges of delivering quality NR to consumers using standard synthesis, manufacture, shipping, and storage approaches. It concludes by outlining the advantages of NR borate in these processes.

Implications of the Cultivation of Rosemary and Thyme (Lamiaceae) in Plant Communities for the Development of Antioxidant Therapies.

Oxidative stress is the most critical factor in multiple functional disorders' development, and natural antioxidants could protect the human body against it. Our study aims to investigate the polyphenol content of four extracts of two medicinal plants (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L.) and analyze the correlation with their antioxidant activity. The research was carried out on extracts of rosemary and thyme obtained from species cultivated together in plant communities. Both were compared with extracts from species cultivated in individual crops (control crops). Their polyphenols were determined by spectrophotometric methods (dosage of flavones, phenol carboxylic acids, and total polyphenols) and chromatography (UHPLC-MS and FT-ICR MS). Triterpenic acids were also quantified, having a higher concentration in the thyme extract from the culture. The antioxidant activity of the dry extracts was evaluated in vitro (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and in silico (prediction of interactions with BACH1/BACH2 transcription factors). The concentrations of polyphenols are higher in the extracts obtained from the sources collected from the common crops. These observations were also validated following the chromatographic analysis for some compounds. Statistically significant differences in the increase in the antioxidant effect were observed for the extracts from the common batches compared to those from the individual ones. Following the Pearson analysis, the IC50 values for each plant extract were strongly correlated with the concentration of active phytoconstituents. Molecular docking studies revealed that quercetin could bind to BTB domains of BACH1 and BACH2 transcription factors, likely translating into increased antioxidant enzyme expression. Future studies must validate the in silico findings and further investigate phytosociological cultivation's effects.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Some Extracts of Salvia spp Harvested from the Oltenia Flora Using Different Solvents.

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of three Salvia spp. (S. glutinosa, S. splendens, S. verticillata) extracts prepared with different solvents was assessed using the diffusion method and the quantification of the minimum inhibitory concentration for each extract on S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans standard strains. The results showed that the extracts of the three Salvia spp. are suppressing the growth of the bacteria tested with variable potency. Among the different solvent extracts, n-butanolic extracts of all the three species of Salvia spp. revealed the most important antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. S. splendens extracts proved to be the most efficient on C. albicans regardless of the solvent used.

Influence of Polymer Shell Molecular Weight on Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Morphology and In Vivo Biodistribution.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively used in different biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and magnetic properties. However, different functionalization approaches have been developed to improve their time-life in the systemic circulation. Here, we have synthesized IONPs using a modified Massart method and functionalized them in situ with polyethylene glycol with different molecular weights (20 K and 35 K). The resulting nanoparticles were characterized in terms of morphology, structure, and composition using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In vivo biodistribution was evaluated in Balb/c mice, the presence of IONP being evidenced through histopathological investigations. IONP morphological characterization showed a change in shape (from spherical to rhombic) and size with molecular weight, while structural characterization proved the obtaining of highly crystalline samples of spinel structured cubic face-centered magnetite. In vivo biodistribution in a mice model proved the biocompatibility of all of the IONP samples. All NPs were cleared through the liver, spleen, and lungs, while bare IONPs were also evidenced in kidneys.

New Insights into Boron Essentiality in Humans and Animals.

Boron (B) is considered a prebiotic chemical element with a role in both the origin and evolution of life, as well as an essential micronutrient for some bacteria, plants, fungi, and algae. B has beneficial effects on the biological functions of humans and animals, such as reproduction, growth, calcium metabolism, bone formation, energy metabolism, immunity, and brain function. Naturally organic B (NOB) species may become promising novel prebiotic candidates. NOB-containing compounds have been shown to be essential for the symbiosis between organisms from different kingdoms. New insights into the key role of NOB species in the symbiosis between human/animal hosts and their microbiota will influence the use of natural B-based colon-targeting nutraceuticals. The mechanism of action (MoA) of NOB species is related to the B signaling molecule (autoinducer-2-borate (AI-2B)) as well as the fortification of the colonic mucus gel layer with NOB species from B-rich prebiotic diets. Both the microbiota and the colonic mucus gel layer can become NOB targets. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the essentiality of the NOB species in the symbiosis between the microbiota and the human/animal hosts, with the stated aim of highlighting the MoA and targets of these species.

Boron-containing compounds in Dentistry: a narrative review.

Research on the use of boron (B) in the field of oral health has gained momentum in recent years, with various studies on the possibilities of using various B-containing compounds (BCCs). A multitude of applications have been discovered, from cariostatic activity to anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity, paving the way for other new research directions. B is a microelement that is commonly found in the human diet, and present throughout the body, with the highest concentration in the structure of bones, teeth, and gastrointestinal mucus gel layer. Multiple studies have demonstrated that B plays some important roles, especially in bone development and recently has been proposed to have an essential role in the healthy symbiosis. In addition, B has also attracted the interest of researchers, as various studies used BCCs in conventional or modern biomaterials. In this review, we have brought together the information we have found about B updates in the dental field and analyzing its future perspectives and potential for further studies.

Biofilm-Resistant Nanocoatings Based on ZnO Nanoparticles and Linalool.

Biofilms represent an increasing challenge in the medical practice worldwide, imposing a serious threat to public health. As bacterial strains have developed antibiotic resistance, researcher's attention has been extensively focused on developing more efficient antimicrobial strategies. In this context, the present study reports the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, ex vivo biodistribution, and in vitro evaluation of the capacity of nanostructured surfaces based on zinc oxide (ZnO) and biologically active molecules to modulate clinically relevant microbial biofilms. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a co-precipitation method without thermal treatment. The matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was applied for preparing nanostructured coatings based on ZnO NPs surface modified with linalool that were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and infrared microscopy (IRM). Histological analyses carried out at 7 days and 14 days after the intraperitoneal administration of linalool modified ZnO NPs revealed the absence of the latter from the brain, kidney, liver, lung, myocardium, and pancreas. Through in vitro assays on prokaryotic cells, it was proven that ZnO coatings hinder microbial biofilm formation of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains.

Nanoparticle-functionalized dressings for the treatment of third-degree skin burns - histopathological and immunohistochemical study.

Skin burns are one of the most common injuries associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in the children and the elderlies. Severe burns, especially, result in a systemic immune and inflammatory response, which may reflect in multiple organ insufficiency, and a fast and effective local restorative process is essential for functionality recovering, as well as for interrupting the generalized systemic response. We have aimed here to assess the effect of different wound dressings in what it regards the morphology and clinical restoration after a skin burn. On a rat animal model, we have evaluated the macroscopic and histopathological features of controlled third degree skin burns in control animals versus treatments with local dressings of silver sulfadiazine (SDA) cream, simple gel (G), gel + silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (G+NPS), gel + exosomes (G+EXO) and gel + AgNPs + exosomes (Gel+NPS+EXO), at 14 days and, respectively, 21 days after the lesion. Tissue fragments were harvested and processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence was utilized to evaluate the maturity of underlaying granulation tissue based on double stainings for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31). Our study showed variability in what it regards the vessel density and immunoexpression of SMA between the treatments, and image analysis revealed that most SMA reduction and blood vessel density reduction in the maturing granulation tissue occurred for the G+NPS and G+NPS+EXO treatments. A complete re-epithelization was also observed for the G+NPS+EXO treatment. Overall, our results show that improved topic treatments promote faster re-epithelization and reparation of the dermis after skin burn lesions, providing thus an avenue for new treatments that aim both local recuperation and systemic infection prevention.

Immunohistochemical study of CD117 in various cutaneous melanocytic lesions.

The aim of the present study was to carried out a comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of CD117 (c-Kit), a biomarker that evaluates both tumor progression and prognosis, in different melanocytic lesions, to emphasize the significance of this biomarker in malignant melanoma (MM). The study was performed on 55 cases, represented by a control group, which included 5 cases of simple nevi and 5 cases of dysplastic nevi, as well as a study group consisting of 35 cases of primary MM and 10 metastases (one intestinal, 3 cutaneous - one satellite and two distant as well as 6 in the lymph nodes). The study group included 15 cases of superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), 10 cases of nodular melanoma (NM), 3 lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), 3 cases of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) and 4 cases of amelanotic MM. CD117 was found to be massively involved in the process of tumorigenesis of cutaneous malignancies, being immunohistochemically undetectable in benign neural lesions, but densely expressed in dysplastic lesions and in situ melanoma areas. In invasive cutaneous MMs, CD117 expression tended to decrease with neoplasia progression proceding into the tumorigenic, vertical growth phase, being lower in the profound dermal component of tumors and in nodular MMs. To eliminate the epidermal barriers and gain a proliferative advantage to allow the transition to the vertical growth phase, it seems that MM should lose expression of c-Kit. Cutaneous metastases were found to express CD117 at a level comparable to their primary tumors, suggesting that other mechanisms interfere directly with the metastatic process and not loss of c-Kit expression by itself. CD117 overexpression in cutaneous melanocytic lesions correlates significantly with increased immunostaining intensity, suggesting that the immunohistochemical evaluation of CD117 may be a good method for screening patients, who could benefit from personalized therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Biodistribution of essential oil-conjugated silver nanoparticles.

The beneficial synergy between antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and essential oils (EOs), with therapeutic effects that have been acknowledged and explored for a long time, opens the way towards developing new and promising alternatives for anti-infective therapies. With the aim to improve the cytocompatibility and stability of AgNPs and to overcome the volatilization of EOs, AgNPs conjugated with sage (Salvia officinalis) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum) EOs were obtained in our study. The synthesis process was realized either by classical or ultrasound-assisted chemical reduction. Compositional and microstructural characterization of the as-obtained Ag@EO NPs was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biodistribution of Ag@EO NPs was evaluated on a mouse animal model.

Natural and semisynthetic candidate molecules for COVID-19 prophylaxis and treatment.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) represent a family of viruses that have numerous animal hosts, and they cause severe respiratory, as well as systemic and enteric infections, in humans. Currently, there are limited antiviral strategies for treating patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of specific antiviral medicines and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines continues to aggravate the situation. Natural product-based antiviral drugs have been used in the two previous CoV outbreaks: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the first SARS-CoV. This review emphasizes the role of natural and semisynthetic candidate molecules for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prophylaxis and treatment. The experimental evidence suggests that nature could offer huge possibilities for treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fructoborates: Part of a Family of Naturally Occurring Sugar-Borate Complexes-Biochemistry, Physiology, and Impact on Human Health: a Review.

Sugar-borates (SBs) are mono- or di-sugar-borate esters (SBEs) comprised of one or two monosaccharide molecules linked to a boron (B) atom. SBEs occur naturally in commonly consumed herbs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts and, other than greatly varying levels of B found in local drinking water, are the primary natural dietary sources of B-containing molecules in humans. To date, the most studied SBE is calcium fructoborate (CaFB). CaFB represents an important example of how organic B-containing molecules are significantly distinct from their inorganic counterparts. During these past two decades, CaFB has been researched for its physical and biochemical characteristics, safety, and clinical outcomes. Results of these researches are presented and discussed herein. CaFB has been characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography-multistage accurate mass spectrometry (LC-MSn), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) in non-biological and biological specimens. Potential health benefits of CaFB have been clinically investigated in pilot and efficacy studies demonstrating (i) significant reductions in knee discomfort and improved flexibility within 7, 14, and 90 days and (ii) significant effect on blood levels of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and other biomarkers. These studies support the use of CaFB as a dietary supplement for the management of joint discomfort. CaFB is presented here in order to illustrate how physiological benefits are imparted by distinct organic boron-containing molecules rather than solely by the element B itself. Considering recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data reporting increases in age-related joint pain and an increasing elderly demographic, SBEs offer potential for safe, natural, and effective management of joint discomfort and improved mobility in human and animal health applications. Several of these studies may also open new opportunities for use of SBEs for health benefits beyond joint health.

Hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix of most connective tissues. Due to its chemical structure, HA is a hydrophilic polymer and it is characterized by a fast degradation rate. HA-based scaffolds for tissue engineering are intensively studied due to their increased biocompatibility, biodegradability and chemical modification. Depending on the processing technique, scaffolds can be prepared in the form of hydrogels, sponges, cryogels, and injectable hydrogels, all discussed in this review.

Simultaneous Quantitation of Boric Acid and Calcium Fructoborate in Dietary Supplements by HPTLC-Densitometry.

The paper describes a new, simple, selective and precise high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the simultaneous identification and quantitative determination of boric acid (BA) and calcium fructoborate (CFB) in bulk and tablet/capsule dosage forms of dietary supplements. HPTLC silica gel G 60 F254 precoated glass plates were used as the stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of 2-propanol-water 8:2 (v/v). The two boron-based compounds were adequately separated with the Rf values of 0.83 ± 0.01 (BA) and 0.59 ± 0.01 (CFB).

Comparing the antifibrotic effect on the liver of Telmisartan and Pentoxifylline, in a Wistar rat experimental model.

Chronic liver diseases are characterized by higher or lower changes of the liver lobe architecture (parenchymatous and vacuolar), the accumulation of inflammatory and collagen infiltrates, mainly in the Kiernan spaces and a progressive evolution to liver cirrhosis. Despite the progresses made in knowing the mechanisms of liver fibrosis and the development of some antiviral drugs with a high potential, that can induce fibrosis regression, there still continues to exist the need for a specific antifibrotic treatment. In our study, we used four groups of Wistar rats: a reference group and three groups that received 40% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), intraperitoneally, twice a week, for four weeks; after one week since starting the administration of CCl4, one of the three groups received, through oral gavage, Telmisartan (TS) 8 mg÷kg, and another received Pentoxifylline (PTX) 20 mg÷kg, dissolved in saline solution, for four weeks. The antifibrotic action of the two drugs was analyzed by evaluating the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (Ito cells) and macrophages (Kupffer cells). The study highlighted that in the group treated with TS, the process of fibrillogenesis was significantly reduced, in comparison to the group treated with PTX and with the reference group.

Polymeric protective agents for nanoparticles in drug delivery and targeting.

Surface modification/functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) using polymeric protective agents is an issue of great importance and actuality for drug delivery and targeting. Improving the blood circulation half-life of surface-protected nanocarriers is closely related to the elimination of main biological barriers and limiting factors (protein absorption and opsonization), due to the phagocytic activity of reticuloendothelial system. For passive or active targeted delivery, in biomedical area, surface-functionalized NPs with tissue-recognition ligands were designed and optimized as a result of modern research techniques. Also, multi-functionalized nanostructures are characterized by enhanced bioavailability, efficacy, targeted localization, active cellular uptake, and low side effects. Surface-protected NPs are obtained from biocompatible, biodegradable and less toxic natural polymers (dextran, ß-cyclodextrin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, heparin, gelatin) or synthetic polymers, such as poly(lactic acid), poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid, poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(alkyl cyanoacrylates). PEGylation is one of the most important functionalization methods providing steric stabilization, long circulating and 'stealth' properties for both polymeric and inorganic-based nanosystems. In addition, for their antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor effects, cutting-edge researches in the field of pharmaceutical nanobiotechnology highlighted the importance of noble metal (platinum, gold, silver) NPs decorated with biopolymers.

Antifibrotic action of telmisartan in experimental carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver fibrosis is the increasingly accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), caused by chronic liver injuries, and represents a difficult clinical challenge in the entire world. Currently, the advanced knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis showed that collagen-producing cells, like activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), portal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are activated by fibrogenic cytokines, such as angiotensin II, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1), and leptin. Because of these, we tested telmisartan, an angiotensin II (AT1) receptor blocker and a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) partial agonist, for investigate its antifibrotic action, on experimental model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, we used two groups of Wistar rats, which received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 40% dissolved in olive oil, twice weekly for four consecutive weeks (initial dose of 5 mL÷kg, and other doses 3 mL÷kg). After one week, one group was received by gavage telmisartan (TS) dissolved in saline 0.9%, daily in dose of 8 mg÷kg, for 28 days. One group of Wistar rats was used for control. The antifibrotic action of telmisartan was investigated on the pathological changes of the liver and immunohistochemical analysis for hepatic stellate (Ito) cells (HSCs) reaction using anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin (anti α-SMA) antibody and macrophages cells (Kupffer cells) reaction using anti-CD68 antibody. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In group treated with telmisartan, hepatic fibrogenesis process was significantly reduced, in comparison with CCl4 group.