Glutamic Acid Modified Gold Nanorod Sensor for the Detection of Calcium ions in Neuronal Cells.

Calcium (Ca2+) ions play a crucial role in the functioning of neurons, governing various aspects of neuronal activity such as rapid modulation and alterations in gene expression. Ca2+ signaling has a significant impact on the development of diseases and the impairment of neuronal functions. Herein, the study reports a Ca2+ ion sensor in neuronal cells using a gold nanorod. The gold nanorod (GA-GNR) conjugated glutamic acid developed in the study was used as a nano-bio probe for the experimental and in vitro detection of calcium. The nanosensor is colloidally stable, preserves plasmonic properties, and shows good viability in neuronal cells, as well as promoting neuron cell line growth. The cytotoxicity and cell penetration of the nanosensor are studied using Raman spectroscopy, brightfield and darkfield microscopy imaging, and MTT assays. The quantification of Ca2+ ions in neuronal cells is determined by monitoring the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the GA-GNR. The change in the intensity profile in the presence of Ca2+ incubated neurons was effectively used to develop a portable prototype of an optical Ca2+ sensor, proposing it as a tool for neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and neuromodulation evaluation.

Porphyrin and doxorubicin mediated nanoarchitectonics of copper clusters: a bimodal theranostics for cancer diagnosis and treatment in vitro.

Nanoarchitectonics, an emerging strategy, presents a promising alternative for developing highly efficient next-generation functional materials. Multifunctional materials developed using nanoarchitectonics help to mimic biological molecules. Porphyrin-based molecules can be effectively utilized to design such assemblies. Metal nanocluster is one of the functional materials that can shed more insight into developing nanoarchitectonic materials. Herein, an inherently near-infrared (NIR) fluorescing copper nanocluster (CuC)-mediated structural assembly via protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and doxorubicin (Dox) is demonstrated as the functional material. Dox-loaded porphyrin-mediated CuC assembly shows singlet oxygen generation and 66% drug release at 15 min. Furthermore, the efficacy of this material is tested for cancer diagnosis and bimodal therapeutic strategy due to the fluorescing ability of the cluster and loading of PPIX as well as the drug, respectively. The nanoarchitecture exhibits targeted imaging and 83% cell death in HeLa cells upon laser irradiation with 10 nmoles and 20 nmoles of PPIX and Dox, respectively.

Cold Plasma Technology Based Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Biomaterials.

Biopolymers have intrinsic drawbacks compared to traditional plastics, such as hydrophilicity, poor thermo-mechanical behaviours, and barrier characteristics. Therefore, biopolymers or their film modifications offer a chance to create packaging materials with specified properties. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) or Low temperature plasma (LTP) has a wide range of applications and has recently been used in the food industry as a potent tool for non-thermal food processing. Though its original purpose was to boost polymer surface energy for better adherence and printability, it has since become an effective technique for surface decontamination of food items and food packaging materials. These revolutionary innovative food processing methods enable the balance between the economic constraints and higher quality while ensuring food stability and minimal processing. For CAP to be considered as a viable alternative food processing technology, it must positively affect food quality. Food products may have their desired functional qualities by adjusting the conditions for cold plasma formation. Cold plasma is a non-thermal method that has little effects on the treated materials and is safe for the environment. In this review, we focus on recent cold plasma advances on various food matrices derived from plants and animals with the aim of highlighting potential applications, ongoing research, and market trends.

Patient-specific mechanical analysis of PCL periodontal membrane: Modeling and simulation.

This research fills a knowledge gap in bone tissue engineering by examining the mechanical characteristics of scaffolds at bone-tissue interfaces utilizing a cutting-edge technique involving the creation of 3D scaffolds from Polycaprolactone (PCL). The work employs Finite element analysis to measure the scaffolds' maximum principal and Von Mises stresses and strains. CT scans of the Maxilla and Mandible were used to apply load conditions to 3D models of the upper central incisor. In the derived computational model, four different load situations considered were: the masticatory load (70-100 N at 45°), two parafunctional habits (100-130 N) and 500-550 N at the incisal edge, both at 45°), and a trauma case (800-850 N applied perpendicularly from the inwards direction at 90°). The findings revealed that the central tooth region experiences the highest stress concentration, while the Maxilla and Mandible regions show the least stress. These results provide critical insights into the mechanical behavior of scaffolds at bone-tissue interfaces, suggesting a research direction for developing scaffolds that closely mimic real bone characteristics. The results of this study are particularly significant for using bone replacement materials, providing an approach to more effective healing options for bone traumas and degenerative bone disorders.

Characterization of materials used for 3D printing dental crowns and hybrid prostheses.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the filler weight percentage (wt%), filler and resin composition, flexural strength, modulus, and hardness of several 3D-printed resins to direct and indirect restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four 3D-printed resins (C&B MFH, Ceramic Crown, OnX, and OnX Tough), one milled resin composite (Lava Ultimate), one conventional composite (Filtek Supreme), and one ceramic (IPS e.max CAD) were evaluated. Filler wt% was determined by the burned ash technique, and filler particle morphology and composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. Organic resin composition was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Three-point bend flexural strength and modulus of the materials were determined by ISO 4049 or ISO 6872. Vickers microhardness was measured. Data were compared with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc analysis. Linear regression analysis was performed for filler wt% versus flexural strength, modulus, and hardness. RESULTS: 3D-printed resins were composed of various sized and shaped silica fillers and various types of methacrylate resins. Significant differences were found among filler wt% with some materials around 3% (C&B MFH), others between 33% and 38% (OnX Tough and OnX), others around 50% (Ceramic Crown), and some around 72% (Filtek Supreme and Lava Ultimate). All 3D-printed resins had significantly lower flexural strength, modulus, and hardness than the conventional and milled resin composites and ceramic material (p < 0.001). Filler wt% demonstrated a linear relationship with modulus (p = 0.013, R2 = 0.821) and hardness (p = 0.018, R2 = 0.787) but not flexural strength (p = 0.056, R2 = 0.551). CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed resins contain from 3% to 50% filler content. Filler wt% alone does not affect flexural strength, but strength may be affected by resin composition as well. Although the 3D-printed resins had lower flexural strength, modulus, and hardness than milled and conventional composite and ceramic, they demonstrated nonbrittle plastic behavior. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The properties of 3D-printed resins vary based on their composition, which affects their clinical applications.

A multi-targeting bionanomatrix coating to reduce capsular contracture development on silicone implants.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is a critical complication of silicone implantation caused by fibrotic tissue formation from excessive foreign body responses. Various approaches have been applied, but targeting the mechanisms of capsule formation has not been completely solved. Myofibroblast differentiation through the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß)/p-SMADs signaling is one of the key factors for capsular contracture development. In addition, biofilm formation on implants may result chronic inflammation promoting capsular fibrosis formation with subsequent contraction. To date, there have been no approaches targeting multi-facted mechanisms of capsular contracture development. METHODS: In this study, we developed a multi-targeting nitric oxide (NO) releasing bionanomatrix coating to reduce capsular contracture formation by targeting myofibroblast differentiation, inflammatory responses, and infections. First, we characterized the bionanomatrix coating on silicon implants by conducting rheology test, scanning electron microcsopy analysis, nanoindentation analysis, and NO release kinetics evaluation. In addition, differentiated monocyte adhesion and S. epidermidis biofilm formation on bionanomatrix coated silicone implants were evaluated in vitro. Bionanomatrix coated silicone and uncoated silicone groups were subcutaneously implanted into a mouse model for evaluation of capsular contracture development for a month. Fibrosis formation, capsule thickness, TGF-ß/SMAD 2/3 signaling cascade, NO production, and inflammatory cytokine production were evaluated using histology, immunofluorescent imaging analysis, and gene and protein expression assays. RESULTS: The bionanomatrix coating maintained a uniform and smooth surface on the silicone even after mechanical stress conditions. In addition, the bionanomatrix coating showed sustained NO release for at least one month and reduction of differentiated monocyte adhesion and S. epidermidis biofilm formation on the silicone implants in vitro. In in vivo implantation studies, the bionanomatrix coated groups demonstrated significant reduction of capsule thickness surrounding the implants. This result was due to a decrease of myofibroblast differentiation and fibrous extracellular matrix production through inhibition of the TGF-ß/p-SMADs signaling. Also, the bionanomatrix coated groups reduced gene expression of M1 macrophage markers and promoted M2 macrophage markers which indicated the bionanomatrix could reduce inflammation but promote healing process. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the bionanomatrix coating significantly reduced capsular contracture formation and promoted healing process on silicone implants by reducing myfibroblast differentiation, fibrotic tissue formation, and inflammation. A multi-targeting nitric oxide releasing bionanomatrix coating for silicone implant can reduce capsular contracture and improve healing process. The bionanomatrix coating reduces capsule thickness, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen synthesis, and myofibroblast differentiation through inhibition of TGF-ß/SMADs signaling cascades in the subcutaneous mouse models for a month.

Correction: Zare et al. Encapsulation of miRNA and siRNA into Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 1620.

In the original publication [...].

Plasma Surface Engineering of Natural and Sustainable Polymeric Derivatives and Their Potential Applications.

Recently, natural as well as synthetic polymers have been receiving significant attention as candidates to replace non-renewable materials. With the exponential developments in the world each day, the collateral damage to the environment is incessant. Increased demands for reducing pollution and energy consumption are the driving force behind the research related to surface-modified natural fibers (NFs), polymers, and various derivatives of them such as natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Natural fibers have received special attention for industrial applications due to their favorable characteristics, such as low cost, abundance, light weight, and biodegradable nature. Even though NFs offer many potential applications, they still face some challenges in terms of durability, strength, and processing. Many of these have been addressed by various surface modification methodologies and compositing with polymers. Among different surface treatment strategies, low-temperature plasma (LTP) surface treatment has recently received special attention for tailoring surface properties of different materials, including NFs and synthetic polymers, without affecting any of the bulk properties of these materials. Hence, it is very important to get an overview of the latest developments in this field. The present article attempts to give an overview of different materials such as NFs, synthetic polymers, and composites. Special attention was placed on the low-temperature plasma-based surface engineering of these materials for diverse applications, which include but are not limited to environmental remediation, packaging, biomedical devices, and sensor development.

Low-Temperature Plasma Techniques in Biomedical Applications and Therapeutics: An Overview.

Plasma, the fourth fundamental state of matter, comprises charged species and electrons, and it is a fascinating medium that is spread over the entire visible universe. In addition to that, plasma can be generated artificially under appropriate laboratory techniques. Artificially generated thermal or hot plasma has applications in heavy and electronic industries; however, the non-thermal (cold atmospheric or low temperature) plasma finds its applications mainly in biomedicals and therapeutics. One of the important characteristics of LTP is that the constituent particles in the plasma stream can often maintain an overall temperature of nearly room temperature, even though the thermal parameters of the free electrons go up to 1 to 10 keV. The presence of reactive chemical species at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure makes LTP a bio-tolerant tool in biomedical applications with many advantages over conventional techniques. This review presents some of the important biomedical applications of cold-atmospheric plasma (CAP) or low-temperature plasma (LTP) in modern medicine, showcasing its effect in antimicrobial therapy, cancer treatment, drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, implant modifications, interaction with biomolecules, etc., and overviews some present challenges in the field of plasma medicine.

Low-Temperature Plasmas Improving Chemical and Cellular Properties of Poly (Ether Ether Ketone) Biomaterial for Biomineralization.

Osteoblastic and chemical responses to Poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) material have been improved using a variety of low-temperature plasmas (LTPs). Surface chemical properties are modified, and can be used, using low-temperature plasma (LTP) treatments which change surface functional groups. These functional groups increase biomineralization, in simulated body fluid conditions, and cellular viability. PEEK scaffolds were treated, with a variety of LTPs, incubated in simulated body fluids, and then analyzed using multiple techniques. First, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed morphological changes in the biomineralization for all samples. Calcein staining, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that all low-temperature plasma-treated groups showed higher levels of biomineralization than the control group. MTT cell viability assays showed LTP-treated groups had increased cell viability in comparison to non-LTP-treated controls. PEEK treated with triethyl phosphate plasma (TEP) showed higher levels of cellular viability at 82.91% ± 5.00 (n = 6) and mineralization. These were significantly different to both the methyl methacrylate (MMA) 77.38% ± 1.27, ethylene diamine (EDA) 64.75% ± 6.43 plasma-treated PEEK groups, and the control, non-plasma-treated group 58.80 ± 2.84. FTIR showed higher levels of carbonate and phosphate formation on the TEP-treated PEEK than the other samples; however, calcein staining fluorescence of MMA and TEP-treated PEEK had the highest levels of biomineralization measured by pixel intensity quantification of 101.17 ± 4.63 and 96.35 ± 3.58, respectively, while EDA and control PEEK samples were 89.53 ± 1.74 and 90.49 ± 2.33, respectively. Comparing different LTPs, we showed that modified surface chemistry has quantitatively measurable effects that are favorable to the cellular, biomineralization, and chemical properties of PEEK.

Encapsulation of miRNA and siRNA into Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics.

Globally, cancer is amongst the most deadly diseases due to the low efficiency of the conventional and obsolete chemotherapeutic methodologies and their many downsides. The poor aqueous solubility of most anticancer medications and their low biocompatibility make them ineligible candidates for the design of delivery systems. A significant drawback associated with chemotherapy is that there are no advanced solutions to multidrug resistance, which poses a major obstacle in cancer management. Since RNA interference (RNAi) can repress the expression of genes, it is viewed as a novel tool for advanced drug delivery. this is being explored as a promising drug targeting strategy for the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. However, there are many obstructions that hinder the clinical uses of siRNA drugs due to their low permeation into cells, off-target impacts, and possible unwanted immune responses under physiological circumstances. Thus, in this article, we review the design measures for siRNA conveyance frameworks and potential siRNA and miRNA drug delivery systems for malignant growth treatment, including the use of liposomes, dendrimers, and micelle-based nanovectors and functional polymer-drug delivery systems. This article sums up the advancements and challenges in the use of nanocarriers for siRNA delivery and remarkably centers around the most critical modification strategies for nanocarriers to build multifunctional siRNA and miRNA delivery vectors. In short, we hope this review will throw light on the dark areas of RNA interference, which will further open novel research arenas in the development of RNAi drugs for cancer.

Plasma Electroless Reduction: A Green Process for Designing Metallic Nanostructure Interfaces onto Polymeric Surfaces and 3D Scaffolds.

The design of metal nanoparticle-modified polymer surfaces in a green and scalable way is both desirable and highly challenging. Herein, a new green low-temperature plasma-based in situ surface reduction strategy termed plasma electroless reduction (PER) is reported for achieving in situ metallic nanostructuring on polymer surfaces. Proof of concept for this new method was first demonstrated on hydrophilic cellulose papers. Cellulose papers were dip-coated with different metal ion (Ag+ and Au3+) solutions and then subjected to hydrogen plasma treatment for this PER process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis has revealed that this PER process caused anisotropic growth of either gold or silver nanoparticles, resulting in the time-dependent formation of both distinct spherical nanoparticles (∼20 nm) and anisotropic 2D nanosheets. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the adaptability of this process by applying it to hydrophobic fibrous and 3D printed polymeric materials such as surgical face masks and 3D printed polylactic acid scaffolds. The PER process on these hydrophobic polymer surfaces was accomplished via a sequential combination of air plasma and hydrogen plasma treatment. The metallic nanostructuring caused by the PER process on these hydrophobic surfaces was systematically studied using different surface imaging techniques including 3D confocal laser surface scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We have also systematically optimized the PER process on the surface of 3D scaffolds via varying the concentration of the silver ion precursor and by different postprocessing methods such as sonication and medium soaking. These optimization processes were found to be very important in generating uniform metallic nanoparticle-modified 3D printed scaffolds while simultaneously improving cytocompatibility. Through joint disk diffusion and inhibitory concentration testing, the antibacterial efficacy of silver coatings on face masks and 3D scaffolds was established. Altogether, these results clearly suggest the excellent futuristic potential of this new PER method for designing metallic nanostructured interfaces for different biomedical applications.

Uni-Directionally Oriented Fibro-Porous PLLA/Fibrin Bio-Hybrid Scaffold: Mechano-Morphological and Cell Studies.

In this study, we report a biohybrid oriented fibrous scaffold based on nanofibers of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/fibrin produced by electrospinning and subsequent post-treatment. Induced hydrolytic degradation of the fibers in 0.25 M NaOH solution for various time periods followed by the immobilization of fibrin on the hydrolyzed fiber surfaces was shown to significantly affect the mechanical properties, with the tensile strength (40.6 MPa ± 1.3) and strain at failure (38% ± 4.5) attaining a value within the range of human ligaments and ligament-replacement grafts. Unidirectional electrospinning with a mandrel rotational velocity of 26.4 m/s produced highly aligned fibers with an average diameter of 760 ± 96 nm. After a 20-min hydrolysis treatment in NaOH solution, this was further reduced to an average of 457 ± 89 nm, which is within the range of collagen bundles found in ligament tissue. Based on the results presented herein, the authors hypothesize that a combination of fiber orientation/alignment and immobilization of fibrin can result in the mechanical and morphological modification of PLLA tissue scaffolds for ligament-replacement grafts. Further, it was found that treatment with NaOH enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and the additional inclusion of fibrin further enhanced osteogenic differentiation, as demonstrated by decreased proliferative rates and increased ALP activity.

Nanoscience and quantum science-led biocidal and antiviral strategies.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, this pandemic continues to be a serious threat to public health due to the worldwide spread of variants and their higher rate of transmissibility. A range of measures are necessary to slow the pandemic and save lives, which include constant evaluation and the careful adjustment of public-health responses augmented by medical treatments, vaccines and protective gear. It is hypothesized that nanostructured particulates underpinned by nanoscience and quantum science yield high-performing antiviral strategies, which can be applied in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications such as face masks, respirators, COVID test kits, vaccines, and drugs. This review is aimed at providing comprehensive and cohesive perspectives on various nanostructures that are suited to intensifying and amplifying the effectiveness of antiviral strategies. Growing scientific literature over the past eighteen months indicates that quantum dots, iron oxide, silicon oxide, polymeric and metallic nanoparticles have been employed in COVID-19 diagnostic assays, vaccines, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Quantum dots have displayed their suitability as more sensitive imaging probes in diagnostics and prognostics, and as controlled drug-release carriers that target the virus. Nanoscience and quantum science have assisted the design of advanced vaccine delivery since nanostructured materials are suited for antigen delivery, as mimics of viral structures and as adjuvants. Furthermore, the quantum science- and nanoscience-supported tailored functionalization of nanostructured materials offers insight and pathways to deal with future pandemics. This review seeks to illustrate several examples, and to explain the underpinning quantum science and nanoscience phenomena, which include wave functions, electrostatic interactions, van der Waals forces, thermal and electrodynamic fluctuations, dispersion forces, local field-enhancement effects, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review discusses how nanostructured materials are helpful in the detection, prevention, and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, other known viral infection diseases, and future pandemics.

Novel Poly(ester urethane urea)/Polydioxanone Blends: Electrospun Fibrous Meshes and Films.

In this work, we report the electrospinning and mechano-morphological characterizations of scaffolds based on blends of a novel poly(ester urethane urea) (PHH) and poly(dioxanone) (PDO). At the optimized electrospinning conditions, PHH, PDO and blend PHH/PDO in Hexafluroisopropanol (HFIP) solution yielded bead-free non-woven random nanofibers with high porosity and diameter in the range of hundreds of nanometers. The structural, morphological, and biomechanical properties were investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and tensile tests. The blended scaffold showed an elastic modulus (~5 MPa) with a combination of the ultimate tensile strength (2 ± 0.5 MPa), and maximum elongation (150% ± 44%) in hydrated conditions, which are comparable to the materials currently being used for soft tissue applications such as skin, native arteries, and cardiac muscles applications. This demonstrates the feasibility of an electrospun PHH/PDO blend for cardiac patches or vascular graft applications that mimic the nanoscale structure and mechanical properties of native tissue.

2D materials as a diagnostic platform for the detection and sensing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: a bird's-eye view.

Worldwide infections and fatalities caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants responsible for COVID-19 have significantly impeded the economic growth of many nations. People in many nations have lost their livelihoods, it has severely impacted international relations and, most importantly, health infrastructures across the world have been tormented. This pandemic has already left footprints on human psychology, traits, and priorities and is certainly going to lead towards a new world order in the future. As always, science and technology have come to the rescue of the human race. The prevention of infection by instant and repeated cleaning of surfaces that are most likely to be touched in daily life and sanitization drives using medically prescribed sanitizers and UV irradiation of textiles are the first steps to breaking the chain of transmission. However, the real challenge is to develop and uplift medical infrastructure, such as diagnostic tools capable of prompt diagnosis and instant and economic medical treatment that is available to the masses. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, are atomic sheets that have been in the news for quite some time due to their unprecedented electronic mobilities, high thermal conductivity, appreciable thermal stability, excellent anchoring capabilities, optical transparency, mechanical flexibility, and a unique capability to integrate with arbitrary surfaces. These attributes of 2D materials make them lucrative for use as an active material platform for authentic and prompt (within minutes) disease diagnosis via electrical or optical diagnostic tools or via electrochemical diagnosis. We present the opportunities provided by 2D materials as a platform for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

Tissue Engineering Strategies for Retina Regeneration.

The retina is a complex and fragile photosensitive part of the central nervous system which is prone to degenerative diseases leading to permanent vision loss. No proven treatment strategies exist to treat or reverse the degenerative conditions. Recent investigations demonstrate that cell transplantation therapies to replace the dysfunctional retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and or the degenerating photoreceptors (PRs) are viable options to restore vision. Pluripotent stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and somatic stem cells are the main cell sources used for cell transplantation therapies. The success of retinal transplantation based on cell suspension injection is hindered by limited cell survival and lack of cellular integration. Recent advances in material science helped to develop strategies to grow cells as intact monolayers or as sheets on biomaterial scaffolds for transplantation into the eyes. Such implants are found to be more promising than the bolus injection approach. Tissue engineering techniques are specifically designed to construct biodegradable or non-degradable polymer scaffolds to grow cells as a monolayer and construct implantable grafts. The engineered cell construct along with the extracellular matrix formed, can hold the cells in place to enable easy survival, better integration, and improved visual function. This article reviews the advances in the use of scaffolds for transplantation studies in animal models and their application in current clinical trials.

Science-Based Strategies of Antiviral Coatings with Viricidal Properties for the COVID-19 Like Pandemics.

The worldwide, extraordinary outbreak of coronavirus pandemic (i.e., COVID-19) and other emerging viral expansions have drawn particular interest to the design and development of novel antiviral, and viricidal, agents, with a broad-spectrum of antiviral activity. The current indispensable challenge lies in the development of universal virus repudiation systems that are reusable, and capable of inactivating pathogens, thus reducing risk of infection and transmission. In this review, science-based methods, mechanisms, and procedures, which are implemented in obtaining resultant antiviral coated substrates, used in the destruction of the strains of the different viruses, are reviewed. The constituent antiviral members are classified into a few broad groups, such as polymeric materials, metal ions/metal oxides, and functional nanomaterials, based on the type of materials used at the virus contamination sites. The action mode against enveloped viruses was depicted to vindicate the antiviral mechanism. We also disclose hypothesized strategies for development of a universal and reusable virus deactivation system against the emerging COVID-19. In the surge of the current, alarming scenario of SARS-CoV-2 infections, there is a great necessity for developing highly-innovative antiviral agents to work against the viruses. We hypothesize that some of the antiviral coatings discussed here could exert an inhibitive effect on COVID-19, indicated by the results that the coatings succeeded in obtaining against other enveloped viruses. Consequently, the coatings need to be tested and authenticated, to fabricate a wide range of coated antiviral products such as masks, gowns, surgical drapes, textiles, high-touch surfaces, and other personal protective equipment, aimed at extrication from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fibro-porous PLLA/gelatin composite membrane doped with cerium oxide nanoparticles as bioactive scaffolds for future angiogenesis.

Functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticle (CeNP)-loaded fibro-porous poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA)/gelatin composite membranes were prepared via an electrospinning technology. Considering the importance of such membrane scaffolds for promoting angiogenesis in tissue engineering and drug screening, a series of PLLA/gelatin composite fiber membranes loaded with different doses of CeNPs was prepared. The prepared composite membranes demonstrated hydrophilicity, water absorption, and improved mechanical properties compared to a PLLA and PLLA/gelatin membrane. Also, cell viability assay using somatic hybrid endothelial cells (EA.hy926) proved the biocompatible nature of the scaffolds. The biocompatibility was further supported by in vivo chick embryo angiogenesis assay using fertilized eggs. Our initial results support that these membrane scaffolds could be useful for angiogenesis-related disease treatment after further investigations.

Dietary Oxalate Induces Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans.

INTRODUCTION: Crystalluria is thought to be associated with kidney stone formation and can occur when urine becomes supersaturated with calcium, oxalate, and phosphate. The principal method used to identify urinary crystals is microscopy, with or without a polarized light source. This method can detect crystals above 1 µm in diameter (microcrystals). However, analyses of calcium oxalate kidney stones have indicated that crystallite components in these calculi are 50-100 nm in diameter. Recent studies have suggested that nanocrystals (<200 nm) elicit more injury to renal cells compared to microcrystals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether (i) urinary nanocrystals can be detected and quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA, a high-resolution imaging technology), (ii) early-void urine samples from healthy subjects contain calcium nanocrystals, and (iii) a dietary oxalate load increases urinary nanocrystal formation. METHODS: Healthy subjects consumed a controlled low-oxalate diet for 3 days before a dietary oxalate load. Urinary crystals were isolated by centrifugation and assessed using NTA before and 5 hours after the oxalate load. The morphology and chemical composition of crystals was assessed using electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ion chromatography-mass spectrometry (IC-MS). RESULTS: Urinary calcium oxalate nanocrystals were detected in pre-load samples and increased substantially following the oxalate load. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that NTA can quantify urinary nanocrystals and that meals rich in oxalate can promote nanocrystalluria. NTA should provide valuable insight about the role of nanocrystals in kidney stone formation.