Reducing the effective dose of cisplatin using cobalt modified silver nano-hybrid as a carriers on MCF7 and HCT cell models.

Cancer is a deadly illness with a convoluted pathogenesis. The most prevalent restrictions that frequently result in treatment failure for cancer chemotherapy include lack of selectivity, cytotoxicity, and multidrug resistance. Thus, considerable efforts have been focused in recent years on the establishment of a modernistic sector termed nano-oncology, which offers the option of employing nanoparticles (NPs) with the objective of detecting, targeting, and treating malignant disorders. NPs offer a focused approach compared to conventional anticancer methods, preventing negative side effects. In the present work, a successful synthetic process was used to create magnetic cobalt cores with an AgNPs shell to form bimetallic nanocomposites CoAg, then functionalized with Cis forming novel CoAg@Cis nanohybrid. The morphology and optical properties were determined by TEM, DLS, FTIRs and UV-vis spectroscopy, furthermore, anticancer effect of CoAg and CoAg@Cis nanohybrids were estimated using MTT assay on MCF7 and HCT cell lines. Our results showed that Co@Ag core shell is about 15 nm were formed with dark CoNPs core and AgNPs shell with less darkness than the core, moreover, CoAg@Cis has diameter about 25 nm which are bigger in size than Co@Ag core shell demonstrating the loading of Cis. It was observed that Cis, CoAg and CoAg@Cis induced a decline in cell survival and peaked at around 65%, 73%and 66% on MCF7 and 80%, 76%and 78% on HCT at 100 µg/ml respectively. Compared to Cis alone, CoAg and CoAg@Cis caused a significant decrease in cell viability. These findings suggest that the synthesized CoAg can be used as a powerful anticancer drug carrier.

Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis for Protein Separation of Plant Samples.

This chapter provides a description of the procedure for two-dimensional electrophoresis that can be performed for any given gel size and isoelectric focusing range. This will enable the operator to recognize critical steps and gain sufficient information to generate 2D images suitable for computer-assisted analysis of 2D-gel, as well as mass spectrometry analysis for protein identification and characterization.

Biocompatible silver nanoparticles as nanopriming mediators for improved rice germination and root growth: A transcriptomic perspective.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have an important role in agriculture since they have several applications that are essential for the enhanced yield of crops. Furthermore, they act as nano-pesticides, delivering a proper dose to the target plants without releasing unwanted pesticides into the environment. Upholding the sustainable nano agriculture, biocompatible silver nanoparticles were synthesised utilising Piper colubrinum Link. leaf extract. Different characterization methods (TEM, EDX and XRD) revealed that AgNPs were successfully formed and coated with phytochemicals that constituted the plant extract. Enhanced root development during the early post-germination phase is crucial for the success of direct seeding in rice cultivation. The effects of AgNPs on the growth of plant roots are poorly understood. In this work, Piper colubrinum mediated AgNPs-primed Oryza sativa L. seeds, at various concentrations (0, 50, 80, 100, and 150 mg/L), exceeded typical hydro-primed controls in terms of germination and seedling growth. Oryza sativa L. treated with AgNPs at a concentration of 80 mg/L enhanced root elongation. Additionally, exposure to AgNPs significantly enhanced the content of chlorophyll. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) study revealed that the identified pathways like Aromatic amino acid biosynthesis genes, Fatty acid biosynthesis genes, and Carotenoid biosynthesis genes were the most enriched. Some of the genes associated with root growth and development like glucosyltransferases, Glutathione pathway genes, Calcium-ion binding pathway genes, Peroxidase precursor and Nitrilase-associated protein were up regulated. Overall, AgNPs treatments promoted seed germination, growth, chlorophyll content and gene expression patterns, which might be attributable to the beneficial effects of AgNPs on rice.

Chiral Ligand-Concentration Mediating Asymmetric Transformations of Silver Clusters: NIR-II Circularly Polarized Phosphorescence Lighting.

Near infrared (NIR) emitter with circularly polarized phosphorescence (CPP), known as NIR CPP, has emerged as a key part in the research of cutting-edge luminescent materials. However, it remains a challenge to obtain nanoclusters with NIR CPP activity. Here, we propose an asymmetric transformation approach to efficiently synthesize two pairs of chiral silver nanoclusters (R/S-Ag29 and R/S-Ag16) using an achiral Ag10 nanocluster as starting material in the presence of different concentration chiral inducer (R/S)-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diyl hydrogenphosphate (R/S-BNP). R/S-Ag29, formed in the low-concentration R/S-BNP, exhibits a unique kernel-shell structure consisting of a distorted Ag13 icosahedron and an integrated cage-like organometallic shell with a C3 symmetry, and possesses a superatomic 6-electron configuration (1S2ǀ1P4). By contrast, R/S-Ag16, formed in the high-concentration R/S-BNP, features a sandwich-like pentagram with AgI-pure kernel. Profiting from the hierarchically chiral structures and superatomic kernel-dominated phosphorescence, R/S-Ag29 exhibits infrequent CPP activity in the second near-infrared (975 nm) region, being the first instance of NIR-II CPP observed among CPL metal nanoclusters. This study presents a new approach to reduce the difficulty of de novo synthesis for chiral silver nanomaterials, and facilitates the design of CPP-active superatomic nanoclusters in NIR region.

Facile Energy Release from Substituted Dewar Isomers of 1,2­Dihydro-1,2­azaborinines Catalyzed by Coinage Metal Lewis Acids.

Molecular solar thermal systems (MOST) represent an auspicious solution for the storage of solar energy. We report silver salts as a unique class of catalysts, capable of releasing the stored energy from the promising 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborinine based MOST system. Mechanistic investigations provided insights into the silver catalyzed thermal backreaction, concurrently unveiling the first crystal structure of a 2-aza-3-borabicyclo[2.2.0]hex-5-ene, the Dewar isomer of 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborinine. Quantification of activation energies by kinetic experiments has elucidated the advantageous energy outcomes associated with Lewis acid catalysts, a phenomenon corroborated through computational analysis. By means of low temperature NMR spectroscopy, mechanistic insights into the coordination of Ag+ to the 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborinine were gained.

Comparative biotoxicity study for identifying better alternative insecticide especially green nano-emulsion which used as mosquitocides.

This research work was planned to test biosafety of different nanomaterials on the different animals models. These nanoparticles were previously used as potential insecticides of mosquito larvae. The biosafety of these nanoproducts were evaluated on certain organs of non target animals that associated with mosquito breeding sites in Egypt. Animal organs such as the kidneys of rats, toads, and the fish's spleen were used as models to study the biological toxicity of these nanomaterials. After 30 days of the animals receiving the nanomaterials in their water supply, different cell mediated immune cells were assessed in these tissues. Both TNF-α and BAX immuno-expression were also used as immunohistochemical markers. Histopathology was conducted to detect the effect of the tested nanoproducts at the tissue level of the liver and kidneys of both the rats and toads. Green nanoemulsion of the lavender essential oil was relatively more effective, safe, and biodegradable to be used as insecticides against mosquito larvae than the metal-based nanomaterials.

Silver nitrate-assisted photo-crosslinking for enhancing the mechanical properties of an alginate/silk fibroin-based 3D scaffold.

Scaffolds play a pivotal role in tissue engineering and serve as vital biological substitutes, providing structural support for cell adhesion and subsequent tissue development. An ideal scaffold must possess mechanical properties suitable for tissue function and exhibit biodegradability. Although synthetic polymer scaffolds offer high rigidity and elasticity owing to their reactive side groups, which facilitate tailored mechanical and rheological properties, they may lack biological cues and cause persistent side effects during degradation. To address these challenges, natural polymers have garnered attention owing to their inherent bioactivity and biocompatibility. However, natural polymers such as silk fibroin (SF) and tyramine-modified alginate (AT) have limitations, including uncontrolled mechanical properties and weak structural integrity. In this study, we developed a blend of SF and AT as a printable biomaterial for extrusion-based 3D printing. Using photocrosslinkable SF/AT inks facilitated the fabrication of complex scaffolds with high printability, thereby enhancing their structural stability. The incorporation of silver nitrate facilitated the tunability of mechanical and rheological behaviors. SF/AT scaffolds with varying stiffness in the physiologically relevant range for soft tissues (51-246 kPa) exhibited excellent biocompatibility, indicating their promising potential for diverse applications in tissue engineering.

Green-fabricated silver nanoparticles from Quercus incana leaf extract to control the early blight of tomatoes caused by Alternaria solani.

BACKGROUND: Early blight (EB) of Tomatoes, caused by Alternaria solani, is a serious fungal disease that adversely affects tomato production. Infection is characterized by dark lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. Several agrochemicals can be used to control infection, these chemicals may disrupt environmental equilibrium. An alternative technology is needed to address this significant fungal threat. This study was designed to control the growth of EB in tomatoes caused by A. solani, using green-fabricated silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). RESULTS: Ag-NPs were synthesized through an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach using leaf extract of Quercus incana Roxb. (Fagaceae). The physico-chemical characterization of the Ag-NPs was conducted through UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The Ag-NPs produced were round with a mean diameter of 27 nm. The antifungal activity of these Ag-NPs was assessed through in vitro Petri plate and in vitro leaflet assays against A. solani. The green fabricated Ag-NPs exhibited excellent antifungal activity in vitro at a concentration of 100 mg/l against A. solani, inhibiting growth by 98.27 ± 1.58% and 92.79 ± 1.33% during Petri plate and leaflet assays, respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study suggests the practical application of green-fabricated Ag-NPs from Q. incana leaf extract against A. solani to effectively control EB disease in tomatoes.

Improving the Diagnosis of Rib Fractures in the Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Background Falls in older people are a common presentation in emergency departments (ED) in the United Kingdom. They can lead to multiple injuries, including chest wall injuries (CWIs). Untreated CWI carries significant morbidity and mortality. However, its diagnosis remains challenging during the initial ED encounter. This led to a quality improvement project (QIP) to improve the diagnosis of CWI in patients presenting to William Harvey Hospital, a district general, trauma-unit ED in Willesborough, England. Methods The QIP was run from February 2020 to April 2021 for 14 months. A series of plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were completed to increase the proportion of CWIs diagnosed during the initial ED encounter to 90%. The primary interventions involved designing a new thoracic trauma proforma and the introduction of the modified pain, inspiratory effort, and cough (PIC) score to evaluate and triage patients with CWI. Other interventions included the delivery of an education programme on CWI. The secondary aims were to increase modified PIC score use and to reduce the time between ED presentation and computerised tomography (CT) scanning. Results A total of 147 patients were included in three PDSA cycles. The diagnosis of CWI during the initial ED encounter increased from 61% at baseline to 91%. The median time from ED attendance to the first CT reduced from 477 minutes to 169 minutes. Lastly, following the introduction of the thoracic trauma proforma, the modified PIC score was used in 26% of cases of CWI by the end of the QIP period. Conclusion Our QIP led to improvement in the early diagnosis of CWIs in ED, with significant improvements in door to CT time and the creation of a thoracic injury pathway in the trust leading to multi-specialty improvement of care of such patients.

Comparing cytocompatibility of two fluoride-containing solutions and two resin-based restorative materials-a pilot study.

Background: Cytocompatibility should always be considered, especially if the surface of treated carious lesions is close to soft tissue or is accidentally exposed to the oral soft tissue by the clinician. Methods: The aim of the present study was to compare the cytocompatibility of two fluoride-containing liquids and two resin-containing restorative materials with buccal mucosa fibroblasts. The fluoride-containing materials were silver diamine fluoride and water-based silver fluoride. Results: The statistical analysis was completed by comparing the positive control growth of the buccal mucosa fibroblasts to the growth of cells exposed to various materials. The one-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD result was completed. All the assessed materials compared to the control wells for both the 24 and 48 h time intervals indicated a significant cytocompatibility result, except for the test wells with Stela (SDI) at the 24 h time interval. There was no significant difference between the step 2 liquids and the two dental materials in cytocompatibility at the 24 h interval. All four materials indicated no significant differences between the cytocompatibility of any dental materials for 48 h. Conclusion: The cytocompatibility assessment for Riva Star and Riva Star Aqua with the direct method in a full dispensing drop is not viable for step 1 of the fluoride-containing liquids. The use of Stela Light Cure is a suitable material that will be in contact with buccal mucosa as it showed potential for increased cytocompatibility compared to Riva Light Cure. Riva Star Aqua is more cytocompatible than Riva Star.

Examining the Efficacy of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride in Halting Active Dental Caries Lesions Among Children: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dental caries, a prevalent issue among children, often leads to discomfort and potential complications. Utilizing caries-arresting treatments to slow down its progression offers a practical alternative. Previous research indicates that topical fluorides can deactivate and remineralize enamel caries. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in halting active dental caries lesions in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive case series was conducted at the Operative Dentistry Department of the Nishtar Institute of Dentistry in Multan, Pakistan. We enrolled 753 patients aged three to nine years, of both genders, each with at least one cavitated lesion graded 3-6 according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). SDF was directly applied to dried and isolated teeth using a micro brush and left to absorb for up to two minutes (adjusted based on the child's cooperation), and parents were instructed to ensure the child refrained from eating or drinking for an hour post-application. Baseline examinations were performed by consultant restorative dentists, and reexaminations were conducted after two to three weeks by a consultant unaware of the study. RESULTS: The study included children aged three to nine years, with a mean age of 6.02±1.35 years. The majority of patients (61.75%) were aged between three and six years. Among the 753 patients, 619 (82.20%) were male, and 134 (17.80%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.6:1. The efficacy of 38% SDF in arresting active dental caries lesions in children was observed in 720 (95.62%) patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that 38% SDF is highly effective in halting active dental caries lesions in children.

Antibacterial efficacy of novel bismuth-silver nanoparticles synthesis on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infection models.

Introduction: The emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria is one of the main concerns in the health sector worldwide. The conventional strategies for treatment and prophylaxis against microbial infections include the use of antibiotics. However, these drugs are failing due to the increasing antimicrobial resistance. The unavailability of effective antibiotics highlights the need to discover effective alternatives to combat bacterial infections. One option is the use of metallic nanoparticles, which are toxic to some microorganisms due to their nanometric size. Methods: In this study we (1) synthesize and characterize bismuth and silver nanoparticles, (2) evaluate the antibacterial activity of NPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in several infection models (in vivo models: infected wound and sepsis and in vitro model: mastitis), and we (3) determine the cytotoxic effect on several cell lines representative of the skin tissue. Results and discussion: We obtained bimetallic nanoparticles of bismuth and silver in a stable aqueous solution from a single reaction by chemical synthesis. These nanoparticles show antibacterial activity on S. aureus and E. coli in vitro without cytotoxic effects on fibroblast, endothelial vascular, and mammary epithelium cell lines. In an infected-wound mice model, antibacterial effect was observed, without effect on in vitro mastitis and sepsis models.

Synergistic Antibacterial Effects of Gallate Containing Compounds with Silver Nanoparticles in Gallate Crossed Linked PVA Hydrogel Films.

Currently available silver-based antiseptic wound dressings have limited patient effectiveness. There exists a need for wound dressings that behave as comfortable degradable hydrogels with a strong antibiotic potential. The objectives of this project were to investigate the combined use of gallates (either epi gallo catechin gallate (EGCG), Tannic acid, or Quercetin) as both PVA crosslinking agents and as potential synergistic antibiotics in combination with silver nanoparticles. Crosslinking was assessed gravimetrically, silver and gallate release was measured using inductively coupled plasma and HPLC methods, respectively. Synergy was measured using 96-well plate FICI methods and in-gel antibacterial effects were measured using planktonic CFU assays. All gallates crosslinked PVA with optimal extended swelling obtained using EGCG or Quercetin at 14% loadings (100 mg in 500 mg PVA with glycerol). All three gallates were synergistic in combination with silver nanoparticles against both gram-positive and -negative bacteria. In PVA hydrogel films, silver nanoparticles with EGCG or Quercetin more effectively inhibited bacterial growth in CFU counts over 24 h as compared to films containing single agents. These biocompatible natural-product antibiotics, EGCG or Quercetin, may play a dual role of providing stable PVA hydrogel films and a powerful synergistic antibiotic effect in combination with silver nanoparticles.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effects and Cytotoxicity of a Novel Nanocomposite Based on Polyamide 6 and Trimetaphosphate Nanoparticles Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles.

This study aimed to develop a polymeric matrix of polyamide-6 (P6) impregnated with trimetaphosphate (TMP) nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity, surface free energy, TMP and Ag+ release, and cytotoxicity for use as a support in dental tissue. The data were subjected to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). P6 can be incorporated into TMP without altering its properties. In the first three hours, Ag+ was released for all groups decorated with AgNPs, and for TMP, the release only occurred for the P6-TMP-5% and P6-TMP-10% groups. In the inhibition zones, the AgNPs showed activity against both microorganisms. The P6-TMP-2.5%-Ag and P6-TMP-5%-Ag groups with AgNPs showed a greater reduction in CFU for S. mutans. For C. albicans, all groups showed a reduction in CFU. The P6-TMP groups showed higher cell viability, regardless of time (p < 0.05). The developed P6 polymeric matrix impregnated with TMP and AgNPs demonstrated promising antimicrobial properties against the tested microorganisms, making it a potential material for applications in scaffolds in dental tissues.

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa.

The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production. However, artisanal alcohol, generally used as a spirit drink, could be a viable alternative for developing sanitizing gels. In this study, the use of alcohol "Puntas", silver nanoparticles, and saponins from quinoa was evaluated to produce hand sanitizer gels. The rheological, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. In the previous assays, the formulations were adjusted to be similar in visual viscosity to the control gel. A clear decrease in the apparent viscosity was observed with increasing shear rate, and an inversely proportional relationship was observed with the amount of ethyl alcohol used in the formulations. The flow behavior index (n) values reflected a pseudoplastic behavior. Oscillatory dynamic tests were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of gels. A decrease in storage modulus (G') and an increase in loss modulus (G″) as a function of the angular velocity (ω) was observed. The evaluation of pH showed that the gels complied with the requirements to be in contact with the skin of the people, and the textural parameters showed that the control gel was the hardest. The use of artisan alcohol could be an excellent alternative to produce sanitizer gel and contribute to the requirements of the population.

Impacts of Differentially Shaped Silver Nanoparticles with Increasingly Complex Hydrophobic Thiol Surface Coatings in Small-Scale Laboratory Microcosms.

We investigated the impacts of spherical and triangular-plate-shaped lipid-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) designed to prevent surface oxidation and silver ion (Ag+) dissolution in a small-scale microcosm to examine the role of shape and surface functionalization on biological interactions. Exposures were conducted in microcosms consisting of algae, bacteria, crustaceans, and fish embryos. Each microcosm was exposed to one of five surface chemistries within each shape profile (at 0, 0.1, or 0.5 mg Ag/L) to investigate the role of shape and surface composition on organismal uptake and toxicity. The hybrid lipid-coated AgNPs did not result in any significant release of Ag+ and had the most significant toxicity to D. magna, the most sensitive species, although the bacterial population growth rate was reduced in all exposures. Despite AgNPs resulting in increasing algal growth over the experiment, we found no correlation between algal growth and the survival of D. magna, suggesting that the impacts of the AgNPs on bacterial survival influenced algal growth rates. No significant impacts on zebrafish embryos were noted in any exposure. Our results demonstrate that the size, shape, and surface chemistry of AgNPs can be engineered to achieve specific goals while mitigating nanoparticle risks.

Ag+-Mediated Folding of Long Polyguanine Strands to Double and Quadruple Helixes.

Metal-mediated base pairing of DNA has been a topic of extensive research spanning over more than four decades. Precise positioning of a single metal ion by predetermining the DNA sequence, as well as improved conductivity offered by the ions, make these structures interesting candidates in the context of using DNA in nanotechnology. Here, we report the formation and characterization of conjugates of long (kilo bases) homoguanine DNA strands with silver ions. We demonstrate using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscope (STM) that binding of silver ions leads to folding of homoguanine DNA strands in a "hairpin" fashion to yield double-helical, left-handed molecules composed of G-G base pairs each stabilized by a silver ion. Further folding of the DNA-silver conjugate yields linear molecules in which the two halves of the double helix are twisted one against the other in a right-handed fashion. Quantum mechanical calculations on smaller molecular models support the helical twist directions obtained by the high resolution STM analysis. These long guanine-based nanostructures bearing a chain of silver ions have not been synthesized and studied before and are likely to possess conductive properties that will make them attractive candidates for nanoelectronics.

Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a safe replacement for conventional chemical synthesis methods to fight plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against root rot fungi of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), including Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the eleven biosynthesized AgNPs, those synthesized using Alhagi graecorum plant extract displayed the highest efficacy in suppressing those fungi. The findings showed that using AgNPs made with A. graecorum at a concentration of 100 µg/mL greatly slowed down the growth of mycelium for R. solani, P. graminicola, S. rolfsii, and M. phaseolina by 92.60%, 94.44%, 75.93%, and 79.63%, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (75 µg/mL) of AgNPs synthesized by A. graecorum was very effective against all of these fungi, lowering the pre-emergence damping-off, post-emergence damping-off, and disease percent and severity in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the treatment with AgNPs led to increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index of bean seedlings compared to the control group. The synthesis of nanoparticles using A. graecorum was confirmed using various physicochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Collectively, the findings of this study highlight the potential of AgNPs as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for controlling root rot fungi in beans.

Highly Conductive PEDOT:PSS: Ag Nanowire-Based Nanofibers for Transparent Flexible Electronics.

Highly conductive, transparent, and easily available materials are needed in a wide range of devices, such as sensors, solar cells, and touch screens, as alternatives to expensive and unsustainable materials such as indium tin oxide. Herein, electrospinning was employed to develop fibers of PEDOT:PSS/silver nanowire (AgNW) composites on various substrates, including poly(caprolactone) (PCL), cotton fabric, and Kapton. The influence of AgNWs, as well as the applied voltage of electrospinning on the conductivity of fibers, was thoroughly investigated. The developed fibers showed a sheet resistance of 7 Ω/sq, a conductivity of 354 S/cm, and a transmittance value of 77%, providing excellent optoelectrical properties. Further, the effect of bending on the fibers' electrical properties was analyzed. The sheet resistance of fibers on the PCL substrate increased slightly from 7 to 8 Ω/sq, after 1000 bending cycles. Subsequently, as a proof of concept, the nanofibers were evaluated as electrode material in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based energy harvester, and they were observed to enhance the performance of the TENG device (78.83 V and 7 µA output voltage and current, respectively), as compared to the same device using copper electrodes. These experiments highlight the untapped potential of conductive electrospun fibers for flexible and transparent electronics.

Gallium and silver-doped titanium surfaces provide enhanced osteogenesis, reduce bone resorption and prevent bacterial infection in co-culture.

Bacterial infection remains a significant problem associated with orthopaedic surgeries leading to surgical site infection (SSI). This unmet medical need can become an even greater complication when surgery is due to malignant bone tumor. In the present study, we evaluated in vitro titanium (Ti) implants subjected to gallium (Ga) and silver (Ag)-doped thermochemical treatment as strategy to prevent SSI and improve osteointegration in bone defects caused by diseases such as osteoporosis, bone tumor, or bone metastasis. Firstly, as Ga has been reported to be an osteoinductive and anti-resorptive agent, its performance in the mixture was proved by studying human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and pre-osteoclasts (RAW264.7) behaviour. Then, the antibacterial potential provided by Ag was assessed by resembling "The Race for the Surface" between hMSC and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in two co-culture methods. Moreover, the presence of quorum sensing molecules in the co-culture was evaluated. The results highlighted the suitability of the mixture to induce osteodifferentiation and reduce osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, the GaAg surface promoted strong survival rate and retained osteoinduction potential of hMSCs even after bacterial inoculation. Therefore, GaAg-modified titanium may be an ideal candidate to repair bone defects caused by excessive bone resorption, in addition to preventing SSI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This article provides important insights into titanium for fractures caused by osteoporosis or bone metastases with high incidence in surgical site infection (SSI) because in this situation bacterial infection can become a major disaster. In order to solve this unmet medical need, we propose a titanium implant modified with gallium and silver to improve osteointegration, reduce bone resorption and avoid bacterial infection. For that aim, we study osteoblast and osteoclast behavior with the main novelty focused on the antibacterial evaluation. In this work, we recreate "the race for the surface" in long-term experiments and study bacterial virulence factors (quorum sensing). Therefore, we believe that our article could be of great interest, providing a great impact on future orthopedic applications.