Explore the vast range of titles available.

BackgroundIn this label-free bioassay, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was developed for the quantification of breast cancer using HER-2 protein as a metastatic biomarker.MethodFor this purpose, the ECL emitter, [Ru(bpy)3]2+, was embedded into biocompatible chitosan (CS) polymer. The prepared bio-composite offered high ECL reading due to the depletion of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) protein. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used as substrate to increase signal stability and achieve greater sensitivity. For this, rGO was initially placed electrochemically on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface by cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. Next, the prepared CS/[Ru(bpy)3]2+ biopolymer solution was coated on a drop of the modified electrode such that the amine groups of CS and the carboxylic groups of rGO could covalently interact. Using EDC/NHS chemistry, monoclonal antibodies (Abs) of HER-2 were linked to CS/[Ru(bpy)3]2+/rGO/GCE via amide bonds between the carboxylic groups of Ab molecules and amine groups of CS. The electrochemical behavior of the electrode was studied using different electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) and also ECL tests.ResultsAfter passing all optimization steps, the lower limit of detection (LLOQ) and linear dynamic range (LDR) of HER-2 protein were practically obtained as 1 fM and 1 fM to 1 nM, individually. Importantly, the within and between laboratory precisions were performed and the suitable relative standard deviations (RSDs) were recorded as 3.1 and 3.5%, respectively.ConclusionsAs a proof of concept, the designed immunosensor was desirably applied for the quantification of HER-2 protein in breast cancer suffering patients. As a result, the designed ECL-based immunosensor has the capability of being used as a conventional test method in biomedical laboratories for early detection of HER-2 protein in biological fluids.Graphic Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic multifactorial pathology and a current and essential challenge for public health, with a negative impact on the geriatric patient’s quality of life. The pathophysiology is not fully known; therefore, no specific treatment has been found to date. The increase in the number of newly diagnosed cases of KOA is worrying, and it is essential to reduce the risk factors and detect those with a protective role in this context. The destructive effects of free radicals consist of the acceleration of chondrosenescence and apoptosis. Among other risk factors, the influence of redox imbalance on the homeostasis of the osteoarticular system is highlighted. The evolution of KOA can be correlated with oxidative stress markers or antioxidant status. These factors reveal the importance of maintaining a redox balance for the joints and the whole body’s health, emphasizing the importance of an individualized therapeutic approach based on antioxidant effects. This paper aims to present an updated picture of the implications of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in KOA from pathophysiological and biochemical perspectives, focusing on antioxidant systems that could establish the premises for appropriate treatment to restore the redox balance and improve the condition of patients with KOA.

The present study aimed to assess the eighteen month follow-up patient-centered outcomes of a simple and predictable protocol for 3D-printed functional complete dentures manufactured using an improved poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–nanoTiO2. A detailed morphological and structural characterization of the PMMA–TiO2 nanocomposite, using SEM, EDX, XRD, and AFM, after 3D-printing procedure and post-wearing micro-CT, was also performed. Methods: A total of 35 fully edentulous patients were enrolled in this prospective study. A 0.4% TiO2-nanoparticle-reinforced PMMA composite with improved mechanical strength, morphologically and structurally characterized, was used according to an additive computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) protocol for complete denture fabrication. The protocol proposed involved a three-step appointment process. Before denture insertion, 1 week, 12 month, and 18-month follow up patients were evaluated via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0–10) and Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT), with a higher score meaning poor quality of life. Results: A total of 45 complete denture sets were inserted. OHIP-EDENT scored significantly better after 18 months of denture wearing, 20.43 (±4.42) compared to 52.57 (±8.16) before treatment; mean VAS was improved for all parameters assessed. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, we can state that the proposed workflow with the improved material used is a viable treatment option for patients diagnosed with complete edentulism.

Objective. Structural loss in sound enamel and dentin adversely affects quality of life, emphasizing the need for rapid and effective treatment. Early carious lesions—characterized by subsurface demineralization without surface cavitation—are fully reversible when detected early. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro remineralization potential of a novel formulation containing hyaluronic acid (HA), melatonin (MEL), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and grape seed extract (GSE, Vitis vinifera). Materials and Methods. Sixty bovine enamel samples were divided into six groups: four treatment groups ([nHAp-GSE], HA_[nHAp-GSE], MEL_[nHAp-GSE], HA-MEL_[nHAp-GSE]), and positive and negative controls. Artificial carious lesions were created and treated using a 7-day pH cycling model. Surface microhardness recovery (SMHR), surface roughness (optical profilometry), morphology (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, elemental composition and Ca/P ratio (EDS), and crystallinity (XRD) were assesed. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD (p < 0.05). Results. HA-MEL_[nHAp-GSE] showed the highest SMHR (66.2%), followed by MEL_[nHAp-GSE] (53.5%) and HA_[nHAp-GSE] (45.0%). [nHAp-GSE] showed 26.9%; controls showed 35.7% (positive) and 3.2% (negative) (p < 0.05). EDS confirmed group-specific differences in Ca/P ratios, while XRD analysis demonstrated that all formulations retained crystalline hydroxyapatite consistent with reference patterns. Conclusions. HA and MEL-enhanced formulations showpromising potential for non-fluoride-based early caries management, supported by bond structure, crystallinity, and enamel surface analysis. Further clinical studies are warranted. Clinical Relevance. This study introduces a novel, fluoride-free formulation for the non-invasive management of early carious lesions. The combination of HA acid and MEL significantly enhances remineralization, offering a biocompatible, patient-friendly, and esthetically favorable approach in preventive and restorative dentistry.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) harbor several signaling molecules to maintain intercellular communication. Based on the exosomal cargo type, metabolic, genomic, and proteomic status of parent cells can be investigated. Due to the existence of trivial levels of target molecules inside EVs, the application of accurate and sensitive detection methods is mandatory. Here, we used an electrochemical immunosensor using a biotinylated monoclonal CD63 antibody as the capturing element for the detection of EVs isolated from MDA-MB-231 cells and cancer patients. Simultaneously, breast cancer biomarker CA-15-3 was detected in isolated EVs using a sandwich method to increase specificity. Data indicated a linear dynamic range of 2000–10000 EVs/µL and a lower limit of quantification of 2000 EVs/µL. Based on data from real sample analysis, the levels of exosomal CA-15-3 can differ according to the severity and systemic content of this factor. Pd-perovskite-based immunosensor provides a platform for quick and in-depth analysis of EVs isolated for cancer cells.

There is an increased interest in recycling valuable waste materials for usage in procedures with high added values. Silica microparticles are involved in the processes of catalysis, separation, immobilization of complexants, biologically active compounds, and different nanospecies, responding to restrictive requirements for selectivity of various chemical and biochemical processes. This paper presents the surface modification of accessible and dimensionally controlled recycled silica microfiber with titanium dioxide. Strong base species in organic solvents: methoxide, ethoxide, propoxide, and potassium butoxide in corresponding alcohol, activated the glass microfibres with 12 – 13 µm diameter. In the photo-oxidation process of a toxic micro-pollutant, cyclophosphamide, the new composite material successfully proved photocatalytic effectiveness. The present work fulfills simultaneously two specific objectives related to the efforts directed towards a sustainable environment and circular economy: recycling of optical glass microfibers resulted as waste from the industry, and their usage for the photo-oxidation of highly toxic emerging micro-pollutants.

This study focused on developing a novel composite phosphate-selective electrode for on-site and real-time applications using a silver polyglutaraldehyde phosphate and carbon nanotube (CNT) matrix. CNT-silver polyglutaraldehyde phosphate compound was synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The potentiometric performance of the composite phosphate-selective electrode was then investigated. The results demonstrated that the composite phosphate-selective electrode exhibited good sensitivity, with a linear response in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 × 10−2 M for phosphate ions. The electrode also showed high selectivity towards phosphate ions compared to other anions, such as chloride and nitrate. Additionally, the electrode displayed a quick response time of less than 15 s, making it suitable for real-time measurements. The electrode was applied to surface and soil water samples. The results obtained from the water samples showed a strong correlation with those obtained from the preferred spectrophotometry method, highlighting the potential of the developed electrode for on-site and continuous monitoring of phosphate and offering an efficient and practical solution for various fields that require phosphate detection.

The preparation of membranes from polymer solutions by the phase inversion method, the immersion—precipitation technique has proved since the beginning of obtaining technological membranes the most versatile and simple possibility to create polymeric membrane nanostructures. Classically, the phase inversion technique involves four essential steps: Preparation of a polymer solution in the desired solvent, the formation of the polymer solution film on a flat support, the immersion of the film in a coagulation bath containing polymer solvents, and membrane conditioning. All phase inversion stages are important for the prepared membrane’s nanostructure and have been studied in detail for more than six decades. In this paper, we explored, through an electrochemical technique, the influence of the contact time with the polymer film’s environment until the introduction into the coagulation bath. The system chosen for membrane preparation is polysulfone-dimethylformamide-aqueous ethanol solution (PSf-DMF-EW). The obtained nanostructured membranes were characterized morphologically and structurally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (TA), and in terms of process performance through water permeation and bovine serum albumin retention (BSA). The membrane characteristics were correlated with the polymeric film exposure time to the environment until the contact with the coagulation bath, following the diagram of the electrochemical parameters provided by the electrochemical technique.

BackgroundCancer stem cells (CSCs) are of great diagnostic importance due to their involvement in tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, metastasis and relapse.MethodIn this work, a sensitive electrochemical cytosensor was successfully established to detect HT-29 colorectal cancer stem cells based on a nanocomposite composed of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using a simple and fast electrodeposition technique on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE).ResultsAccording to SEM images, the PtNPs nanoparticles formed on the MSNs substrate are about 100 nm. As expected, high-rate porosity, increased surface-to-volume ratio, provides appropriate local electron transfer rate and suitable platform for the efficient formation of PtNPs. These features allow direct and stable binding of biotinylated monoclonal antibody of CD133 to streptavidin (Strep) and the subsequent availability of active sites for CSCs identification. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) results show that close interaction of CD133+ cells with monoclonal antibodies reduces charge transfer and electrical current, as confirmed by square wave voltammogram (SWV). Based on the recorded current versus number of CSCs, we noted that our developed system can sense CSCs from 5 to 20 cells/5 μL.ConclusionsAs a proof of concept, the designed nanobiocomposite was able to specifically detect CD133+ cells compared to whole HT-29 cells before magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) process.

The polymer-inorganic nanoparticles composite membranes are the latest solutions for multiple physicochemical resistance and selectivity requirements of membrane processes. This paper presents the production of polysulfone-silica microfiber grafted with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (PSf-SiO2-TiO2) composite membranes. Silica microfiber of length 150–200 μm and diameter 12–15 μm were grafted with titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which aggregated as microspheres of 1–3 μm, applying the sol-gel method. The SiO2 microfibers grafted with nano-TiO2 were used to prepare 12% polysulfone-based nanocomposite membranes in N-methyl pyrrolidone through the inversion phase method by evaporation. The obtained nanocomposite membranes, PSf-SiO2-TiO2, have flux characteristics, retention, mechanical characteristics, and chemical oxidation resistance superior to both the polysulfone integral polymer membranes and the PSf-SiO2 composite membranes. The antimicrobial tests highlighted the inhibitory effect of the PSf-SiO2-TiO2 composite membranes on five Gram (-) microorganisms and did not allow the proliferation of Candida albicans strain, proving that they are suitable for usage in the oral environment. The designed membrane met the required characteristics for application as a functional barrier in guided bone regeneration.