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Functional wound dressing with tailored physicochemical and biological properties is vital for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment. Our main objective in the current study was to fabricate Cellulose Acetate/Gelatin (CA/Gel) electrospun mat loaded with berberine (Beri) as the DFU-specific wound dressing. The wound healing efficacy of the fabricated dressings was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results demonstrated an average nanofiber diameter of 502 ± 150 nm, and the tensile strength, contact angle, porosity, water vapor permeability and water uptake ratio of CA/Gel nanofibers were around 2.83 ± 0.08 MPa, 58.07 ± 2.35°, 78.17 ± 1.04%, 11.23 ± 1.05 mg/cm 2 /hr, and 12.78 ± 0.32%, respectively, while these values for CA/Gel/Beri nanofibers were 2.69 ± 0.05 MPa, 56.93 ± 1°, 76.17 ± 0.76%, 10.17 ± 0.21 mg/cm 2 /hr, and 14.37 ± 0.42%, respectively. The antibacterial evaluations demonstrated that the dressings exhibited potent antibacterial activity. The collagen density of 88.8 ± 6.7% and the angiogenesis score of 19.8 ± 3.8 obtained in the animal studies indicate a proper wound healing. These findings implied that the incorporation of berberine did not compromise the physical properties of dressing, while improving the biological activities. In conclusion, our results indicated that the prepared mat is a proper wound dressing for DFU management and treatment.

Artificial, de-novo manufactured materials (with controlled nano-sized characteristics) have been progressively used by neuroscientists during the last several decades. The introduction of novel implantable bioelectronics interfaces that are better suited to their biological targets is one example of an innovation that has emerged as a result of advanced nanostructures and implantable bioelectronics interfaces, which has increased the potential of prostheses and neural interfaces. The unique physical–chemical properties of nanoparticles have also facilitated the development of novel imaging instruments for advanced laboratory systems, as well as intelligently manufactured scaffolds and microelectrodes and other technologies designed to increase our understanding of neural tissue processes. The incorporation of nanotechnology into physiology and cell biology enables the tailoring of molecular interactions. This involves unique interactions with neurons and glial cells in neuroscience. Technology solutions intended to effectively interact with neuronal cells, improved molecular-based diagnostic techniques, biomaterials and hybridized compounds utilized for neural regeneration, neuroprotection, and targeted delivery of medicines as well as small chemicals across the blood–brain barrier are all purposes of the present article.

In recent years, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been applied in various biomedicine fields like bioimaging, drug delivery, and antibacterial alternatives. MSNs could be manufactured through green synthetic methods as environmentally friendly and sustainable synthesis approaches, to improve physiochemical characteristics for biomedical applications. In the present research, we used Rutin (Ru) extract, a biocompatible flavonoid, as the reducing agent and nonsurfactant template for the green synthesis of Ag-decorated MSNs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta-potential, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), brunauer–emmett–teller (BET) analysis, and energy-dispersive system (EDS) spectroscopy were used to evaluate the Ag-decorated MSNs physical characteristics. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S . aureus), Escherichia coli ( E . coli), and also different types of candida. The cytotoxicity test was performed by using the MTT assay. Based on the findings, the significant antimicrobial efficacy of Ru-Ag-decorated MSNs against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria and different types of fungi was detected as well as acceptable safety and low cytotoxicity even at lower concentrations. Our results have given a straightforward and cost-effective method for fabricating biodegradable Ag-decorated MSNs. The applications of these MSNs in the domains of biomedicine appear to be promising.

The focus of the current study was to develop a functional and bioactive scaffold through the combination of 3D polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) with gelatin nanofibers (GNFs) and Taurine (Tau) for bone defect regeneration. GNFs were fabricated via electrospinning dispersed in PLA/PCL polymer solution, Tau with different concentrations was added, and the polymer solution converted into a 3D and porous scaffold via the thermally-induced phase separation technique. The characterization results showed that the scaffolds have interconnected pores with the porosity of up to 90%. Moreover, Tau increased the wettability and weight loss rate, while compromised the compressive strengths. The scaffolds were hemo- and cytocompatible and supported cell viability and proliferation. The in vivo studies showed that the defects treated with scaffolds filled with new bone. The computed tomography (CT) imaging and histopathological observation revealed that the PLA/PCL/Gel/Tau 10% provided the highest new bone formation, angiogenesis, and woven bone among the treatment groups. Our finding illustrated that the fabricated scaffold was able to regenerate bone within the defect and can be considered as the effective scaffold for bone tissue engineering application.

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles could be greatly used in biomedical fields like cancer hyperthermia, magnetic separation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement. Furthermore, the biosynthetic method has been used to produce various nanostructures and nanoparticles due to the economical and eco-friendly route. In the present study, zinc ferrite (ZnFe 2 O 4 ) nanoparticles were biosynthesized by applying rutin from Ruta graveolens L. extracted as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Furthermore, the chemical, thermal, and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering method (DLS), ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA). The XRD and TEM results represented that the nearly spherical shape of zinc ferrite nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20–30 nm was successfully synthesized with a cubic structure. ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic properties with the magnetization of 5.9 emu/g at 15 kOe that could be applied for medical devices or tissue imaging in the future. DFT calculations on the crystal structure, electronic, and magnetic properties of the ZnFe 2 O 4 revealed that both simulated crystal structures and magnetic properties are in good agreement with experimental results. The band gap of ZnFe 2 O 4 is 1.93 eV represented that is in good consistent with the optical band gap (2.11 eV). Furthermore, electronic results revealed strong interactions between O with Zn and Fe atoms. Both O–Zn and O–Fe bonds have a covalent character as well as the O–Zn bond strength is more than the O–Fe bond.

The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized. The Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating successful synthesis. The antifungal potential was evaluated against six Candida species ( C . dubliniensis , C . krusei , C . tropicalis , C . parapsilosis , C . glabrata , and C . albicans ) using the broth microdilution method. The results indicated strong antifungal activity in the range of 8–64 μg/mL with the lowest MIC (8 μg/mL) observed against C . parapsilosis . The result showed the MIC of 32 μg/mL against C. albicans as the most common infection source. The antifungal mechanism is likely due to the disruption of the fungal cell wall and membrane, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell death. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for cytotoxicity on mouse L929 fibroblastic cells suggested low toxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at certain concentrations. This study demonstrates the promise of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs as a potent antifungal agent with potential applications in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, healthcare-associated infections, and beyond.

Although a genetic basis of depression has been well established in twin studies, identification of genome-wide significant loci has been difficult. We hypothesized that bivariate analyses of findings from a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (meta-GWASs) of the broad depression phenotype with those from meta-GWASs of self-reported and recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder and schizophrenia would enhance statistical power to identify novel genetic loci for depression. LD score regression analyses were first used to estimate the genetic correlations of broad depression with self-reported MDD, recurrent MDD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Then, we performed four bivariate GWAS analyses. The genetic correlations (rg ± SE) of broad depression with self-reported MDD, recurrent MDD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were 0.79 ± 0.07, 0.24 ± 0.08, 0.53 ± 0.09 and 0.57 ± 0.05, respectively. From a total of 20 independent genome-wide significant loci, 13 loci replicated of which 8 were novel for depression. These were MUC21 for the broad depression phenotype with self-reported MDD and ZNF804A, MIR3143, PSORS1C2, STK19, SPATA31D1, RTN1 and TCF4 for the broad depression phenotype with schizophrenia. Post-GWAS functional analyses of these loci revealed their potential biological involvement in psychiatric disorders. Our results emphasize the genetic similarities among different psychiatric disorders and indicate that cross-disorder analyses may be the best way forward to accelerate gene finding for depression, or psychiatric disorders in general.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical global health issue, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies to manage bacterial and fungal infections. This study explores the development and evaluation of multifunctional Fe 3 O₄@SiO₂/Schiff-base/Zn (II) magnetic nanocomposite (MNC) with enhanced antimicrobial properties. The synthesized MNC combines the magnetic characteristics of Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with the antimicrobial properties of Schiff-base ligand functionalized with Zn (II) ions. The preparation involved the coprecipitation of Fe₃O₄, coating with SiO₂ via a modified Stöber method, and subsequent functionalization with Schiff-base/Zn (II) complex. Comprehensive characterization using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, EDX, VSM, and TGA confirmed successful synthesis, structural integrity, and superparamagnetic behavior of the MNPs and MNC. The antifungal and antibacterial activities were assessed against six Candida species and four bacterial strains using broth microdilution methods. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff-base/Zn (II) MNC exhibited significant inhibitory effects, with MIC values of 8–64 µg/mL for Candida species and 64–512 µg/mL for bacteria, demonstrating potent antimicrobial efficacy. The MTT assay indicated biocompatibility across various concentrations, except for slight cytotoxicity at 256 µg/mL after five days. To our knowledge, this is the first report integrating Zn (II) Schiff-base ligands into magnetic nanoparticles to achieve a versatile platform for both antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition applications.

Graphite is a carbon-based substance with continuous layers of carbon. According to biomechanical characteristics and excellent biocompatibility nanocomposites, have been widely applied in biomedical implantable instruments. However, antibiotic resistant bacterial infections are a great challenge in medical applications of nanomedical devices. In the present study, cobalt ferrite nanomaterials were created through green synthesis methods using Rutin extracts as a reduction agent. Afterward, it was loaded on graphite (G) and graphite-octadecylamine (G-ODA) through a deposition–precipitation technique to produce novel and multi-purpose graphite-based nanocomposites, graphite@CoFe 2 O 4 (G@CoFe 2 O 4 ) and graphite-octadecylamine@CoFe 2 O 4 (G-ODA@CoFe 2 O 4 ), in order to advance in biomedical applications in addition to improving antibacterial properties and safety. Nanocomposites characteristics were evaluated by FESEM, XRD, FTIR, and VSM, in addition to assessing their antibacterial properties and cellular toxicity. FESEM results revealed uniform distribution of spherical CoFe 2 O 4 NPs on the graphene basal planes with the average size of 32.2 nm in G-ODA@CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites, as well as the excellent antimicrobial function against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria with insignificant cytotoxicity. The facile and rapid operation, as well as successful antibacterial efficiency of G-ODA@CoFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites, suggest that it could become a promising opportunity for advanced antimicrobial biomedical instruments in the future.

Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.