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Phycoremediation of swine wastewater is a promising treatment since it efficiently removes nutrients and contaminants and, simultaneously, its biomass can be harvested and used to obtain a wide range of valuable compounds and metabolites. In this context, biomass microalgae were investigated for the phycoremediation of swine wastewater, and biomass extracts for its virucidal effect against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Microalgae were cultivated in a pilot scale bioreactor fed with swine wastewater as the growth substrate. Hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol were used to obtain the microalgae extracts. Extracts were tested for virucidal potential against HSV-1 and HAdV-5. Virucidal assays were conducted at temperatures that emulate environmental conditions (21 °C) and body temperature (37 °C). The maximum production of microalgae biomass reached a concentration of 318.5 ± 23.6 mg DW L −1 . The results showed that phycoremediation removed 100% of ammonia-N and phosphate-P, with rates ( k 1 ) of 0.218 ± 0.013 and 0.501 ± 0.038 (day −1 ), respectively. All microalgae extract reduced 100% of the infectious capacity of HSV-1. The microalgae extracts with dichloromethane and methanol showed inhibition activities at the lowest concentration (3.125 µg mL −1 ). Virucidal assays against HAdV-5 using microalgae extract of hexane and methanol inhibited the infectious capacity of the virus by 70% at all concentrations tested at 37 °C. At a concentration of 12.5 µg mL −1 , the dichloromethane microalgae extract reduced 50–80% of the infectious capacity of HAdV-5, also at 37 °C. Overall, the results suggest that the microalgae can be an attractive source of feedstock biomass for the exploration of alternative virucidal compounds.

Background: Pyroptosis is a caspase-dependent catabolic process relevant to periodontal disorders for which inflammation is central to the pathophysiology of the disease. Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been applied to support periodontal regeneration, its capacity to modulate the expression of pyroptosis-related genes remains unknown. Considering EMD has anti-inflammatory properties and pyroptosis is linked to the activation of the inflammasome in chronic periodontitis, the question arises whether EMD could reduce pyroptosis signalling. Methods: To answer this question, primary macrophages obtained from murine bone marrow and RAW 264.7 macrophages were primed with EMD before being challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells were then analysed for pyroptosis-signalling components by gene expression analyses, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) immunoassay, and the detection of caspase-1 (CAS1). The release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also detected. Results: We report here that EMD, like the inflammasome (NLRP3) and CAS1 specific inhibitors—MCC950 and Ac-YVAD-cmk, respectively—lowered the LPS-induced expression of NLRP3 in primary macrophages (EMD: p = 0.0232; MCC950: p = 0.0426; Ac-YVAD-cmk: p = 0.0317). EMD further reduced the LPS-induced expression of NLRP3 in RAW 264.7 cells (p = 0.0043). There was also a reduction in CAS1 and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 macrophages on the transcriptional level (p = 0.0598; p = 0.0283; respectively), in IL-1β protein release (p = 0.0313), and CAS1 activity. Consistently, EMD, like MCC950 and Ac-YVAD-cmk, diminished the ROS release in activated RAW 264.7 cells. In ST2 murine mesenchymal cells, EMD could not be tested because LPS, saliva, and IL-1β + TNF-α failed to provoke pyroptosis signalling. Conclusion: These findings suggest that EMD is capable of dampening the expression of pyroptosis-related genes in macrophages.

Mangroves are ecosystems with unique characteristics due to the high salinity and amount of organic matter that house a rich biodiversity. Fungi have aroused much interest as they are an important natural source for the discovery of new bioactive compounds, with potential biotechnological and pharmacological interest. This review aims to highlight endophytic fungi isolated from mangrove plant species and the isolated bioactive compounds and their bioactivity against protozoa, bacteria and pathogenic viruses. Knowledge about this type of ecosystem is of great relevance for its preservation and as a source of new molecules for the control of pathogens that may be of importance for human, animal and environmental health.

CFR-PEEK (carbon fiber reforced—poly ether ether ketone) has been demonstrated to be excellent substitute titanium in orthopedic applications and can be manufactured with many physical, mechanical, and surface properties, in several shapes. The aim of this study was to compare, using the three-dimensional finite element method, the stress distribution in the peri-implant support bone of distinct models composed of PEEK components and implants reinforced with 30% carbon fiber (30% CFR-PEEK) or titanium. In simulations with a perfect bonding between the bone and the implant, the 30% CFR-PEEK presented higher stress concentration in the implant neck and the adjacent bone, due to the decreased stiffness and higher deformation in relation to the titanium. However, 30% CFR-PEEK implants and components did not exhibit any advantages in relation to the stress distribution compared to the titanium implants and components.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate physical–chemical and biocompatibility characteristics of a simple synthesis and low cost experimental bioactive glass. Physical and chemical properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biomaterials were subcutaneously implanted into rats, according to the following groups: G1, PerioGlas™; G2, Biogran™, G3, Experimental Bioactive Glass U (BGU) and G4, Control (Sham). After 7, 15, 21, 45, and 60 days, 5 animals/group/period were sacrificed and the subcutaneous tissue was dissected for histological and histometric analysis, considering inflammatory reaction and granulation area, presence of polymorphonuclear (PMN), monuclear (MN) and fibroblast (F) cells. SEM analysis of biomaterials showed irregular particles with different surface characteristics. EDX showed calcium, oxygen, sodium, phosphorus and silicon; XRF revealed silica oxide (SiO 2 ), sodium oxide (Na 2 O), calcium oxide (CaO) and phosphorus oxide (P 2 O 5 ). XRD indicated non crystalline phase. Measurement of tissue reaction showed similar results among the experimental groups at 45 and 60 days. No difference was found for PMN, MN and F cell counts. All biomaterials exhibited partial resorption. In conclusion, the experimental bioactive glass analyzed showed physical and chemical characteristics similar to the commercially available biomaterials, and was considered biocompatible, being partially reabsorbed in the subcutaneous tissue.

ObjectivesTo evaluate hydrogel-based scaffolds embedded with parathyroid hormone (PTH)-loaded mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) on the enhancement of bone tissue regeneration in vitro.Materials and methodsMBG was produced via sol–gel technique followed by PTH solution imbibition. PTH-loaded MBG was blended into the hydrogels and submitted to a lyophilisation process associated with a chemical crosslinking reaction to the production of the scaffolds. Characterisation of the MBG and PTH-loaded MBG scaffolds, including the scanning electron microscope (SEM) connected with an X-ray detector (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), compression strength, rheological measurements, swelling and degradation rates, and PTH release analysis, were performed. Also, bioactivity using simulated-body fluid (SBF), biocompatibility (MTT), and osteogenic differentiation analyses (von Kossa and Alizarin Red stainings, and μ-computed tomography, μCT) of the scaffolds were carried out.ResultsSEM images demonstrated MBG particles dispersed into the hydrogel-based scaffold structure, which was homogeneously porous and well interconnected. EDX and FTIR revealed large amounts of carbon, oxygen, sodium, and silica in the scaffold composition. Bioactivity experiments revealed changes on sample surfaces over the analysed period, indicating the formation of carbonated hydroxyapatite; however, the chemical composition remained stable. PTH-loaded hydrogel-based scaffolds were biocompatible for stem cells from human-exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). A high quantity of calcium deposits on the extracellular matrix of SHED was found for PTH-loaded hydrogel-based scaffolds. μCT images showed MBG particles dispersed into the scaffolds’ structure, and a porous, lamellar, and interconnected hydrogel architecture.ConclusionsPTH-loaded hydrogel-based scaffolds demonstrated consistent morphology and physicochemical properties for bone tissue regeneration, as well as bioactivity, biocompatibility, and osteoinductivity in vitro. Thus, the scaffolds presented here are recommended for future studies on 3D printing.Clinical relevanceBone tissue regeneration is still a challenge for several approaches to oral and maxillofacial surgeries, though tissue engineering applying SHED, scaffolds, and osteoinductive mediators might help to overcome this clinical issue.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of different disinfection protocols for dentures by combining methods, varying intervention sequences, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) concentrations (0.1% and 0.25%), and post-exposure to intraoral temperature. The heat-polymerized poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) was divided into groups (n = 15): control (C, distilled water immersion), B (brushing), I0.1% and I0.25% (isolated NaOCl immersion), B + I0.1% and B + I0.25% (brushing followed by immersion), I + B0.1% and I + B0.25% (immersion followed by brushing), and B + I0.1% + T and B + I0.25% + T (brushing, NaOCl immersion, and overnight exposure to 35 °C ± 2 °C). The post-disinfection exposure to intraoral temperature simulated the denture use during sleeping time. Quantitative evaluation was performed by colony-forming unit (CFU/mL) counting of C. albicans and qualitative analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Data were processed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test to compare different protocols at the same concentration and among groups (α ≤ 0.05). Applying 0.25% NaOCl in associated protocols, the intervention sequence was no different (B + I and I + B) and caused the lowest C. albicans counts. The 0.1% NaOCl lost part of its action when the immersion method started the protocols. B + I0.25%, I0.25% + B, and B + I0.1% had similar antimicrobial efficacy, but the intraoral temperature (B + I + T) reduced the efficacy of these protocols, regardless of NaOCl concentration. Residual biofilm recolonization was also detected in SEM images. In conclusion, all the combinations between mechanical and chemical methods using 0.25% NaOCl were the most effective against C. albicans. The antimicrobial efficacy of NaOCl at 0.1% changes depending on the intervention sequence. The intraoral temperature influenced the C. albicans recolonization after the disinfection protocols.

The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate degradation and biocompatibility of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) + hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA+HA/βTCP) scaffolds incorporating simvastatin (SIM) to verify if this biomaterial might be promising for bone tissue engineering. Samples were obtained by the solvent evaporation technique. Biphasic ceramic particles (70% HA, 30% βTCP) were added to PLGA in a ratio of 1:1. Samples with SIM received 1% (m/m) of this medication. Scaffolds were synthesized in a cylindric shape and sterilized by ethylene oxide. For degradation analysis, samples were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C under constant stirring for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Nondegraded samples were taken as reference. Mass variation, scanning electron microscopy, porosity analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry were performed to evaluate physico-chemical properties. Wettability and cytotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility. Microscopic images revealed the presence of macro-, meso-, and micropores in the polymer structure with HA/βTCP particles homogeneously dispersed. Chemical and thermal analyses presented similar results for both PLGA+HA/βTCP and PLGA+HA/βTCP+SIM. The incorporation of simvastatin improved the hydrophilicity of scaffolds. Additionally, PLGA+HA/βTCP and PLGA+HA/βTCP+SIM scaffolds were biocompatible for osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. In summary, PLGA+HA/βTCP scaffolds incorporating simvastatin presented adequate structural, chemical, thermal, and biological properties for bone tissue engineering.

Background. Local or systemic issues might prevent installing a sufficient number of dental implants for fixed prosthetic rehabilitation. Splinting dental implants and natural teeth in fixed dentures could overcome such limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dental abutments in the biomechanics of tooth‒implant-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs). The null hypothesis was that increasing the number of abutment teeth would not decrease the stress over the abutments and surrounding bone. Methods. Left mandibular lateral incisor, canine, premolars, and molars were reconstructed through computed tomography and edited using image processing software to represent a cemented fixed metal‒ceramic partial denture. Three models were set to reduce the number of abutment teeth: 1) lateral incisor, canine, and first premolar; 2) canine and first premolar; 3) the first premolar. The second premolar and first molar were set as pontics, and the second molar was set as an implant abutment in all the models. Finite element analyses were performed under physiologic masticatory forces with axial and oblique loading vectors. Results. After simulation of axial loads, the stress peaks on the bone around the implant, the bone around the first premolar, and prosthetic structures did not exhibit significant changes when the number of abutment teeth decreased. However, under oblique loads, decreasing the number of abutment teeth increased stress peaks on the surrounding bone and denture. Conclusion. Increasing the number of dental abutments in tooth‒implant-supported cemented FPD models decreased stresses on its constituents, favoring the prosthetic biomechanics.

Biotech Network (Rede Biotech in Portuguese) is a crossdisciplinary initiative launched at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) to foster innovative biotechnological solutions aligned with Brazil’s scientific, environmental, and societal challenges. Here, we highlight the structure, mission, and pioneering research efforts of the network, offering a model for integrated and sustainable biotechnology development in emerging economies. Biotech Network (Rede Biotech in Portuguese) is a crossdisciplinary initiative launched at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) to foster innovative biotechnological solutions aligned with Brazil’s scientific, environmental, and societal challenges. Here, we highlight the structure, mission, and pioneering research efforts of the network, offering a model for integrated and sustainable biotechnology development in emerging economies.