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Objective Coated medical devices have been shown to reduce catheter-related infections. We coated endotracheal tubes (ETT) with silver sulfadiazine (SSD), and tested them in a clinical study to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of preventing bacterial colonization. Design A prospective, randomized clinical trial, phase I–II. Setting Academic intensive care unit (ICU). Participants Forty-six adult patients expected to need 12–24 h of intubation were randomized into two groups. Interventions Patients were randomized to be intubated with a standard non-coated ETT (St-ETT, n  = 23; control group), or with a SSD-coated ETT (SSD-ETT, n  = 23). Measurements and results Coating with SSD prevented bacterial colonization of the ETT (frequency of colonization: SSD-ETT 0/23, St-ETT 8/23; p  < 0.01). No organized bacterial biofilm could be identified on the lumen of any ETT; however, SSD was associated with a thinner mucus layer (in the SSD-ETT secretion deposits ranged from 0 to 200 μm; in the St-ETT deposits ranged between 50 and 700 μm). No difference was observed between the two groups in the tracheobronchial brush samples (frequency of colonization: SSD-ETT 0/23, St-ETT 2/23; p  = 0.48). No adverse reactions were observed with the implementation of the novel device. Conclusion SSD-ETT can be safely used in preventing bacterial colonization and narrowing of the ETT in patients intubated for up to 24 h (mean intubation time 16 h).

Background: There is a need for exploration of the role of chemotherapeutic agents and its role in the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) and its recurrence. Aim: The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of three commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in the prevention of ECC in comparison with a control and (2) To ascertain the role of chemotherapeutic agents in the prevention of ECC. Materials and Methods: Sixty children with ECC in the age group 3-6 years were randomly allocated into four groups. To each group of children after full oral rehabilitation either 10% povidone-iodine (PI), or chlorhexidine (CHX) varnish (Cervitec Plus), or fluoride varnish (Fluor Protector) were applied twice at an interval of 1 week, Group 4 served as control. Streptococcus mutans count in saliva and plaque were collected at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days and the presence of S. mutans was evaluated using the Dentocult SM strip mutans kit. The efficacy of 10% PI, CHX varnish (Cervitec Plus), and fluoride varnish (Fluor Protector) was compared with the control group at 30, 60, and 90 days. An intergroup comparison was also done during the same time intervals. Results: The reduction of S. mutans count in the plaque and saliva was greatest in the fluoride varnish treated groups at all time intervals (30, 60, and 90 days). Fluoride varnish, CHX varnish, and 10% PI showed significant improved efficacy when compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Fluoride varnish showed significantly lower counts of S. mutans compared to CHX varnish at all time intervals (30, 60, and 90 days) and also significantly lower counts compared to 10% PI at 60 and 90 days interval (P < 0.001).

One-layer wound dressings cannot meet all the clinical needs due to their individual characteristics and shortcomings. Therefore, bilayer wound dressings which are composed of two layers with different properties have gained lots of attention. In the present study, polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel) scaffold was electrospun on a dense membrane composed of polyurethane and ethanolic extract of propolis (PU/EEP). The PU/EEP membrane was used as the top layer to protect the wound area from external contamination and dehydration, while the PCL/Gel scaffold was used as the sublayer to facilitate cells’ adhesion and proliferation. The bilayer wound dressing was investigated regarding its microstructure, mechanical properties, surface wettability, anti-bacterial activity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and its efficacy in the animal wound model and histopathological analyzes. Scanning electron micrographs exhibited uniform morphology and bead-free structure of the PCL/Gel scaffold with average fibers’ diameter of 237.3 ± 65.1 nm. Significant anti-bacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcal aureus (5.4 ± 0.3 mm), Escherichia coli (1.9 ± 0.4 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.0 ± 0.2 mm) according to inhibition zone test. The bilayer wound dressing exhibited high hydrophilicity (51.1 ± 4.9°), biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The bilayer wound dressing could significantly accelerate the wound closure and collagen deposition in the Wistar rats’ skin wound model. Taking together, the PU/EEP-PCL/Gel bilayer wound dressing can be a potential candidate for biomedical applications due to remarkable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, antibacterial features, and wound healing activities.

The use of nanofibrous materials in the field of tissue engineering requires a fast, efficient, scalable production method and excellent wettability of the obtained materials, leading to enhanced cell adhesion. We proposed the production method of superhydrophilic nanofibrous materials in a two-step process. The process is designed to increase the wettability of resulting scaffolds and to enhance the rate of fibroblast cell adhesion. Polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous material was produced in the solution blow spinning process. Then the PU fibers surface was modified by dopamine polymerization in water solution. Two variants of the modification were examined: dopamine polymerization under atmospheric oxygen (V-I) and using sodium periodate as an oxidative agent (V-II). Hydrophobic PU materials after the treatment became highly hydrophilic, regardless of the modification variant. This effect originates from polydopamine (PDA) coating properties and nanoscale surface structures. The modification improved the mechanical properties of the materials. Materials obtained in the V-II process exhibit superior properties over those from the V-I, and require shorter modification time (less than 30 min). Modifications significantly improved fibroblasts adhesion. The cells spread after 2 h on both PDA-modified PU nanofibrous materials, which was not observed for unmodified PU. Proposed technology could be beneficial in applications like scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Recent research efforts to mitigate the burden of biofouling in marine environments have focused on the development of environmentally friendly coatings that can provide long-lasting protective effects. In this study, the antifouling performance of novel polyurethane (PU)-based coatings containing cyclam-based Fe(III) complexes against Cobetia marina biofilm formation was investigated. Biofilm assays were performed over 42 days under controlled hydrodynamic conditions that mimicked marine environments. Colony-forming units (CFU) determination and flow cytometric (FC) analysis showed that PU-coated surfaces incorporating 1 wt.% of complexes with formula [R2(4-CF3PhCH2)2CyclamFeCl2]Cl (R = H, HOCH2CH2CH2) significantly reduced both culturable and total cells of C. marina biofilms up to 50% (R = H) and 38% (R = HOCH2CH2CH2) compared to PU-coated surface without complexes (control surface). The biofilm architecture was further analyzed using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which showed that biofilms formed on the PU-coated surfaces containing cyclam-based Fe(III) complexes exhibited a significantly reduced thickness (58–61% reduction), biovolume (50–60% reduction), porosity (95–97% reduction), and contour coefficient (77% reduction) compared to the control surface, demonstrating a more uniform and compact structure. These findings were also supported by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) images, which showed a decrease in biofilm surface coverage on PU-coated surfaces containing cyclam-based Fe(III) complexes. Moreover, FC analysis revealed that exposure to PU-coated surfaces increases bacterial metabolic activity and induces ROS production. These results underscore the potential of these complexes to incorporate PU-coated surfaces as bioactive additives in coatings to effectively deter long-term bacterial colonization in marine environments, thereby addressing biofouling-related challenges.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial effects resulting from Ce 3+ to Ce 4+ conversion. Application of such cerium oxide nanoparticles in dentistry has been previously considered but limited due to deterioration of mechanical properties. Hence, this study aimed to examine mesoporous silica (MCM-41) coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles and evaluate the antibacterial effects and mechanical properties when applied to dental composite resin. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were coated on the MCM-41 surface using the sol–gel method by adding cerium oxide nanoparticle precursor to the MCM-41 dispersion. The samples were tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans via CFU and MTT assays. The mechanical properties were assessed by flexural strength and depth of cure according to ISO 4049. Data were analyzed using a t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post-hoc test ( p  = 0.05). The experimental group showed significantly increased antibacterial properties compared to the control groups ( p  < 0.005). The flexural strength exhibited a decreasing trend as the amount of cerium oxide nanoparticle-coated MCM-41 increased. However, the flexural strength and depth of cure values of the silane group met the ISO 4049 standard. Antibacterial properties increased with increasing amounts of cerium oxide nanoparticles. Although the mechanical properties decreased, silane treatment overcame this drawback. Hence, the cerium oxide nanoparticles coated on MCM-41 may be used for dental resin composite.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of incorporating chitosan into dental resin composites on their mechanical, antibacterial, and physicochemical properties. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted in March 2025 using the following keywords: resin, composite, and chitosan. The inclusion criteria comprised in vitro studies in dentistry evaluating chitosan as a composite additive with full-text availability in English. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers using standardized tools, and study quality was assessed based on predefined criteria. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Chitosan concentrations in the composites ranged from 0.25 wt% to 20 wt%. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in six studies, especially against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and L. acidophilus. Mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, hardness, and compressive strength were generally improved at lower concentrations of chitosan. However, increased chitosan levels were associated with decreased flexural strength and increased microleakage. Shear bond strength (SBS) was unaffected by chitosan in low concentrations (up to 0.25%), while higher concentrations reduced SBS. Fluoride release capacity was assessed in one study, with no significant differences observed. Conclusion: Chitosan-modified dental resin composites exhibit promising antibacterial and mechanical enhancements at low concentrations. However, higher chitosan levels may compromise certain mechanical and adhesive properties. These findings suggest a need for standardized methodologies and further research on long-term clinical implications and fluoride release.

Contact-active antibacterial surfaces play a vital role in preventing bacterial contamination of artificial surfaces. In the past, numerous researches have been focused on antibacterial surfaces comprising of antifouling upper-layer and antibacterial sub-layer. In this work, we demonstrate a reversed surface structure which integrate antibacterial upper-layer and antifouling sub-layer. These surfaces are prepared by simply casting gemini quaternary ammonium salt waterborne polyurethanes (GWPU) and their blends. Due to the high interfacial energy of gemini quaternary ammonium salt (GQAS), chain segments containing GQAS can accumulate at polymer/air interface to form an antibacterial upper-layer spontaneously during the film formation. Meanwhile, the soft segments composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) formed the antifouling sub-layer. Our findings indicate that the combination of antibacterial upper-layer and antifouling sub-layer endow these surfaces strong, long-lasting antifouling and contact-active antibacterial properties, with a more than 99.99% killing efficiency against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria attached to them.

Butenolide derivatives have the potential to be effective and environmentally friendly antifouling agents. In the present study, a butenolide derivative was structurally modified into Boc-butenolide to increase its melting point and remove its foul smell. The structurally modified Boc-butenolide demonstrated similar antifouling capabilities to butenolide in larval settlement bioassays but with significantly lower toxicity at high concentrations. Release-rate measurements demonstrated that the antifouling compound Boc-butenolide could be released from polycaprolactone-polyurethane (PCL-PU)-based coatings to inhibit the attachment of foulers. The coating matrix was easily degraded in the marine environment. The performance of the Boc-butenolide antifouling coatings was further examined through a marine field test. The coverage of biofouler on the Boc-butenolide coatings was low after 2 months, indicating the antifouling potential of Boc-butenolide.

This study presents the electrospinning fabrication of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrous scaffolds with two fiber architectures; randomly oriented and unidirectionally aligned incorporating olive oil and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to enhance biomedical performance. Both scaffold types exhibited robust antibacterial activity: randomly oriented TPU/CuO mats produced inhibition zones of 33.0 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 19.46 mm against Escherichia coli , whereas aligned mats showed a slight reduction to a 31.0 mm zone against S. aureus. Cytocompatibility assays using HFB4 fibroblasts demonstrated low cytotoxicity, with cell viability rates of 86% for randomly oriented fibers and 96.25% for aligned fibers. Whole-blood clotting tests confirmed rapid hemostatic action in both orientations, underscoring their capacity to promote blood coagulation. Collectively, these multifunctional TPU/CuO/olive oil nanofibrous membranes combine controlled fiber orientation with bioactive filler incorporation to deliver enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, superior cell compatibility, and effective hemostatic properties that position them as promising candidates for next-generation wound-healing dressings.