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1.
On the Future Design of Bio-Inspired Polyetheretherketone Dental Implants.
Knaus, J, Schaffarczyk, D, Cölfen, H
Macromolecular bioscience. 2020;(1):e1900239
Abstract
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising implant material because of its excellent mechanical characteristics. Although this polymer is a standard material in spinal applications, PEEK is not in use in the manufacturing of dental implants, where titanium is still the most-used material. This may be caused by its relative bio-inertness. By the use of various surface modification techniques, efforts have been made to enhance its osseointegrative characteristics to enable the polymer to be used in dentistry. In this feature paper, the state-of-the-art for dental implants is given and different surface modification techniques of PEEK are discussed. The focus will lie on a covalently attached surface layer mimicking natural bone. The usage of such covalently anchored biomimetic composite materials combines many advantageous properties: A biocompatible organic matrix and a mineral component provide the cells with a surrounding close to natural bone. Bone-related cells may not recognize the implant as a foreign body and therefore, may heal and integrate faster and more firmly. Because neither metal-based nor ceramics are ideal material candidates for a dental implant, the combination of PEEK and a covalently anchored mineralized biopolymer layer may be the start of the desired evolution in dental surgery.
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2.
Biological Factors, Metals, and Biomaterials Regulating Osteogenesis through Autophagy.
di Giacomo, V, Cataldi, A, Sancilio, S
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;(8)
Abstract
Bone loss raises great concern in numerous situations, such as ageing and many diseases and in both orthopedic and dentistry fields of application, with an extensive impact on health care. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms and the determinants that can regulate osteogenesis and ensure bone balance. Autophagy is a well conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, which is known to be highly active during differentiation and development. This review provides a revision of the literature on all the exogen factors that can modulate osteogenesis through autophagy regulation. Metal ion exposition, mechanical stimuli, and biological factors, including hormones, nutrients, and metabolic conditions, were taken into consideration for their ability to tune osteogenic differentiation through autophagy. In addition, an exhaustive overview of biomaterials, both for orthopedic and dentistry applications, enhancing osteogenesis by modulation of the autophagic process is provided as well. Already investigated conditions regulating bone regeneration via autophagy need to be better understood for finely tailoring innovative therapeutic treatments and designing novel biomaterials.
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3.
Polymer - Metal Nanocomplexes Based Delivery System: A Boon for Agriculture Revolution.
Kaur, P, Choudhary, R, Pal, A, Mony, C, Adholeya, A
Current topics in medicinal chemistry. 2020;(11):1009-1028
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles are well known for their antimicrobial properties. The use of metalbased nanoparticles in the agricultural field has considerably increased globally by both direct and indirect means for the management of plant diseases. In this context, the development of controlled delivery systems for slow and sustained release of metal nanoparticles is crucial for prolonged antimicrobial activity. Polymers have emerged as a valuable carrier for controlled delivery of metal nanoparticles as agrochemicals because of their distinctive properties. The most significant benefits of encapsulating metal nanoparticles in a polymer matrix include the ability to function as a protector of metal nanoparticles and their controlled release with prolonged efficacy. This review focuses on loading strategies and releasing behavior of metal nanoparticles in the polymer matrix as antimicrobial agents for plant diseases. The Polymer-metal nanocomplexes (PMNs) comprise a biocompatible polymeric matrix and metal nanoparticles as active components of an antimicrobial agent, pesticides and plant growth regulators used to enhance the crop productivity.
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4.
Research advances in preparation and application of chitosan nanofluorescent probes.
Liu, P, Wang, R, Su, W, Qian, C, Li, X, Gao, L, Jiao, T
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2020;:1884-1896
Abstract
Nanofluorescent material is developing rapidly as a new type of material. Nanofluorescent probes have broad application prospects in biological analysis, drug metabolism, and semiconductor optical materials. Chitosan is non-toxic and rich in nature which has good biocompatibility, and it can be combined with fluorescent probes. Therefore, the preparation and application of Nanofluorescent probes using chitosan as a carrier is summarized in this article. Fluorescent probes can be combined with other different materials through different reaction mechanisms, and the prepared composite materials can be widely used in biomaterials, sewage treatment, medicine and other fields.
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5.
Recent trends in peptide and protein-based hydrogels.
Katyal, P, Mahmoudinobar, F, Montclare, JK
Current opinion in structural biology. 2020;:97-105
Abstract
Hydrogels are classic examples of biomaterials that have found its niche in biomedical and allied fields. Here, we describe examples of peptide-based and protein-based hydrogels with a focus on smart gels that respond to various stimuli including temperature, pH, light, and ionic strength. With the recent advancements in computational modeling, it has been possible to predict as well as design peptide and protein sequences that can assemble into hydrogels with unique and improved properties. We briefly discuss coarse grained and atomistic simulations in designing peptides that can form hydrogels. In addition, we highlight the trends that will influence the future design and applications of hydrogels, with emphasis on bioadhesion, exosomes delivery, tissue and organoids engineering, and even intracellular production of gels.
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6.
Oroactive dental biomaterials and their use in endodontic therapy.
Patel, E, Pradeep, P, Kumar, P, Choonara, YE, Pillay, V
Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials. 2020;(1):201-212
Abstract
Dental biomaterials have revolutionized modern therapies. Untreated dental caries remains the major etiological factor for endodontic treatment, and together with a decreasing rate of tooth loss escalates the importance of continuously improving the materials used for endodontic therapies. Endodontic biomaterials are used for vital pulp therapies, irrigation, intracanal medicaments, obturation and regenerative procedures. These materials offer several functions including: antimicrobial activity, mechanical reinforcement, aesthetics, and therapeutic effects. Vital pulp therapies have seen an improvement in clinical results with an incremental approach to build on the strengths of past materials such as calcium hydroxide and calcium silicates. While sodium hypochlorite remains the gold standard for canal irrigation, numerous nanoparticle formulations have been developed to promote sustained antimicrobial action. Gutta-percha based bulk fillers remain the most common materials for root filling. However, while multiple studies focus on the development of novel formulations containing drugs, glass derivatives or ionic-, polymeric-, or drug- loaded nanoparticles, a lack of reliable and long-term clinical evidence obligates further study as experienced clinicians prefer to use what has worked for decades. This review delves in to the biochemistry of the materials to scrutinize their shortcomings, and where opportunity lies to further enhance their efficacy in endodontic practice. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:201-212, 2020.
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7.
Use of Alcalase in the production of bioactive peptides: A review.
Tacias-Pascacio, VG, Morellon-Sterling, R, Siar, EH, Tavano, O, Berenguer-Murcia, Á, Fernandez-Lafuente, R
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2020;(Pt B):2143-2196
Abstract
This review aims to cover the uses of the commercially available protease Alcalase in the production of biologically active peptides since 2010. Immobilization of Alcalase has also been reviewed, as immobilization of the enzyme may improve the final reaction design enabling the use of more drastic conditions and the reuse of the biocatalyst. That way, this review presents the production, via Alcalase hydrolysis of different proteins, of peptides with antioxidant, angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory, metal binding, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities (among other bioactivities) and peptides that improve the functional, sensory and nutritional properties of foods. Alcalase has proved to be among the most efficient proteases for this goal, using different protein sources, being especially interesting the use of the protein residues from food industry as feedstock, as this also solves nature pollution problems. Very interestingly, the bioactivities of the protein hydrolysates further improved when Alcalase is used in a combined way with other proteases both in a sequential way or in a simultaneous hydrolysis (something that could be related to the concept of combi-enzymes), as the combination of proteases with different selectivities and specificities enable the production of a larger amount of peptides and of a smaller size.
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8.
Hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial - a gift that keeps on giving.
Ghiasi, B, Sefidbakht, Y, Mozaffari-Jovin, S, Gharehcheloo, B, Mehrarya, M, Khodadadi, A, Rezaei, M, Ranaei Siadat, SO, Uskoković, V
Drug development and industrial pharmacy. 2020;(7):1035-1062
Abstract
The synthetic analogue to biogenic apatite, hydroxyapatite (HA) has a number of physicochemical properties that make it an attractive candidate for diagnosis, treatment of disease and augmentation of biological tissues. Here we describe some of the recent studies on HA, which may provide bases for a number of new medical applications. The content of this review is divided to different medical application modes utilizing HA, including tissue engineering, medical implants, controlled drug delivery, gene therapies, cancer therapies and bioimaging. A number of advantages of HA over other biomaterials emerge from this discourse, including (i) biocompatibility, (ii) bioactivity, (iii) relatively simple synthesis protocols for the fabrication of nanoparticles with specific sizes and shapes, (iv) smart response to environmental stimuli, (v) facile functionalization and surface modification through noncovalent interactions, and (vi) the capacity for being simultaneously loaded with a wide range of therapeutic agents and switched to bioimaging modalities for uses in theranostics. A special section is dedicated to analysis of the safety of particulate HA as a component of parenterally administrable medications. It is concluded that despite the fact that many benefits come with the usage of HA, its deficiencies and potential side effects must be addressed before the translation to the clinical domain is pursued. Although HA has been known in the biomaterials world as the exemplar of safety, this safety proves to be the function of size, morphology, surface ligands and other structural and compositional parameters defining the particles. For this reason, each HA, especially when it comes in a novel structural form, must be treated anew from the safety research angle before being allowed to enter the clinical stage.
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9.
Bacillus subtilis: a universal cell factory for industry, agriculture, biomaterials and medicine.
Su, Y, Liu, C, Fang, H, Zhang, D
Microbial cell factories. 2020;(1):173
Abstract
Due to its clear inherited backgrounds as well as simple and diverse genetic manipulation systems, Bacillus subtilis is the key Gram-positive model bacterium for studies on physiology and metabolism. Furthermore, due to its highly efficient protein secretion system and adaptable metabolism, it has been widely used as a cell factory for microbial production of chemicals, enzymes, and antimicrobial materials for industry, agriculture, and medicine. In this mini-review, we first summarize the basic genetic manipulation tools and expression systems for this bacterium, including traditional methods and novel engineering systems. Secondly, we briefly introduce its applications in the production of chemicals and enzymes, and summarize its advantages, mainly focusing on some noteworthy products and recent progress in the engineering of B. subtilis. Finally, this review also covers applications such as microbial additives and antimicrobials, as well as biofilm systems and spore formation. We hope to provide an overview for novice researchers in this area, offering them a better understanding of B. subtilis and its applications.
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10.
Biodegradable Polymers for Gene-Delivery Applications.
Chen, CK, Huang, PK, Law, WC, Chu, CH, Chen, NT, Lo, LW
International journal of nanomedicine. 2020;:2131-2150
Abstract
Gene-based therapies have emerged as a new modality for combating a myriad of currently incurable diseases. However, the fragile nature of gene therapeutics has significantly hampered their biomedical applications. Correspondingly, the development of gene-delivery vectors is of critical importance for gene-based therapies. To date, a variety of gene-delivery vectors have been created and utilized for gene delivery. In general, they can be categorized into viral- and non-viral vectors. Due to safety issues associated with viral vectors, non-viral vectors have recently attracted much more research focus. Of these non-viral vectors, polymeric vectors, which have been preferred due to their low immunogenicity, ease of production, controlled chemical composition and high chemical versatility, have constituted an ideal alternative to viral vectors. In particular, biodegradable polymers, which possess advantageous biocompatibility and biosafety, have been considered to have great potential in clinical applications. In this context, the aim of this review is to introduce the recent development and progress of biodegradable polymers for gene delivery applications, especially for their chemical structure design, gene delivery capacity and additional biological functions. Accordingly, we first define and categorize biodegradable polymers, followed by describing their corresponding degradation mechanisms. Various types of biodegradable polymers resulting from natural and synthetic polymers will be introduced and their applications in gene delivery will be examined. Finally, a future perspective regarding the development of biodegradable polymer vectors will be given.