This study presents a graphene oxide-mediated hybrid nanosystem that exhibits pH-dependent responsiveness for in vitro targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. Graphene oxide (GO)-functionalized chitosan (CS) nanocarriers, capped with xyloglucan (XG) and potentially incorporating kappa carrageenan (-C) from Kappaphycus alverzii red seaweed, were developed for active drug delivery. To ascertain the physicochemical attributes of GO-CS-XG nanocarriers, loaded with and without active drugs, a comprehensive analysis encompassing FTIR, EDAX, XPS, XRD, SEM, and HR-TEM techniques was performed. The XPS study, encompassing the C1s, N1s, and O1s spectra, provided evidence for the formation of XG and the functionalization of GO with CS, as seen in the characteristic binding energies at 2842 eV, 3994 eV, and 5313 eV, respectively. 0.422 milligrams per milliliter of drug was found loaded in vitro. The nanocarrier, GO-CS-XG, displayed a cumulative drug release of 77 percent at an acidic pH of 5.3. In acidic environments, the GO-CS-XG nanocarrier facilitated a significantly faster release rate of -C in comparison to physiological conditions. With the GO-CS-XG,C nanocarrier system, a novel and successful pH-responsive anticancer drug release was demonstrated, for the first time. The drug release mechanism, as assessed by various kinetic models, displayed a mixed release behavior influenced by both concentration and the diffusion/swelling mechanism. Amongst the models, zero-order, first-order, and Higuchi models best support our release mechanism. Biocompatibility analysis of GO-CS-XG and -C loaded nanocarriers was performed using in vitro hemolysis and membrane stabilization techniques. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the nanocarrier on MCF-7 and U937 cancer cell lines, resulting in a finding of excellent cytocompatibility. These findings confirm that the green, renewable, biocompatible GO-CS-XG nanocarrier is a valuable tool for targeted drug delivery, and potentially as an anticancer agent for therapeutic purposes.
The use of chitosan-based hydrogels (CSH) as healthcare materials is a promising development. From the past decade's research emphasizing the connection between structure, property, and application, selected studies are showcased to illuminate developing approaches and potential uses of the target CSH. CSH applications are differentiated into conventional biomedical categories like drug controlled release, tissue repair and monitoring, and essential categories including food safety, water purification, and air cleaning technologies. In this article, the reversible chemical and physical approaches are highlighted. Furthermore, suggestions are made in conjunction with a description of the development's current condition.
Persistent bone defects, stemming from trauma, infection, surgical intervention, or underlying systemic ailments, continue to present a serious obstacle to advancements in medicine. In an attempt to solve this clinical concern, multiple hydrogel materials were used to facilitate bone tissue regeneration and regrowth. Wool, hair, horns, nails, and feathers all contain the natural fibrous protein keratin. Because of their outstanding biocompatibility, excellent biodegradability, and hydrophilic properties, keratins have been utilized extensively in diverse fields. Our investigation involved the synthesis of nanocomposite hydrogels featuring keratin and montmorillonite, in which keratin hydrogels acted as a framework to incorporate endogenous stem cells, along with the inclusion of montmorillonite. Introducing montmorillonite into keratin hydrogels noticeably amplifies their osteogenic properties, notably enhancing the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 1/5/8 (p-SMAD 1/5/8), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Ultimately, the presence of montmorillonite within hydrogels can increase both the mechanical robustness and the biological responsiveness of the resultant material. An interconnected porous structure was observed in the morphology of feather keratin-montmorillonite nanocomposite hydrogels through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) confirmed the presence of montmorillonite within the keratin hydrogels. Our research validates that hydrogels synthesized from feather keratin and montmorillonite nanoparticles significantly improve the osteogenic potential of bone marrow-derived stem cells. Correspondingly, micro-CT and histological studies of rat cranial bone deficiencies demonstrated that feather keratin-montmorillonite nanocomposite hydrogels greatly spurred bone regeneration in the live animal model. Nanocomposite hydrogels composed of feather keratin and montmorillonite, when acting collectively, modulate the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of endogenous stem cells, facilitating bone defect healing, and thereby showcasing their potential in bone tissue engineering.
Sustainable and biodegradable agro-waste is gaining considerable attention as a material for food packaging applications. Typical of lignocellulosic biomass, rice straw (RS) is a plentiful but often neglected agricultural byproduct, resulting in detrimental environmental practices such as burning. The investigation into utilizing rice straw (RS) as a source for biodegradable packaging material demonstrates potential for economic processing of this agricultural waste, offering solutions for RS disposal and a sustainable alternative to plastic. Undetectable genetic causes Fibers, whiskers, nanoparticles, plasticizers, cross-linkers, and fillers, including nanoparticles and fibers, have been integrated into the structure of polymers. To enhance RS characteristics, natural extracts, essential oils, and various synthetic and natural polymers were combined with these materials. This biopolymer's industrial use in food packaging necessitates a substantial body of research to be completed first. In the context of packaging, RS offers a means to enhance the value of underutilized residues. The extraction methods and functionalities of cellulose fibers, and their nanostructured forms from RS, are reviewed in this article, concluding with their applications in packaging.
In academic and industrial spheres, chitosan lactate (CSS) is frequently employed because of its inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high biological activity. Chitosan's solubility is limited to acidic environments; CSS dissolves directly in water. The solid-state methodology was utilized in this investigation to prepare CSS from moulted shrimp chitosan at a controlled room temperature. Prior to the reaction with lactic acid, chitosan was first immersed in a blend of ethanol and water, which improved its receptiveness to the subsequent chemical reaction. The prepared CSS, as a consequence, demonstrated high solubility (greater than 99%) and a zeta potential of +993 mV, similar to the commercially produced product. CSS preparation is surprisingly simple and highly effective in managing large-scale projects. Proanthocyanidins biosynthesis Subsequently, the produced product displayed the capacity to act as a flocculant, specifically for the harvesting of Nannochloropsis sp., a widely recognized marine microalgae frequently used to nourish larval stages. Under ideal circumstances, a CSS solution (250 ppm) at pH 10 showcased the maximum recovery of Nannochloropsis sp., yielding 90% after 120 minutes of processing. Moreover, the biomass of the harvested microalgae demonstrated exceptional regeneration after a period of six days in culture. The aquaculture sector's findings demonstrate a circular economy model by leveraging solid waste for value-added products, thus diminishing environmental impact and advancing a sustainable, zero-waste approach.
Improving the flexibility of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was achieved by blending it with medium-chain-length PHAs (mcl-PHAs). In addition, nanocellulose (NC) was incorporated as a reinforcing agent. The synthesis of even- and odd-chain-length PHAs, including poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (PHO) and poly(3-hydroxynonanoate) (PHN), was completed, and these served as modifiers for PHB. When exposed to PHO and PHN, PHB's morphology, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradative behaviors showed differences, particularly prominent in the presence of NC. Upon the addition of mcl-PHAs, a 40% drop was observed in the storage modulus (E') of PHB blends. Adding NC further counteracted the reduction, bringing the E' of PHB/PHO/NC close to that of PHB, while having a minimal impact on the E' of PHB/PHN/NC. PHB/PHO/NC's biodegradability was outperformed by PHB/PHN/NC, its degradation rate approaching that of pure PHB after the four-month soil burial period. NC's impact was complex, fortifying the interaction between PHB and mcl-PHAs, reducing the dimensions of PHO/PHN inclusions (19 08/26 09 m), and increasing soil penetration by water and microorganisms during burial. The uniform tube stretch-forming capability of mcl-PHA and NC modified PHB, evidenced by the blown film extrusion test, further supports their prospective applications in the packaging industry.
Well-established materials in bone tissue engineering include hydrogel-based matrices and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). Nonetheless, the design of suitable composites exhibiting superior mechanical properties and facilitating improved cell proliferation remains a challenge. In pursuit of enhanced mechanical stability and swelling capacity, we fabricated nanocomposite hydrogels by incorporating TiO2 NPs into a chitosan and cellulose-based hydrogel matrix, which also contained polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Although TiO2 has been a component of single and double-component matrix systems, its integration into a tri-component hydrogel matrix remains a less explored area. The doping of nanoparticles (NPs) was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis. learn more The hydrogels exhibited a substantial increase in tensile properties, as a direct consequence of the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles, according to our results. We also performed biological evaluations of the scaffolds, including swelling studies, bioactivity assessments, and hemolytic tests, to guarantee that all hydrogels were safe for human use.