Resveratrol-Mediated Gold-Nanoceria Synthesis as Green Nanomedicine for Phytotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In the present study, resveratrol was used to prepare complexes of cerium and nanoceria, also coated with gold (CeO2@Au core-shells) to improve the surface interactions in physiological conditions.The CeO2@Au core-shells were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ζ potential.The experiment was led to the successful synthesis of nanosized CeO2@Au core-shells, although agglomeration of particles caused the distribution of the larger particles. The TEM analysis demonstrated the particles sizes ranged from 20 nm to 170 nm. Moreover, the PXRD analysis showed that both nanoceria and gold with the same crystal systems and space groups. To investigate the anticancer activity of the CeO2@Au core-shells, the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was investigated against liver cancerous cell lines (HepG2).The results indicated biosynthesized NCs have significant cellular toxicity properties against HepG2 and could be utilized in hepatocarcinoma therapy. Furthe

In-vitro Investigations of Skin Closure using Diode Laser and Protein Solder Containing Gold Nanoshells

Introduction: Laser tissue soldering is a new technique for repair of various tissues including the skin, liver, articular cartilage and nerves and is a promising alternative to suture. To overcome the problems of thermal damage to surrounding tissues and low laser penetration depth, some exogenous chromophores such as gold nanoshells, a new class of nanoparticles consisting of a dielectric core surrounded by a thin metal shell, are used. The aims of this study were to use two different concentrations of gold nanoshells as the exogenous material for skin tissue soldering and also to examine the effects of laser soldering parameters on the properties of the repaired skin. Material and Methods: Two mixtures of albumin solder and different concentrations of gold nanoshells were prepared. A full thickness incision of 2×20 mm2 was made on the surface and after placing 50 μl of the solder mixture on the incision, an 810 nm diode laser was used to irradiate it at different power densities. The changes of tensile strength, σt, due to temperature rise, number of scan (Ns), and scan velocity (Vs) were investigated. Results: The results showed that the tensile strength of the repaired skin increased with increasing irradiance for both gold nanoshell concentrations. In addition, at constant laser irradiance (I), the tensile strength of the repaired incision increased with increasing Ns and decreasing Vs. In our case, this corresponded to st = 1610 g/cm2 at I ~ 60 Wcm-2, T ~ 65ºC, Ns = 10 and Vs = 0.2 mms-1. Discussion and Conclusion: Gold nanoshells can be used as an indocyanine green dye (ICG) alterative for laser tissue soldering.  Although by increasing the laser power density, the tensile strength of the repaired skin increases, an optimum power density must be considered due to the resulting increase in tissue temperature

Evaluation of Ibuprofen Release from Gelatin /Hydroxyapatite /Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites: Ibuprofen Release from Gelatin /Hydroxyapatite /Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites

Gelatin-hydroxyapatite-polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites were synthesized using five different formulations. The nanocomposites were loaded with ibuprofen and the amount of drug in the carriers was determined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was conducted before and after drug loading to ensure the presence of ibuprofen on the nanocomposites. Drug delivery was evaluated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at pH 7.4 and 37°C. The results of XRD analysis showed acceptable synthesis of hydroxyapatite and the composites, confirming the loading of ibuprofen onto the synthesized nanocarriers. The results showed that maximum drug loading (58.2%) was recorded for sample D (30% gelatin, 40% nHA and 30% PLA), and minimum loading was recorded for sample E (30% gelatin, 30% nHA and 40% PLA). The maximum percentage of drug release over the course of 72 h (95.8%) was for nanocomposite D (30% gelatin, 40% nHA and 30% PLA). The minimum percentage of drug delivery (77%) was for nanocomposite E (30% gelatin, 30% nHA, 40% PLA), which contained the maximum PLA content

Enhancing bone tissue engineering with 3D-Printed polycaprolactone scaffolds integrated with tragacanth gum/bioactive glass

Tissue-engineered bone substitutes, characterized by favorable physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties, present a promising alternative for addressing bone defects. In this study, we employed an innovative 3D host-guest scaffold model, where the host component served as a mechanical support, while the guest component facilitated osteogenic effects. More specifically, we fabricated a triangular porous polycaprolactone framework (host) using advanced 3D printing techniques, and subsequently filled the framework's pores with tragacanth gum-45S5 bioactive glass as the guest component. Comprehensive assessments were conducted to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the designed scaffolds. Remarkably, successful integration of the guest component within the framework was achieved, resulting in enhanced bioactivity and increased strength. Our findings demonstrated that the scaffolds exhibited ion release (Si, Ca, and P), surface apatite formation, and biodegradation. Additionally, in vitro cell culture assays revealed that the scaffolds demonstrated significant improvements in cell viability, proliferation, and attachment. Significantly, the multi-compartment scaffolds exhibited remarkable osteogenic properties, indicated by a substantial increase in the expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and matrix deposition. Based on our results, the framework provided robust mechanical support during the new bone formation process, while the guest component matrix created a conducive micro-environment for cellular adhesion, osteogenic functionality, and matrix production. These multi-compartment scaffolds hold great potential as a viable alternative to autografts and offer promising clinical applications for bone defect repair in the future

Laser Soldering of Rat Skin Using a Controlled Feedback System

Introduction: Laser tissue soldering using albumin and indocyanine green dye (ICG) is an effective technique utilized in various surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to perform laser soldering of rat skin under a feedback control system and compare the results with those obtained using standard sutures. Material and Methods: Skin incisions were made over eight rats’ dorsa, which were subsequently closed using different wound closure interventions in two groups: (a) using a temperature controlled infrared detector or (b) by suture. Tensile strengths were measured at 2, 5, 7 and 10 days post-incision. Histological examination was performed at the time of sacrifice. Results: Tensile strength results showed that during the initial days following the incisions, the tensile strengths of the sutured samples were greater than the laser samples. However, 10 days after the incisions, the tensile strengths of the laser soldered incisions were higher than the sutured cuts. Histopathological examination showed a preferred wound healing response in the soldered skin compared with the control samples. The healing indices of the laser soldered repairs (426) were significantly better than the control samples (340.5). Conclusion: Tissue feedback control of temperature and optical changes in laser soldering of skin leads to a higher tensile strength and better histological results and hence this method may be considered as an alternative to standard suturing