Abstract: Bleeding and bacterial infection remain major challenges in surgical procedures. Thus, hemostatic biomaterials capable of controlling bleeding rapidly while preventing microbial contamination are highly desirable. This study developed and evaluated photocrosslinkable composite hydrogels made of methacrylated chitosan (ChiMA) and methacrylated oxidized cellulose nanofibers (OCNFMA) for antibacterial hemostatic applications. Chitosan (Chi) was methacrylated using methacrylic anhydride, cellulose nanofibers were oxidized with sodium periodate, and 2-aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA) was added to introduce photocrosslinkable groups. For the preparation of composite hydrogel networks, the precursor solutions were mixed and photocrosslinked under UV irradiation (365 nm) in the presence of lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP). A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and rheological analysis were utilized to characterize the materials. Hydrogels were evaluated for swelling behavior, degradation profile, and blood clotting ability. Furthermore, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) was evaluated, and cytocompatibility was evaluated using NIH3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3 preosteoblasts. Incorporating OCNFMA with low degrees of functionalization (L) or high degrees of functionalization (H) at different ratios into the ChiMA network significantly influenced the physicochemical and structural properties of the hydrogels. The composite hydrogels exhibited interconnected porous structures, improved mechanical stability, and tunable swelling and degradation behavior. Furthermore, some formulations demonstrated measurable antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. Moreover, cytocompatibility studies revealed that the composite hydrogels supported higher cell viability than ChiMA alone. The developed ChiMA–OCNFMA composite hydrogels exhibit promising physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties. The findings suggest that the materials may be useful as multifunctional hydrogels for wound management, as well as candidates for broader biomedical applications.

Abstract:

Marine exopolysaccharides (EPS) are emerging as sustainable bioactive polymers for biomedical hydrogels. Here, we report hydrogels from sulfated EPS produced by Porphyridium cruentum and ionically crosslinked with Ca²⁺, Ce³⁺, or Cu²⁺ to generate tunable networks for wound-healing applications. Rheological analysis showed that viscoelastic behavior was primarily governed by cation nature and accessible binding-site density, with diminishing gains above 2.5 wt% EPS and limited benefit beyond 10 wt% crosslinker. Ce³⁺ produced the most solid-like gel, Ca²⁺ yielded more thixotropic networks, and Cu²⁺ promoted rapid, heterogeneous crosslinking consistent with fast surface complexation. These network signatures translated into distinct in vitro performances. Cation selection tuned antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with Cu²⁺ achieving rapid bactericidal effects and Ce³⁺ enabling an 8-log reduction after 24 h. Antioxidant capacity was assay-dependent (ABTS vs DPPH), reflecting combined EPS radical-quenching and metal-associated redox contributions. Conditioned-media assays using human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes indicated the most favorable cytocompatibility balance for Ce³⁺-crosslinked gels, whereas Cu²⁺ gels were limited by cytotoxicity. Macrophage cytokine readouts (TNF-α, IL-6) further supported formulation-dependent immunobiological activity. This work establishes microalgal EPS as a versatile polymer platform and links ionic crosslinking chemistry to rheological control and multifunctional biomedical performance.

Abstract:

This study evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities of methanolic leaf extracts of Ximenia caffra (sour plum), a medicinal plant widely used in traditional healthcare systems across tropical Africa. Medicinal plants remain an important source of bioactive phytochemicals, and growing interest in phytopharmaceuticals has intensified the search for natural compounds with therapeutic potential. The present investigation aimed to scientifically validate the ethnomedicinal use of X. caffra leaves by assessing their enzyme inhibitory and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh leaves of X. caffra were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using methanol through maceration. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using protein denaturation inhibition and membrane stabilization assays, while antidiabetic potential was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent biological activities across all experimental models. Anti-inflammatory evaluation showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization, with IC₅₀ values of 129.83 µg/mL and 288.11 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the extract demonstrated appreciable antidiabetic activity, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 227.01 µg/mL and 179.35 µg/mL, respectively, indicating stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase. These findings suggest that X. caffra leaves contain bioactive compounds capable of modulating inflammatory responses and carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, thereby supporting their traditional medicinal use. The study highlights the potential of X. caffra as a promising natural source for the development of plant-based anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The growing worldwide need for sustainable, high-quality protein sources has intensified interest in single-cell protein (SCP) production, particularly mycoproteins derived from filamentous fungi. Concurrently, the agricultural sector generates vast quantities of starch-rich by-products, such as broken rice, cassava peels, potato waste and cereal processing residues, that remain largely underutilized despite their high carbohydrate content. This literature review examines the potential of starch-based agricultural by-products as low-cost, renewable feedstocks for mycoprotein production. Key topics include the chemical characteristics of starch residues, pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis strategies for efficient saccharification and the metabolic suitability of fungal strains such as Neurospora and Fusarium spp. for biomass and protein synthesis. In addition, the review evaluates optimization of fermentation processes, including maximizing biomass yield and improving overall feedstock valorization to enhance process efficiency. Furthermore, considerations related to process design, environmental benefits and techno-economic feasibility are evaluated in the context of converting starch residues into fungal protein. In summary, the evidence suggests that valorizing starch by-products for mycoprotein fermentation, used as a protein alternative and as an ingredient, represents a promising strategy to reduce waste, lower production costs and support global food sustainability.

Abstract: Intraperitoneal (I.P.) delivery of cell-based therapeutics represents a promising strategy for treating regional peritoneal diseases; however, rapid cellular clearance severely limits therapeutic durability. A critical unmet need is the development of implantable biomaterial platforms that can both mechanically integrate within the dynamic I.P. cavity and sustain viable cell persistence in vivo. Here, we establish a Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP)-based 3D bioprinting strategy to engineer transplantable, cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds optimized for I.P. implantation. Through systematic bioresin design, we identify a GelMA-PEGDA formulation that achieves a balance between high-resolution printability, tissue-matched mechanical compliance (Young’s modulus 10-15 kPa), and controlled biodegradation (~75% mass loss over 14 days). The resulting constructs support sustained cell viability and proliferation for over 30 days in vitro. Importantly, in vivo I.P. implantation demonstrates a ~10-fold extension in cellular persistence compared to direct cell injection, prolonging the time to 50% signal decay from ~3 days to ~30 days, with detectable cell retention approaching two months in select animals. The platform further accommodates multiple clinically relevant cell types, including human mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells, highlighting its translational versatility. Collectively, this work defines key material and architectural parameters required for I.P. implantable cell therapeutics and establishes CLIP-based bioprinting as a scalable strategy for regional delivery of living therapeutics.

Abstract: The transition toward sustainable pest management requires evaluation frameworks that extend beyond conventional efficacy-based pesticide assessment. This study proposes the Structural–Activity–Economic Sustainability (SAES) framework, a multidimensional composite model designed to evaluate natural bioactive compounds through integrated molecular, biological, and economic performance indicators. Ten representative phytochemical compounds were assessed using standardized molecular descriptors, bioactivity metrics, and economic sustainability parameters. A composite SAES Index was constructed using balanced domain weighting to quantify overall sustainability performance. The results revealed a tiered distribution of sustainability scores ranging from 0.730 to 0.498, demonstrating measurable differentiation among compounds. Pyrethrin (0.730) and Azadirachtin (0.716) formed a high-performance cluster, whereas mid-ranked compounds exhibited relatively compressed values, suggesting competitive equilibrium zones. Lower-ranked compounds showed sharper declines, indicating cross-domain imbalance. Sensitivity and robustness analyses confirmed ranking stability under weight perturbation and scenario variation, supporting the structural consistency of the SAES framework. These findings indicate that sustainability cannot be reduced solely to biological potency or structural magnitude, but instead emerges from multidimensional balance across molecular optimization, functional efficacy, and economic viability. By operationalizing sustainability into a quantifiable composite metric, the SAES model provides a decision-support framework for compound selection, regulatory evaluation, and sustainability-oriented agricultural investment strategies.

Abstract:

Background. Quaternary phosphonium salts (QPSs) are extensively researched since represent new promising weapons to counteract critical superbugs, regardless their robust pattern of resistance. Methods. Here, dynamic light scattering analysis was carried out on QPSs 1, 3 and 4 recently reported and already found active against cancer cells, and phosphine 2 unveiling particles of 700-800 nm for 2, 3 and 4 and positive Zeta-potential (ζ-p ) for all (+4.2-+38.1 mV). 1, 3 and 4 plus 2, were microbiologically evaluated, assessing minimum inhibitory concentration values (MICs) (1-4), time-killing curves (1), and anti-biofilm capacity (1). Results. MICs on a total of 23 Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinically isolated superbugs, evidenced that, poorly soluble 2, 3 and 4 exhibited not reproducible MICs, while 1 provided interesting MICs, which made it worthy of further investigations. In fact, 1 was active against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive species and not active against MDR Gram-negative species including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically, MICs = 16-32 µg/mL and 16-64 µg/mL were determined against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. epidermidis (MRSE) respectively. MICs = 32-64 µg/mL were observed against teicoplanin- and vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium and no activity against P. aeruginosa (> 128 µg/mL). Notably, time-kill experiments established that 1 was bactericidal against MRSA, while strongly inhibited (up to 100%) the formation of biofilm produced by the strongest biofilm-producers S. epidermidis and S. aureus isolates of our collection, at MICs and 2.5 × MIC concentrations, depending on isolates considered. Interestingly, if used against Staphylococci, and mainly MRSA, 1 was softly haemolytic. It was no cytotoxic against not tumorigenic human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and murine embryonic fibroblasts (3T3) in all cases. Structure-activity relationships have been studied, leading to outcomes which could be of great help for designing optimized new QPSs. Conclusions. Findings of this study overturn previous antimicrobial reports on compound 1, suggesting it as a new excellent weapon to counteract bacterial resistance and biofilm production by MRSA and MRSE superbugs, as well as thinkable for future in vivo experiments and clinical development.

Abstract: Plant-based biomaterials are increasingly recognized as bio-instructive platforms capable of actively modulating immune responses rather than functioning solely as passive structural supports. In this context, the term plant-based is used operationally to denote photosynthetic biomass–derived platforms and includes both terrestrial plants and marine macroalgae, reflecting their shared richness in polysaccharides and secondary metabolites relevant to immune-engineering and regenerative medicine. Current evidence on plant-derived polysaccharides and phytochemicals is critically synthesized, including algal sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginate, carrageenan), terrestrial plant polysaccharides (e.g., Lycium barbarum and Aloe vera derivatives), and polyphenolic compounds, highlighting their roles as bioinstructive immunomodulators in biomedical contexts.Key immunoregulatory mechanisms are discussed, including macrophage polarization along an M1–M2 functional continuum, pattern-recognition receptor engagement, redox and metabolic regulation, and coordinated crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity. Particular emphasis is placed on how material structure, molecular weight distribution, and chemical functionalization shape immune cell responses and downstream regenerative outcomes. Advanced delivery strategies, including polysaccharide-based hydrogels, nanocomposites, lipid-based phytosome formulations, and plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), are reviewed as enabling technologies to enhance stability, bioavailability, and spatiotemporal control of plant-derived bioactives. Applications in wound, musculoskeletal, and bone regeneration are summarized with attention to tissue-specific immunological requirements. Key barriers to clinical translation are also addressed, including source variability, batch-to-batch reproducibility, establishment of structure–activity relationships, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, regulatory classification (medical device vs. drug vs. combination product), and ethical considerations related to sourcing and traditional knowledge. For clarity, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are used as an umbrella term encompassing heterogeneous vesicular subpopulations; the term “exosomes” is retained only when supported by subtype-specific characterization, as many studies report mixed EV preparations.

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous biocompatible radical molecule with demonstrated biomedical and antimicrobial benefits. Developing adaptable, long-lasting delivery systems for NO has become an essential goal for both combating resistant bacterial growth and providing sustained medical benefits. Silsesquioxane (SQ)-based organo-gels were chosen and synthesized as robust, tunable NO-release platforms. These highly stable SQ gel frameworks, composed of silicon–oxygen backbones with variable R-groups, exhibited high porosity and surface area, and offered chemical versatility, enabling control over NO loading and release. 3-Mercaptopropyl groups were utilized as sulfur-based NO-releasing substituents (-RSNOs), with additional R-groups capable of altering accessibility to RSNO sites through hydrophobicity and steric hindrance. The NO release profile, rate, and duration from the functionalized gels were also tailored by adjusting the number of RSNO sites in the elastomeric system, thereby enabling a customizable release profile. This combination of NO-releasing silsesquioxanes with silicone elastomers yields composite materials that are integratable into biomedical applications, offering NO release up to 40 days within modeled physiological conditions in PBS buffer.

Abstract: Six dentin adhesives were tested in vitro regarding their cytotoxicity on human fibroblasts. Hybrid Bond, One-up Bond F Plus, AdheSE, Clearfil SE Bond, Optibond Solo Plus and Syntac were tested by using a cell culture model. The several components of dentin adhesives like primer and bonding were analyzed as single and additive applied components as specified by the manufacturer for the application in-vivo. 75 petri dishes were produced per group and all petri dishes (480 ones) were evaluated triangulated. This unique assessment is following our first investigation and the observation period is extended from 24 hours to 48 hours. AdheSE, Clearfil SE Bond, One-up Bond F Plus and Optibond Solo Plus showed statistically significant less amounts of viable cells compared to the cell control. All dentin adhesives except Clearfil SE Bond showed a statistically significant difference regarding the reactivity index in the application comparison. In conclusion, the test materials showed a moderate grade of cytotoxicity with no statistically significant difference regarding the cytotoxicity between the tested self-etch and etch-and-rinse dentin adhesives. However, the results show differences between sequentially and single applied adhesive parts.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The quest for effective therapeutic alternatives for infec-tions caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria remains a major global health priority. In this context, bacteriophage therapy has re-emerged as a promising strate-gy due to its high host specificity and ability to infect and lyse targeted bacterial strains. However, clinical translation is limited by biological and technological chal-lenges, including phage instability and rapid inactivation after administration. Algi-nate- and chitosan-based polymeric nanomatrices offer a practical way to address these limitations. Properly engineered nanoparticles can improve phage stability, protect against environmental stressors, reduce inactivation, and enable localized, controlled release at the infection site. Methods: A polysaccharide-based nanocarrier composed of hydrophobically modified alginate (mAlg) and chitosan was developed. Encapsulation of bacteriophage vB_Eco_K-02 within mAlg-Cs nanoparticles was achieved by ultrasonication-assisted polyelectrolyte complexation. Particle size, ζP, and morphology were evaluated, and phage encapsulation efficiency and antibacte-rial activity were assessed in vitro. Results: The mAlg-Cs formulation at a 1:0.625 mass ratio yielded nanoparticles with the most favorable physicochemical properties, including improved size distribution, high colloidal stability, and regular morphology. vB_Eco_K-02-loaded NPs (mAlg-Cs-Phg) achieved a high encapsulation efficiency (99 %) and preserved lytic activity after formulation, resulting in strong inhibition of E. coli growth in kinetic assays. Conclusions: mAlg-Cs nanoparticles provide an effi-cient platform for encapsulating vB_Eco_K-02 while preserving phage infectivity and enabling effective antibacterial activity. This nanosystem represents a promising strategy to enhance phage delivery for the treatment of bacterial infection.

Abstract: Polysaccharide-based hydrogels represent sustainable and biocompatible bioinks for 3D bioprinting applications in regenerative medicine. However, their clinical translation is impeded by complex structure–property–processing interrelationships. This comprehensive review synthesizes existing literature on polysaccharides derived from seaweed, plant, microbial, and animal sources, correlating their chemical characteristics with rheological performance across extrusion, light-based, and embedded bioprinting modalities. It further critically examines crosslinking strategies, including ionic, photochemical, enzymatic, and hybrid approaches, alongside essential criteria for high-fidelity, cell-laden constructs, such as shear-thinning, yield stress, and post-print stability. By critically analyzing structure–property–processing relationships across seaweed-, plant-, microbial-, and animal-derived polysaccharides and evaluating key translational barriers from preclinical studies, this review distills design principles for next-generation hybrid bioinks. These principles emphasize double-network architectures, bioactive modifications, and perfusable constructs to advance clinically viable tissues and expedite the development of functional regenerative therapies.

Abstract: Chronic and hard-to-heal wounds remain a major clinical burden, yet many synthetic nanocarriers used in advanced dressings are constrained by limited biomimicry and concerns over inflammatory risk and off-target toxicity. Here we report porcine skin–derived reconstituted lipid nanoparticles (PS-rLNPs) as a tissue-origin, composition-preserving nanoplatform for wound repair. Total lipids extracted from fresh porcine skin were assembled into nanoparticles via a facile solvent-injection process. Lipidomics revealed a triglyceride- and phosphatidylcholine-dominant composition accompanied by minor membrane-relevant lipid species, suggesting a biocompatible, multi-lipid milieu. PS-rLNPs formed a stable nanoscale dispersion and maintained colloidal stability in physiologically relevant and serum-containing media. In vitro, PS-rLNPs showed no cytotoxicity across the tested dose range and exhibited pronounced intrinsic pro-healing bioactivity, significantly enhancing fibroblast viability and accelerating cell motility in both scratch-closure and Transwell migration assays. Collectively, these results establish PS-rLNPs as a biocompatible, serum-stable, and intrinsically pro-regenerative lipid nanoparticle system, providing a scalable route to tissue-derived nanomedicines that may complement next-generation wound-care strategies.

Abstract: The work is aimed on the application of the solvent casting method of cyclic olefin co-polymer TOPAS® for the preparation of thin films. Noble metal nanostructures deposited on cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrates offer a versatile platform for advanced appli-cations due to their unique optical, catalytic, and biocompatible properties. The integra-tion of nanostructures with COC combines excellent chemical resistance, optical trans-parency, and ease of microfabrication with the plasmonic and catalytic functionality of noble metals. Such hybrid systems are promising for use in biosensing, photonic devices, and surface-enhanced spectroscopies. The COC films have been modified by argon plas-ma and subsequently sputtered with noble metals. After thermal and laser modification, Au films show antibacterial properties against gram-negative Escherichia coli and Ag layers act bactericidally for both gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staph-ylococcus aureus. Samples were examined by AFM, DSC, RBS, SEM and TGA during preparation and their roughness and water wettability was determined. The results point to a functional modification of the pharmaceutical packaging material used so far, which in connection with the expanding resistance of bacteria to antibiotic treatment is a prom-ising path for material development.

Abstract: Composite materials in form of granules, networks and films were created from sus-pensions of synthetic powders of calcium carbonates CaCO3 in aqueous solutions of sodium alginate. Powders of calcium carbonates CaCO3 were synthesized from 0.5M aqueous solutions of calcium chloride CaCl2 and aqueous solutions of potassium K2CO3 (at molar ratio Ca/CO3=1), sodium Na2CO3 (at molar ratio Ca/CO3=1), ammonium (NH4)2CO3 (at molar ratios Ca/CO3=1 and Ca/CO3=0.5) carbonates. Phase composition of powder synthesized from CaCl2 and K2CO3 was presented by calcite. Phase compo-sition of powders synthesized from other soluble carbonates included calcite and va-terite. The powder preparation protocol excluded the stage of by-product removing via synthesized powder washing providing their preservation at very low level. Presence of NH4Cl as reaction by-product even in small quantities can be taken as a reason vis-ually observed subsequences of cross-linking reaction at the stage of suspensions preparation. Aqueous solution of sodium alginate and suspensions containing powders synthesized from potassium K2CO3 and sodium Na2CO3 carbonates demonstrated the similar dependence of viscosities from share rate. Presence of (NH4)2CO3 in the powder synthesized at molar ratio Ca/CO3=0.5 was the reason of the lower viscosity of the suspension in comparison with suspensions loaded with powders containing KCl, NaCl and (NH4)2Cl as reaction by-products due to decomposition of unstable (NH4)2CO3 and gas phase formation. Presence of (NH4)2Cl in the powder synthesized at molar ratio Ca/CO3=1 in contrary was a reason of the highest viscosity suspension comparison with those under investigation. Granules, meshes and films were created via interaction of suspensions calcium carbonates CaCO3 in aqueous solutions of so-dium alginate with 0.25M aqueous solutions of calcium chloride CaCl2 to provide formation of matrix of composites via Ca-crosslinking of sodium alginate followed by washing and freeze drying under deep vacuum. Created composite materials in form of granules, meshes and films based on Ca-cross-linked alginate and powders of synthetic calcium carbonate can be recommended for the skin wounds and bone defects treatment, and drug delivery carriers.

Abstract: The interface between biomaterials and biological systems is crucial for medical implants and tissue engineering. Surface modifications are a key strategy for controlling interactions. Synthetic glycopolymers offer a versatile toolbox, mimicking the structure and function of natural glycoconjugates like mucins. This review highlights the significance of glycopolymers for targeted surface modifications of established biomaterials, such as silicones and poly(meth)acrylates. Controlled polymerization techniques, like RAFT polymerization, enable the synthesis of well-defined glycopolymer architectures. Glycopolymeric surface functionalization creates tailored interfaces for different biological responses: From preventing protein and cell adhesion to promoting specific cell-type binding. The focus lies on using single, well-characterized polymeric base materials and tuning their surface properties through glycopolymer coatings to achieve various and specific functions. This approach opens new dimensions in the development of advanced biomaterials for applications like contact lenses, drug delivery systems, and biosensors and also possesses potential regulatory advantages by leveraging the safety profiles of existing materials.

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of hydration, temperature, and γ-irradiation on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Lactoprene® 7415, a linear block co-polymer, consisting of 74% lactide, 15% trimethylene carbonate, and 11% ε-caprolactone repeating units, and 40 wt% β-TCP / Lactoprene® 7415 composite. Characterization techniques have evidenced a strong influence of the parameters investigated on the structure of the materials, via irradiation- or water-induced crystallinity, crosslinking, chain scission or plasticization, thereby affecting their thermal and mechanical behavior. Notably, hyperelastic characteristics were identified under simulated physiological conditions. Our results indicate that the complex interplay between the polymer, particles, temperature, hydration and water must be considered in the future designs and investigations of composite materials for scaffold guided bone regeneration (SGBR) applications.

Abstract: Exposed bone fractures (EBF) represent a critical clinical challenge due to the simultaneous disruption of bone and surrounding soft tissues, requiring multifunctional biomaterials capable of providing mechanical adaptability, structural stability, and biological support. In this study, we developed a smart, shear-thinning, self-healing hydrogel composed of guar gum, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, collagen, and chitosan-stabilized manganese phosphate (MnP) micro/nanoparticles. MnP particles were synthesized via a quitosan/ascorbic acid-assisted route and characterized by SEM, DLS, FTIR, and EDS, confirming spherical morphology and successful phosphate incorporation. The resulting nanostructured hydrogel exhibited high porosity (>85%), controlled swelling, pH responsiveness, and efficient rheological self-recovery (>90% storage modulus restoration under cyclic deformation). The system demonstrated non-Newtonian behavior and effective adhesion to skin without irritation after 10 h of contact. In vitro assays using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts confirmed cytocompatibility and concentration-dependent modulation of cell migration. The incorporation of MnP micro/nanoparticles contributes potential osteogenic functionality while preserving mechanical integrity and dynamic responsiveness. These findings suggest that the developed nanocomposite hydrogel represents a promising auxiliary platform for the treatment of exposed bone fractures.

Abstract: The exploitation in new materials of even the smallest scraps of textiles would contribute to their success in fields, such as the automotive industry. In this work, alkaline treatment with low tenors of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was applied on flax and hemp fabric textile residues, trying to recover the most suitable process conditions as the function of the quality of treated fibres. Several parameters have been considered, the temperature and the concentration of the alkaline solution, the immersion time in it, and finally the immersion time in distilled water during the neutralization phase. Drying tests were carried out at a controlled temperature to verify the effects of the various treatment parameters. The effect of the various procedures was elucidated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) so to measure crystallinity, atomic force microscopy (AFM) to elucidate the variation of roughness, and nitrogen absorption/desorption cycles to how microporosities develop with treatment. It is suggested that only the 1.5 wt./vol.% treatment did produce some worthwhile modification of the fibres to prepare them for their use in composites, more evidently in flax than in hemp, though care needs to be taken about fibre embrittlement and potential permeability to water.

Abstract: Thermoplastic starch (TPS) can be a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics for flexible packaging, especially in rainforests and tropical regions where native starch sources such as cassava are abundant. However, one problem preventing TPS packaging from widespread use is its susceptibility to moisture. This study evaluated TPS formulations based on Amazonian cassava starch reinforced with plantain leaf fibers, beeswax, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) particles. The plastic compounds were extruded to obtain pellets and then films at 120-130 °C. The resulting films were then cut and heat-sealed to obtain flexible packaging. Different properties of the TPS packages were evaluated, such as mechanical strength, water vapor transmission (WVTR), color, infrared spectrum (FT-IR), and moisture adsorption. The results showed that the formulation with beeswax (2 % w/w), plantain leaves powder (1 % w/w), and LDPE powder (2 % w/w) had a higher tensile strength (5.99 MPa) and moisture barrier (WVTR = 366.6 g m-2 d-1) compared to the control formulation only with plasticizers (glycerol and water) but without reinforcements (0.48 MPa and 1486.6 g m-2 d-1, respectively). Films with only beeswax (4 % w/w) and plantain leaves powder (2.5 % w/w) had tensile strength = 5.53 MPa and WVTR = 716.8 g m-2 d-1, with higher moisture adsorption compared to the samples with LDPE. In both cases, homogeneous and heat-sealable bags were obtained. The reinforced TPS films can be used to reduce the environmental impact generated by single-use packaging applications such as food commercialization.