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Novel Fabricated Bioactive Materials: Surface Modification and Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2020) | Viewed by 49612

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
2. The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, 060023 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: microbiology; immunology; new antimicrobial agents; host-pathogen signaling; infection control; antimicrobial nanomaterials; bacterial pathogenesis; virulence factors; quorum sensing; biofilms; antibacterial activity; antibiotic resistance; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; microbial molecular biology; bioactive materials; nanotechnology; nanoengineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University - Health Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
Interests: One of the major hurdles to the success of bacterial pathogens is the host immune response. It is known that bacteria are able to sense and respond to the host environment using different mechanisms. In my current work, using the robust Bordetella spp. murine model a natural host-pathogen infection, I am able to exploit the tools of mouse immunology and forward genetic approaches to test the principles of bacterial pathogenesis and inter-kingdom communication. My goal is to create novel vaccines and therapies to treat multi-drug-resistant bacteria based on the understanding of the mechanisms that bacteria utilize to manipulate host immune response
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioactive materials are currently the focus of intense biomedical research in the race against severe and incurable diseases. Debilitating diseases, chronic health conditions, cancer, and infections are the most relevant fields of application which have benefited from the progress made in the research on bioactive materials. From fast and accurate diagnostic tools to biomimetic implants and personalized therapeutics, materials science has provided innovative solutions, which ensure an increased life expectancy and a much better quality of life for millions and millions of patients.

This Special Issue will focus on novel advances and applications of bioactive materials in the biomedical field. The main objective is to highlight the recent progress in bioactive materials research translated into new biomedical applications with a great impact on infection control, implants, tissue engineering, plastic surgery, drug delivery, dentistry, coatings and tailored implants, biosensors, cancer research, and other relevant topics. Close attention in this Special Issue is given to materials and nanomaterials used for surface modification, which could open a new perspective in the design of improved medical devices, dental implants, dressings, textiles, food packaging, etc. Surface modification could be the best option to limit microbial attachment and biofilm formation on devices, medical surfaces, and disposables, as well as in industrial facilities, where such multicellular communities cause major damages.

Research and long review papers containing new findings and perspectives on the intriguing field of bioactive materials and surfaces and their recently applications are welcomed for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Alina Maria Holban
Dr. Monica Cartelle Gestal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioactive materials
  • nanomaterials
  • drug delivery
  • modified surfaces
  • infection control
  • biofilm inhibition
  • cancer therapy
  • tissue engineering
  • medical devices

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1640 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Novel Bioactive Glass Composition on Biological Properties of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
by Rosanna Di Tinco, Rachele Sergi, Giulia Bertani, Alessandra Pisciotta, Devis Bellucci, Gianluca Carnevale, Valeria Cannillo and Laura Bertoni
Materials 2020, 13(18), 4049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13184049 - 12 Sep 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2394
Abstract
Functional reconstruction of bone defects represents a clinical challenge in the regenerative medicine field, which targets tissue repair following traumatic injuries and disease-related bone deficiencies. In this regard, the optimal biomaterial should be safe, biocompatible and tailored in order to promote the activation [...] Read more.
Functional reconstruction of bone defects represents a clinical challenge in the regenerative medicine field, which targets tissue repair following traumatic injuries and disease-related bone deficiencies. In this regard, the optimal biomaterial should be safe, biocompatible and tailored in order to promote the activation of host progenitor cells towards bone repair. Bioactive glasses might be suitable biomaterials due to their composition being able to induce the host healing response and, eventually, anti-bacterial properties. In this study we investigated whether and how an innovative bioactive glass composition, called BGMS10, may affect cell adhesion, morphology, proliferation, immunomodulation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). When cultured on BGMS10, hDPSCs maintained their proliferation rate and typical fibroblast-like morphology, showing the expression of stemness markers STRO-1 and c-Kit. Moreover, the expression of FasL, a key molecule in mediating immunomodulation effects of hDPSCs, was maintained. BGMS10 also proved to trigger osteogenic commitment of hDPSCs, as confirmed by the activation of bone-related transcription factors RUNX2 and Osx and the ongoing deposition of extracellular matrix supported by the expression of OPN and OCN. Our findings suggest that BGMS10 not only maintains the typical biological and immunomodulatory properties of hDPSCs but also favors the osteogenic commitment. Full article
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13 pages, 4599 KiB  
Article
Wound Dressings Coated with Silver Nanoparticles and Essential Oils for The Management of Wound Infections
by Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Mihaela Carmen Musat and Alina Maria Holban
Materials 2020, 13(7), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13071682 - 03 Apr 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4081
Abstract
Infection represents one of the major risk factors in persistent and difficult to treat wounds. This study focuses on developing antimicrobial wound dressings coated with silver nanoparticles, sodium alginate and different essential oils, to avoid wound infection and biofilm formation. The design of [...] Read more.
Infection represents one of the major risk factors in persistent and difficult to treat wounds. This study focuses on developing antimicrobial wound dressings coated with silver nanoparticles, sodium alginate and different essential oils, to avoid wound infection and biofilm formation. The design of the wound dressings was done by the dip coating method. The characteristics of the developed materials were analysed by physicochemical (FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM) and biological (antimicrobial tests) approaches. The results demonstrated uniform silver nanoparticle formation on the substrate, and the developed nanomodified dressings were proven to have increased antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential. The developed wound dressings based on silver nanoparticles, sodium alginate and essential oils have real potential in treating infections, and can be investigated as an efficient alternative to antibiotics and topical preparations for wound management. Full article
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15 pages, 3845 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Surfaces of Polylactide and Silver Nanoparticles for the Prevention of Microbial Contamination
by Oana Gherasim, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Valentina Grumezescu, Florin Iordache, Bogdan Stefan Vasile and Alina Maria Holban
Materials 2020, 13(3), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13030768 - 07 Feb 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3095
Abstract
Thanks to its peculiar interactions with biological molecules and structures, metallic silver in the form of silver nanoparticles achieved a remarkable comeback as a potential antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial use of silver nanoparticles is of clinical importance, as several pathogenic microorganisms developed resistance [...] Read more.
Thanks to its peculiar interactions with biological molecules and structures, metallic silver in the form of silver nanoparticles achieved a remarkable comeback as a potential antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial use of silver nanoparticles is of clinical importance, as several pathogenic microorganisms developed resistance against various conventional drug treatments. Hence, given the extensive efficiency of silver nanoparticles against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant pathogens, their therapeutic implications were demonstrated in multiple medical applications, such as silver-based dressings, silver-coated biomedical devices and silver-containing nanogels. Bacterial strains possess an intrinsic ability to form well-organized microbial communities, capable of developing adaptive mechanisms to environmental aggression and self-protective pathways against antibiotics. The formation of these mono- or poly-microbial colonies, called biofilms, is closely related with the occurrence of infectious processes which result in severe and chronic pathologies. Therefore, substantial efforts were oriented to the development of new protective coatings for biomedical surfaces, capable of sustaining the physiological processes within human-derived normal cells and to disrupt the microbial contamination and colonization stages. Nanostructured materials based on polylactic acid and silver nanoparticles are herein proposed as bioactive coatings able to prevent the formation of microbial biofilms on biomedical relevant surfaces. Full article
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17 pages, 3073 KiB  
Article
HPMC- and PLGA-Based Nanoparticles for the Mucoadhesive Delivery of Sitagliptin: Optimization and In Vivo Evaluation in Rats
by Anroop B. Nair, Nagaraja Sreeharsha, Bandar E. Al-Dhubiab, Jagadeesh G. Hiremath, Pottathil Shinu, Mahesh Attimarad, Katharigatta N. Venugopala and Mohamed Mutahar
Materials 2019, 12(24), 4239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12244239 - 17 Dec 2019
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
Mucoadhesive nanoparticles represent a potential drug delivery strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in oral therapy. This study assessed the prospective of developing HPMC- and PLGA-based nanoparticles using a nanospray drier as a mucoadhesive extended release drug delivery system for sitagliptin and evaluated [...] Read more.
Mucoadhesive nanoparticles represent a potential drug delivery strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in oral therapy. This study assessed the prospective of developing HPMC- and PLGA-based nanoparticles using a nanospray drier as a mucoadhesive extended release drug delivery system for sitagliptin and evaluated their potential in an animal model. Nanoparticles were prepared using a Buchi® B-90 nanospray drier. Optimization of particle size was performed using response surface methodology by examining the influence of spray-drying process variables (inlet temperature, feed flow, and polymer concentration) on the particle size. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for various physicochemical characteristics (yield, drug content, morphology, particle size, thermal, and crystallographic properties) and assessed for drug release, stability, and mucoadhesive efficacy by ex vivo and in vivo studies in rats. A linear model was suggested by the design of the experiments to be the best fit for the generated design and values. The yield was 77 ± 4%, and the drug content was 90.5 ± 3.5%. Prepared nanoparticles showed an average particle size of 448.8 nm, with a narrow particle size distribution, and were wrinkled. Thermal and crystallographic characteristics showed that the drug present in the nanoparticles is in amorphous dispersion. Nanoparticles exhibited a biphasic drug release with an initial rapid release (24.9 ± 2.7% at 30 min) and a prolonged release (98.9 ± 1.8% up to 12 h). The ex vivo mucoadhesive studies confirmed the adherence of nanoparticles in stomach mucosa for a long period. Histopathological assessment showed that the formulation is safe for oral drug delivery. Nanoparticles showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) amount of sitagliptin retention in the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) as compared to control. The data observed in this study indicate that the prepared mucoadhesive nanoparticles can be an effective alternative delivery system for the oral therapy of sitagliptin. Full article
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13 pages, 2606 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Carbon-Based Microelectrodes for Neurochemical Sensing
by Felicia S. Manciu, Yoonbae Oh, Abhijeet Barath, Aaron E. Rusheen, Abbas Z. Kouzani, Deidra Hodges, Jose Guerrero, Jonathan Tomshine, Kendall H. Lee and Kevin E. Bennet
Materials 2019, 12(19), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12193186 - 28 Sep 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3013
Abstract
The comprehensive microscopic, spectroscopic, and in vitro voltammetric analysis presented in this work, which builds on the well-studied properties of carbon-based materials, facilitates potential ways for improvement of carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs) for neuroscience applications. Investigations by both, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and [...] Read more.
The comprehensive microscopic, spectroscopic, and in vitro voltammetric analysis presented in this work, which builds on the well-studied properties of carbon-based materials, facilitates potential ways for improvement of carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs) for neuroscience applications. Investigations by both, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal Raman spectroscopy, confirm a higher degree of structural ordering for the fibers exposed to carbonization temperatures. An evident correlation is also identified between the extent of structural defects observed from SEM and Raman results with the CFM electrochemical performance for dopamine detection. To improve CFM physico-chemical surface stability and increase its mechanical resistance to the induced compressive stress during anticipated in vivo tissue penetration, successful coating of the carbon fiber with boron-doped diamond (BDD) is also performed and microspectroscopically analyzed here. The absence of spectral shifts of the diamond Raman vibrational signature verifies that the growth of an unstrained BDD thin film was achieved. Although more work needs to be done to identify optimal parameter values for improved BDD deposition, this study serves as a demonstration of foundational technology for the development of more sensitive electrochemical sensors, that may have been impractical previously for clinical applications, due to limitations in either safety or performance. Full article
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13 pages, 4051 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Electrospun Micro/Nanofibrous Patches Loaded with Pinus halepensis Bark Extract on Hairless Mice Skin
by Eleftheria Kotroni, Eleftheria Simirioti, Stefanos Kikionis, Ioannis Sfiniadakis, Aggeliki Siamidi, Vangelis Karalis, Andreas Vitsos, Marilena Vlachou, Efstathia Ioannou, Vassilios Roussis and Michail Rallis
Materials 2019, 12(16), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12162596 - 15 Aug 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3031
Abstract
Skin inflammation is the most common symptom in dermatological diseases. It is usually treated by topically applied products, such as creams, gels and lotions. Skin dressings offer a promising alternative as they are endowed with more controlled administration conditions. In this study, the [...] Read more.
Skin inflammation is the most common symptom in dermatological diseases. It is usually treated by topically applied products, such as creams, gels and lotions. Skin dressings offer a promising alternative as they are endowed with more controlled administration conditions. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity of electrospun alginate micro/nanofibrous dressings loaded with the aqueous extract of Pinus halepensis bark (PHBE) was evaluated in vivo in mice. The upper back skin of SKH-1 female hairless mice was exposed to a single dose of ultraviolet radiation (3 MEDs) and the inflamed area was treated daily by the direct application of a nanofibrous patch. The condition of the skin was evaluated primarily on the basis of clinical observation, photo-documentation and histopathological assessment, while measurements of the erythema, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sebum production were also taken into account. The results showed that the topical application of alginate micro/nanofibrous dressings loaded with PHBE on UV-inflamed skin significantly attenuated inflammation damage, reducing the healing period. Increase of the loading dose of PHBE resulted in a proportional reduction of the extent, the density and the depth of skin inflammation. With the steadily increasing interest of the skin dressing industry towards nanofibrous matrices, electrospun nonwovens could serve as ideal candidates for the development of multifunctional anti-inflammatory care systems. Full article
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14 pages, 4517 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Natural Bleaching Gels Used in Cosmetic Dentistry
by Amalia Mazilu (Moldovan), Codruta Sarosi, Marioara Moldovan, Filip Miuta, Doina Prodan, Aurora Antoniac, Cristina Prejmerean, Laura Silaghi Dumitrescu, Violeta Popescu, Anca Daniela Raiciu and Vicentiu Saceleanu
Materials 2019, 12(13), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12132106 - 30 Jun 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3812
Abstract
The novelty of this study consists of the formulation and characterization of three experimental bleaching gels with hydroxylapatite oxides and fluorine (G28®, G29®, G30®) based on natural fruit extracts compared to the commercial Opalescence 15% (GC, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA). Studies have [...] Read more.
The novelty of this study consists of the formulation and characterization of three experimental bleaching gels with hydroxylapatite oxides and fluorine (G28®, G29®, G30®) based on natural fruit extracts compared to the commercial Opalescence 15% (GC, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA). Studies have been conducted on the effect that the experimental bleaching gels have on the color and morphology of different restorative materials (Nanofill®-Schulzer, P.L. Superior Dental Materials GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, and experimental nanocomposites (P11®, P31®, P61®)), immersed in coffee and artificial saliva (for 10 days and 30 days). The study also includes a cytotoxicity test on the gels and nanocomposites after bleaching, with ISO 109993-5 protocols on human dental follicle stem cells. UV-VIS spectroscopy, computerized measurement, and fluorescence spectrometry were used in order to observe the color changes, while the microstructure of the surface was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). All of the samples immersed in coffee showed the highest color shift in comparison to the baseline. The color difference ΔE values obtained using the two methods (UV-Vis, computerized based on digital images) both after coloring and bleaching, respectively, were different for all four types of nanocomposites stored in the coffee, while no difference was observed in those stored in artificial saliva. The studied experimental gels and nanocomposites had a low cytotoxic effect on cell cultures after bleaching. Full article
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10 pages, 1995 KiB  
Article
Metal Ion-Chelated Tannic Acid Coating for Hemostatic Dressing
by Bing Song, Liwei Yang, Lulu Han and Lingyun Jia
Materials 2019, 12(11), 1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12111803 - 03 Jun 2019
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5228
Abstract
Tannic acid (TA), a high-molecular-weight polyphenol, is used as a hemostasis spray and unguent for trauma wound remedy in traditional medical treatment. However, the use of tannic acid on a large-area wound would lead to absorption poisoning. In this work, a TA coating [...] Read more.
Tannic acid (TA), a high-molecular-weight polyphenol, is used as a hemostasis spray and unguent for trauma wound remedy in traditional medical treatment. However, the use of tannic acid on a large-area wound would lead to absorption poisoning. In this work, a TA coating was assembled on a quartz/silicon slide, or medical gauze, via chelation interaction between TA and Fe3+ ions and for further use as a hemostasis dressing. Protein adsorption on the TA coating was further investigated by fluorescence signal, ellipsometry analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The adsorbed bovine serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and fibrinogen (Fgn) on the TA coating was in the manner of monolayer saturation adsorption, and fibrinogen showed the largest adsorption. Furthermore, we found the slight hemolysis of the TA coating caused by the lysed red blood cells and adsorption of protein, especially the clotting-related fibrinogen, resulted in excellent hemostasis performance of the TA coating in the blood clotting of an animal wound. Thus, this economic, environmentally friendly, flexible TA coating has potential in medical applications as a means of preparing novel hemostasis materials. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 3996 KiB  
Review
Highly Sensitive Biosensors Based on Biomolecules and Functional Nanomaterials Depending on the Types of Nanomaterials: A Perspective Review
by Jinho Yoon, Minkyu Shin, Taek Lee and Jeong-Woo Choi
Materials 2020, 13(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13020299 - 09 Jan 2020
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 5801
Abstract
Biosensors are very important for detecting target molecules with high accuracy, selectivity, and signal-to-noise ratio. Biosensors developed using biomolecules such as enzymes or nucleic acids which were used as the probes for detecting the target molecules were studied widely due to their advantages. [...] Read more.
Biosensors are very important for detecting target molecules with high accuracy, selectivity, and signal-to-noise ratio. Biosensors developed using biomolecules such as enzymes or nucleic acids which were used as the probes for detecting the target molecules were studied widely due to their advantages. For example, enzymes can react with certain molecules rapidly and selectively, and nucleic acids can bind to their complementary sequences delicately in nanoscale. In addition, biomolecules can be immobilized and conjugated with other materials by surface modification through the recombination or introduction of chemical linkers. However, these biosensors have some essential limitations because of instability and low signal strength derived from the detector biomolecules. Functional nanomaterials offer a solution to overcome these limitations of biomolecules by hybridization with or replacing the biomolecules. Functional nanomaterials can give advantages for developing biosensors including the increment of electrochemical signals, retention of activity of biomolecules for a long-term period, and extension of investigating tools by using its unique plasmonic and optical properties. Up to now, various nanomaterials were synthesized and reported, from widely used gold nanoparticles to novel nanomaterials that are either carbon-based or transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD)-based. These nanomaterials were utilized either by themselves or by hybridization with other nanomaterials to develop highly sensitive biosensors. In this review, highly sensitive biosensors developed from excellent novel nanomaterials are discussed through a selective overview of recently reported researches. We also suggest creative breakthroughs for the development of next-generation biosensors using the novel nanomaterials for detecting harmful target molecules with high sensitivity. Full article
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23 pages, 2337 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Bio-Nanomaterials for Medical Implants and Feasibility Studies on Fabrication of Such Implants by Additive Manufacturing Technique
by Rajkumar Velu, Theo Calais, Arunkumar Jayakumar and Felix Raspall
Materials 2020, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13010092 - 23 Dec 2019
Cited by 83 | Viewed by 7863
Abstract
Nanomaterials have allowed significant breakthroughs in bio-engineering and medical fields. In the present paper a holistic assessment on diverse biocompatible nanocomposites are studied. Their compatibility with advanced fabrication methods such as additive manufacturing for the design of functional medical implants is also critically [...] Read more.
Nanomaterials have allowed significant breakthroughs in bio-engineering and medical fields. In the present paper a holistic assessment on diverse biocompatible nanocomposites are studied. Their compatibility with advanced fabrication methods such as additive manufacturing for the design of functional medical implants is also critically reviewed. The significance of nanocomposites and processing techniques is also envisaged comprehensively in regard with the needs and futures of implantable medical device industries. Full article
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13 pages, 551 KiB  
Review
Novel Therapeutic Strategies Applied to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Cystic Fibrosis
by Michael E. Chirgwin, Margaret R. Dedloff, Alina Maria Holban and Monica C. Gestal
Materials 2019, 12(24), 4093; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12244093 - 07 Dec 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4142
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases and a total of 1700 different genetic mutations can cause this condition. Patients that suffer this disease have a thickening of the mucus, creating an environment that promotes bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa [...] Read more.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases and a total of 1700 different genetic mutations can cause this condition. Patients that suffer this disease have a thickening of the mucus, creating an environment that promotes bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous bacterium, which is frequently found in the lungs of CF patients. P. aeruginosa is known for its high level of antibiotic resistance as well as its high rate of mutation that allows it to rapidly evolve and adapt to a multitude of conditions. When a CF lung is infected with P. aeruginosa, the decay of the patient is accelerated, but there is little that can be done apart from controlling the infection with antibiotics. Novel strategies to control P. aeruginosa infection are imperative, and nanotechnology provides novel approaches to drug delivery that are more efficient than classic antibiotic treatments. These drug delivery systems are offering new prospects, especially for these patients with special mucus conditions and bacterial characteristics that limit antibiotic use. Full article
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12 pages, 525 KiB  
Review
Use of Biopolymers in Mucosally-Administered Vaccinations for Respiratory Disease
by Margaret R. Dedloff, Callie S. Effler, Alina Maria Holban and Monica C. Gestal
Materials 2019, 12(15), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12152445 - 31 Jul 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3029
Abstract
Communicable respiratory infections are the cause of a significant number of infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccinations has greatly improved this situation. Moreover, adjuvants have allowed for vaccines to be more effective with fewer adverse side effects. However, there is still space for [...] Read more.
Communicable respiratory infections are the cause of a significant number of infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccinations has greatly improved this situation. Moreover, adjuvants have allowed for vaccines to be more effective with fewer adverse side effects. However, there is still space for improvement because while the more common injected formulations induce a systematic immunity, they do not confer the mucosal immunity needed for more thorough prevention of the spread of respiratory disease. Intranasal formulations provide systemic and mucosal immune protection, but they have the potential for more serious side effects and a less robust immune response. This review looks at seven different adjuvants—chitosan, starch, alginate, gellan, β-glucan, emulsan and hyaluronic acid—and their prospective ability to improve intranasal vaccines as adjuvants and antigen delivery systems. Full article
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