Optimization of Polydimethylsiloxane-Modified Composite Synthesis and Its Impact on Collagen Interactions: Perspectives for Biomedical Applications.

This research explores how silica composites modified with polydimethylsiloxane interact with collagen, aiming to enhance their application in the biomedical field. By adjusting the amount of polydimethylsiloxane in these composites, we evaluated their capacity to bind with collagen, an essential feature for biomaterials used in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Our findings reveal that incorporating polydimethylsiloxane into silica composites significantly boosts collagen attachment, indicating strong binding interactions.

Modeling and Optimization of β-Galactosidase Entrapping in Polydimethylsiloxane-Modified Silica Composites.

Protein entrapment has multiple applications in enzymatic hydrolysis, drug delivery, etc. Here, we report the studies that successfully utilized the Box-Behnken design to model and optimize the parameters of β-galactosidase entrapment in sol-gel-derived silica composites. We have also demonstrated the influence of polymer-polydimethylsiloxane as a composite modifying agent on the activity of entrapped enzymes.

GSH Protects the Cells from High Concentrations of Thymoquinone.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of glutathione (GSH) on cells grown in a high concentration of thymoquinone (TQ). This quinone, as the main active compound of seed oil, exhibits a wide range of biological activities. At low concentrations, it acts as an antioxidant, and at high concentrations, an antimicrobial agent.

Influence of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Conditions on Extraction Yield and Composition of L. Seed Oil-Modelling, Optimization and Extraction Kinetics regarding Fatty Acid and Thymoquinone Content.

L. is cultivated in many regions and its seeds have found use in variety of foods, but also in traditional medicine due to high content of biologically active essential oils. In this work optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction from seeds was performed using response surface methodology to describe the influence of extraction conditions on oil yield.

Nigella sativa seed extract applicability in preparations against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and effects on human dermal fibroblasts viability.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Nigella sativa L. seed extracts and oils have been embraced by traditional medicine of cultures inhabiting Middle East and North Africa for centuries. Among other uses, it has been applied against dermatitis and eczema often worsened by staphylococcal colonization of the skin.