Design of a hybrid nanoscaled skin photoprotector by boosting the antioxidant properties of food waste-derived lignin through molecular combination with TiO nanoparticles.

TiO nanoparticles loaded with pistachio shell lignin (8 % and 29 % w/w) were prepared by a hydrothermal wet chemistry approach. The efficient interaction at the molecular level of the biomacromolecule and inorganic component was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. The synergistic combination of lignin and TiO nanoparticles played a key role in the functional properties of the hybrid material, which exhibited boosted features compared to the separate organic and inorganic phase.

Structure and properties of the exopolysaccharide isolated from Flavobacterium sp. Root935.

Flavobacterium strains exert a substantial influence on roots and leaves of plants. However, there is still limited understanding of how the specific interactions between Flavobacterium and their plant hosts are and how these bacteria thrive in this competitive environment. A crucial step in understanding Flavobacterium - plant interactions is to unravel the structure of bacterial envelope components and the molecular features that facilitate initial contact with the host environment.

Ordered hierarchical superlattice amplifies coated-CeO nanoparticles luminescence.

Achieving a controlled preparation of nanoparticle superstructures with spatially periodic arrangement, also called superlattices, is one of the most intriguing and open questions in soft matter science. The interest in such regular superlattices originates from the potentialities in tailoring the physicochemical properties of the individual constituent nanoparticles, eventually leading to emerging behaviors and/or functionalities that are not exhibited by the initial building blocks. Despite progress, it is currently difficult to obtain such ordered structures; the influence of parameters, such as size, softness, interaction potentials, and entropy, are neither fully understood yet and not sufficiently studied for 3D systems.

Simultaneous Irradiation with UV-A, -B, and -C Lights Promotes Effective Decontamination of Planktonic and Sessile Bacteria: A Pilot Study.

Surfaces in highly anthropized environments are frequently contaminated by both harmless and pathogenic bacteria. Accidental contact between these contaminated surfaces and people could contribute to uncontrolled or even dangerous microbial diffusion. Among all possible solutions useful to achieve effective disinfection, ultraviolet irradiations (UV) emerge as one of the most "Green" technologies since they can inactivate microorganisms via the formation of DNA/RNA dimers, avoiding the environmental pollution associated with the use of chemical sanitizers.

Physicochemical Characterization of Chitosan/Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid Glass-like Materials.

This paper sets up a new route for producing non-covalently crosslinked bio-composites by blending poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) of microbial origin and chitosan (CH) through poly-electrolyte complexation under specific experimental conditions. CH and two different molecular weight γ-PGA fractions have been blended at different mass ratios (1/9, 2/8 and 3/7) under acidic pH. The developed materials seemed to behave like moldable hydrogels with a soft rubbery consistency.

Towards nanostructured red-ox active bio-interfaces: Bioinspired antibacterial hybrid melanin-CeO nanoparticles for radical homeostasis.

Redox-active nano-biointerfaces are gaining weight in the field of regenerative medicine since they can act as enzymes in regulating physiological processes and enabling cell homeostasis, as well as the defense against pathogen aggression. In particular, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO NPs) stand as intriguing enzyme-mimicking nanoplatforms, owing to the reversible Ce/Ce surface oxidation state. Moreover, surface functionalization leads to higher catalytic activity and selectivity, as well as more tunable enzyme-mimicking performances.

Tunable Raman Gain in Transparent Nanostructured Glass-Ceramic Based on BaNaNbO †.

Stimulated Raman scattering in transparent glass-ceramics (TGCs) based on bulk nucleating phase BaNaNbO were investigated with the aim to explore the influence of micro- and nanoscale structural transformations on Raman gain. Nanostructured TGCs were synthesized, starting with 8BaO·15NaO·27NbO·50SiO (BaNaNS) glass, by proper nucleation and crystallization heat treatments. TGCs are composed of nanocrystals that are 10-15 nm in size, uniformly distributed in the residual glass matrix, with a crystallinity degree ranging from 30 up to 50% for samples subjected to different heat treatments.

A new and efficient procedure to load bioactive molecules within the human heavy-chain ferritin nanocage.

For their easy and high-yield recombinant production, their high stability in a wide range of physico-chemical conditions and their characteristic hollow structure, ferritins (Fts) are considered useful scaffolds to encapsulate bioactive molecules. Notably, for the absence of immunogenicity and the selective interaction with tumor cells, the nanocages constituted by the heavy chain of the human variant of ferritin (hHFt) are optimal candidates for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs. hHFt nanocages can be disassembled and reassembled to allow the loading of cargo molecules, however the currently available protocols present some relevant drawbacks.

Eumelanin from the Black Soldier Fly as Sustainable Biomaterial: Characterisation and Functional Benefits in Tissue-Engineered Composite Scaffolds.

An optimized extraction protocol for eumelanins from black soldier flies (BSF-Eumel) allows an in-depth study of natural eumelanin pigments, which are a valuable tool for the design and fabrication of sustainable scaffolds. Here, water-soluble BSF-Eumel sub-micrometer colloidal particles were used as bioactive signals for developing a composite biomaterial ink for scaffold preparation. For this purpose, BSF-Eumel was characterized both chemically and morphologically; moreover, biological studies were carried out to investigate the dose-dependent cell viability and its influence on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), with the aim of validating suitable protocols and to find an optimal working concentration for eumelanin-based scaffold preparation.

Extremophilic Microorganisms for the Green Synthesis of Antibacterial Nanoparticles.

The biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials, i.e., synthesis carried out by means of living organisms, is an emerging technique in nanotechnology since it represents a greener and more eco-friendly method for the production of nanomaterials.

Multifunctional Core@Satellite Magnetic Particles for Magnetoresistive Biosensors.

Magnetoresistive (MR) biosensors combine distinctive features such as small size, low cost, good sensitivity, and propensity to be arrayed to perform multiplexed analysis. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are the ideal target for this platform, especially if modified not only to overcome their intrinsic tendency to aggregate and lack of stability but also to realize an interacting surface suitable for biofunctionalization without strongly losing their magnetic response. Here, we describe an MR biosensor in which commercial MNP clusters were coated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and used to detect human IgG in water using an MR biochip that comprises six sensing regions, each one containing five U-shaped spin valve sensors.

Magnetic micromixing for highly sensitive detection of glyphosate in tap water by colorimetric immunosensor.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world and, in view of its toxicity, there is a quest for easy-to-use, but reliable methods to detect it in water. To address this issue, we realized a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive immunosensor based on gold coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs@Au) to detect glyphosate in tap water. Not only the gold shell provided a sensitive optical transduction of the biological signal - through the shift of the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) entailed by the nanoparticle aggregation -, but it also allowed us to use an effective photochemical immobilization technique to tether oriented antibodies straight on the nanoparticles surface.

Novel Retro-Inverso Peptide Antibiotic Efficiently Released by a Responsive Hydrogel-Based System.

Topical antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective on recalcitrant and resistant skin infections. This necessitates the design of antimicrobials that are less susceptible to resistance mechanisms, as well as the development of appropriate delivery systems. These two issues represent a great challenge for researchers in pharmaceutical and drug discovery fields.

Loading of Polydimethylsiloxane with a Human ApoB-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide to Prevent Bacterial Infections.

Background: medical device-induced infections affect millions of lives worldwide and innovative preventive strategies are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear as ideal candidates to efficiently functionalize medical devices surfaces and prevent bacterial infections. In this scenario, here, we produced antimicrobial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by loading this polymer with an antimicrobial peptide identified in human apolipoprotein B, r(P)ApoB.

Structure and Morphology of Crystalline Syndiotactic Polypropylene-Polyethylene Block Copolymers.

A study of the structure and morphology of diblock copolymers composed of crystallizable blocks of polyethylene (PE) and syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) having different lengths is reported. In both analyzed samples, the PE block crystallizes first by cooling from the melt (at 130 °C) and the sPP block crystallizes after at a lower temperature. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) recorded during cooling showed three correlation peaks at values of the scattering vector, = 0.

Human Cryptic Host Defence Peptide GVF27 Exhibits Anti-Infective Properties against Biofilm Forming Members of the Complex.

Therapeutic solutions to counter complex (Bcc) bacteria are challenging due to their intrinsically high level of antibiotic resistance. Bcc organisms display a variety of potential virulence factors, have a distinct lipopolysaccharide naturally implicated in antimicrobial resistance. and are able to form biofilms, which may further protect them from both host defence peptides (HDPs) and antibiotics.

Synthetic Antibiotic Derived from Sequences Encrypted in a Protein from Human Plasma.

Encrypted peptides have been recently found in the human proteome and represent a potential class of antibiotics. Here we report three peptides derived from the human apolipoprotein B (residues 887-922) that exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant , , and both and in an animal model. The peptides had excellent cytotoxicity profiles, targeted bacteria by depolarizing and permeabilizing their cytoplasmic membrane, inhibited biofilms, and displayed anti-inflammatory properties.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates-Based Nanoparticles as Essential Oil Carriers.

Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) represent a green alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents in food preservation. Due to their volatility and instability, their application is dependent on the development of efficient encapsulation strategies allowing their protection and release control. Encapsulation in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based nanoparticles (NPs) addresses this challenge, providing a biodegradable and biobased material whose delivery properties can be tuned by varying polymer composition.

Double Crystallization and Phase Separation in Polyethylene-Syndiotactic Polypropylene Di-Block Copolymers.

Crystallization and phase separation in the melt in semicrystalline block copolymers (BCPs) compete in defining the final solid state structure and morphology. In crystalline-crystalline di-block copolymers the sequence of crystallization of the two blocks plays a definitive role. In this work we show that the use of epitaxial crystallization on selected crystalline substrates allows achieving of a control over the crystallization of the blocks by inducing crystal orientations of the different crystalline phases and a final control over the global morphology.

Impact of a Single Point Mutation on the Antimicrobial and Fibrillogenic Properties of Cryptides from Human Apolipoprotein B.

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are gaining increasing interest, since they are endowed with multiple activities, are often effective on multidrug resistant bacteria and do not generally lead to the development of resistance phenotypes. Cryptic HDPs have been recently identified in human apolipoprotein B and found to be endowed with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with anti-biofilm, wound healing and immunomodulatory properties, and with the ability to synergistically act in combination with conventional antibiotics, while being not toxic for eukaryotic cells. Here, a multidisciplinary approach was used, including time killing curves, differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, ThT binding assays, and transmission electron microscopy analyses.

Host defense peptides identified in human apolipoprotein B as novel food biopreservatives and active coating components.

The effectiveness of three novel "host defence peptides" identified in human Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) as novel antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents to be employed in food industry is reported. ApoB-derived peptides have been found to exert significant antimicrobial effects towards Salmonella typhimurium ATCC® 14028 and Salmonella enteritidis 706 RIVM strains. Furthermore, they have been found to retain antimicrobial activity under experimental conditions selected to simulate those occurring during food storage, transportation and heat treatment, and have been found to be endowed with antibiofilm properties.

Towards the Development of Antioxidant Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: Controlling the Properties by Tuning Synthesis Conditions.

In this work CeO nanoparticles (CeO-NPs) were synthesized through the thermal decomposition of Ce(NO)·6HO, using as capping agents either octylamine or oleylamine, to evaluate the effect of alkyl chain length, an issue at 150 °C, in the case of octylamine and at 150 and 250 °C, in the case of oleylamine, to evaluate the effect of the temperature on NPs properties. All the nanoparticles were extensively characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, such as wide-angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV-Vis, fluorescence, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies. The analysis of the experimental data shows that the capping agent nature and the synthesis temperature affect nanoparticle properties including size, morphology, aggregation and Ce/Ce ratio.

Clickable artificial heme-peroxidases for the development of functional nanomaterials.

Artificial metalloenzymes as catalysts are promising candidates for their use in different technologies, such as bioremediation, biomass transformation, or biosensing. Despite this, their practical exploitation is still at an early stage. Immobilized natural enzymes have been proposed to enhance their applicability.

Valorisation of Sea Balls (Egagropili) as a Potential Source of Reinforcement Agents in Protein-Based Biocomposites.

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NC) and a lignin-containing fraction (LF) were obtained from egagropili, the so called sea balls produced from rhizome and stem fragments of that accumulate in large amounts along the coastal beaches in the form of tightly packed and dry materials of various dimensions. Both egagropili fractions have been shown to be able to improve the physicochemical properties of biodegradable films prepared from protein concentrates derived from hemp oilseed cakes. These materials, manufactured with a biodegradable industrial by-product and grafted with equally biodegradable waste-derived additives, exhibited an acceptable resistance with a still high flexibility, as well as they showed an effective barrier activity against water vapor and gases (O and CO).

Combating Actions of Green 2D-Materials on Gram Positive and Negative Bacteria and Enveloped Viruses.

Interactions of novel bi-dimensional nanomaterials and live matter such as bacteria and viruses represent an extremely hot topic due to the unique properties of the innovative nanomaterials, capable in some cases to exhibit bactericide and antiviral actions. The interactions between bacteria and viruses and two dimensional nanosheets are here investigated. We extensively studied the interaction between a gram-negative bacterium, , and a gram-positive bacterium, , with two different types of 2D nanoflakes such as MoS, belonging to the Transition Metal Dichalcogenides family, and Graphene Oxide.