Publications by authors named "Urban Ajdnik"

Controlling protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces requires a thorough understanding of interfacial phenomena. Proteins adhering after implantation influence successful biointegration. Deciphering adsorption mechanisms at biointerfaces is crucial and of high interest.

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The path to greater sustainability and the development of polymeric drug delivery systems requires innovative approaches. The adaptation and use of biobased materials for applications such as targeted therapeutic delivery is, therefore, in high demand. A crucial part of this relates to the development of porous and hollow structures that are biocompatible, pH-responsive, deliver active substances, and contribute to pain relief, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and so forth.

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Chitosan (Chi) and 77KS, a lysine-derived surfactant, form polyelectrolyte complexes that reverse their charge from positive to negative at higher 77KS concentrations, forming aggregates that have been embedded with amoxicillin (AMOX). Dispersion of this complex was used to coat polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films, with an additional layer of anionic and hydrophilic hyaluronic acid (HA) as an outer adsorbate layer to enhance protein repulsion in addition to antimicrobial activity by forming a highly hydrated layer in combination with steric hindrance. The formed polysaccharide-based bilayer on PDMS was analyzed by water contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and surface zeta ()-potential.

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Medical implant-associated infections resulting from biofilm formation triggered by unspecific protein adsorption are the prevailing cause of implant failure. However, implant surfaces rendered with multifunctional bioactive nanocoatings offer a promising alternative to prevent the initial attachment of bacteria and effectively interrupt biofilm formation. The need to research and develop novel and stable bioactive nanocoatings for medical implants and a comprehensive understanding of their properties in contact with the complex biological environment are crucial.

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Chitosan (Chi) and anionic surfactant derived from lysine (77KS) were used to prepare a novel bioactive coating and as a drug delivery system for amoxicillin (AMOX) on a model polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface. The bioactive coating was formulated as polyelectrolyte-surfactant complex (PESC). Aggregation behaviour between the cationic Chi and oppositely charged 77KS in bulk was analysed using turbidity and ζ-potential measurement.

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The present paper reports a novel method to improve the properties of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymer foils suitable for applications in food packaging. It relates to the adsorption of chitosan-colloidal systems onto untreated and oxygen plasma-treated foil surfaces. It is hypothesized that the first coated layer of chitosan macromolecular solution enables excellent antibacterial properties, while the second (uppermost) layer contains a network of polyphenol resveratrol, embedded into chitosan nanoparticles, which enables antioxidant and antimicrobial properties simultaneously.

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Article Synopsis
  • Silicones are utilized in medical applications, particularly tympanostomy tubes, with a goal to enhance healing for ear conditions through surface functionalization.
  • Various antimicrobial coatings, including chitosan nanoparticles and a drug mixture, were tested on silicone surfaces, with pre-treatment methods used to improve coating adhesion.
  • Results indicate that the functionalized silicone materials exhibit strong antimicrobial properties, demonstrating potential for improved treatment of ear inflammations and warranting further clinical testing.
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After a ban on the depositing of untreated sludge in landfills, the sludge from municipal and industrial water-treatment plants can be regarded as a problem. Waste products of the water treatment process can be a problem or an opportunity - a source for obtaining raw materials. In the European Union, raw sludge and fats, oil and grease (FOG) from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) cannot be deposited in any natural or controlled environment.

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