Silk is a natural composite fiber composed mainly of hydrophobic fibroin and hydrophilic sericin, produced by the silkworm In the textile industry, the cocoons of are processed into silk fabric, where the sericin is substantially removed and usually discarded in wastewater. This wastewater pollutes the environment and water sources. However, sericin has been recognized as a potential biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, immunocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Moreover, sericin can produce hydrogels, films, sponges, foams, dressings, particles, fibers, etc., for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g., tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, cosmetics). Given the severe environmental pollution caused by the disposal of sericin and its beneficial properties, there has been growing interest in upcycling this biomaterial, which could have a strong and positive economic, social and environmental impact.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14224931 | DOI Listing |
PLoS One
January 2025
US Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Healthcare System, National Center for Collaborative Healthcare Innovation, Palo Alto, California, United States of America.
Background: The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception, widely recognized for its convenience and efficacy. Despite its benefits, many patients report moderate to severe pain during and after their IUD insertion procedure. Furthermore, reports suggest significant variability in pain control medications, including no adequate pain medication.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Sci (Weinh)
January 2025
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
Small molecules as nanomedicine carriers offer advantages in drug loading and preparation. Selecting effective small molecules for stable nanomedicines is challenging. This study used artificial intelligence (AI) to screen drug combinations for self-assembling nanomedicines, employing physiochemical parameters to predict formation via machine learning.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Sci (Weinh)
January 2025
Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
The infiltration and excessive polarization of M1 macrophages contribute to the induction and persistence of low-grade inflammation in joint-related degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). The lipid metabolism dysregulation promotes M1 macrophage polarization by coordinating the compensatory pathways of the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Here, a self-assembling, licofelone-loaded nanoparticle (termed LCF-CSBN), comprising chondroitin sulfate and bilirubin joined by an ethylenediamine linker, is developed to selectively reprogram lipid metabolism in macrophage activation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Diet Suppl
January 2025
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Background: Several epidemiological studies and intervention trials have demonstrated that grapes and blueberries, which are rich in flavanols, can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms of action of these compounds remain unclear due to their low bioavailability.
Objective: This study aimed to characterize the sensory properties, blood flow velocity, and oxidative stress of a polyphenol rich grape and blueberry extract (PEGB) containing approximately 16% flavanols (11% monomers and 4% dimers).
Int J Environ Health Res
January 2025
Department of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This study utilized a validated questionnaire that aimed to assess pharmacists' awareness and attitude towards drug repurposing for antimicrobial use. Despite the reasonable awareness, pharmacists reported unfavourable attitudes. Pharmacists with a B.
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