Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer whose properties have been intensively studied, especially for biomedical applications. Since BC has no antimicrobial activity, it is necessary to use bioactive substances for developing wound healing applications. Another drawback of BC is the loss if its water retention capacity after dehydration. In order to overcome these problems, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and turmeric extract (TE) were selected for the preparation of BC composites. Citric acid (CA) was used as the crosslinking agent. These composites were tested as potential antimicrobial wound dressing materials. TE-loaded BC–CMC composites were characterized in terms of their morphology, crystallinity, and thermal behavior. Swelling tests and curcumin-release kinetic analysis were also performed. All the composites tested had high swelling degrees, which is an advantage for the exudate adsorption from chronic wounds. The antibacterial potential of such composites was tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). The in vitro cytotoxicity toward L929 fibroblast cells was studied as well. The obtained results allow us to recommend these composites as good candidates for wound dressing applications.

To improve their biological activity, complexes [Cu(bipy)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp (1) and [Cu(phen)(dmtp)₂(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂·dmtp (2) (bipy 2,2′-bipyridine, phen: 1,10-phenantroline, and dmtp: 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo [1,5-a]pyrimidine) were included in β-cyclodextrins (β-CD). During the inclusion, the co-crystalized dmtp molecule was lost, and UV-Vis spectra together with the docking studies indicated the synthesis of new materials with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios between complexes and β-CD. The association between Cu(II) compounds and β-CD has been proven by the identification of the components’ patterns in the IR spectra and powder XRD diffractograms, while solid-state UV-Vis and EPR spectra analysis highlighted a slight modification of the square-pyramidal stereochemistry around Cu(II) in comparison with precursors. The inclusion species are stable in solution and exhibit the ability to scavenge or trap ROS species (O₂·⁻ and HO·) as indicated by the EPR experiments. Moreover, the two inclusion species exhibit anti-proliferative activity against murine melanoma B16 cells, which has been more significant for (2)@β-CD in comparison with (2). This behavior is associated with a cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Compared with precursors, (1a)@β-CD and (2a)@β-CD exhibit 17 and 26 times more intense activity against planktonic Escherichia coli, respectively, while (2a)@β-CD is 3 times more active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain.

Methylglyoxal is a reactive dicarbonyl intermediate in the advanced glycation end-product (AGE) pathway, and alterations in its levels have been detected in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain parenchyma in various pathologies, particularly in diabetes. In this study, we investigate the effects of methylglyoxal (MGO) on murine brain microvascular endothelial cells at both physiological and pathological concentrations. We evaluate molecular parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cytosolic calcium signaling, and ATP synthesis, as well as cellular responses such as cytoskeletal remodeling, cell migration, adhesion, and permeability, across a concentration range of 0–1000 μM. At low concentrations (below ~250 μM), MGO does not induce oxidative stress; instead, it leads to an increase in cytosolic calcium levels and ATP production. At higher concentrations, however, MGO induces significant oxidative stress, which is accompanied by a marked decrease in cell viability, particularly at concentrations exceeding 500 μM. The modulation of key functional processes, including purinergic calcium signaling, actin filament synthesis, cell migration, and adhesion, reveals a threshold concentration beyond which cellular function is impaired due to oxidative stress. Below this threshold, the observed effects appear to be mediated primarily by non-oxidative mechanisms, likely involving protein glycation. In conclusion, our results suggest a dual action of methylglyoxal on brain endothelial cells, with distinct molecular mechanisms underlying its effects at physiological versus pathological concentrations.

The development of effective bone substitutes remains a central goal in regenerative medicine. In this study, lithium-modified bioglass-ceramics based on the 47.5S5 silicate oxide system were synthesized using the sol–gel method, followed by calcination and axial pressing to form cylindrical samples. These materials were sintered at 700 and 800 °C and subsequently examined to evaluate their structural, mechanical, and biological performance. Structural and microstructural analyses confirmed the presence of crystalline phases such as combeite (Na₆Ca₃Si₆O₁₈), NaLiSiO₄, Li₂SiO₃, and calcium silicates, indicating the successful incorporation of lithium within the glass-ceramic network. The bioceramics exhibited improved densification, deformability, and compressive strength with increasing sintering temperature. In vitro degradation in simulated body fluid revealed a consistent increase in mass loss with higher lithium content, suggesting enhanced resorbability linked to lithium oxide. Antibacterial testing indicated moderate antimicrobial activity, with slightly better results observed at higher sintering temperatures. Cell viability assays further supported the materials cytocompatibility. Taken together, these findings suggest that lithium substitution contributes positively to both mechanical robustness and biological behaviour, positioning these ceramics as promising bioresorbable bone substitutes with controlled degradation, suitable for bone tissue engineering where durability, bioactivity, and antimicrobial function are required.