Addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly fungicides in agriculture, this study explored the potential of biopolymer microparticles loaded with metal ions as a novel approach to combat fungal pathogens. Novel alginate microspheres and chitosan/alginate microcapsules loaded with zinc or with zinc and silver ions were prepared and characterized (microparticle size, morphology, topography, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and swelling behavior). Investigation of molecular interactions in microparticles using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy exhibited complex interactions between all constituents. Fitting to the simple Korsmeyer–Peppas empirical model revealed the rate-controlling mechanism of metal ions release from microparticles is Fickian diffusion. Lower values of the release constant k imply a slower release rate of Zn²⁺ or Ag⁺ ions from microcapsules compared to that of microspheres. The antimicrobial potential of the new formulations against the fungus Botrytis cinerea was evaluated. When subjected to tests against the fungus, microspheres exhibited superior antifungal activity especially those loaded with both zinc and silver ions, reducing fungal growth up to 98.9% and altering the hyphal structures. Due to the slower release of metal ions, the microcapsule formulations seem suitable for plant protection throughout the growing season. The results showed the potential of these novel microparticles as powerful fungicides in agriculture.

In this work the in vitro antimicrobial activity of colloidal solutions of nine different commercially available nanoparticles were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus strains, both methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Research covered antimicrobial investigation of different metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, including Ag 10 nm, Ag 40 nm, Al₂O₃ 100 nm, Au 20 nm, Pt 4 nm, TiO₂ 100 nm, Y₂O₃ 100 nm, ZnO 100 nm and ZrO₂ 100 nm nanoparticles. Such materials were foreseen to be applied as coatings on 3D-printed biodegradable polymers: i.e., catheters, disposable materials, hospital bedding items, disposable antimicrobial linings and bandages for chronic wounds. Therefore, the antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was determined by agar well diffusion assays and serial microdilution broth assays. In addition, the chromatographic characterization of elements present in trace amounts was performed as a method for tracing the nanoparticles. Moreover, the potential of preparing the rough surface of biodegradable polymers for coating with antimicrobial nanoparticles was tested by 3D-printing fused deposition methodology. The in vitro results have shown that particular nanoparticles provided powerful antimicrobial effects against MSSA and MRSA strains, and can be easily applied on different biopolymers.

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are one of the most prevalent injuries a person may sustain. The current treatment of DRF involves the use of casts made from Plaster of Paris or fiberglass. The application of these materials is a serious endeavor that influences their intended use, and should be conducted by specially trained personnel. In this research, with the use of the full-body 3D scanner Vitus Smart, 3D modelling software Rhinoceros 3D, and 3D printer Creality CR-10 max, an easy, yet effective workflow of orthosis fabrication was developed. Furthermore, samples that represent segments of the orthosis were subjected to static loading. Lastly, fragments that occurred due to excessive force were characterized with the use of a digital microscope. It was observed that with the implementation of the designed workflow, a faster 3D printing process was present. Samples subjected to mechanical loading had values that exceeded those of conventional Plaster of Paris; the minimum recorded value was 681 N, while the highest was 914 N. Microscopic characterization enabled a clear insight into the occurrence of fragments, as well as their potential risk. Therefore, in this research, an insight into different stages of fabrication, characterization of undesirable events, as well as the risks they may pose were presented.

Fungal infections caused by Fusarium solani demand sustainable alternatives to conventional fungicides and free nanoparticles, which often show poor stability and rapid release. This study developed zinc-crosslinked alginate microparticles containing silver (AgNPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), or both to improve nanoparticle stability, sustain release, and enhance antifungal efficacy. Microparticles were produced by ionic gelation and characterized by FTIR, microscopy, swelling analysis, encapsulation efficiency, and kinetic modeling. AgNPs weakened hydrogen bonding within alginate, yielding rough, porous structures, whereas ZnONPs strengthened COO⁻–Zn²⁺ interactions, forming smoother surfaces with smaller pores; co-loaded particles combined both characteristics. Encapsulation efficiencies were 77.9% (AgNPs) and 98.6% (ZnONPs), with co-loaded systems retaining 64.0% and 98.9%, respectively. Swelling was highest in AgNP-loaded microparticles (63.8%) and lowest in ZnONP and co-loaded systems (≈42%). AgNPs followed anomalous transport (n = 0.65), while ZnONPs transitioned from Fickian diffusion (n ≈ 0.36–0.38) to zero-order release (K₀ = 1.00 for ZnONPs alone; 0.80 co-loaded). Antifungal tests showed strong inhibition: 80.7% for AgNPs, 91.4% for ZnONPs, and 99.7% for co-loaded formulations. Microscopy confirmed membrane disruption, hyphal collapse, and ROS-mediated damage, with the strongest effects in co-loaded samples. These results demonstrate a tunable, synergistic, sustained-release platform that outperforms single nanoparticles and offers a promising strategy for sustainable crop protection.

Addressing the growing need for effective and environmentally friendly fungicides in agricul-ture, this study explored the potential of alginate microparticles loaded with metal ions as a novel approach to combat fungal pathogens. Novel alginate microparticles (microspheres and microcapsules) loaded with zinc or simultaneously with zinc and silver ions were prepared and physicochemically characterized (microparticle size, morphology, topography, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and swelling behavior). Investigation of molecular interactions in microparticles using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy exhibited complex interactions between all con-stituents. Fitting to the simple Korsmeyer-Peppas empirical model revealed the rate-controlling mechanism of zinc and silver ions release from microparticles is Fickian diffusion. Lower values of the release constant k imply a slower release rate of Zn or Ag ions from microcapsules com-pared to that of microspheres. The antimicrobial potential of the new formulations against the fungus Botrytis cinerea was evaluated. When subjected to tests against the fungus, microspheres and microparticles loaded with both zinc and silver ions effectively reduced its growth and al-tered the fungal hyphal structures well as exhibited superior antifungal activity. The results showed the potential of these novel microparticles as potent fungicides in agriculture.