This work presents the synthesis of nanostructured TiO₂ modified with noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Ag) and lysozyme and coated on titanium foil. Moreover, the specific structural and functional properties of the resulting inorganic and hybrid materials were explored. The purpose of this study was to identify the key parameters for developing engineered coatings on titanium foil appropriate for efficient dental implants with intrinsic antibacterial activity. TiO₂ nanoparticles obtained using the sol–gel method were deposited on Ti foil and modified with Au/Ag nanoparticles. Morphological and structural investigations (scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and UV–Vis spectroscopies) were carried out for the characterization of the resulting inorganic coatings. In order to modify their antibacterial activity, which is essential for safe dental implants, the following aspects were investigated: (a) singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation by inorganic coatings exposed to visible light irradiation; (b) the antibacterial behavior emphasized by titania-based coatings deposited on titanium foil (TiO₂/Ti foil; Au–TiO₂/Ti foil, Ag–TiO₂/Ti foil); (c) the lysozyme bioactivity on the microbial substrate (Micrococcus lysodeicticus) after its adsorption on inorganic surfaces (Lys/TiO₂/Ti foil; Lys/Au–TiO₂/Ti foil, Lys/Ag–TiO₂/Ti foil); (d) the enzymatic activity of the above-mentioned hybrids materials for the hydrolysis reaction of a synthetic organic substrate usually used for monitoring the lysozyme biocatalytic activity, namely, 4-Methylumbelliferyl β-D-N,N′,N″-triacetylchitotrioside [4-MU-β- (GlcNAc)₃]. This was evaluated by identifying the presence of a fluorescent reaction product, 7-hydroxy-4-metyl coumarin (4-methylumbelliferone).

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common type of testicular cancer, with a particularly high incidence in the 15–45-year age category. Although highly treatable, resistance to therapy sometimes occurs, with devastating consequences for the patients. Additionally, the young age at diagnosis and the treatment itself pose a great threat to patients’ fertility. Despite extensive research concerning genetic and environmental risk factors, little is known about TGCT etiology. However, epigenetics has recently come into the spotlight as a major factor in TGCT initiation, progression, and even resistance to treatment. As such, recent studies have been focusing on epigenetic mechanisms, which have revealed their potential in the development of novel, non-invasive biomarkers. As the most studied epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation was the first revelation in this particular field, and it continues to be a main target of investigations as research into its association with TGCT has contributed to a better understanding of this type of cancer and constantly reveals novel aspects that can be exploited through clinical applications. In addition to biomarker development, DNA methylation holds potential for developing novel treatments based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) and may even be of interest for fertility management in cancer survivors. This manuscript is structured as a literature review, which comprehensively explores the pivotal role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of TGCTs.

Bacterial contamination during fuel storage can lead to fuel biodegradation (biodeterioration) or infrastructure problems (i.e., microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), biofouling, etc.). Jet A-1 storage tank samples were screened, and 23 morphologically distinct bacterial strains were isolated. 6 isolates revealed biofilm initiation capacity. For 12 isolates the alkane monooxygenase gene (alkB) was successfully detected. The 12 alkB-possessing isolates were 16S rDNA sequences identified as belonging to Bradyrhizobium, Sphingomonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Methylobacterium and Lelliottia genera. In addition to possessing enzymatic equipment (AlkB) required for alkane oxidation, 10 out of 12 isolates were able to use Jet A-1 and n-tetradecane as their sole carbon source and energy. Biofilm initiation capacity and the ability to grow on different hydrocarbons highlights once again that fuel bacterial contamination can lead to serious fuel and storage system alterations. In contrast, their adaptation to high concentrations of hydrocarbons highlights the potential use of our isolates for bioremediation processes.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge requiring vigilant surveillance and disease control. This study aimed to characterize C. jejuni strains isolated in Romania from 2017 to 2020, focusing on genetic diversity, virulence, and antibiotic resistance determinants. The isolates underwent phenotypical testing, PCR, and antibiotic resistance assessment using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method for ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Genetic analysis identified resistance and virulence genes, point mutations, and performed sequence typing (7-gene MLST) to determine genetic relatedness. Results indicated substitutions at position 86 in the amino acid sequence or position 257 in the nucleotide sequence of the gyrA gene in 47 fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. Additionally, mutations in the rRNA 23S gene at positions 2074 and 2075, associated with macrolide resistance, were found in 12 of the 66 isolates. Allelic profiles generated 38 sequence types (STs), including three new STs not present in the reference database. The sequence data analysis revealed a genetically diverse C. jejuni population with a weak clonal structure. This study provides crucial insights into the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance of C. jejuni strains in Romania, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and control measures.

Nanostructured oxides (SiO₂, TiO₂) were synthesized using the sol–gel method and modified with noble metal nanoparticles (Pt, Au) and ruthenium dye to enhance light harvesting and promote the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species, namely singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The resulting nanostructures were embedded in a transparent polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. Morphological and structural characterization of the bare and modified oxides was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, electrokinetic potential measurements were conducted. Crystallinity data and elemental analysis of the investigated systems were obtained through X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analyses, while the chemical state of the elements was determined using XPS. The engineered materials, both as simple powders and embedded in the hydrogel, were evaluated for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible and simulated solar light irradiation to establish a correlation with their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The generation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) by the samples under visible light exposure can be of significant importance for their potential use in biomedical applications.