Materials Chemistry Horizons
Volume:2 Issue: 1, Mar 2023

Infections, endometriosis, and carcinomas are just a few of the conditions that can affect the uterine cervix in humans. Since the architecture and physiology of the human uterine cervix in humans and other primates differ greatly from that of the majority of frequently used animal models, in vitro models of the human uterine cervix play an increasingly essential role in both fundamental and translational research. The function of existing in vitro models of the human uterine cervix commonly relies on the use of established cervical epithelial cell lines, such as columnar and squamosal epithelial cells, which line the endocervical canal and ectocervical zone of the cervix, respectively. Consequently, there is a great need for a better model to study human uterine and its related diseases. Recently, microfluidics systems called "Organs-on-Chip" provided an opportunity to fulfill that requirement. These platforms incorporate artificial or real tiny tissues grown inside microfluidic chips. The chips are made to regulate cell microenvironments and preserve tissue-specific functionalities in order to resemble human physiology more closely. Organs-on-Chip platforms have attracted interest as a next-generation experimental platform to study human uterine cervix physiology and diseases. Moreover, the impact of medicines in finding a solution for cervical cancer by combining advancements in tissue engineering and microfabrication. In this study, we reviewed the latest studies in designing the human uterine cervix-on-a-chip.

Hemostasis refers to the harmless practice of any surgical procedure or any other chronic ulcer which immediately requires therapy to prevent substantial blood loss and mortality from extreme hemorrhage in surgery/emergency conditions. Various natural, semi-synthetic as well as synthetic biopolymers are available with excellent hemostatic activity and further offer biodegradable and biocompatible nature with the live cells. Now a day’s biopolymers have become the most significant hemostatic agents used in emergency operations and surgical procedures. However, to date, there is no comprehensive report evaluating natural hemostatic materials based on biopolymers. Therefore, this current review attempts to combine the most advanced methods and secondly reviews various biopolymers including their preparation, origin, and composition, as well as safety and biodegradability. Insights on the various commercially available products based on biopolymers exhibiting hemostatic activity are well discussed. Thus, the paper summarizes the latest research work on commonly used biopolymers as the most widely used materials and provides an orientation for further research and development in this field.

Being a universal obstacle, HIV requires a vaccine or potential cure. As a matter of fact, the invention of an efficacious vaccine or therapeutic cure for human immunodeficiency (HIV) is of paramount importance, which can provide potent and wide-ranging neutralization against viral infections. Although the genetic variation of this virus can hamper efforts, advanced technologies such as coating technology by cell membrane can mitigate the situation. To shed light on this matter, T-cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles are considerable. These nanoparticles have antigens that are naturally on the T cell surface and are fundamental for HIV binding, for instance, CD4 receptor and CCR5 or CXCR4 coreceptors. Not only HIV can be successfully neutralized by TNPs, but also, they can precisely bind to the intended targets of infected cells. Consequently, there would be a fall in the number of released HIV-1 particles through an autophagy-dependent mechanism with no drug being used off-target or cytotoxic effects on observer cells. In this review we highlight the emerging role of the T-cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles for the treatment of the viral infectious diseases.

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles have drawn the attention of researchers because of their unique properties and promising applications. To date, very little information is available on the biological activity of spinel ferrites. This study used the coprecipitation technique to synthesize copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) and zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The nanoparticles were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating-sample magnetometer, and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis. Agar disk diffusion and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate tests were used to measure the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of copper ferrite and zinc ferrite nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity of copper ferrite and zinc ferrite nanoparticles was 71% and 80%, respectively. Additionally, it was shown that nanoparticles made of copper ferrite and zinc ferrite had a strong antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Nonlinear optical properties of synthesized Carbazole based compound (9H-Carbazole-3,6-dicarboxaldehyde, 9-hexyl-) were investigated and measured using Z-scan method with a continuous wave blue diode laser, in different laser intensities. Open aperture Z-scan curves have peak configuration which indicates saturation in absorption has occurred. In close aperture Z-scan measurements, a peak-valley configuration of Z-san curves was related to the thermal-lensing effect that was observed below 100mW incident power. At higher incident powers, because of high nonlinear optical phase change, diffraction rings patterns were observed. Besides the photoluminescence emission of Carbazole compounds under the emission of a blue laser beam, the high nonlinear optical properties of this compound indicate that it can be a potential candidate in optical devices.

Cancer is a malignant disease of increasing concern on account of its high heterogeneity, high mortality and morbidity rates, as well as absence of targeted and effective therapeutic regimes. The recent introduction of biomimetic and nature-inspired principles in the development of nanosystems has significantly impacted cancer therapies and diagnosis. Biomembrane-surface engineered nanosystems are bioinspired nanoconstructions equipped with cell-mimicking features to improve in vivo interactions with surrounding biological environments and cells. These next-generation nanosized delivery systems can enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety of conventional cancer therapies by providing highly specific, targeted, and safer nanomedicines. Herein, we have discussed the unique features of cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanodevices (including superior biocompatibility, immune evasion and tissue-homing features) that allow for promising osteosarcoma-targeted diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. We also summarized the recent advances on cell membrane- and hybrid cell membrane-coated nanosystems for both primary bone cancer and metastatic scenarios, especially prostate cancer-derived bone metastases. Future perspectives and challenges towards successful clinical translation are also highlighted.