Kadriye Kızılbey

Tissue patches are biomaterial‐based structures designed to support the repair of damaged or functionally impaired tissues and are required to exhibit biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and suitable surface characteristics. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (Chi), and hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based composite films reinforced with zeolite (0–0.5% w/v) were developed and evaluated as potential tissue patch materials. The incorporation of zeolite significantly influenced the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films. The elastic modulus decreased from 293.78 ± 64.47 N/mm ² for the zeolite‐free film to 106.21 ± 9.50 N/mm ² at the highest zeolite content, indicating tunable flexibility. Water contact angle values increased from 46.09° to 67.23°, while maintaining overall hydrophilicity. The films exhibited rapid swelling behavior, reaching equilibrium within 30 min, and demonstrated controlled biodegradation with mass losses exceeding 75% after 42 days. Biological evaluations showed that all formulations maintained cell viability above 70%, with values ranging from 87.26% to 78.63%, and supported cell adhesion, confirming their biocompatible nature. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that low‐concentration zeolite incorporation enables controlled tuning of mechanical, surface, and biological properties within a single PVA–Chi–HA system, without compromising biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of zeolite‐reinforced composite films as multifunctional and customizable tissue patch candidates for tissue engineering applications.

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of biocompatible hydrogel films composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CH), integrated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized via a green approach using Ganoderma lucidum extract. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of varying ZnO NPs concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL) on the films' mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, swelling behavior, and biological performance to identify an optimal formulation for tissue patch applications. Structural characterization confirmed the successful incorporation of spherical ZnO NPs (~25–50 nm, polydispersity index: 48.69%) within the polymer matrix. Films containing 5 μg/mL ZnO NPs exhibited the highest tensile strength (75 MPa) and fibroblast viability (95.2%), indicating a well‐balanced design. Water contact angle analysis showed enhanced hydrophilicity (as low as 58°), supporting favorable surface interactions for cell adhesion. Swelling studies and antioxidant assays further validated the films' suitability for moist wound environments. The results demonstrate that fungal‐mediated ZnO NPs can enhance the multifunctional performance of PVA/CH hydrogels, making them promising candidates for regenerative medicine.

Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their unique physicochemical properties. These properties enable their great potential in various biomedical applications, such as hyperthermia, drug delivery, tissue engineering, theranostics, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. Physical and chemical methods are conventionally used for the synthesis of nanoparticles; however, due to several limitations of these methods, research focus has recently shifted towards developing clean and eco-friendly synthesis protocols while maintaining their desirable chemical and physical properties. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized for the first time using the green synthesis method with extracts from Vitex agnus-castus. The structural and magnetic characterization of FeNPs was carried out using state-of-the-art techniques. The formation of FeNPs was confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy. The morphology and size distribution were examined by a zetasizer and SEM, which showed agglomerated ring-shaped structures with a moderate size distribution among the nanoparticles. The crystalline structure and phase purity of the FeNPs were analyzed by XRD. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the attachment of bioactive plant molecules on the FeNP surfaces. The TGA results indicated the presence of organic molecules on the surface of the nanoparticles. Further studies including temperature-dependent magnetization and coercivity measurements were performed by PPMS and ESR, confirming the soft magnetic characteristics of synthesized FeNPs. Additionally, the dose-dependent toxicity and anti-cancerogenic effects of the FeNPs were screened towards the glioma cancer line (C6) and fibroblast cell line (L929) in vitro using an MTT assay. After 24 h of treatment, inhibitory concentration IC50 values of 26.51 µg/mL (l929) and 10.73 µg/mL (C6) were determined, respectively. These results suggest the potential of the synthesized FeNPs in developing new biocompatible systems for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study contributes to the growing demand for research in nanotechnology by offering a sustainable and effective green synthesis method for FeNPs, expanding their potential applications in nanomedicine.

PEEK-based implant materials have gained increasing attention as an alternative to titanium due to their biocompatibility and bone-like elasticity. However, PEEK’s surface quality and wear resistance are lower than those of metals. This study aimed to enhance the bioactivity and surface quality of PEEK by coating it with silver and copper nanoparticles synthesized via a green method using Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. extract. PEEK samples (Ø 25 mm, 3 mm thick) were coated with single and double layers using spray (airbrush-spray) and drop-coating methods. Comprehensive analyses including SEM, EDX, FT-IR, UV-Vis, surface roughness, release studies, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity, and antibacterial tests were conducted on the coated samples. The results demonstrated that AgNPs and CuNPs coatings significantly improved the surface quality of PEEK. SEM analysis revealed particle sizes ranging from 48 to 160 nm for AgNPs and 50–135 nm for CuNPs, with superior dispersion obtained using the airbrush-spray method. Surface roughness measurements showed a reduction of 17–33% for AgNPs-coated samples and 7–15% for CuNPs-coated samples compared to uncoated PEEK, with airbrush-spray coatings providing smoother surfaces. Antioxidant activity tests indicated that AgNPs provided 35% higher antioxidant activity compared to CuNPs. Additionally, antibacterial tests revealed that AgNPs exhibited a higher zone of inhibition (up to 14 mm for S. aureus and 18 mm for E. coli) compared to CuNPs, which exhibited zones of 8 mm and 10 mm, respectively. This study concludes that green-synthesized AgNPs, in particular, enhance the bioactivity and surface properties of PEEK, making it a promising material for biomedical applications such as infection-resistant implants.

This study presents a novel biotechnological approach using octadecylamine-based solid lipid nanoparticles (OCTNPs) for the first-time reprogramming of human CCD1072-SK fibroblast cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). OCTNPs, with an average size of 178.9 nm and a positive zeta potential of 22.8 mV, were synthesized, thoroughly characterized, and utilized as a non-viral vector to efficiently deliver reprogramming factors, achieving a remarkable transfection efficiency of 82.0%. iPSCs were characterized through immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR, confirming the expression of key pluripotency markers such as OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4, with alkaline phosphatase activity further validating their pluripotent state. Following this comprehensive characterization, the iPSCs were successfully differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells using 5-azacytidine. Our research highlights the innovative application of OCTNPs as a safe and effective alternative to viral vectors, addressing key limitations of iPSC reprogramming. The novel application of OCTNPs for efficient gene delivery demonstrates a powerful tool for advancing stem cell technologies, minimizing risks associated with viral vectors. These findings pave the way for further innovations in biotechnological applications, particularly in tissue engineering and personalized medicine.

Metallic nanoparticles are of growing interest due to their broad applications. This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom extract, characterized by DLS, SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses. The synthesis parameters, including extract/salt ratio and mixing time, significantly influenced nanoparticle yield, size, and polydispersity, with longer mixing times leading to larger, more varied particles. Specifically, the sizes of ZnNPs synthesized at a 1:1 extract/ZnCl₂ ratio after 3 h and 24 h were 90.0 nm and 243.3 nm, with PDI values of 48.69% and 51.91%, respectively. At a 1:2 ratio, the sizes were 242.3 nm at 3 h (PDI: 43.19%) and a mixture of 1.5 nm, 117.4 nm, and 647.9 nm at 24 h (PDI: 2.72%, 10.97%, and 12.43%). Polymer films incorporating PVA, chitosan, and ZnNPs were analyzed for their morphological, spectroscopic, and mechanical properties. Chitosan reduced tensile strength and elongation due to its brittleness, while ZnNPs further increased film brittleness and structural degradation. A comparison of the tensile strength of films A and C revealed that the addition of chitosan to the PVA film resulted in an approximately 10.71% decrease in tensile strength. Similarly, the analysis of films B1 and B2 showed that the tensile strength of the B2 film decreased by 10.53%. Swelling tests showed that ZnNPs initially enhanced swelling, but excessive amounts led to reduced capacity due to aggregation. This pioneering study demonstrates the potential of Ganoderma Lucidum extract in nanoparticle synthesis and provides foundational insights for future research, especially in wound dressing applications.

In contrast to conventional drug delivery systems, controlled drug release systems employ distinct methodologies. These systems facilitate the release of active substances in predetermined quantities and for specified durations. Polymer hydrogels have gained prominence in controlled drug delivery because of their unique swelling–shrinkage behavior and ability to regulate drug release. In this investigation, films with a hydrogel structure were crafted using polyvinyl alcohol, a biocompatible polymer, and silver nanoparticles. Following characterization, ibuprofen was loaded into the hydrogels to evaluate their drug release capacity. The particle sizes of silver nanoparticles synthesized using a green approach were determined. This study comprehensively examined the structural properties, morphological features, mechanical strength, and cumulative release patterns of the prepared films. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis was employed to assess the cell viability of drug-loaded hydrogel films, and their antibacterial effects were examined. The results indicated that hydrogel films containing 5% and 10% polyvinyl alcohol released 89% and 97% of the loaded drug, respectively, by day 14. The release kinetics fits the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. This study, which describes nanoparticle-enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel systems prepared through a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach, is anticipated to contribute to the existing literature and serve as a foundational study for future research.

Cancer immunotherapy is based on the idea of overcoming the main problems in the traditional cancer treatments and enhancing the patient’s long-term survival and quality of life. Immunotherapy methods aimed to influence the immune system, to detect and eradicate the tumors site and predict the potential results. Nowadays, nanomaterials-based immunotherapy approaches are gaining interest due to numerous advantages like their ability to target cells and tissues directly and reduce the off-target toxicity. Therefore, topics about immune system components, nanomaterials, their usage in immunotherapy and the benefits they provide will be discussed in this presented book chapter. Immunotherapy can be divided into two groups mainly; active and passive immunotherapy including their subtitles such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive immunotherapy, CAR-T therapies, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. Main classification and the methods will be evaluated. Furthermore, state-of-art nanocarriers based immunotherapy methods will be mentioned in detail. The terms of size, charge, material type and surface modifications of the nanoparticles will be reviewed to understand the interference of immune system and nanoparticles and their advantages/disadvantages in immunotherapy systems.

In recent years, the usage of hydrogels in tissue regeneration and controlled drug release systems have been increasing rapidly due to their water holding capacity and 3D structure. In this study chitosan and dextran sulphate sodium were prefered to form pH-sensitive hydrogel by physical interaction. The biodegradability of the chitosan and the therapeutic properties of dextran sulphate sodium make them suitable as wound dressing material. In addition to these good specifications of polymers, vitamin-C and quercetin, which have an accelerating effect on wound healing. The structural and morphological characterisation of hydrogels were performed by FT-IR and SEM. The sweeling behaviour of this hydrogel was examined in PBS at different temperatures (25°C and 37°C) and pHs (6,7,7.4,8). In vitro release pattern of quercetin and vitamin-C were investigated. It was seen from this experiment that at the end of the 7 days, cell viability on loaded and unloaded hydrogel were higher than control group.

Background: The conjugations of antigenic synthetic peptide sequences with carrier polymers have opened new possibilities for the treatment of diseases. In this study, 135–161 peptide sequence of VP1 capsid protein of Foot-and-Mouth Disease was cross-linked with P(VP- co -AA) copolymer by covalent conjugation using water-soluble carbodiimide at different ratio of components ( γ =5, 7, 9, 11, 15) for the first time in the literature. Materials and methods: Bioconjugates were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy to identify occurrences of the conjugates. After characterization, γ =15 bioconjugate was determined as optimum conjugate for immunization studies and IC ₅₀ value is calculated as 1.227 mg/mL. By determining the nontoxic range, indirect ELISA were performed to evaluate the immune response elicited in balb/c mice by either peptide or P(VP- co -AA)-peptide bioconjugates ( γ =15). Two injections were applied to each group and high immune responses were obtained against γ =15 conjugate compared to free peptide and control. Results and conclusion: At the end of 9-week, the general pattern of immunoreactivity was acquired as γ =15>>peptide>control. Peptide formulated in the conjugated form had higher antibody response than free peptide and control (pco -AA) polymer.