Gulin Amasya

Photothermal therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that uses light-absorbing agents to convert light into heat, targeting tumor tissues. Near-infrared light, typically in the 700-2000 nm range, is employed to generate localized hyperthermia. Photothermal agents such as gold, copper sulfide, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based materials, and organic dyes induce cell death by raising the temperature within the tumor microenvironment. Treatment efficacy depends on factors like irradiation time, fluence rate, laser wavelength, and the biocompatibility of the nanomaterials used. Biodegradable organic structures have recently gained attention due to their improved safety and clearance profiles. When combined with nano-sized delivery systems, these materials can enhance tumor accumulation and tissue penetration. Additionally, combining photothermal therapy with chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, or immunotherapy offers synergistic effects, leading to more effective cancer treatment outcomes.

Chitosan prepared with acetic acid is commonly used as an endodontic irrigant. However, the chitosan solution prepared with distilled water has not been evaluated for endodontic usage. The present study aimed to compare the effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), fumaric acid, and the chitosan solutions prepared with distilled water (C-DW) and acetic acid (C-AA) on dentin microhardness and dentinal tubule penetration. Eighty maxillary central incisors were endodontically instrumented and randomly divided into 2 main groups (n = 40) for the evaluation of dentin microhardness and tubular penetration, with 4 subgroups in each main group (n = 10) according to the final irrigation solutions used (EDTA, fumaric acid, C-DW, and C-AA). The C-AA solution was prepared by diluting medium-molecularweight chitosan in acetic acid. The C-DW solution was prepared with distilled water and chitosan ammonium salts, which were synthesized using trichloroacetic acid and low-molecular-weight chitosan. After irrigation, the roots were sectioned horizontally 2 mm (the apical third) and 5 mm (the middle third) from the apex. The microhardness measurements were taken at depths of 500 μm and 1,000 μm from the canal lumen. The sections were examined for tubular penetration using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The microhardness values were statistically similar at either depth for each third (p > 0.05), except for the 1,000-μm depth in the apical third, where the use of the C-AA solution resulted in lower microhardness as compared to fumaric acid (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in tubular penetration with regard to each third (p > 0.05). All solutions showed a similar penetration ability in each third. At the 1,000-μm depth in the apical third, the fumaric acid solution provided a higher microhardness value than the C-AA solution.

Rhoifolin is a flavonoid found in various plant species, especially within the Rutaceae family, and is considered a dietary component due to its presence in edible plants. Its bioactive properties, such as cytotoxic and anticancer activities, have gained significant attention. This review aims to highlight the general properties and diverse bioactivities of rhoifolin, with a particular focus on its cytotoxic and anticancer effects. This is based on a comprehensive literature search, focusing on the presence of rhoifolin in different plant species and its biological activities, particularly its anticancer properties. Rhoifolin is widely distributed in the plant kingdom, especially in Citrus species. It exhibits a variety of bioactivities, including strong cytotoxic and anticancer effects. Recent studies have shown that rhoifolin can induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation, making it a promising candidate for anticancer therapies. Rhoifolin's diverse bioactivities, particularly its cytotoxic and anticancer properties, position it as a potential therapeutic agent. Further detailed investigations into its molecular mechanisms and well-designed clinical studies are needed to fully understand and utilize its therapeutic potential.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Enterococcus faecalis and compare it with different irrigation solutions. This study was performed using 64 dentin blocks. E. faecalis suspension was dispensed to each sample and incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C throughout 21 days. After the inoculation period, the following solutions were added to each group and kept for 5 min: Group 1, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); Group 2, 2.5% NaOCl; Group 3, 1% NaOCl; Group 4, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); Group 5, 200 ppm hypochlorous acid (HOCl); and Group 6, AgNPs. The samples of positive control were treated with sterile saline. Biofilm viability assay was performed using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit. Samples were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 5.25% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl, and 1%NaOCl groups (p > .05). However, these groups showed statistically higher antibacterial activity than the 2% CHX, 200 ppm HOCl, and AgNP groups. Also, 2% CHX showed greater percentage of dead cells compared with the AgNP and HOCl groups. While AgNPs group showed lower dead cell rate than all NaOCl groups and 2% CHX, it caused higher dead cells than 200 ppm HOCl group. The 200 ppm HOCl group showed the lowest percentage of dead cells (p < .05) Although the antibacterial effect of AgNPs is not as high as NaOCl and CHX, it has considerable bactericidal activity against E. faecalis and can be improved by further studies.Research Highlights: New antimicrobial approaches for root canal irrigation. Antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles against E. faecalis. Elimination of the biofilm layer for the success of endodontic treatment.

Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) are known to be critical communication tools in several pathophysiological processes between bacteria and host cells. Given this situation, BMVs for transporting and delivering exogenous therapeutic cargoes have been inspiring as promising platforms for developing smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs). In the first section of this review paper, starting with an introduction to pharmaceutical technology and nanotechnology, we delve into the design and classification of SDDSs. We discuss the characteristics of BMVs including their size, shape, charge, effective production and purification techniques, and the different methods used for cargo loading and drug encapsulation. We also shed light on the drug release mechanism, the design of BMVs as smart carriers, and recent remarkable findings on the potential of BMVs for anticancer and antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, this review covers the safety of BMVs and the challenges that need to be overcome for clinical use. Finally, we discuss the recent advancements and prospects for BMVs as SDDSs and highlight their potential in revolutionizing the fields of nanomedicine and drug delivery. In conclusion, this review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art field of BMVs as SDDSs, encompassing their design, composition, fabrication, purification, and characterization, as well as the various strategies used for targeted delivery. Considering this information, the aim of this review is to provide researchers in the field with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of BMVs as SDDSs, enabling them to identify critical gaps and formulate new hypotheses to accelerate the progress of the field.

Candida albicans is a microorganism that causes root canal infections. However, it cannot be eliminated with conventional irrigation solutions. Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become popular for their superior antimicrobial effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effect of AgNPs to C. albicans comparing with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of AgNPs against C. albicans strain were determined according to microdilution method reported by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. C. albicans biofilm layer was formed on the dentin blocks for 10 days. The biofilm structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed with one way analysis of variance analysis and group comparisons were performed with Tukey test. AgNPs showed the highest antifungal effect among the groups. 5.25% NaOCl showed the lowest antifungal effect among the groups. While the 2% CHX solution had a statistically lower antifungal effect than AgNPs, it was found to have a higher effect than NaOCl (p < .016). Nanoparticles present a wide research field as an alternative irrigation solution in root canal treatment. The antifungal effect of AgNPs against C. albicans was confirmed in this study. Further in vivo studies should evaluate the conditions of use and long‐term prognosis of AgNPs.