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Spinal implants have been successfully used to treat various spine conditions. However, concerns remain regarding the release of ions and particles that can cause adverse host responses. Moreover, the biological response from cells of the central nervous system to implant wear particles is not well documented. This research studied the interaction of silicon nitride, cobalt oxide, or chromium oxide particles with relevant glial cells, astrocytes and microglia, to assess their effects on viability and activation using a range of relevant concentrations. Astrocyte viability was not impaired by the particles, and expression levels of the astrocyte reactivity markers GFAP and vimentin were unaffected following 24 h of exposure. Moreover, the particles did not alter microglial phagocytic activity, or stimulate the release of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Together, these results suggest that the release of such particles from a spinal implant would not induce an inflammatory response in surrounding glial cells. Interestingly, high concentrations of SiN particles reduced microglial cell viability, potentially due to their tendency to form large agglomerates and/or their high dissolution rate. The present work highlights the importance of studying the potential effects of SiN particles on glial cells and encourages further investigations to fully understand the safety aspects of the use of SiN in spinal implants.

With antibiotic resistance being a major global concern, there is a huge need of new treatment options to fight bacterial infections. In this study, we highlight the antibacterial and host-protective roles of a novel synthetic antimicrobial peptide in uropathogenic Escherichia coli–infected uroepithelial cells. This peptide, designed from a fragment of human cathelicidin LL-37 and named LD4-PP, was found to be highly potent against clinical isolates of E. coli as well as ESBL-producing and multi-drug resistant E. coli. Additionally, LD4-PP inhibited the formation of new biofilm, damaging both the bacterial surface and the bacterial genome. LD4-PP also modulated the host cell lipid vacuole, caveolin-1, and Rho GTPase B affecting bacterial survival. Furthermore, LD4-PP exerts immunomodulatory effects by modulating free radical formation, expression of antioxidants, and inflammasome-mediated cell death. Pronounced uroepithelial cell death was observed after E. coli infection which was significantly inhibited by LD4-PP without affecting the cellular toxicity. Overall, the peptide LD4-PP is shown to be a strong candidate for future clinical applications, particularly to prevent and treat urinary tract infections.

In the present work, we explored Lewis acid catalysis, via FeCl3, for the heterogeneous surface functionalization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). This approach, characterized by its simplicity and efficiency, facilitates the amidation of nonactivated carboxylic acids in carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils (c-CNF). Following the optimization of reaction conditions, we successfully introduced amine-containing polymers, such as polyethylenimine and Jeffamine, onto nanofibers. This introduction significantly enhanced the physicochemical properties of the CNF-based materials, resulting in improved characteristics such as adhesiveness and thermal stability. Reaction mechanistic investigations suggested that endocyclic oxygen of cellulose finely stabilizes the transition state required for further functionalization. Notably, a nanocomposite, containing CNF and a branched low molecular weight polyethylenimine (CNF-PEI 800), was synthesized using the catalytic reaction. The composite CNF-PEI 800 was thoroughly characterized having in mind its potential application as coating biomaterial for medical implants. The resulting CNF-PEI 800 hydrogel exhibits adhesive properties, which complement the established antibacterial qualities of polyethylenimine. Furthermore, CNF-PEI 800 demonstrates its ability to support the proliferation and differentiation of primary human osteoblasts over a period of 7 days.

The application of urinary catheters is associated with pain and discomfort. Several topical medications are available to ease catheter insertion, including xylocaine. Here we report that xylocaine, although not classified as an antibacterial agent, has bacteriostatic properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative etiological agents of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Xylocaine reduces the amount of biofilm formed by ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing E. coli. In addition, xylocaine possesses slight immunomodulatory properties in uroepithelial cells, and treatment of uroepithelial cells prior to infection reduces bacterial loads in the supernatant. In conclusion, xylocaine has multifaceted positive effects when used during the insertion of urinary catheters.

Dermal infections requiring treatment are usually treated with conventional antibiotics, but the rise of bacterial resistance to first-line antibiotics warrants alternative therapeutics. Here, we report that a backbone-cyclized antimicrobial peptide, CD4-PP, designed from the human host defense peptide LL-37, has strong direct antibacterial effects on antibiotic sensitive as well as resistant-type strains and clinical isolates of common skin pathogens in the low (<2) μM range. In addition, it influences innate immunity in keratinocytes, and treatment with CD4-PP is able to clear bacterial infections in infected keratinocytes. Additionally, CD4-PP treatment significantly reduces the wound area in a lawn of keratinocytes infected with MRSA. In conclusion, CD4-PP has the potential to serve as a future drug treating wounds infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In this study, systematic analysis of nanotechnology education programmes was carried out from a global and local perspective. Although several universities offer 3-4 year nanotechnology-centred educational programmes, in general the most common modes for nanotechnology education include either modular courses integrated in traditional scientific disciplines or 2-year specialised MSc programmes. Nanotechnology education has a number of peculiarities. For example, it is common to include “nano”-labelling of education for marketing purposes to attract students to study traditional disciplines. Another conclusion of the analysis is that specialised nanotechnology programmes require access to advanced characterisation equipment, which can be limiting for programmes with small number of students. The nanotechnology education in Sweden does not differ much from other countries in its structure. MSc programmes or modular courses in nanotechnology are offered by major universities. Lund University and KTH offer 2-year MSc programmes with specialisation in nanoscience, having strong focus on nanoelectronics and nanophysics, whereas Chalmers is offering nanoelectronics as a part of international 2-year Erasmus Mundus MSc programme in nanoscience and nanotechnology- EMMNano. The nanotechnology education at Uppsala University is conducted mainly through modular courses, with significantly higher number of courses specialised in life sciences applications than that at other major Swedish universities. At this time, it appears that no 2-year MSc programme is offered by major Swedish universities with specialisation in nanomedicine. Finally, extensive analysis of nanotechnology for life science education is conducted to highlight core concepts in the field.