Surface Modification to Modulate Microbial Biofilms—Applications in Dental Medicine

Recent progress in materials science and nanotechnology has led to the development of advanced materials with multifunctional properties. Dental medicine has benefited from the design of such materials and coatings in providing patients with tailored implants and improved materials for restorative and functional use. Such materials and coatings allow for better acceptance by the host body, promote successful implantation and determine a reduced inflammatory response after contact with the materials. Since numerous dental pathologies are influenced by the presence and activity of some pathogenic microorganisms, novel materials are needed to overcome this challenge as well. This paper aimed to reveal and discuss the most recent and innovative progress made in the field of materials surface modification in terms of microbial attachment inhibition and biofilm formation, with a direct impact on dental medicine.

Site Attachment Inhibition: Research Note

One issue with stem cell therapy immunization is that it requires the embryo to undergo stem cell therapy and not all pregnancies are identified this early.The solution to this has already been discussed. Stem cell therapy could be carried out at spermatogenesis and oogenesis. The genes targeted that which correspond to embryonic CCR5- Delta 32, taking into account association versus causation.Whilst this may seem burdensome, it depends how keen society is to eradicate HIV.Ethics approval has been granted for embryonic stem cell therapy above but not yet for oogenesis and spermatogenesis.

Levonorgestrel Inhibits Embryo Attachment by Eliminating Uterine Induction of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

Progestogens including progesterone (P4) and levonorgestrel (LNG) are clinically used for multiple purposes such as contraception and infertility treatment. The effects of progestogens on the uterus remains to be elucidated. Here we examine the effect of excessive progestogen administration on embryo implantation focusing on the function of uterine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a cytokine that is induced by estrogen and essential for embryo attachment. Treatment of wild-type (WT) female mice with vehicle (control), LNG at the dose of 300 μg/kg/day and P4 at the dose of 10 mg/day from day 1 to day 4 of pregnancy was conducted. LNG-treated and P4-treated mice showed embryo attachment failure on day 5 of pregnancy (The rate of mice with embryo attachment sites [%MAS], 11% and 13%, respectively), while all the control mice had normal attachment sites. Uterine LIF expression was significantly reduced in LNG-treated and P4-treated mice on day 4 evening. Administration of recombinant LIF (rLIF) at the dose of 24 μg/day on day 4 significantly rescued embryo attachment failure in LNG-treated and P4-treated mice (%MAS, 80% and 75%, respectively). Estradiol (E2) administration also rescued embryo attachment failure in LNG-treated mice (%MAS, 83%). Furthermore, excess P4 treatment before implantation decreased decidual P4 receptor (PGR) expression and induced decidualization defect apart from LIF downregulation. These findings indicate that progestogens cause embryo attachment inhibition through downregulation of uterine LIF expression and compromised decidualization through downregulation of PGR independently of LIF reduction. This study may contribute to a better understanding of contraceptive action of progestogens.

Cold Spray Modification of ZnO-Cu Coatings for Bacterial Attachment Inhibition

This research work describes the processing of antibacterial and hydrophobic feedstock suitable for marine antifouling coatings. A composition of agglomerated ZnO-Cu powder and respective produced coatings were evaluated for fouling properties via antimicrobial activity test. Wettability of coating was also determined by contact angle measurements. These new antifouling coatings aim to prevent the growth of biofilm, reduce biofouling and improve both maintenance cost and fuel efficiency of the maritime structures and vessels. It should be able to extend dry docking cycle by providing an alternative environmentally compliant coating that is long lasting compared to conventional paint coatings. The results showed that ZnO and copper composites inhibit the C. marina attachment on the coating surfaces.