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Background: Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) have become prevalent in populations due to aging. Application of different biomaterials for cardiac valve regeneration and repair holds a great promise for treatment of VHD. Aortic valve replacement using tissue-engineered xenografts is a considered approach, and the pericardium of different species such as porcine and bovine has been studied over the last few years. It has been suggested that the animal origin can affect the outcomes of replacement. Methods: So, herein, we at first decellularized and characterized the camel pericardium (dCP), then characterized dCP with H&E staining, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and mechanical tests and compared it with decellularized bovine pericardium (dBP), to describe the potency of dCP as a new xenograft and bio scaffold. Results: The histological assays indicated less decluttering and extracellular matrix damage in dCP after decellularization compared to the dBP also dCP had higher Young Modulus (105.11), and yield stress (1.57 ± 0.45). We observed more blood vessels and also less inflammatory cells in the dCP sections after implantation. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the dCP has good capabilities not only for use in VHD treatment but also for other applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide with more than an estimated 19.3 million new cases in 2020. The occurrence rises dramatically with age, and the overall risk accumulation is combined with the tendency for cellular repair mechanisms to be less effective in older individuals. Conventional cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, have been used for decades to combat cancer. However, the emergence of novel fields of cancer research has led to the exploration of innovative treatment approaches focused on immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, targeted therapy, multi-omics, and also multi-target therapy. The hypothesis was based on that drugs designed to act against individual targets cannot usually battle multigenic diseases like cancer. Multi-target therapies, either in combination or sequential order, have been recommended to combat acquired and intrinsic resistance to anti-cancer treatments. Several studies focused on multi-targeting treatments due to their advantages include; overcoming clonal heterogeneity, lower risk of multi-drug resistance (MDR), decreased drug toxicity, and thereby lower side effects. In this study, we'll discuss about multi-target drugs, their benefits in improving cancer treatments, and recent advances in the field of multi-targeted drugs. Also, we will study the research that performed clinical trials using multi-target therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid, inexpensive, and on-site detection of bacterial contaminants using highly sensitive and specific microfluidic sensors is attracting substantial attention in water quality monitoring applications. Cell-imprinted polymers (CIPs) have emerged as robust, cost-effective, and versatile recognition materials with selective binding sites for capturing whole bacteria. However, electrochemical transduction of the binding event to a measurable signal within a microfluidic device to develop easy-to-use, compact, portable, durable, and affordable sensors remains a challenge. For this paper, we employed CIP-functionalized microwires (CIP-MWs) with an affinity towards E. coli and integrated them into a low-cost microfluidic sensor to measure the conductometric transduction of CIP–bacteria binding events. The sensor comprised two CIP-MWs suspended perpendicularly to a PDMS microchannel. The inter-wire electrical resistance of the microchannel was measured before, during, and after exposure of CIP-MWs to bacteria. A decline in the inter-wire resistance of the sensor after 30 min of incubation with bacteria was detected. Resistance change normalization and the subsequent analysis of the sensor's dose-response curve between 0 to 109 CFU/mL bacteria revealed the limits of detection and quantification of 2.1 × 105 CFU/mL and 7.3 × 105 CFU/mL, respectively. The dynamic range of the sensor was 104 to 107 CFU/mL where the bacteria counts were statistically distinguishable from each other. A linear fit in this range resulted in a sensitivity of 7.35 μS per CFU/mL. Experiments using competing Sarcina or Listeria cells showed specificity of the sensor towards the imprinted E. coli cells. The reported CIP-MW-based conductometric microfluidic sensor can provide a cost-effective, durable, portable, and real-time solution for the detection of pathogens in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to evaluate the mechanical behaviour, hybridisation and osteoblast activities of novel baghdadite/PCL-graphene nanocomposite scaffold. The mechanical behaviour was examined via measuring the compressive strength and Young's module, the hybridisation was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer Emmet Teller, and the osteoblast activities were assessed via MG-63 osteoblast cells. The results rendered PCL as a significant factor to enhance the mechanical strength of ceramic scaffolds. Due to the existence of σ and π covalent bonds in its structure, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, graphene could be applied in scaffolds' chemical compound to greatly enhance their mechanical and biological behaviours. This scaffold indicated compressive strength and Young's module higher than 2 MPa and 0.05 GPa. Regarding cell behaviours, MG-63 osteoblast cells spread and attached well on the scaffolds confirming the viability, cytotoxicity, excellent cell attachment and proliferation. The results indicated that this scaffold possesses outstanding potential as a temporary substrate for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was to find out the in vitro biological behaviour by evaluating the bioactivity of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and to examine the mechanism of baghdadite and apatite formation. For this purpose, baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone and graphene nanocomposite coatings were fabricated using polymeric sponge and dip-coating methods. Results showed that regarding baghdadite formation mechanism, gittinsite phase can be converted into baghdadite phase by enhancing temperature up to 1350°C and helping Zr4+ and Ca2+. The deposit of Ca–P coatings on the surface and in the pores of the scaffolds verified the improvement of the bioactivity. Graphene in scaffold composition can affect apatite deposit formation and promise bioactivity due to its high hydrophilicity, existence of nanoparticles and great π bonds in its structure. In brief, baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone and graphene nanocomposite coatings can be promising outstanding candidates for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive materials are required for sensing and actuation purposes in microfluidic devices. Electrical and mechanical properties of aligned CNTs/PDMS nanocomposites fabricated in AC and quasi-AC electric fields were measured. Field emission scanning electron microscope and elemental mapping were used to evaluate the microstructural properties of fabricated specimens. Results showed that nanocomposite properties were dependent on CNT concentration. A homogenized and nonagglomerated composite was obtained using a quasi-AC electric field with the voltage of 1075 V zero to peak at a frequency of 100 Hz and current of 35 milliamps when applied to suspension for 2 hours at 80 °C. The aligned nanocomposite with 1 wt% of CNT exhibited an electrical conductivity, Young's modulus, and tensile strength of 10-6 S/cm, 7.23 MPa, and 1.02 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional materials are urgently required for sensing and actuation purposes in microfluidic devices. In this study, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) filled with Cu and Ag nanoparticles was prepared and its electrical conductivity (EC), thermal conductivity (TC), and mechanical properties were investigated. EC investigations showed that all the prepared compositions had a nearly similar percolation threshold of around 10 vol% of filler. However, the EC of nanocomposites filled with both Cu and Ag (PDMS/Cu/Ag) was about 1.8 S/cm, which was 200% higher compared with that of other compositions (0.3 and 0.6 S/cm). TC was found to undergo profound increase of 10.5‐fold (1.68 W.m−1.K−1 for PDMS/Cu/Ag) when compared with that of the insulating base polymer (0.16 W.m−1.K−1). Evaluation of mechanical properties demonstrated that Young's modulus of PDMS increased by 270% after adding the filler content, but the tensile strength showed a notable reduction of 12%. The final result of this study showed that PDMS/Cu/Ag nanocomposites could be considered as a suitable novel material in microchannel preparation and microfluidic devices. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:4093–4101, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning, as an effective method for preparation of scaffolds for cell growth templates, has attracted great attention. In this study electrospinning was used to prepare poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In order to improve the bioactivity and mechanical properties of the fibrous scaffolds, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% akermanite, a calcium silicate based bioceramic, was added to the electrospinning solution. The morphology of the electrospun scaffolds was observed by using field emission-scanning electron microscopy and their mechanical strengths were analyzed by tension tests. The results showed that the formed scaffolds consisted of fibers with less than 100 nm diameter. In the case of the composite containing 1 wt% akermanite, the fibers were more homogeneous and no beads were formed during electrospinning, while in the composite containing 2 wt% akermanite a considerable number of beads were formed which we attribute to an improper viscosity of the electrospinning solution. Among the different compositions, the composite containing 1 wt% akermanite showed higher ultimate tensile strength (10.6 MPa) and fracture strain (9%). These values were increased by crosslinking the scaffold by reaction with glutaraldehyde, up to 13 MPa and 9.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades calcium silicate (Ca–Si) based ceramics have been introduced as bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering applications and repairing bone defects. Recently, it is reported that zirconium modified calcium‐silicate‐based (Ca3ZrSi2O9, Baghdadite) ceramics stimulate cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. The aim of this work was preparation, characterization, and evaluation of biological properties of Baghdadite in the nanoparticles form. These nanoparticles were synthesized by sol‐gel method and were annealed at 1150°C. Fabricated nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, FE‐SEM, EDX, and MTT in vitro, then implanted to the rabbit tibia as a bone animal model. The characterization results showed that nanoparticles with expected composition were successfully synthesized using sol‐gel method. According to MTT result, these nanoparticles were nontoxic. In addition, the proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells was increased after 96 hours of culturing in the presence of nanoparticles compared to the control. Histopathological results also demonstrated that the defected bone was completely regenerated when implanted with nanoparticles after 6 weeks. Taking together, according to the results, Ca3ZrSi2O9 nanoparticles as a bioceramic with excellent biological properties can be applied for improvement of bone lesions healing process in the orthopedic and dental application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a ceramic‐coated nanofibrous scaffold has been fabricated to biomimic the microstructure of natural extracellular matrix and the stiffening inorganic compartment of bone. Poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers were electrospun and exposed to oxygen plasma to induce hydrophilicity and promote ceramic adsorption. Hardystonite (HS), which possesses superior osteoinduction potential over hydroxyapatite, was coated on plasma‐treated PLLA nanofibers by drenching the nanofibers in HS suspension. Pure and composite PLLA‐based scaffolds were characterized in terms of physical and biological properties. In vitro cultivation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) on the scaffolds displayed that the composite scaffold is able to further support cell attachment and proliferation. In case of osteogenic differentiation of AMSCs, HS coating significantly increased the synthesis and activity of alkaline phosphate over 21 days period. In addition, the composite scaffold showed improved mineralization. The expression level of osteonectin and osteocalcin genes was significantly enhanced by HS coating of nanofibers. The biological improvement of PLLA nanofibrous matrix in the presence of HS nanoparticles could either be attributed to the release and stimulatory effect of constituent ions of HS or to the modification of chemico‐physical properties of the resultant ceramic by silicon and zinc present in HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an electricity market, the main goal of a generation company (GenCo) is to maximize its profit, while encountering the uncertainty of the electricity price forecast. Different risk measures have been proposed to cope with this source of uncertainty. However, those are usually before-the-fact performance indices and cannot give a measure for the financial loss/gain (FLG) of a GenCo considering the electricity prices actually realized in the market. This paper focuses on this matter. The time series of FLG is first constructed given the real conditions of the electricity market. Then, the FLG time series is quantized using Silhouette criterion and k-means clustering approach. Subsequently, based on the historical values of the quantized FLG time series and relevant exogenous variables, its day-ahead values are predicted. The method proposed for day-ahead FLG prediction consist of conditional mutual information and sequential forward search as the feature selection technique and extreme learning machine as the forecasting engine. The effectiveness of the whole proposed approach, including the FLG time series construction, quantization approach, and the prediction method, is shown for a typical GenCo using the real data of the PJM and Ontario electricity markets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT Considerable efforts have been devoted toward the development of electrospun scaffolds based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) for bone tissue engineering. However, most of previous scaffolds have lacked the structural and mechanical strength to engineer bone tissue constructs with suitable biological functions. Here, we developed bioactive and relatively robust hybrid scaffolds composed of diopside nanopowder embedded PCL electrospun nanofibers. Incorporation of various concentrations of diopside nanopowder from 0 to 3 wt % within the PCL scaffolds notably improved tensile strength (eight-fold) and elastic modulus (two-fold). Moreover, the addition of diopside nanopowder significantly improved bioactivity and degradation rate compared to pure PCL scaffold which might be due to their superior hydrophilicity. We investigated the proliferation and spreading of SAOS-II cells on electrospun scaffolds. Notably, electrospun PCL-diopside scaffolds induced significantly enhanced cell proliferation and spreading. Overall, we concluded that PCL-diopside scaffold could potentially be used to develop clinically relevant constructs for bone tissue engineering. However, the extended in vivo studies are essential to evaluate the role of PCL-diopside fibrous scaffolds on the new bone growth and regeneration. Therefore, in vivo studies will be the subject of our future work. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44433. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the combination effects of bioceramics and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) on bone reconstruction in calvarial critical size defects using a rat model. Willemite (Zn2SiO4) ceramics were prepared and coated on the surface of electrospun fabricated scaffolds. After scaffolds and nanoparticles characterization, osteoconductivity of the construct was analyzed using digital mammography, multislice spiral-computed tomography (MSCT) imaging, and histological analysis. Eight weeks after implantation, no sign of inflammation was observed at the site of the osseous defect. The results showed that the ceramics supported bone regeneration and highest bone reconstruction were observed in willemite-coated PLGA. This suggests that electrospun PLGA nanofibers coated with BG are potential candidate implants for bone tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation and bioactivity evaluation of glass-ionomer cement (GIC) based on the composition of SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-Na2O-P2O5-F is described. Cements were characterized by XRD (X-ray powder diffraction) and BET, SEM (scanning electron micrograph), TEM, and EDAX analysis. The effects of P2O5on strengths and bioactivity of GIC were investigated. The effect of adding P2O5on the bioactivity of GIC was examined in simulated body fluid (SBF) followed by structural characterization using SEM and atomic absorption analysis. Results clearly show that the addition of P2O5to the cement structure improved bioactivity properties of the glass. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition ofPhosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elementsto view the free supplemental file. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are one of the most important restorative materials in dentistry. Similarly, hydroxyapatite (HA) is of the most well known bioceramics. The aim of this study was to prepare a type of glass-ionomer cement with nano-particles of hydroxyapatite to improve GIC bioactivity and compressive strength. Materials and Methods: Natural HA particles were extracted from animal bone. The ceramic component of GIC was produced by melting and characterized. HA particles were incorporated into the cement component of GI at 1, 3, 5 and 7 weight percentages. Bioactivity and compressive strength of GIC\HA composite were evaluated in a simulated body fluid (SBF). One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis (n = 3). Results: The results of characterization tests confirmed the production of GIC using the melting technique. Amorphous and glassy structure of GIC powder and its proper chemical composition were verified by characterization tests. The results of soaking test in SBF showed increased bioactivity of GIC/HA composite. Finally, the results of compressive tests showed that incorporating HA up to 5 wt% would not decrease the compressive strength of GIC. Conclusion: GIC/HA nano-composite with 5 wt% of HA was the most appropriate sample regarding its bioactivity and mechanical properties for dental applications. Introducing this novel nano-composite can play an important role in improving the properties of glass-ionomer cements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Glass ionomer cements are one of the most important restorative materials in dentistry. One of the disadvantages of glass ionomer cements is their undesirable mechanical properties and bioactivity. Aim. The aim of this work was preparation and characterization of strontium-containing glass ionomer cement and evaluation of its bioactivity in the simulated body fluid. Materials and Methods. The ceramic component of glass ionomer cement was made by melting method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the size and the shape of glass particles. In order to determine the phase combination in the produced material, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out. The chemical composition of the glass was evaluated by X-ray florescence (XRF), and the surface area of the particles was determined using BET method. In order to investigate the biological properties of the glass, samples were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to recognize and confirm the apatite layer on the composite surface. Results and Conclusions. The result of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the glassy structure of the produced ionomer cements.The result of XRF confirmed the presence of Sr in the chemical composition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test and electron microscope confirmed the formation of apatite layer on the surface of material. The final result of this research was gaining glass ionomer cement containing Sr with improved bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The greater surface of bioactive glass nanoparticles presents an incomparable and promising feature similar to the biological apatite. Nanoparticles improve cellular adhesion, enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, and increase biomineralization for periodontal regeneration and dental implants. Considering the fact that interaction between periodontal cells and bone graft materials are important for periodontal lesion regeneration, the present study was undertaken to investigate the genotoxicity of a novel synthesized nanoscale bioactive glass and compared it with Novabone bioglass in periodontal fibroblasts cells, in order to approve the biocompatibility of nano bioactive glass. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, periodontal C165 fibroblasts cells were cultured in their logarithmic phase and the genotoxicity of novel synthesized bioactive glass nanoparticles and Novabone bioglass was studied in different concentrations and a control group using Comet assay test. By using Autocomet software, three parameters (Tail length, %DNA in tail, Tail moment) were analyzed; the genotoxicity of mentioned biomaterials and control group. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 software, Kruskal Wallis H and Mann Whitney tests (P = 0.05). Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the concentrations of Novabone bioglass (P value = 0.085) with control group and novel nano bioactive glass (P value = 0.437) with control group in the evaluation of %DNA in tail parameter. There was significant difference between genotoxicity of novel nano bioactive glass and control, and between Novabone bioglass and control group in concentrations of 4 and 5 mg/ml. According to significance of the mean difference, novel nano bioactive glass showed higher genotoxicity compared to Novabone bioglass in the concentration of 5 mg/ml (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study have demonstrated that novel nano bioactive glass had no genotoxicity in concentrations lower than 4 mg/ml. Nanoparticles have a higher surface area in comparison to microparticles and thus, the amount and rate of ion release for nanoparticles are extremely higher. This difference is the main reason for the different genotoxicity of nano bioactive glass and micro Novabone bioglass in the concentrations higher than 4 mg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In recent years, bioceramics have been favored by biomaterials scientists and researchers. Due to their special and distinctive features, bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite possess a higher place among different types of bioceramics. Method. In this study, the effect of 63S bioactive glass and bone-derived hydroxyapatite particles on the proliferation of human bone-marrow stem cells (hMSCs) was investigated. Bioactive glass particles were made via sol-gel method and hydroxyapatite was obtained from bovine bone. The particle size and morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then the in vitro cytotoxicity of particles was evaluated using MTT assay. SEM showed that bioactive glass particles were in the nanoscale range and had tendency towards agglomeration. It was also confirmed that the hydroxyapatite particles were agglomerations of crystals cca 50--500 nm across. Results. The results of MTT assay confirmed the viability and proliferation of hMSCs in contact with bioactive glass and bone-derived HA particles. The fabricated particles in combination with stem cells were shown to hold promising potential for further applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we applied a curved-channel microfluidic device to separate DNA from PCR-inhibitor-containing water and simultaneously wash them into clean water for detection using a portable PCR thermocycler. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling has become an effective surveying approach for detecting rare organisms. However, low concentration eDNA molecules may be masked by PCR inhibitors during amplification and detection, increasing the risk of false negatives. Therefore, technologies for on-site DNA separation and washing are urgently needed. Our device consisted of a half-circle microchannel with a DNA-inhibitor sample inlet, a clean buffer inlet, and multiple outlets. By using the flow-induced inertial forces, 10 μm DNA-conjugated microparticles were focused at the inner-wall of the curved microchannel while separation from 1 μm inhibitor-conjugated microparticles and DNA washing were achieved simultaneously with the Dean flow. We achieved singleplex focusing, isolation and washing of 10 μm particles at an efficiency of 94.5 ± 2.0%. In duplex experiments with 1 μm and 10 μm particles, larger particles were washed with an efficiency of 92.1 ± 1.6% and a purity of 79 ± 2%. By surface-functionalizing the microparticles with affinity groups against Atlantic salmon DNA and humic acid (HA), and processing samples of various concentrations in our device, we achieved an effective purification and detection of DNA molecules using the portable PCR thermocycler. Our method significantly decreased PCR quantitation cycles from Cq > 38 to Cq = 30.35 ± 0.5, which confirmed enhancement of PCR amplification. The proposed device takes a promising step forward in sample preparation towards an integrated device that can be used for simultaneous purification and solution exchange of DNA in point-of-need environmental monitoring applications. [Display omitted] • Integrated application of a microfluidic sample preparation chip with portable qPCR. • Dean flow microfluidic DNA separation from inhibitor molecules using microparticles. • Simultaneous DNA solution exchange to PCR buffer at continuous high flow rate. • Device performance characterized in various DNA and inhibitor configurations. • The microfluidic sample preparation significantly enhanced the performance of qPCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, Li/Sb Co-Doped KNN ferroelectric powders have been successfully prepared and sintered at various temperatures. The effect of sintering temperature on microstructure and ferroelectric properties of this ceramic was investigated. The results indicate that pure KNN-LS piezoceramic synthesized without formation of conventional tungsten bronze phase. After sintering, a broad trident peak (2θ about 45–47°) in XRD pattern was completely observed which can be a substantial evidence for polymorphic phase transition (PPT) at room temperature. In the FESEM images, for all sintering temperatures, the bimodal cube-like morphology of KNN-LS particles remarkably appeared. The values of relative density increase from about 91% to 93%, with increasing temperature from 1115 to 1120 °C. Further increment in temperature up to 1150 °C causes a serious reduction of relative density (~86%). From 1115 to 1120 °C, relative permittivity (ε r) increases due to about 2% increase in relative density then rapidly diminished when temperature reaches to 1150 °C. The maximum ferroelectric properties of Li/Sb Co-Doped KNN ceramic sintered at 1120 °C (the values of 17 and 14 μC/cm2 for the polarization saturation (P S) and polarization remanent (Pr), respectively) can be due to minimum pore volume of this ceramic during sintering process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to improve the biological properties and corrosion resistance of 316 L stainless steel substrate using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‑silver doped Willemite nanocomposite coating. For this purpose, Ag-doped Willemite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method initially. Then, PDMS-Ag-doped Willemite nanocomposite coatings with various nanoparticles content were coated on the substrates using an immersion technique. The antibacterial results showed that Willemite NPs containing 5 wt% Ag possessed the highest antibacterial activity than the other samples. The examination of microstructure, hydrophobicity, adhesion strength, corrosion resistance, and biological characteristics of the coatings revealed that the addition of NPs up to 3 wt% enhances the surface roughness, hydrophobicity and coating adhesion. However, at concentrations greater than 3 wt% NPs, the coating's corrosion resistance is reduced owing to the formation of larger agglomerates and induced cracks in the coating. The presence of NPs in the coating promotes the adhesion and viability of bovine mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs). • Fabrication of Ag-doped Willemite nanoparticles using sol-gel method. • Implementing PDMS-Ag-doped Willemite nanocomposite coatings in various concentrations of NPs on the 316 L stainless steel. • Examination of the composite coatings by FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, XRD, FT-IR, hydrophobicity, adhesion strength, EIS and antibacterial analyses. • PDMS-Ag-doped Willemite nanocomposite coating with desirable biological characteristics and corrosion resistance can be regarded as a functional coating for bone-implant interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Advancements in air sampling devices for virus capturing and concentration. • Review and comparison of conventional and microfluidic virus detection methods. • Comparison of bioanalysis methods in conventional and microfluidic platforms. • Capabilities and future trends of microfluidics in virus handling and detection. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat of infectious diseases to public health and safety has become much more apparent. Viral, bacterial and fungal diseases have led to the loss of millions of lives, especially in the developing world. Diseases caused by airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are difficult to control, as these viruses are easily transmissible and can circulate in the air for hours. To contain outbreaks of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and institute targeted precautions, it is important to detect them in air and understand how they infect their targets. Point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics and point-of-need (PoN) detection methods are necessary to rapidly test patient and environmental samples, so precautions can immediately be applied. Traditional benchtop detection methods such as ELISA, PCR and culture are not suitable for PoC and PoN monitoring, because they can take hours to days and require specialized equipment. Microfluidic devices can be made at low cost to perform such assays rapidly and at the PoN. They can also be integrated with air- and liquid-based sampling technologies to capture and analyze viruses from air and body fluids. Here, conventional and microfluidic virus detection methods are reviewed and compared. The use of air sampling devices to capture and concentrate viruses is discussed first, followed by a review of analysis methods such as immunoassays, RT-PCR and isothermal amplification in conventional and microfluidic platforms. This review provides an overview of the capabilities of microfluidics in virus handling and detection, which will be useful to infectious disease researchers, biomedical engineers, and public health agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]