In this study, 18 novel quinoline-based-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives were synthesized and screened for their α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. All compounds in the series except 9q showed a significant α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 values in the range of 3.2 ± 0.3–185.0 ± 0.3 µM, as compared to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 750.0 ± 5.0 µM). A kinetic study indicated that compound 9d as the most potent derivative against α-glucosidase was a competitive type inhibitor. Furthermore, the molecular docking study revealed the effective binding interactions of 9d with the active site of the α-glucosidase enzyme. The results indicate that the designed compounds have the potential to be further studied as new anti-diabetic agents.

Plasma surface treatment has a wide range of applications in biomedicine. In the present study, flat polylactic acid (PLA) films were treated with oxygen and nitrogen, low-pressure, non-thermal plasma. The water contact angle of the PLA films dramatically decreased from 67° in the untreated surface to 34° and 38° in surfaces treated with nitrogen and oxygen plasma, respectively. Conversely, after the plasma treatment, the surface free energy of the films increased considerably from 45.73 mN/m to 66.51 mN/m. The hydrophilicity potential variations following the plasma treatment were measured by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy examination of polar functional groups. Furthermore, surface changes after plasma treatment were examined using atomic force microscopy. The MTT assay showed no changes in cell viability cytotoxicity following the PLA films’ plasma treatment. Moreover, as evidenced by SEM analysis, plasma treatment was found to promote cell growth and adhesion to polymer surfaces. The results were suggestive of modifications due to the PLA’s plasma treatment that may enhance the biological properties of PLA as a scaffold.

Background and Aim: Bonding of zirconia to resin cement is challenging, and the zirconia surface requires surface treatment to yield an acceptable bond strength. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the bond strength of zirconia to a resin cement. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study, 60 zirconia discs measuring 12 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness were randomly divided in to six groups of 10: (I) No treatment, (II) sandblasting plus neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (1 W), (III) sandblasting plus Nd:YAG laser (2 W), (IV) Nd:YAG laser alone (1 W), (V) Nd:YAG laser alone (2 W), and (VI) sandblasting. Using a custom-made punch, a V-shaped bonding area with a 4-mm diameter and 90° angle was created in a Teflon tape. Composite cylinders (Filtek Z250) were then fabricated and bonded to conditioned zirconia ceramic using Clearfil self-adhesive luting cement. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. Then, the specimens were tested for bond strength using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by t-test. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) test were applied for evaluating the effect of the laser. Results: Sandblasting caused a significantly higher bond strength compared to other methods (P=0.00). Among the laser-irradiated groups, Nd:YAG laser (2 W) yielded a higher bond strength (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sandblasting of high-strength zirconia ceramic can significantly increase its bond strength, but no significant difference in bond strength was noted in the laserirradiated groups.