A Review on the Recent Advancements on Therapeutic Effects of Ions in the Physiological Environments

Abstract

This review focuses on the therapeutic effects of ions when released in physiological environments. Recent studies have shown that metallic ions like Ag+, Sr2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, P+5, etc., have shown promising results in drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine. These metallic ions can be loaded in nanoparticles, mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs), hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium phosphates, polymeric coatings, and salt solutions. The metallic ions can exhibit different functions in the physiological environment such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, bioactive, biocompatible, and angiogenic effects. Furthermore, the metals/metalloid ions can be loaded into scaffolds to improve osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, bone development, fibroblast growth, and improved wound healing efficacy. Moreover, different ions possess different therapeutic limits. Therefore, further mechanisms need to be developed for the highly controlled and sustained release of these ions. This review paper summarizes the recent progress in the use of metallic/metalloid ions in regenerative medicine and encourages further study of ions as a solution to cure diseases.

Bioinorganic Modulators of Ferroptosis: A Review of Recent Findings

“…Iron-dependent molecules bound to redox-inactive gallium therefore lose their potency and interrupt the respective signalling pathways they take part in [ 56 ]. The oxygen uptake of heme molecules, however, remains intact [ 57 ].…”

Physiological Activity of Trace Element Germanium Including Anticancer Properties

“…It was Ge-132 that led to the active study of biological activity of germanium compounds and their application in medical practice, especially in complex cancer therapy [7,19,31,36,77]. There are clinically proven cases of successful use of these compounds in cancer treatment, for example, the complete remission of lung cancer was achieved when taking Ge-132 [78].…”

“…Among these, ginseng and Ganoderma lucidum are widely used in complex therapy of oncological diseases [26][27][28][29][30]. Germanium compounds have been shown to normalize the oxygen respiration of cells, which can retard the growth of tumors [26,[31][32][33]. Restoring cell oxygen respiration is key to treating Warburg-like cancers [33].…”

Electrophoretic Deposition, Microstructure, and Selected Properties of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Based Antibacterial Coatings on Mg Substrate

“…For example, Cu, Ag, Mn, Sr, etc., can induce angiogenesis, antibacterial activity, enhanced osteoblast proliferation, and improved bioactivity. 7,19 Even without any doping, MBGNs properties could enhance the mineralization ability and pulp cell behavior. 17 In the present study, Cu-MBGNs were utilized to provide antibacterial and angiogenesis effects.…”

“…Specifically, biodegradable implants can lower the stress-shielding effect and eliminate the need for subsequent surgeries to remove nonbiodegradable metallic implants, such as titanium alloys and stainless steel . Commercially pure magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have the potential to surpass traditional orthopedic implants due to their good biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and, most critically, biodegradability. , In a few instances, however, Mg-based implants failed prematurely due to rapid corrosion and high hydrogen evolution. , In addition, the uncontrolled release of metallic ions due to the degradation of metallic implants may cause serious health problems …”