Bioaktivt

Bioaktivt is an adjective meaning “bioactive” in several Scandinavian languages. It describes substances, materials, or processes that exert a biological effect on living organisms or systems. The term is used across disciplines, including pharmacology, nutrition, toxicology, materials science, dermatology, and dentistry.

In pharmacology and nutrition, bioactive compounds are substances beyond basic nutrition that influence health, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, peptides, or omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics that modulate microbial communities. In biomaterials, bioactive materials interact with biological tissue to elicit a beneficial response, for instance by forming a direct bond with bone or stimulating tissue regeneration. Bioactive glass and certain calcium phosphate coatings are examples.

Assessment of bioactivity relies on laboratory assays and studies. In vitro tests can measure cell viability, enzyme activity, or receptor interactions; in vivo studies assess biological effects in whole organisms. Bioavailability, dose, and context are critical, and effects may vary between individuals. Safety and regulatory oversight apply, especially for foods, supplements, and medical devices.

Applications include pharmaceutical development, functional foods, cosmeceuticals, dental and orthopedic implants, and tissue engineering. The term remains broad and context-specific, emphasizing the interaction between a substance or material and biological systems rather than mere presence.