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Hydroxyapatite (HA) granules are frequently used in orthopedics and maxillofacial surgeries to fill bone defects and stimulate the regeneration process. Optimal HA granules should have high biocompatibility, high microporosity and/or mesoporosity, and high specific surface area (SSA), which are essential for their bioabsorbability, high bioactivity (ability to form apatite layer on their surfaces) and good osseointegration with the host tissue. Commercially available HA granules that are sintered at high temperatures (≥ 900 °C) are biocompatible but show low porosity and SSA (2–5 m2/g), reduced bioactivity, poor solubility and thereby, low bioabsorbability. HA granules of high microporosity and SSA can be produced by applying low sintering temperatures (below 900 °C). Nevertheless, although HA sintered at low temperatures shows significantly higher SSA (10–60 m2/g) and improved bioabsorbability, it also exhibits high ion reactivity and cytotoxicity under in vitro conditions. The latter is due to the presence of reaction by-products. Thus, the aim of this study was to fabricate novel biomaterials in the form of granules, composed of hydroxyapatite nanopowder sintered at a high temperature (1100 °C) and a biopolymer matrix: chitosan/agarose or chitosan/β-1,3-glucan (curdlan). It was hypothesized that appropriately selected ingredients would ensure high biocompatibility and microstructural properties comparable to HA sintered at low temperatures. Synthesized granules were subjected to the evaluation of their biological, microstructural, physicochemical, and mechanical properties. The obtained results showed that the developed nanocomposite granules were characterized by a lack of cytotoxicity towards both mouse preosteoblasts and normal human fetal osteoblasts, and supported cell adhesion to their surface. Moreover, produced biomaterials had the ability to induce precipitation of apatite crystals after immersion in simulated body fluid, which, combined with high biocompatibility, should ensure good osseointegration after implantation. Additionally, nanocomposite granules possessed microstructural parameters similar to HA sintered at a low temperature (porosity approx. 50%, SSA approx. 30 m²/g), Young's modulus (5–8 GPa) comparable to cancellous bone, and high fluid absorption capacity. Moreover, the nanocomposites were prone to biodegradation under the influence of enzymatic solution and in an acidic environment. Additionally, it was noted that the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles remaining after the physicochemical dissolution of the biomaterial were easily phagocytosed by mouse macrophages, mouse preosteoblasts, and normal human fetal osteoblasts (in vitro studies). The obtained materials show great potential as bone tissue implantation biomaterials with improved bioresorbability. The obtained materials show great potential as bone tissue implantation biomaterials with improved bioresorbability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on analyzing the physical composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the physicochemical characterization of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) in a city in Northeast Mexico to propose an adequate treatment and valorization system. Diverse samples were analyzed over 5 months at the city of Saltillo landfill, where the daily discarded MSW was classified into household (HW), central market waste (CMW), and public areas and parks waste (PPW). For the HW and CMW, the fraction with the highest proportion was the organic residues from food products, with 22.15 and 25.78%, followed by other organic wastes (manure, yard waste, leaves, etc.) at 12.58 and 10.24%, respectively. Furthermore, the organic fraction was segregated from the rest of the MSW and classified into four subtypes, and their physical composition and physicochemical characteristics were determined. The results contribute to laying the foundations for the proper treatment of the OFMSW not just in the studied region but also in cities with similar conditions. Moreover, the OFMSW's feasibility in treating via bioenergy technologies is revealed, and this research proposes a biorefinery treatment pathway through dark fermentation followed by high solids anaerobic digestion generating bioenergy and diverse bioproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Chronic wound' is one of the serious complications of diabetes due to lingering hyperglycaemia, prolonged dysregulation of inflammation, neuropathy, microvascular complications and increased prone to infections. Treatment involves wound debridement, stabilized glycaemia, infection control, offloading and advanced therapies with stem cells or cell- and tissue-based products. Utilization of novel next-generation nano-tools such as nano formulations, multifunctional nanogels, matrix metalloproteinase, nanofibers, phototherapy, etc. has also been approached in-addition. The regulated release of bioactive molecules from these stimuli-responsive scaffolds consistent with the wound microenvironment supports poor wound healing. Correspondingly, it is continually being researched on using various nanocomposite designs to further improve these formulations in overcoming specific issues of poor wound healing and microvascular complications. In this review, we discuss these advanced nanoengineered tools, especially multidimensional hydrogels, 3D-printed technologies and stem cell therapy in detail as therapeutic management of diabetic wounds. We also highlight their formulation aspects and in vitro or in vivo evidence that supports our discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium alloys are among the widely used biomedical materials due to their biocompatibility and mechanical performance. It is an indisputable fact that the materials used in this area must be antibacterial. Therefore, in this study, the production of antibacterial Titanium alloys using NanoAg particles for use in biomedical applications was investigated. First, Ti-6Al-4 V titanium alloys were produced by the powder metallurgy method, which includes blending, pressing and sintering processes. Nano silver particles were synthesized by a chemical reduction method using silver nitrate and glucose. The resulting solution was subjected to Ag + ions and glucose determinations, pH and turbidity analysis. Nano Ag application was carried out by two different methods; dipping and coating method. The obtained samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. Additionally, as the main purpose of this study, antibacterial analysis against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus was performed by percentage reduction test. While the coating method was seen to be more successful in antibacterial tests, the overall Nano Ag application performance was found to be higher against Escherichia Coli bacteria. Being that the sample containing 5% Nano Ag titanium alloys produced with the coating technique showed 100% killing effect against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The deformation of oral and maxillofacial region leads to not only the damage of morphology and function, but also a series of aesthetic and psychological problems, severely affecting the quality of life of patients. Oral tissue engineering refers to developing biomaterials for repair or regeneration, with the application of tissue engineering technologies. This has become an area of increasing prominence. Current biologically inert materials are insufficient to fulfill clinical requirements. Therefore, tissue-engineered biomaterials with bioactive, even bionic properties are desperately needed. Main body: The complexity of the anatomy and the diversity of tissue types of oral and maxillofacial region pose great challenges to the regeneration, in the aspects of both biomaterials and manufacturing technologies. Biomaterials in clinical practice or research have evolved from natural materials to synthetic materials, from homogeneous materials to multiple composite materials. And now composite materials have increasingly demonstrated their advantages in terms of physicochemical and biological properties over conventional materials. In terms of manufacturing, traditional coating, sintering, and milling technologies can no longer satisfy the requirements for high-precision bionic structures of oral-tissue-engineering biomaterials. Scientists have turned to biofabrication technologies such as microfluidics and additive manufacturing. Short conclusion: This review aims to summarize the noteworthy advancements made in biomaterials of oral tissue engineering. We outlined the current biomaterials and manufacturing technologies and focused on various applications of these materials that may be connected to clinical treatment and research. We also suggested the future direction of development for biomaterials in oral tissue engineering. In future, biomaterials characterized by precision, functionalization, and individualization will be manufactured through digital, microfluidic, and 3D printing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coaxial 3D bioprinting has advanced the formation of tissue constructs that recapitulate key architectures and biophysical parameters for in-vitro disease modeling and tissue-engineered therapies. Controlling gene expression within these structures is critical for modulating cell signaling and probing cell behavior. However, current transfection strategies are limited in spatiotemporal control because dense 3D scaffolds hinder diffusion of traditional vectors. To address this, we developed a coaxial extrusion 3D bioprinting technique using ultrasound-responsive gene delivery bioinks. These bioink materials incorporate echogenic microbubble gene delivery particles that upon ultrasound exposure can sonoporate cells within the construct, facilitating controllable transfection. Methods: Phospholipid-coated gas-core microbubbles were electrostatically coupled to reporter transgene plasmid payloads and incorporated into cell-laden alginate bioinks at varying particle concentrations. These bioinks were loaded into the coaxial nozzle core for extrusion bioprinting with CaCl2 crosslinker in the outer sheath. Resulting bioprints were exposed to 2.25 MHz focused ultrasound and evaluated for microbubble activation and subsequent DNA delivery and transgene expression. Results: Coaxial printing parameters were established that preserved the stability of ultrasound-responsive gene delivery particles for at least 48 h in bioprinted alginate filaments while maintaining high cell viability. Successful sonoporation of embedded cells resulted in DNA delivery and robust ultrasound-controlled transgene expression. The number of transfected cells was modulated by varying the number of focused ultrasound pulses applied. The size region over which DNA was delivered was modulated by varying the concentration of microbubbles in the printed filaments. Conclusions: Our results present a successful coaxial 3D bioprinting technique designed to facilitate ultrasound-controlled gene delivery. This platform enables remote, spatiotemporally-defined genetic manipulation in coaxially bioprinted tissue constructs with important applications for disease modeling and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tensile properties and in vitro corrosion behavior of biodegradable Mg–xSi alloys and composites in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution were investigated. Besides pure magnesium, the hypoeutectic (x = 0.1 and 0.5 wt%), near-eutectic (x = 1.2 wt%), and hypereutectic (x = 4 wt%) compositions were considered. The Si addition in the hypoeutectic range resulted in the grain refinement of as-cast ingots, formation of α–Mg/Mg2Si eutectic structure, and improvement of strength-ductility synergy. However, higher Si additions (1.2 and 4 wt%) led to poor tensile properties. Accordingly, the Mg–0.1Si and Mg–0.5Si alloys showed the best combination of tensile properties. The hot extrusion process resulted in a significant grain refinement induced by the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and fragmentation of particles due to deformation, which led to a notable improvement of comprehensive tensile properties. For instance, the lean Mg–0.5Si alloy exhibited the highest tensile toughness value of 37.3 MJ/m3, which is much larger than the value of 5.2 MJ/m3 for the as-cast pure Mg. The extruded Mg–0.1Si sample showed the lowest corrosion current density (iCorr) of 10 μA/cm2 in the SBF solution compared to other samples, which was ascribed to the fine grain size and formation of appropriate protective film with a high Ca/P ratio. However, higher Si additions resulted in the deterioration of corrosion resistance due to the increased amount of Mg2Si phase. Accordingly, the Mg–0.1Si alloy was considered as a proper candidate for providing the best combination of tensile properties and corrosion resistance in biomedical implant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the vanguard of biomedical innovation, regenerative medicine emerges as a transformative paradigm, concentrating its efforts on rectifying tissue deficits and functional aberrations in patients through the strategic augmentation of endogenous cellular processes. Central to this approach is nucleic acid therapy, which offers a novel pathway for tissue regeneration by modulating key signaling pathways. As one of the most effective ways to regulate cell function, nucleic acids are crucial for various tissue regeneration; however, their in vivo therapeutic applications face substantial challenges, including nuclease degradation, cell membrane impermeability, and targeted intracellular transport. Biomaterial-based gene delivery systems offer a solution for stable and localized drug delivery by enabling the controlled overexpression of therapeutic nucleic acids, producing functional regulatory agents. This review presents examples of nucleic acid applications in regenerative medicine, highlighting the synergy between nucleic acids and biomaterial technologies. It underlines the importance of nucleic acid delivery techniques, the choice of therapeutic nucleic acids, and biomaterials for advancing tissue repair. The latest developments in designing nucleic acid biomaterial-based delivery vehicles are explored, the mechanism of nucleic acids in tissue regeneration is elucidated, and their limitations are discussed while considering future directions for the clinical translation of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implantable cardiovascular devices have revolutionized the management of cardiovascular diseases, significantly enhancing patients' quality of life. With the increasing demand of cardiac implantable electronic devices, the imperative for novel device development is evident. This review article first elaborates the mechanisms underlying foreign body response and infection, elucidating the complex interplay between implanted constructs and host tissues. The discussion then focuses on current advancements in materials science and engineering aimed at mitigating these challenges. Material innovations, such as drug-eluting materials, surface modifications, and biomimetic materials, are explored as strategies to modulate these responses and to prevent fibrotic or thrombotic complications and infection. Finally, future directions in materials development for implantable cardiovascular devices are introduced. By addressing safety and patency concerns through innovative material strategies, this article aims to guide the research and development of advanced materials for both current and future cardiovascular implantable devices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing cardiovascular disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous silica particles have shown great potential application as reinforcing fillers in the field of dentistry due to their ability to construct the micromechanical interlocking effect at filler-matrix interface. However, how to accurately regulate the pore structure, especially the pore size, to increase the degree of the micromechanical interlocking and the performance of materials remains a challenge. Herein, we have proposed a facile self-assembly process to synthesize dendritic porous silica with tunable pore sizes (DPS-x) by adjusting the chain-length of the alcohols in the microemulsion. The mechanism of nucleation-growth is further put forward. The results indicate that the pore size of DPS-x indeed affects the mechanical property of composites, where the DPS-pen particles with intermediate pore size are chosen as the optimal reinforcing fillers. The bimodal and multimodal filler formulations are further established to address the loading limitation of unimodal DPS-pen (46 wt%). In virtue of the close-packed structure of identical spheres, the particle sizes of secondary silica embedded into the maximally loaded bimodal D3S7 composite (DPS-pen:Si430 = 30:70, wt/wt) are theoretically calculated without trials. Among all formulations, the developed multimodal D3S7+Si178+Si90 filler exhibits superior mechanical properties, the lowest shrinkage, and high polymerization conversion for dental composites, along with satisfied waster sorption and solubility, and good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, which are comparable to commercial composite Z350 XT (3M, USA). These DPS-x particles and their multimodal fillers can also be applied to other polymer-based biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the critical world population aging issue, biomaterials are important topics in the biomedical community. Among the biomedical materials, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are considered to be promising materials owing to their functionalities, such as shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE). Ti–Mo–Al-based alloys, which are biocompatible materials, are basic materials in the Ti-based SMAs due to the evaluation of the phase stability through the calculations of Mo and Al equivalents. This study, in addition, introduced Zr into the Ti–Mo–Al-based alloys for its highly biocompatibility and being a fine modifier to tune the phase stability. The mechanical (i.e., strength and elongation) and functional (i.e., SME and SE) properties have been investigated in this study to reveal the practicability of the biomedical applications for human usage. It was found that addition of Zr to the Ti–Mo alloy shows slight influence on the mechanical properties of the binary Ti–Mo alloy. With the addition of Al, that is, ternary Ti–Mo–Al alloys, two-stage yielding was found in the tensile examinations. Among all the alloys, the Ti–5.5Mo–4Al, the Ti–5.5Mo–4Al–6Zr, and the Ti–5.5Mo–8Al–6Zr (mol pct) alloys performed excellent shape recovery of about 100 pct in the bending and heating tests. Especially, the Ti–5.5Mo–4Al–6Zr and the Ti–5.5Mo–8Al–6Zr alloys further show high strength. Results in this study could be a guideline for the design of the fundamental Ti–Mo–Al-based SMAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional chemotherapy drugs for cervical cancer often cause significant toxic side effects and drug resistance problems, highlighting the urgent need for more innovative and effective treatment strategies. Magnesium alloy is known to be degradable and biocompatible. The release of degradation products Mg2+, OH−, and H2 from magnesium alloy can alter the tumor microenvironment, providing potential anti-tumor properties. We explored the innovative use of magnesium alloy biomaterials in the treatment of cervical cancer, investigating how various concentrations of Mg2+ on the proliferation and cell death of cervical cancer cells. The results revealed that varying concentrations of Mg2+ significantly inhibited cervical cancer by arresting the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis in SiHa cells, effectively reducing tumor cell proliferation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 20 mM Mg2+ group had the smallest tumor volume, exhibiting a potent inhibitory effect on the biological characteristics of cervical cancer. This enhances the therapeutic potential of this biomaterial as a local anti-tumor therapy and lays a theoretical foundation for the potential application of magnesium in the treatment of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe injuries to skeletal muscles, including cases of volumetric muscle loss (VML), are linked to substantial tissue damage, resulting in functional impairment and lasting disability. While skeletal muscle can regenerate following minor damage, extensive tissue loss in VML disrupts the natural regenerative capacity of the affected muscle tissue. Existing clinical approaches for VML, such as soft-tissue reconstruction and advanced bracing methods, need to be revised to restore tissue function and are associated with limitations in tissue availability and donor-site complications. Advancements in tissue engineering (TE), particularly in scaffold design and the delivery of cells and growth factors, show promising potential for regenerating damaged skeletal muscle tissue and restoring function. This article provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology of VML and critiques the shortcomings of current treatments. The subsequent section focuses on the criteria for designing TE scaffolds, offering insights into various natural and synthetic biomaterials and cell types for effectively regenerating skeletal muscle. We also review multiple TE strategies involving both acellular and cellular scaffolds to encourage the development and maturation of muscle tissue and facilitate integration, vascularization, and innervation. Finally, the article explores technical challenges hindering successful translation into clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalent use of lithium-ion cells in electric vehicles poses challenges as these cells rely on rare metals, their acquisition being environmentally unsafe and complex. The disposal of used batteries, if mishandled, poses a significant threat, potentially leading to ecological disasters. Managing used batteries is imperative, necessitating a viable solution. The remedy lies in implementing robust battery recycling systems. This paper explores diverse disposal methods, particularly focusing on their relevance within the automotive industry, while also acknowledging other potential applications. By adopting a closed-loop approach, this system not only addresses the waste issue but also circumvents environmental costs linked to the extraction and production of new raw materials. Consequently, it not only resolves waste concerns but also mitigates environmental strain and conserves resources. It was described the use of used batteries as energy storage devices. This is an innovative approach to extend battery life cycle, reduce waste and provide cost-effective energy storage solutions. This practice is particularly important for large-scale energy storage systems, such as those used in conjunction with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. The work pays significant attention to battery thermal regimes, which refer to the various temperature conditions in which batteries operate. These systems significantly impact battery performance, lifespan, safety and efficiency. Understanding and managing these thermal regimes is critical to optimizing the use of batteries in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics and renewable energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the bone screwing process for stabilization following reduction of femur shaft fracture using M3.5 cortex screws made of four different materials: 316L stainless steel, Ti6Al4V, NiTi, and WC. The numerical analysis was performed using the finite element method and Deform-3D software, with loading and boundary conditions being accurately identified for each analysis. The screwing moment, screw wear, and temperature distributions in both the screw and bone material were evaluated for each material during the screwing process. The results showed that the lowest bone temperatures were achieved when using WC screws, followed by 316L, Ti6Al4V, and NiTi screws. The numerical simulations demonstrated good consistency across all four screw materials during the bone screwing process. The study used Finite Element Analysis to simulate screw insertion into sawbones. It employed tetrahedral elements for meshing, focusing on the hole area to mimic screwing accurately. Sawbones' lateral surfaces remained fixed, while the screw model experienced different spindle speeds and a constant feed rate. Contact between screw and sawbones was established using a master–slave algorithm, considering a friction coefficient of 0.42 to simulate frictional forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis represents a superior strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of chemical synthesis on the environment. In particular, the utilization of bio-sourced materials for nanomaterial synthesis constitutes a more sustainable and environmentally sound alternative. In this study, silver–carbon particle (Ag-CP) nanocomposites were prepared by a green hydrothermal method using lily bulbs as raw materials and were employed for glucose detection. Through the use of various physical characterization techniques, it was demonstrated that the natural lily hydrothermal method yielded carbon particles that were modified with Ag nanoparticles. The electrochemical characteristics of the Ag-CP nanocomposites for glucose sensing were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results showed that the constructed glucose sensor was capable of detecting concentrations within the range of 1–11 mM (R2 = 0.998), with sensitivity of 203.56 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 76.6 μM (S/N = 3). The Ag-CP nanocomposite sensor also exhibited notable electrocatalytic activity and remarkable anti-interference capability. In light of the exceptional sensing performance, coupled with the straightforward and cost-effective preparation process, the development of nanocomposite materials employing naturally sourced biological materials represents an attractive avenue for the production of eco-friendly nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global population has led to a significant accumulation of food waste. It is important to focus on reducing food waste instead of disposal methods like landfilling and incineration, which have severe environmental impacts. Upcycling food waste has emerged as an effective strategy for repurposing discarded food into higher-value products. However, concerns about food safety and public acceptance of products directly produced from food waste persist. Consequently, there is growing interest in utilizing food waste rich in moisture and biodegradable organic compounds as a potential medium for cultivating microalgae. This review article examines the utilization of food waste as a culture medium for microalgae cultivation and the methods for treating food waste to enhance its nutrient content. Additionally, it discusses the influence of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus on microalgae growth and external factors such as pH and light intensity. The article also addresses the innovation of the food supply chain from environmental, social, and economic perspective, along with food safety and public acceptability concerns. Furthermore, it explores the legislative issues surrounding products derived from food waste and the end use of microalgae biomass produced from food waste. Overall, this review provides insight into the potential of microalgae cultivation using food waste, serving as a platform towards the realization of a circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological process to extract chitin from crustacean wastes may be an interesting and safe alternative than chemical process. The inoculation of lactic acid bacteria is an environmentally-friendly strategy to extract chitin especially if low-cost raw materials are utilized as fermentation substrates. The deacetylation of chitin by chemical or biological processes results in an important and multifaceted biopolymer, the chitosan, with a range of applications in diverse areas. A two-step process consisting of lactic fermentation (by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) of shrimp wastes and chemical deacetylation of chitin to obtain chitosan was here proposed focusing on the replacement of the semi-synthetic medium MRS (de Man–Rogosa–Sharpe) by sugarcane molasses, on the variation in the concentration and drying of shrimp wastes in the fermentation step, and increased deacetylation times of chitin. Chitosan was characterized and assayed for antimicrobial activity, microsphere and film-forming properties. Diluted molasses containing 150 g/L of total reducing sugars and supplemented with 12 g/L yeast extract is a viable and cost-effective alternative to MRS to recover chitin from oven-dried shrimp wastes at a concentration of 5% w/v. A low molecular weight chitosan (95.3 kDa) was obtained after a 2-h chemical deacetylation (79.6% deacetylation degree). Molasses chitosan exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities. Chitosan rough microspheres capable of loading antibiotic (monensin), and transparent and homogenous films were also obtained. The complete flow of operations until obtaining chitosan with considerable yields is here presented, also demonstrating the intrinsic properties of this polymer. The molasses chitosan, utilized without purification, has potential application in industry and agriculture as a biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological materials always exhibit heterogeneous physical properties, both mechanical and chemical, which give them a rich phenomenology that poses significant challenges in the developing of effective models. The Flory–Rehner theory revolutionized our understanding of the dynamics of the liquid-polymers coupling in soft swollen gels, recognizing polymers as elastic networks stretched by the presence of liquid. Despite its foundational role, applying this theory to bodies with non uniform physical properties requires further improvements. This article proposes a unified approach to address mechano-diffusion challenges in multi-domain bodies, that is in material bodies made of regions having different chemo-mechanical properties, and focuses on the dehydration and remodeling of biological-like materials. Drawing inspiration from natural systems, we integrate principles from nonlinear mechanics and swelling theories; in particular, what is specifically new is the idea of applying the notion of the multiplicative decomposition of the strain–developed for plasticity–to model the swelling properties of a body made of two or more materials. The article gives a systematic presentation of the subject, and guides readers through key concepts and practical insights, aiming to provide a robust framework for modeling chemo-mechanical interactions. Moreover, it paves the way for the modeling of heterogenous bodies having spatially-varying properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of global studies is to develop the properties and durability of polymers for various applications. When it comes to dental disability, denture base materials must have sufficient mechanical and tribological performance in order to withstand the forces experienced in the mouth. This work aims to investigate the effects of the addition of low content of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) on the mechanical and tribological performance of the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites. Different weight percent of CNC (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 wt%) were added to the PMMA matrix followed by ball milling to evenly distribute the nanoparticles reinforced phase in the matrix phase. The findings emphasize the significant impact of CNC integration on the performance of PMMA nanocomposites. By increasing the content of the CNC nanoparticles, the mechanical properties of PMMA were improved. In addition, the tribological outcomes demonstrated a significant reduction in the friction coefficient besides an enhancement in the wear resistance as the weight percentage of nanoparticles increased. The surface of the worn samples was investigated by utilizing SEM to identify the wear mechanisms corresponding to the different compositions. In addition, a finite elment model (FEM) was developed to ascertain the thickness of the worn layer and the generated stressed on the surfaces of the nanocomposite throughout the friction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biophysical cues have the ability to enhance cellular signaling response to Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, an essential growth factor during bone development and regeneration. Yet, therapeutic application of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) is restricted due to uncontrolled side effects. An understanding of the temporal characteristics of mechanically regulated signaling events and underlying mechanism is lacking. Using a 3D bioreactor system in combination with a soft macroporous biomaterial substrate, we mimic the in vivo environment that BMP2 is acting in. We show that the intensity and duration of BMP2 signaling increases with increasing loading frequency in synchrony with the number and size of focal adhesions. Long-term mechanical stimulation increases the expression of BMP receptor type 1B, specific integrin subtypes and integrin clustering. Together, this triggered a short-lived mechanical echo that enhanced BMP2 signaling even when BMP2 is administered directly after mechanical stimulation, but not when it is applied after a resting period of ≥30 min. Interfering with cytoskeletal remodeling hinders focal adhesion remodeling verifying its critical role in shifting cells into a state of high BMP2 responsiveness. The design of biomaterials that exploit this potential locally at the site of injury will help to overcome current limitations of clinical growth factor treatment. Using a bioreactor system in combination with a biomaterial substrate, the authors reveal how the intensity and duration BMP2 signaling are biomechanically linked to cytoskeletal remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimuli-responsive or smart polymers are macromolecules that can change their physicochemical structure in response to environmental changes such as temperature, pH, UV irradiation, solvent exchange, magnetic field, and ionic factors. Thermo-responsive hydrogels benefit from temperature changes as a trigger for sol-gel transition. They are advantageous for some biomedical applications because they do not require organic solvents, chemical additives, or external fields. Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers that are liquid at room temperature and gel at physiological temperature can be utilized as injectable biomaterials with unique applications in drug delivery, cell encapsulation, and tissue engineering. Therapeutic agents or cells can be incorporated into the sol solution and injected into the target site, forming an in-situ gel with minimal invasiveness and pain. This review summarizes thermoresponsive hydrogels made from natural and synthetic polymers that are used in wound healing. The versatility, simplicity, and convenience of administration, along with the untapped potential of thermo-responsive polymeric materials, make them the most promising interfaces for chemistry and biology in tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we report the study of nuclear resonance magnetic spectroscopy techniques (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR) efficiency in the characterisation of the functional composition of water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) from atmospheric aerosols. The chosen site was our scientific and technical center of research (CRAPC) situated in Algerian Bou-Ismail city. where the concentrations of PM10 were found to be between 15.66 and 142.19 µg.m−3. As results, 1H-NMR analysis showed the coexistence of biological material and emissions from urban and biomass burning. The dominant source was identified by quantitative integration of each 1H NMR spectral region. By using the HSQC technique, many peaks are revealed in biogenic samples including biomass burning. On the other hand, the identification of the source of various organic compounds and their functional composition is possible through specific NMR spectra, which can also be used to adjust the surrounding organic aerosol sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based materials, such as polyethylene glycol and its derivatives, are popular as biomaterials, including for clinical purposes. The hydrogels used in drug-carrying systems have become beneficial in cancer therapy. Due to their unique biocompatibility, durability, enhanced drug loading capacity, and low cytotoxicity, poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) hydrogels are widely used in drug delivery systems. In this work, we illustrated the photopolymerization of four PEGDMA/methyl cellulose (MC) hydrogels at four concentrations. Irgacure 2959 (2-hydroxy-4′-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone) was used as a UV photoinitiator. Various aspects of the properties of hydrogels were studied. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for the chemical bonds, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the surface morphology, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to identify the thermal behavior, and swelling, contact angle, and degradation tests were executed to understand the hydrogels' behavior against moisture. Cancer cells' ability to grow and proliferate on PEGDMA hydrogels was examined to assess the hydrogels' viability as a drug carrier system for tissue engineering applications. The results suggest that the F4 hydrogels present a novel all-round means of cell culture and drug delivery as they permit target drug delivery and exhibit nontoxic behavior due to their high swelling ratio, good degradation profile, and biocompatibility, confirming that these hydrogels are suitable for further applications in cell culture analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new calorimetric technique is described that allows high-throughput heat production rate measurements on small biological tissue samples. The technique is based on the widely used thermopile chip technology combined with an innovative method for precise transport and positioning of samples of different biological materials at the thermal power detector inside the calorimeter. The new transport and positioning technique is a combination of fluidic and mechanical transport, where the latter is realized by a magneto-motor drive. The transport facility ensures good diffusive oxygen penetration into the sample, which is essential for highly metabolically active materials. The proper functioning of the device is demonstrated by measuring the heat production of metabolically active brown adipose tissue, biopsied tegu lizard muscle, and live Drosophila larvae at different stages and temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bioengineered and biosynthesized elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) was adopted for a non-volatile memory resistive switching device or a memristor. The ELP mimicked from elastin of mammal was synthetically produced in polypeptide by Escherichia coli gene recombination. They were composed of a repeating pentapeptide sequence having [Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly]32 sequence for bioelectronic devices with ELP showing multiple electrical resistance states between a high resistance state and a low resistance state through an applied electrical field. In addition, the ELP-coated 5-nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) layer was also to be biomaterials used for nanobiohybrid memristive devices. Simple metal–insulator–metal device structure and lateral electrode device with ELP layer on 5-nm Au NPs could show neuromorphic adaptive current–voltage (I–V) behavior and electrical stimulus-induced potentiation and depression in a hydrogel state. In addition, with an introduction of a neurotransmitter cortisol's specific antibody, a preliminary sensing protocol was also examined with the nanobiohybrid device. Therefore, the introduction of ELP into neuromorphic device is regarded as the cornerstone for the development of biocompatible bioelectronic devices that can be integrated into human bionics for future artificial neuromorphic format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Based on the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as effective circular and environmental measurement tools, respectively, the purpose of this article is firstly to propose an approach in which to apply the mentioned tools to correlate circularity with environmental impacts. Secondly, it is to test and analyze the model through compared case studies and assess its applicability as an effective product circularity-environmental assessment tool. Methods: To propose a methodology that correlates circularity and environmental impacts, the methodologies underlying MCI and LCA were considered the most recognized in the literature. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggestion to use complementary indicators (calculated using the LCA methodology) together with the MCI was received to obtain an in-depth analysis of the circular and environmental performance of the products. As a result, an integrated MCI-LCA methodological integration model was proposed in which compared case studies were selected in the agri-food sector since their products encompass both biological and technical materials. Results and discussion: From the examination of the graphical representation patterns of the interpretation of results phase, five scenarios for the circular-environmental assessment of compared products were detected depending on the characteristics of the trend line: scenarios no. 1 and 2 where circularity led to higher environmental impacts, scenario no. 3 where circularity did not affect environmental impacts, and scenarios no. 4 and 5 where circularity led to lower environmental impacts. Compared to studies in the current literature, the added value of the application of the proposed model was to allow a comprehensive and holistic assessment through an innovative circular and environmental assessment panel of coupled products belonging to the same product category. Conclusions: What the authors expected from the principles of the proposed model and the results achieved make the model applicable. Environmental Product Declarations of coupled products were used as an information source for both circular and environmental evaluations. Circularity did not always lead to a reduction of environmental impact, as it depended on the type of impact category and product. More compared case studies are required to be applied to the proposed integrated model to strengthen the assumption made in the study, determine eventual adjustments in the weighing system of the MCI methodology, and for the detected circular-environmental scenarios to try to bridge the gap of standardized regulations on circularity measurement framework, which have led to the current nonuniform indicator approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a debilitating and life-threatening complication of Diabetes Mellitus. Ulceration develops from a combination of associated diabetic complications, including neuropathy, circulatory dysfunction, and repetitive trauma, and they affect approximately 19–34% of patients as a result. The severity and chronic nature of diabetic foot ulcers stems from the disruption to normal wound healing, as a result of the molecular mechanisms which underly diabetic pathophysiology. The current standard-of-care is clinically insufficient to promote healing for many DFU patients, resulting in a high frequency of recurrence and limb amputations. Biomaterial dressings, and in particular those derived from the extracellular matrix (ECM), have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of DFU. By providing a template for cell infiltration and skin regeneration, ECM-derived biomaterials offer great hope as a treatment for DFU. A range of approaches exist for the development of ECM-derived biomaterials, including the use of purified ECM components, decellularisation and processing of donor/ animal tissues, or the use of in vitro-deposited ECM. This review discusses the development and assessment of ECM-derived biomaterials for the treatment of chronic wounds, as well as the mechanisms of action through which ECM-derived biomaterials stimulate wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of diffusion in biological materials is crucial for fields like food science, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Research that combines numerical and analytical methods is needed to better understand diffusive phenomena across various dimensions and under variable boundary conditions within food matrices. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the diffusion of substances through biological materials analytically and numerically, calculating diffusivity and conducting surface analysis. The research proposes a process for sweetening Bing-type cherries (Prunus avium) using sucrose/xylitol solutions and a staining technique utilising erythrosine and red gardenia at varying concentrations (119, 238 and 357 ppm) and temperatures (40, 50 and 60 °C). Given the fruit's epidermis resistance, the effective diffusivities of skin were inferior to those in flesh. Temperature and concentration synergise in enhancing diffusion coefficients and dye penetration within the food matrix (357 ppm and 60 °C). Red gardenia displayed significant temperature-dependent variation (p = 0.001), whereas erythrosine dye remained stable by temperature changes (p > 0.05). Gardenia's effective diffusivities in cherry flesh and skin, at 357 ppm and 60 °C, 3.89E−08 and 6.61E−09 m2/s, respectively, significantly differed from those obtained at lower temperatures and concentrations. The results highlight the temperature-concentration impacts on mass transfer calculations for food colouring processes and preservation methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decellularization of plant tissues is an emerging route to fabricate scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although significant progress has been made in the field of plant tissue decellularization, functionalization of plant scaffolds is still an emerging field, and loading them with L-ascorbic acid to promote skin regeneration has not yet been reported. L-ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that plays a key role in collagen synthesis as a cofactor of lysyl hydroxylase and prolyl hydroxylase. It has been shown to have significant importance in physiological wound healing by stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen at both the molecular and the genetic levels. In this work, we aimed to fabricate an ascorbic acid-releasing bioactive scaffold by introducing a stable form of ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P), into decellularized baby spinach leaves and investigated its biological activity in vitro. Our results demonstrated that AA2P could be easily introduced into decellularized baby spinach leaf scaffolds and subsequently released within the effective dose range. AA2P-releasing baby spinach leaves were found to increase metabolic activity and enhance collagen synthesis in L929 fibroblasts after 21 days. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the fabrication of a novel functionalized skin tissue engineering scaffold and made a significant contribution to the fields of plant decellularization and skin tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological response to biomaterials plays a crucial role in selecting suitable materials for the formulation and development of tissue engineering platforms. Biodegradation is one of the properties that is considered in selecting appropriate biomaterials for biomedical applications. Biodegradation is the process of breaking down large molecules into smaller molecules with/without the aid of catalytic enzymes. The biodegradation process is crucial in the chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) process of biomaterials and small molecules in the body. Degradation of biomaterials can be followed by assessing the physical, mechanical, and chemical attributes of biomaterials. There are several techniques/parameters that can be targeted when studying the degradation of biomaterials, with gravimetric analysis, surface erosion, and morphological changes being the largely employed techniques. However, the techniques present a few limitations, such as technical errors and material solubility being mistaken for degradation, and these techniques can infer but not confirm degradation as they do not provide the chemical composition of fragmenting/fragmented molecules. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines provide techniques and parameters for assessing biodegradation. However, the ASTM guidelines for degradation assessment approaches and techniques need to be updated to provide sufficient evidence to draw conclusive decisions regarding the degradation of biomaterials. In this review, the degradation assessment approaches and techniques are critically reviewed about their advantages and disadvantages, and to provide suggestions on how they can still play a role in assessing the degradation of biomaterials. This review could assist researchers employ cost-effective, efficient, and multiple degradation assessment techniques to evaluate and provide sufficient information about the degradation of biomaterials. Suggested future ASTM guidelines for assessing biodegradation should include measuring parameters (such as chemical, mechanical, or physical attributes of biomaterials) in real-time, employing non-invasive, continuous, and automated processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels with particulates, including proteins, drugs, nanoparticles, and cells, enable the development of new and innovative biomaterials. Precise control of the spatial distribution of these particulates is crucial to produce advanced biomaterials. Thus, there is a high demand for manufacturing methods for particle-laden hydrogels. In this context, 3D printing of hydrogels is emerging as a promising method to create numerous innovative biomaterials. Among the 3D printing methods, inkjet printing, so-called drop-on-demand (DOD) printing, stands out for its ability to construct biomaterials with superior spatial resolutions. However, its printing processes are still designed by trial and error due to a limited understanding of the ink behavior during the printing processes. This review discusses the current understanding of transport processes and hydrogel behaviors during inkjet printing for particulate-laden hydrogels. Specifically, we review the transport processes of water and particulates within hydrogel during ink formulation, jetting, and curing. Additionally, we examine current inkjet printing applications in fabricating engineered tissues, drug delivery devices, and advanced bioelectronics components. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for next-generation inkjet printing are also discussed. Highlights: • Inkjet printing recently emerged to construct hydrogels with particulates into advanced biomaterials and biomedical devices. • A fundamental understanding of intra and inter-drop transport processes begins to be established. • Challenges and opportunities for next-generation inkjet printing are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing is swiftly transitioning from a prototyping tool to a useful technology for industrial-scale manufacturing. As global industries seek to harness its potential, several 3D printing technologies have been successfully integrated into mainstream manufacturing workflows, based on the range of processable materials, fabrication mechanisms and integration into regulated environments. While metal 3D printing has established a significant niche in the context of aerospace and automotive manufacturing, the upscaled translation of polymer 3D printing lags, limited by several critical challenges, both in the materials domain, as well as the technical fabrication mechanisms. This article seeks to juxtapose the growth, challenges and opportunities of metal and polymer additive manufacturing, emphasizing the latter's potential for future growth in sectors such as polymer waste recycling and point-of-care medical device manufacturing. By dissecting the complexities surrounding feedstocks, manufacturing and post-processing workflows and the advances in simulations and quality control, this review provides comprehensive insights into the progression of 3D printed technologies for industrial-scale additive manufacturing into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the properties of biodegradable plantable pots made from biomaterials. Specifically, rapeseed straw and cow manure biomaterials were studied here because these biomaterials add nutrients to the soil during their biodegradation and are readily available agricultural by-products. Furthermore, the use of biomaterials helps in replacing the plastic materials which are currently used to make pots and decreases the environmental impact by producing a cleaner product. The physical and mechanical properties of biocomposites pots were investigated and optimized in the present work. The effect of mixing ratio (straw: cow manure) in the composite, straw particle size, and chemical pre-treatments of straw by 1% HCl or 2% NaOH on the physical and mechanical properties of biodegradable pots was investigated. Additionally, the Taguchi method and ANOVA statistical analyses were employed for parameters optimization. The results indicated the straw to cow manure ratio exhibited a significant effect on the compression strength (CS), penetration strength (PS), and water absorption (WA) of pots. While the CS and PS of pots decreased with increasing the ratio of straw from 2 to 10% and increasing the particle size of straw from 1.5 to 3.0 mm, these changes increased the water absorption of pots (126.52–141.21% for 1.5-mm untreated straw). Chemical pre-treatments of straw investigated here resulted in decreased CS and PS of pots. The straw ratio in the straw/manure mixture is the most significant factor affecting the characteristics of biodegradable pots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metrology is the science of measurement and its applications, whereas biometrology is the science of biological measurement and its applications. Biometrology aims to achieve accuracy and consistency of biological measurements by focusing on the development of metrological traceability, biological reference measurement procedures, and reference materials. Irreproducibility of biological and multi-omics research results from different laboratories, platforms, and analysis methods is hampering the translation of research into clinical uses and can often be attributed to the lack of biologists' attention to the general principles of metrology. In this paper, the progresses of biometrology including metrology on nucleic acid, protein, and cell measurements and its impacts on the improvement of reliability and comparability in biological research are reviewed. Challenges in obtaining more reliable biological and multi-omics measurements due to the lack of primary reference measurement procedures and new standards for biological reference materials faced by biometrology are discussed. In the future, in addition to establishing reliable reference measurement procedures, developing reference materials from single or multiple parameters to multi-omics scale should be emphasized. Thinking in way of biometrology is warranted for facilitating the translation of high-throughput omics research into clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessing high-order multiphoton excited fluorescence (H-MPEF) materials is challenging yet and needs complicated synthesis procedures. In this study, we successfully assembled plasmonic Au nanorods (Au NRs) with multiphoton responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), resulting in a significant several-fold enhancement of H-MPEF. The extent of multiphoton enhancement was found to be strongly dependent on the degree of overlap between the multiphoton excitation wavelength of MOFs and the localized surface plasmon resonance absorbance of Au NRs, indicating the importance of plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer. Besides, plasmon-induced hot electron transfer played a vital role in enhanced multiphoton activity as well. Notably, the optimum H-MPEF enhancement occurs at the second near-infrared (NIR-II) region, which provides a promising platform for fluorescent bioimaging. Our findings provide a feasible and practical method to fabricate optimized H-MPEF materials for biological imaging using tissue-penetrating NIR-II light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological structural materials, despite consisting of limited kinds of compounds, display multifunctionalities due to their complex hierarchical architectures. While some biomimetic strategies have been applied in artificial materials to enhance their mechanical stability, the simultaneous optimization of other functions along with the mechanical properties via biomimetic designs has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, iron oxide/carbon nanotube (CNT)-based artificial nacre with both improved mechanical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance is fabricated via the mineralization of Fe3O4 onto a CNT-incorporated matrix. The micro- and nano-structures of the artificial nacre are similar to those of natural nacre, which in turn improves its mechanical properties. The alternating electromagnetic wave-reflective CNT layers and the wave-absorptive iron oxide layers can improve the multiple reflections of the waves on the surfaces of the reflection layers, which then allows sufficient interactions between the waves and the absorption layers. Consequently, compared with the reflection-dependent EMI-shielding of the non-structured material, the artificial nacre exhibits strong absorption-dependent shielding behavior even with a very low content of wave-absorptive phase. Owing to the high mechanical stability, the shielding effectiveness of the artificial nacre that deeply cut by a blade is still maintained at approximately 70%–96% depending on the incident wave frequency. The present work provides a new way for designing structural materials with concurrently enhanced mechanical and functional properties, and a path to combine structural design and intrinsic properties of specific materials via a biomimetic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical and biomarker characteristics of representative crude oil samples from selected fields in southern Nigeria were evaluated to determine the organic matter input, origin of biological material, depositional environment, thermal maturity, and genetic relationship between the oils. Four crude oil samples were obtained from various oil producing fields from Delta, Bayelsa and Abia state in southern Nigeria and labeled Kwale (KW), Kolo creek (KLC), Owaza (OWA1 and OWA2). The crude oil samples were fractionated into saturates, aromatic hydrocarbons and polar compounds using column chromatography on silica gel thereafter, analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The calculated ratios of normal alkanes, acyclic isoprenoids, carbon preference index (CPI), hopanes, and steranes showed the following results: Pr/Ph (0.34 to 0.89); C29/C27 (0.78 to 1.25); 20S/(20S + 20R)C29sterane (0.28 to 0.66); 22S/(22S + 22R)C32 homohopane (0.17 to 0.23); CPI (0.96 to 0.98); Ts/Ts + Tm (0.46 to 0.50); and sterane/hopane (0.16 to 0.87). The results obtained were used to correlate the crude oils with respect to depositional environment, thermal maturity, and organic matter source. The Pr/Ph ratios of KW and KLC were less than one, and the cross-plot of Pr/nC17 versus Ph/nC18 of KW and KLC suggested that the oils were deposited under anoxic environments, whereas OWA1 and OWA2 indicated oxic conditions with no biodegradation. From the calculated ratios of 22S (22S + 22R)C32 homohopane and CPI, the oils were mature and had entered the generating window. Sample OWA1 is the most mature, while KLC is the least mature. The calculated ratios also showed that the four oil samples were from a shale source rock with both terrestrial and marine inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfibrillated cellulose applications are vast and continue to grow across science disciplines. This growth increases exposures, including ingestion scenarios. Previous studies have shown that conventional cellulose is safe for consumption, while other studies indicate that microfibrillated cellulose has similar physicochemical properties to conventional cellulose. This new study compared microfibrillated cellulose with conventional cellulose after two simulated digestions to confirm that degradation patterns are the same between microfibrillated and conventional cellulose materials. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry results show that the conventional and microfibrillated cellulose spectra are strikingly similar for cellulase digestion and simulated human gastrointestinal digestion. No glucose, cellobiose, or other sugar monomers or dimers were seen in the standardized simulated gastrointestinal digestion, indicating that the degradation of sugars is not taking place. Further studies, which include the role of the gut microbiome, are needed to ensure the safety of the consumption of microfibrillated cellulose and to develop new microfibrillated materials. The data presented here demonstrates an efficient method to understand cellulose materials' degradation patterns using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials are a crucial issue in the field of tissue engineering. Two types of polymeric biomaterials, such as Poly(glycerol Itaconic acid) (PGIt) and Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) diol (PCL-diol), were synthesized by polycondensation and ring opening polymerization (ROP) respectively. The PCL-diol was selected as a minor phase with 30 and 50 wt%, and Closite-Na + was selected as the nanophase with a constant amount of 5 wt%. Molecular structures PGIt and PCL-diol were analyzed by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and GPC techniques. Microstructures showing the presence of PCL-diol in the PGIt have not created compatible morphologies, albeit the presence of clay nanoparticles has helped to achieve the proper morphologies. Low angle XRD showed exfoliated, and intercalated morphologies can be predicted to pure PGIt and PGIt70PCLdiol30Clay5 samples. Mechanical analysis showed that Young's modulus and elongation at the break of PGIt50PCLdiol50Clay5 and PGIt100 samples were higher than other samples. DMTA analysis showed that adding PCL-diol into the PGIt increased glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus at 37 °C. The master curve of the studied samples was prepared by the WLF equation at body temperature. Hydrocatalytical degradation, contact angles, and MTT analysis showed that all samples behave well in biological conditions. Cell adhesion, Dapi, and Alizarin red analysis were carried out on the selected samples, and their results showed that the presence of PCL-diol and Clay into the PGIt has improved the biological behavior of the sample and PGIt50PCLdiol50Clay5 shows just behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment options for osteoarticular diseases include physical ultrasound therapy, assistive de-vices, and biomedical bone alloys. Biomedical alloys are wide used in biomedical applications due to their favorable properties for biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Among titanium-based alloys, those with remarkable mechanical properties are especially popular for medical implant applications. However, the Young's modulus (E) of current titanium-based alloys is much higher than that of human bone, which can cause bone tissue damage. To address this issue, new titanium-based alloys have been designed using the cluster-plus-glue-atom model, which modifies glue atoms. First-principles calculations were used to study the mechanical stability and elastic properties of these new structures. The results show that these new structures have elastic properties within the range of human bone and exhibit excellent ductility. In particular, the lowest E can reach about 7 GPa. These new titanium-based alloy structures are suitable for use as bone implants due to their appropriate elastic properties. This paper provides theoretical guidance for the alloy design of titanium-based alloys for use in biomedical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Various materials have been proposed for reconstructing orbital fractures. The materials used must meet certain criteria to ensure their suitability for restoring the structure and function of the organ. These criteria include biocompatibility, ease of application, non-toxicity, hypo-allergenicity, and non-carcinogenicity. In this study, we systematically reviewed the studies regarding the biomaterials in orbital implants and their clinical application. Methods: A comprehensive search across various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was conducted until April 10th, 2023. After retrieving the search results and eliminating duplicates, final studies were included after screening through defined criteria. Human and animal studies assessing the clinical application of biomaterials in orbital implants were included. The quality of the case series and controlled intervention studies were evaluated using the NIH tool, and for animal studies, the risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's tool. Results: Seventeen studies were included according to defined criteria. These studies aimed to explore the clinical application of biomaterials and examine the associated complications in orbital implants. Conclusion: We found that using biomaterials did not result in elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). However, we did observe certain complications, with infection, residual diplopia, and enophthalmos being the most frequently reported issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal microscopy is a highly sensitive pump-probe method for mapping nanostructures and molecules through the detection of local thermal gradients. While visible photothermal microscopy and mid-infrared photothermal microscopy techniques have been developed, they possess inherent limitations. These techniques either lack chemical specificity or encounter significant light attenuation caused by water absorption. Here, we present an overtone photothermal (OPT) microscopy technique that offers high chemical specificity, detection sensitivity, and spatial resolution by employing a visible probe for local heat detection in the C-H overtone region. We demonstrate its capability for high-fidelity chemical imaging of polymer nanostructures, depth-resolved intracellular chemical mapping of cancer cells, and imaging of multicellular C. elegans organisms and highly scattering brain tissues. By bridging the gap between visible and mid-infrared photothermal microscopy, OPT establishes a new modality for high-resolution and high-sensitivity chemical imaging. This advancement complements large-scale shortwave infrared imaging approaches, facilitating multiscale structural and chemical investigations of materials and biological metabolism. The authors develop overtone photothermal microscopy that leverages a pump-probe detection of second overtone vibrations within the shortwave-infrared (SWIR) window. This technique complements existing large-scale SWIR imaging approaches, offering enhanced resolution and sensitivity for bioimaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of tissue engineering, biofabrication techniques are employed to process cells in hydrogel-based matrices, known as bioinks, into complex 3D structures. The aim is the production of functional tissue models or even entire organs. The regenerative production of biological tissues adheres to a multitude of criteria that ultimately determine the maturation of a functional tissue. These criteria are of biological nature, such as the biomimetic spatial positioning of different cell types within a physiologically and mechanically suitable matrix, which enables tissue maturation. Furthermore, the processing, a combination of technical procedures and biological materials, has proven highly challenging since cells are sensitive to stress, for example from shear and tensile forces, which may affect their vitality. On the other hand, high resolutions are pursued to create optimal conditions for subsequent tissue maturation. From an analytical perspective, it is prudent to first investigate the printing behavior of bioinks before undertaking complex biological tests. According to our findings, conventional shear rheological tests are insufficient to fully characterize the printing behavior of a bioink. For this reason, we have developed optical methods that, complementarily to the already developed tests, allow for quantification of printing quality and further viscoelastic modeling of bioinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to population aging, lifestyle changes, coexisting medical disorders, and environmental factors, most countries have seen an increase in the prevalence of eye illnesses in recent decades. As a result of excellent knowledge on ocular disorders, patients are more likely to receive early detection and treatment, and there is a more prominent need for less invasive, more effective treatments for anterior and posterior eye disorders. Over 120 million individuals worldwide benefit from contact lens applications; however, there is room for improvement in ophthalmic therapies. Many corneal and ocular surface illnesses can be treated with therapeutic contact lenses (TCLs), which reduce pain and promote ocular healing, corneal protection, and eye drug delivery. According to studies, up to 26% of therapeutic contact lens users stop wearing contact lenses due to discomfort, such as dry eye disease. An interesting subject that is now undergoing a significant role in improving ocular lenses is materials which are highly evolving with advances in bioscience for different applications, such as drug delivery, eye wound dressing, and eye disease treatments. Silicon hydrogel and polymer acrylate-based materials are commonly used in ocular lens fabrication. With a priority on the materials science used in creating new therapeutic ocular lenses, this review offers a recently developed viewpoint on ocular lens materials to provide an outline of the upcoming outlooks and challenges in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-functional material was fabricated to mimic the periosteum for guided bone regeneration. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was fabricated into a gold-coated electrospun membrane. The gold-coated PVDF membranes were observed and characterized for their morphology and structural formation using light microscopy and differential calorimetry, respectively. Hydrophilicity, mechanical behavior, and electrical properties were evaluated from the results of the contact angle, universal testing machine, and an inductance–capacitance–resistance meter, respectively. MC3T3E1 osteoblast cells were seeded onto PVDF membranes with and without the gold coating. The cells on the seeded membranes were cultured under either a non-dynamic condition or a dynamic condition by shaking at 100 rpm (1.67 Hz). In vitro testing was performed to evaluate the biological performance (cell proliferation and viability), protein analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium content. PVDF with the gold coating had a higher melting temperature, hydrophilicity, and dielectric constant than without the gold coating. The gold-coated PVDF membranes showed a lower Young's modulus than the uncoated PVDF membranes. The seeded gold-coated and uncoated PVDF membranes under the dynamic condition had higher cell proliferation, viability, protein amount, ALP activity, calcium content, and calcium deposition than the PVDF membrane without either the gold coating or under the dynamic condition. Finally, the results deduced that the gold-coated PVDF membranes were able to mimic the periosteum with a dual function and showed promise for guided bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological computing is a promising field with potential applications in biosafety, environmental monitoring, and personalized medicine. Here we present work on the design of bacterial computers using spatial patterning to process information in the form of diffusible morphogen-like signals. We demonstrate, mathematically and experimentally, that single, modular, colonies can perform simple digital logic, and that complex functions can be built by combining multiple colonies, removing the need for further genetic engineering. We extend our experimental system to incorporate sender colonies as morphogen sources, demonstrating how one might integrate different biochemical inputs. Our approach will open up ways to perform biological computation, with applications in bioengineering, biomaterials and biosensing. Ultimately, these computational bacterial communities will help us explore information processing in natural biological systems. Biological computing is a promising field with potential applications in biosafety, environmental monitoring, and personalized medicine. Here the authors create bio-computers using engineered E. coli colonies that respond to chemical gradients, producing different logic functions depending on how they are spatially arranged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates water absorption and porosity in the chitosan matrix reinforced with nano-biosilica, bamboo fiber, and jute fiber used for long bone material implants. The water absorption tests reveal distinct patterns in CP, CF, C1, C2, and C3 biocomposites, thereby highlighting the influence of their composition. Notably, 1% nano-biosilica reduces water absorption, yet increased nano-silica concentrations lead to heightened porosity. Striking a balance between optimal porosity for osseointegration and mechanical strength is crucial. Hybridization proves effective in mitigating water uptake and porosity. This study advances knowledge in biomaterial intricacies, providing crucial insights for tailored implant design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human extracellular matrix (ECM) exhibits complex protein composition and architecture depending on tissue and disease state, which remains challenging to reverse engineer. One promising approach is based on cell-secreted ECM from primary human fibroblasts that can be decellularized into acellular biomaterials. However, fibroblasts cultured on rigid culture plastic or biomaterial scaffolds can experience aberrant mechanical cues that perturb the biochemical, mechanical, and the efficiency of ECM production. Methods: Here, we demonstrate a method for preparing decellularized ECM using primary human fibroblasts with tissue and disease-specific features with two case studies: (1) cardiac fibroblasts; (2) lung fibroblasts from healthy or diseased donors. Cells aggregate into engineered microtissues in low adhesion microwells that deposited ECM and can be decellularized. We systematically investigate microtissue morphology, matrix architecture, and mechanical properties, along with transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Results: Microtissues exhibited tissue-specific gene expression and proteomics profiling, with ECM complexity similar to native tissues. Healthy lung microtissues exhibited web-like fibrillar collagen compared to dense patches in healthy heart microtissues. Diseased lung exhibited more disrupted collagen architecture than healthy. Decellularized microtissues had tissue-specific mechanical stiffness that was physiologically relevant. Importantly, decellularized microtissues supported viability and proliferation of human cells. Conclusions: We show that engineered microtissues of primary human fibroblasts seeded in low-adhesion microwells can be decellularized to produce human, tissue and disease-specific ECM. This approach should be widely applicable for generating personalized matrix that recapitulate tissues and disease states, relevant for culturing patient cells ex vivo as well as implantation for therapeutic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses a photoactivation method for determining the activity of the long-lived isotope Ca relative to the activity of Co in irradiated reactor biological shielding concrete. It is proposed to use photonuclear reactions on cobalt and calcium isotopes: Co( , ) Co, Ca( , ) K, or Ca( , ) Ca Sc to determine the activity of Ca. The sensitivity of the proposed method is on the order of Bq/g, provided that semiconductor spectrometers with an ultrapure germanium detector are used. The structure and chemical compositions of the sample do not affect the proposed method. It avoids the long sample preparation times associated with radiochemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]