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This study explores application of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogel to improve the antifouling properties and performance of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membrane. The modification of PPSU membrane was performed via coating different ratio of polydopamine (PDA) to 3‐(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as interlayer on surface of PPSU membrane followed by grafting of PEG‐NH2 hydrogel. The as‐prepared membranes were characterized and results confirmed the successful coating of interlayer and hydrogel. The performance of as‐prepared membranes was measured using pure water flux, humic acid (HA), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) separation. The PDA‐APTES (50:50) was selected as the optimal interlayer to graft hydrogel with respect to their superior effect on properties of resultant membrane. The permeate flux and HA rejection increased from 35.2 LMH and 55% for pristine PPSU membrane to 83 LMH and 96% for optimal membrane. For optimal membrane the flux recovery ratio (FRR) value of 96% and 93% determined for BSA and HA separation, respectively. Chemical stability examined and the results confirmed that the hydrogel‐coated membrane was more stable in acidic media compared with alkali media. In summary, the simultaneous presence of the interlayer and the grafted hydrogel had a great impact on the morphology, performance, anticlogging properties, and acid resistance of the modified membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing and emerging demand for materials for life and health has contributed to the cultivation and development of respective markets. Nevertheless, the current generation of biomedical materials has yet to fully satisfy the clinical requirements of the market, which is still in its relative infancy. Research and development in this area must be prioritized in light of the pivotal role of new life and health materials in the biological field. Among many life and health materials, GQDs, an emerging nanomaterial, exhibit considerable promise in the biomedical field, primarily due to their exceptional properties. Furthermore, the direct preparation and functionalization of GQDs have facilitated the development of specific functional composites based on GQDs. The biological applications of GQDs are undergoing rapid growth, which makes it necessary to publish a review article presenting the latest advances in this field. This review provides an overview of the significant advances in synthesizing GQDs, the techniques employed for structural characterizations, and the properties that have been elucidated. Furthermore, it presents recent findings on applying GQDs in antimicrobial, anticancer, biosensing, drug delivery, and bioimaging applications. Finally, it explores the potential of GQDs in biomedicine and biotechnology, highlighting the current challenges that remain to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, poly(lactic acid)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐tetra‐n‐butylammonium hydrogen sulfate (PLA‐PEG‐HS) electrospun mats were fabricated by electrospinning as effective wound dressings against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are the most prevalent species of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, respectively. PLA is a polymer with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, but its structure is fragile. Therefore, we aimed to improve its structural properties using PEG as a plasticizer and to provide antibacterial properties with HS salt. The nanofibers characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and drying time tests. The addition of HS eliminated the beads in the PLA‐PEG nanofiber and improved the homogeneity of the fiber distribution. Concerning this result, when the liquid absorption capacity (LAC) test was evaluated, PLA‐PEG‐HS nanofiber production was achieved with the highest rate of 480.95%. The thermal properties of nanofibers increased with the addition of HS. Cytotoxicity test results of PLA‐PEG‐HS wound dressings showed high cell viability of 129.05% in L292 mouse fibroblast cells at the end of the 24th hour. PLA‐PEG‐HS nanofibers with 99.99% antibacterial activity against tow bacteria. Considering the modern wound dressing requirements, antibacterial wound dressing production has been successfully achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer waste in the environment is a more and more serious problem for nature. Therefore, the industry is increasingly interested in the use of materials that are biodegradable. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) belongs to the group of biodegradable polymers, but this polymer often does not have the desired properties for many uses. Therefore, this polymer is often mixed with other biodegradable polymers to form blends with suitable properties. An alternative is, to change the polymer's properties with the addition of fibers. The aim of the present work is to use lyocell fibers to improve the mechanical properties of PBAT. Lyocell is an eco‐friendly cellulose fiber that is biodegradable. The lyocell fibers were embedded into a PBAT matrix in the form of a woven fabric, with different orientations of the fabric warp yarns to the long axis of composites. Consequently, composites with a warp yarn orientation of 0°, ±22.5°, ±45°, ±67.5°, and 90° were prepared. The mechanical properties were characterized by quasi‐static tensile testing and also by dynamic mechanical analysis. The elastic modulus as a function of warp yarn orientation was modeled with the modified rule‐of‐mixture theory and with the theory of elasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in humans and is fundamental to tissue structure and function. Collagen products used in biomedical research are primarily derived from mammals, and despite being mainly responsible for providing strength to native connective tissue, collagen hydrogels have comparatively low mechanical properties without the use of additional cross‐linking strategies. Alternative sources of collagen, like fish collagen, are emerging as key biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). By addressing cultural/religious concerns, ease of extraction, absence of mammalian‐derived allergens, and retention of functional motifs, fish collagen has many promising characteristics that make it a suitable alternative to mammalian collagen. Several physical and chemical cross‐linking strategies of fish collagen are explored to create more stable and resilient scaffolds for a variety of TERM applications. This comprehensive review explores how these modifications are optimized in fish collagen hydrogel systems. Herein, the use of fish collagen and their reported sources for TERM research, as well as the types of treatments (including sterilization) used to alter collagen structures and functions, are presented to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct a compartmentalized nanoarchitecture to regulate bioenergy level. Glucose dehydrogenase, urease and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide are encapsulated inside through liquid‐liquid phase separation. ATPase and glucose transporter embedded in hybrid liposomes are attached at the surface. Glucose is transported and converted to gluconic acid catalyzed by glucose dehydrogenase, resulting in an outward proton gradient to drive ATPase for ATP synthesis. In parallel, urease catalyzes hydrolysis of urea to generate ammonia, which leads to an inward proton gradient to drive ATPase for ATP hydrolysis. These processes lead to a change of the direction of proton gradient, thus achieving artificial ATP oscillation. Importantly, the frequency and the amplitude of the oscillation can be programmed. The work explores nanoarchitectonics integrating multiple components to realize artificial and precise oscillation of bioenergy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric supramolecular hydrogels (PSHs) leverage the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of non‐covalent interactions between polymer chains to govern their structural characteristics. As these materials are formed via endothermic or exothermic equilibria, their thermal response is challenging to control without drastically changing the nature of the chemistry used to join them. In this study, we introduce a novel class of PSHs utilizing the intercalation of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) as the primary dynamic non‐covalent interaction. The resulting dsDNA intercalating supramolecular hydrogels (DISHs) can be tuned to exhibit both endothermically or exothermically driven binding through strategic selection of intercalators. Bifunctional polyethylene glycol (MW~2000 Da) capped with intercalators of varying hydrophobicity, charge, and size (acridine, psoralen, thiazole orange, and phenanthridine) produced DISHs with comparable moduli (500–1000 Pa), but unique thermal viscoelastic responses. Notably, acridine‐based cross‐linkers displayed invariant and even increasing relaxation times with temperature, suggesting an endothermic binding mechanism. This methodology expands the set of structure‐properties available to biomass‐derived DNA biomaterials and promises a new material system where a broad set of thermal and viscoelastic responses can be obtained due to the sheer number and variety of intercalating molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel foams are widely used in many applications such as biomaterials, cosmetics, foods, or agriculture. However, controlling precisely foam morphology (bubble size or shape, connectivity, wall and strut thicknesses, homogeneity) is required to optimize their properties. Therefore, a method is proposed here for generating, controlling, and characterizing the morphology of hydrogel foams from liquid foam templates: Using the example of Alginate‐CaHPO4‐based hydrogel foams, a highly controllable foaming process is provided by bubbling nitrogen through nozzles into the solution, which produces hydrogel foams with millimeter‐sized bubbles. A rheological characterization protocol of the foam's constituent material is first implemented and highlights the impact of the initial liquid foam properties and of the competition between the solidification kinetics and the foam aging mechanisms on the resulting morphology. X‐ray tomographic characterization performed on solidifying and solidified samples then demonstrates that by controlling the temporal evolution of the foam via its formulation, it is possible to tune the final morphology of the alginate foams. This method can be adapted to other hydrogel or polymer formulations, foam characteristics and length scales, as soon as solidification processes happen on timescales shorter than foam destabilization mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel biodegradable polymer electrolyte membrane with reduced fuel crossover, high selectivity, and high conductivity compared with Nafion 117 membrane in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) has been reported. Herein, polyvinyl alcohol/epoxidized natural rubber (PVA/ENR) blend membranes were synthesized via a simple solution casting method and applied in DEFCs. The structural and physicochemical features of the PVA/ENR blend membranes were examined using FESEM, FTIR, XRD, water absorption, ethanol uptake, swelling ratio and oxidative stability. ENR enhances the chemical, structural, and mechanical characteristics of PVA, making it a valuable material in fuel cell applications. The incorporation of ENR into the PVA matrix results in a compact morphology, excessive multifunctional groups, low fuel crossover, and high selectivity. The optimum membrane thickness achieves the highest selectivity, reaching up to 12.32 × 104 S s cm−3 at 30°C. Additionally, the maximum power density achieved is 19.52 mW cm−2, surpassing that of the Nafion membrane, which is only 14.55 mW cm−2 at 90°C. Furthermore, this biodegradable membrane can sustain operation for 1000 h at 90°C, owing to its ability to maintain hydration for an extended period. This study represents the first attempt to combine PVA and ENR in fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various systemic metabolic diseases arise from prolonged crosstalk across multiple organs, triggering serious impairments in various physiological systems. These diseases are intricate systemic pathologies characterized by complex mechanisms and an unclear etiology, making the treatment challenging. Efforts have been made to develop in vitro models to understand these diseases and devise new treatments. However, there are limitations in reconstructing the causal relationships between diseases and interorgan crosstalk, including the tissue‐specific microenvironment. Alternatively, multi‐organ microphysiological systems (MOMPS) present new possibilities for capturing the complexity of systemic metabolic diseases by replicating human microphysiology and simulating diverse interorgan crosstalk. Controlled interactions and scalable representations of biological complexity in MOMPS offer a more accurate portrayal of organ interactions, enabling the identification of novel relationships between organ crosstalk, metabolism, and immunity. This, in turn, can yield valuable insights into disease mechanisms and drug development research and enhance the efficiency of preclinical studies. In this review, the examples and technical capabilities of MOMPS pathological modeling for various diseases are discussed, leveraging state‐of‐the‐art biofabrication technology of MOMPS. It evaluates the current opportunities and challenges in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mid‐infrared with a characteristic wavelength of 3–20 μm is important for a wealth of technologies. In particular, mid‐infrared spectroscopy can reveal material composition and structure information by fingerprinting chemical bonds' infrared resonances. Despite these merits, state‐of‐the‐art mid‐infrared techniques are spatially limited above tens of micrometers due to the fundamental diffraction law. Herein, recent progress in the scanning probe nanoscale infrared characterization of biochemical materials and natural specimens beyond this spatial limitation is reviewed. By leveraging the strong tip–sample local interactions, scanning probe nano‐infrared methods probe nanoscale optical and mechanical responses to disclose material composition, heterogeneity, orientation, fine structure, and phase transitions at unprecedented length scales. These advances, therefore, revolutionize the understanding of a broad range of biochemical and natural materials and offer new material manipulation and engineering opportunities close to the ultimate length scales of fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials with structural coloration capable of multimode color manipulation are gaining growing significance for advanced encryption and high‐security anti‐counterfeiting applications. Among the most promising candidates are naturally derived biomaterials, owing to their renewable, biocompatible, and biodegradable features for developing sustainable, bio‐interfaced photonic platforms. Nevertheless, structural color encryption strategies developed from biological materials usually exhibit limited optical operation modes, lowering their encryption capability and security level. Here, an all‐biomass‐based photonic crystal platform is reported that hierarchically integrates chiral nematic and inverse opal structures through a combination of colloidal assembly, silk protein self‐assembly, and chiral self‐assembly of cellulose nanocrystals, enabling multiplex structural color manipulation in 2D and 3D spaces. The platform's Janus‐style integration brings specular and diffuse reflection, direction‐dependent reflection, circular dichroism, and birefringence into a single form, thereby facilitating multimode structural color tuning in a 2D plane by altering the illumination‐viewing modes. The inherent shape plasticity of silk proteins allows the subsequent creation of 3D photonic platforms with diverse configurations, offering additional spatial flexibility for color encoding. It is demonstrated that this all‐biomass‐based photonic framework exhibits versatile, multilevel, and high‐capacity encryption capability in 2D and 3D spaces, representing an innovative solution to bolster security measures against counterfeiting for future technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have captured significant attention as an emergent class of solvents that have unique properties and applications in differing fields of chemistry. One area where DES systems find utility is the design of polymeric gels, often referred to as "eutectogels," which can be prepared either using a DES to replace a traditional solvent, or where monomers form part of the DES themselves. Due to the extensive network of intramolecular interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding) and ionic species that exist in DES systems, polymeric eutectogels often possess appealing material properties—high adhesive strength, tuneable viscosity, rapid polymerization kinetics, good conductivity, as well as high strength and flexibility. In addition, non‐covalent crosslinking approaches are possible due to the inherent interactions that exist in these materials. This review considers several key applications of polymeric eutectogels, including organic electronics, wearable sensor technologies, 3D printing resins, adhesives, and a range of various biomedical applications. The design, synthesis, and properties of these eutectogels are discussed, in addition to the advantages of this synthetic approach in comparison to traditional gel design. Perspectives on the future directions of this field are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining interest in regenerative medicine and biomaterials have been shown to extend EV bioavailability following delivery. Herein, the labeling of both hydrogels and EVs is reported to better understand hydrogel design for sustained EV release into tissues. Shear‐thinning hydrogels are engineered using guest–host (i.e., adamantane–cyclodextrin) modifications to hyaluronic acid (GH), as well as GH hydrogels with the addition of gelatin crosslinked via transglutaminase (GH+Gel) to temporally control hydrogel properties. When labeled with a near‐IR dye and injected into rat myocardial tissue, the GH+Gel hydrogel is retained (>14 days) longer than the GH hydrogel alone (≈7 days), likely due to the added gelatin network. To overcome challenges associated with common EV labeling methods, a highly versatile metabolic labeling methodology is utilized via the incorporation of N‐azidoacetylmannosamine‐tetraacylated during EV synthesis to introduce azide groups that can then be reacted with DBCO dyes. When injected in saline, EVs are cleared within 24 h in hearts; however, hydrogels enhance EV retention, with levels based on hydrogel degradation behavior, namely, >14 days for GH+Gel hydrogel and ≈7 days for GH hydrogel alone. These findings support the use of hydrogels in EV therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in polymers have made significant contribution in diverse application‐oriented fields. The multidisciplinary application of polymers generates a range of strategies, which is applicable in a wide range of biomedicines. Polymeric compounds such as hydrogels have been explored globally as a potent biomaterial that can furnish essential attributes due to their three‐dimensional (3D) soft and highly hydrophilic polymeric network. These hydrogels have been used extensively in various applications due to their biocompatible, biodegradable, and biosorption nature. However, they have some limitations, owing to their soft nature, low mechanical properties, and unsatisfactory degradation profile. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel, stronger, and more durable hybrid hydrogels with enhanced biocompatible and multifunctional properties. The current review gives a broad spectrum of hybrid hydrogels with its importance and significance. Further, the review highlights the strategies of generation of hybrid hydrogels reinforced with nanomaterials, biomaterials, and nanobiocomposites along with their advantages and disadvantages. The review also features various applications of these hybrid hydrogels in the field of biomedicines, photocatalysis, agriculture, and food industry over the last 5 years. This review will give a comprehensive overview to researchers working in the field of hybrid hydrogels development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of bioplastics is a new strategy for reducing microplastic (MP) waste caused by petroleum‐based plastics. This problem has received increased attention worldwide, leading to the development of large‐scale bioplastic plants. The large amount of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere has raised global concern. This article delves into the profound environmental impact of the increasing use of petroleum‐based plastics, which contribute significantly to plastic waste and, as a consequence, to the increase in MPs. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify countries that are at the forefront of efforts to produce bioplastics to reduce MP pollution. In this article, we explain the development, degradation processes, and research trends of bioplastics derived from biological materials such as starch, chitin, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA). The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution through bioplastics. These nations included the United States, China, Spain, Canada, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This study underscores the technical and economic obstacles to large‐scale bioplastic production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1892–1911. © 2024 SETAC Key Points: Microplastics (MP) have caused concern due to their environmental effects, potential to release plastic monomers, affinity for chemical interactions, and potential to enter aquaculture and fishery production.The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution by replacing petroleum‐based plastics with bioplastics.Using bibliometric techniques, we mapped and identified the countries that were most actively engaged in shifting to bioplastic production during the period 2001–2021.This article focuses on starch‐based bioplastics used primarily in food packaging, increasing their mechanical properties by adding fibers, and extending the shelf life of food with antibacterial nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D‐printed biomaterial implants are revolutionizing personalized medicine for tissue repair, especially in orthopedics. In this study, a radiopaque bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) doped polycaprolactone (PCL) composite is developed and implemented to enable the use of diagnostic X‐ray technologies, especially spectral photon counting X‐ray computed tomography (SPCCT), for comprehensive tissue engineering scaffold (TES) monitoring. PCL filament with homogeneous Bi2O3 nanoparticle (NP) dispersion (0.8 to 11.7 wt%) is first fabricated. TES are then 3D printed with the composite filament, optimizing printing parameters for small features and severely overhung geometries. These composite TES are characterized via micro‐computed tomography (µCT), tensile testing, and a cytocompatibility study, with 2 wt% Bi2O3 NPs providing improved tensile properties, equivalent cytocompatibility to neat PCL, and excellent radiographic distinguishability. Radiographic performance is validated in situ by imaging 4 and 7 wt% Bi2O3 doped PCL TES in a mouse model with µCT, showing excellent agreement with in vitro measurements. Subsequently, CT image‐derived swine menisci are 3D printed with composite filament and re‐implanted in corresponding swine legs ex vivo. Re‐imaging the swine legs via clinical CT allows facile identification of device location and alignment. Finally, the emergent technology of SPCCT unambiguously distinguishes the implanted meniscus in situ via color K‐edge imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living cationic ring‐opening polymerization accompanied by isomerization of cyclic imino ethers is performed at high temperatures that provide access to the synthesis of self‐organizable systems in their isotropic melt or solution state. This Perspective discusses fundamental mechanistic principles of this polymerization and bridges with the polymerization of dendronized cyclic iminoethers forming polymers that self‐organize soft Frank–Kasper and quasicrystal periodic and quasiperiodic arrays. These two fields represent frontiers in macromolecular and supramolecular science. A brief discussion of the impact of this polymerization on biomaterials and how it impacted contemporary mechanistic investigations is also made. Expected impacts via future synthetic developments and mechanistic investigations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen (H2) therapy is an emerging, novel, and safe therapeutic modality that uses molecular hydrogen for effective treatment. However, the impact of H2 therapy is limited because hydrogen molecules predominantly depend on the systemic administration of H2 gas, which cannot accumulate at the lesion site with high concentration, thus leading to limited targeting and utilization. Biomaterials are developed to specifically deliver H2 and control its release. In this review, the development process, stimuli‐responsive release strategies, and potential therapeutic mechanisms of biomaterial‐based H2 therapy are summarized. H2 therapy. Specifically, the produced H2 from biomaterials not only can scavenge free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), but also can inhibit the danger factors of initiating diseases, including pro‐inflammatory cytokines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and heat shock protein (HSP). In addition, the released H2 can further act as signal molecules to regulate key pathways for disease treatment. The current opportunities and challenges of H2‐based therapy are discussed, and the future research directions of biomaterial‐based H2 therapy for clinical applications are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrrole‐embedded organic molecules received a considerable importance due to their numerous biological and material applications. Hence, several synthetic strategies have been devised for the construction of diverse pyrrole analogues over the years. Among these, the Clauson‐Kaas reaction is one of the most widely used protocols for the synthesis of various N‐substituted pyrroles. This review briefly describes the Clauson‐Kaas reaction along with modifications and a detailed account on its applications in the various sectors of organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of green and efficient bio‐based flame retardants is very important for the development of flame‐retardant cellulosic paper. In this study, a novel type of starch‐based synergistic flame retardant (SAPU) was prepared using corn starch as carbon sources, amino trimethylphosphonic acid, and urea as phosphorus and nitrogen sources through the one‐pot method. Subsequently, the flame‐retardant cellulosic paper was prepared by impregnation, and the flame retardancy of the cellulosic paper was evaluated by vertical combustion, limiting oxygen index (LOI), and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that the SAPU exhibited a favorable flame‐retardant effect on cellulosic paper. At a concentration of 25.0%, the vertical burning residue of flame‐retardant paper accounted for 49.16% of the total length of the paper sample, while the LOI was 39.4%. The tensile strength and burst index of cellulosic paper were found to be decreased by 6.36% and 19.1%, respectively, in comparison to the base paper. Conversely, the ring crush strength was observed to be increased by 156.2%. The carbon residue rate at 700°C under a nitrogen atmosphere rose from 11.56% of the base paper to 28.77% of the flame‐retardant paper. The flame‐retardant SAPU effectively improved the thermal stability of cellulosic paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of colon‐targeted, sustained‐release, sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) loaded shell/core electrospun nanofibers are reported. The fibers have shells made of Eudragit S100 (ES‐100), and drug‐loaded cores comprising of Eudragit RS100 (ERS‐100) and SH. The essential characteristics of membranes are evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and x‐ray diffraction. In vitro release of SH show that the shell/core nanofiber membranes can block drug release in the HCl buffer (pH 1.2), and the release time of the hydrophilic drug SH exceed 240 min at pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution. In vitro drug release kinetics consistent with the first‐order model. The shell/core nanofiber can achieve colon‐targeted and sustained‐release properties, which can better prevent the loss of SH and relieve the adverse effects on gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the hemolysis and cytotoxicity tests manifest that the nanofiber membrane display good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. These results suggest the SH‐containing nanofiber membranes have potential applications as a colon‐targeted drug delivery system that sustained release. They also offer a theoretical foundation for the development of novel dosage forms for SH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical wrinkled materials built with biological entities have so far remained exclusive to nature. Herein, multiscale functional ultraporous 3D bio‐networks of bioprinted phage‐built wrinkled microarrays are created through establishing a universal heat‐ and solvent‐independent substrate‐shrinkage method induced by high‐pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD). This method results in diverse wrinkled patterns on soft materials and is particularly powerful for solvent‐ and heat‐sensitive biomaterials, for which other methods have failed. The phage nanofilaments (7 nm width) self‐assemble into orderly‐aligned submicron bundles (100 nm width), which crimp into tunable microscale wrinkles (0.7–5.0 µm width) on size‐controllable micro‐arrays (200–600 µm width) exhibiting a four‐level hierarchical nano‐reticular structure. The HPCD method also protects the bioactivity of biorecognition molecules loaded into the microarrays, leading to the design of bacteria‐sensing chips, made with in‐house deoxyribozyme‐loaded 3D phage microarrays. The developed bacteria‐sensing chips achieve a limit of detection that is 100 × more sensitive with greater reproducibility compared to two‐dimensional (2D) microdot arrays and correctly identify Legionella pneumophila in contaminated water samples collected from industrial cooling towers, highlighting phage‐built wrinkled networks as a platform for bottom‐up assembly of biological building blocks into biofunctional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We envision this work to assist researchers and medical device developers (beside other stakeholders) to better understand biomaterial‐based medical device development and its approval process proposed by the new MDR and IVDR in the European Union, as more complex biomaterials emerge, with the MDR reflecting the progress in biomaterial discoveries. Additionally, insufficient international harmonization in regulatory laws and poor‐quality data reporting contribute to the problem. This review describes the possible reasons for a slowing biomaterials translational trend observed over the past decades, focusing on the European Market, and suggests a feasible approach for biomaterials‐based medical device translation into the clinic. Suitable solutions to upgrade biomaterial translation to the clinic have not yet been provided by the field: no additional hurdles should be imposed for researchers, clinicians, the medical device industry, and insurance companies, which all should collaborate on bringing innovative solutions to patients. The new MDR and IVDR represent a substantial advancement in ensuring patient safety and reflect a major step forward in healthcare. However, they should not constrain innovation in biomaterials‐based medical device development. Incorporating reverse engineering from patient safety and a ‘safe by design’ (SbD) strategy early into medical device development might lead to a smoother and successful approval process. A solid R&D phase, with an emphasis on device safety and performance assessment, is fundamental to ensure an effective transition into the clinic. We offer an overview of the recently implemented regulations on medical devices and in vitro diagnostics across the EU, describing a shifting paradigm in the field of biomaterials discovery. As more complex biomaterials emerge, suitable regulations will be necessary to keep bringing safe and well‐performing medical solutions to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wounds infected by resistant microbes have become a cost and health problem worldwide. In modern wound care, healing mechanisms require particular strategies, such as adding natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in a biocompatible biopolymer matrix mimicking extracellular tissue such as cellulose. Here, ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is a promising bioactive as a topical drug loaded in a cellulose‐based composite matrix for skin tissue repair. Ascorbic acid, cellulose, or cellulose composites enriched with ascorbic acid have shown better biocompatibility and biological effects for accelerating wound healing, making them promising as sustainable medical textiles. Future challenges relate to the ideal engineered wound dressing design, raw material toxicity, and 3D printing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels can form physically or chemically interactions with tissues and are widely used in the design of bioadhesive material. Polydopamine (PDA)/polyacrylamide (PAM)‐based adhesion hydrogels have emerged as one of the hydrogel adhesive materials with great potential for development. However, this type of hydrogel has low mechanical and adhesion properties, which has certain limitations in practical applications. Herein, inspired by the mussel adhesion mechanism, we introduced PDA into PAM/3‐aminophenylboronic acid grafted sodium alginate (SA‐PBA) double network system prepared a series of adhesive hydrogels, PDA was crosslinked by dynamic boronic ester bonds with SA‐PBA. The experimental results established that the hydrogels have favorable adhesive, anti‐fatigue, stretchable, and self‐healing properties. Cytocompatibility assay and in vitro hemolysis assay also indicated that the multifunctional hydrogel has excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyrene is a new biodegradable solvent, which represents a green alternative to many traditional toxic solvents for advanced polymers. Therefore, this investigation is motivated by interest in applications of Cyrene for polymer processing. The feasibility of solubilization of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA) in Cyrene is demonstrated. The ability to form relatively concentrated solutions of the high molecular mass polymers is an important factor for the formation of PMMA and PEMA films by a dip coating method. It was found that the polymer coatings provide corrosion protection of stainless steel in 30 g L−1 NaCl solutions. Another important finding is that the use of Cyrene facilitates the fabrication of stable suspensions of hydroxyapatite (HAp), microdiamond, and nanodiamond particles. Therefore, the problems of the dispersant selection for dispersion of chemically inert diamond and development of biocompatible dispersants are avoided using Cyrene. For the fabrication of composite films, HAp nanorods with reduced particle size are obtained using rutin as a chelating capping agent. Composite films containing HAp, microdiamond and nanodiamond in the PMMA or PEMA matrix are obtained. The composite films are promising for biomedical applications. It was found that the film morphology, composition and microstructure are influenced by the solvent–particle–polymer interactions and processing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of amphiphiles for sustained drug delivery represents a promising approach in biomedical fields. Polymeric self‐assembly with a hydrophobic core offers plenty of opportunities to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs for facilitating targeted delivery to the specific sites of action. Herein, N‐Boc tryptophan has been used to develop a hydrophobic monomer, Boc‐tryptophan‐HEMA (HBT). The HBT monomer has further been grafted on modified alginic acid through the RAFT technique to synthesize a unique amphiphilic copolymer with fluorescence characteristics. The advanced polymer chromatography demonstrates a narrow distribution curve, signifying the living nature of polymerization. The copolymer has exhibited self‐aggregation behavior with two distinct shapes at two different critical aggregation concentrations (CAC). The concentration‐dependent shape variation has been investigated using FESEM and TEM analyses, further supported by a small‐angle x‐ray scattering analysis. The self‐aggregation behavior of the copolymer facilitates the uptake of a model hydrophobic drug (naproxen) and its release in a sustained manner with varied rates at two different concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cribellate silks, produced by ancient spiders, are fascinating because they feature a highly sophisticated, 3D hierarchical structure consisting of filaments with different diameters and shapes. Here, the smallest and thinnest constituents of the cribellate silk are investigated: nanofibrils that form a dense mesh that is supported by larger fibers. Analysis of their structure via atomic force and transmission electron microscopies shows that they are flattened fibrils, only ≈5 nm thick — thinner than any other natural spider silk fibrils previously reported. In this work, the first mechanical tensile testing experiments on these fibrils are carried out, which reveals that the fibrils show an outstanding extensibility of at least 1100%, almost twice as much as the most stretchable spider silk previously reported. Based on these extraordinary findings, this work significantly expands the parameter space of materials properties attainable by spider silks and provides further insights into their nanomechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneous crosslinked networks can achieve a balance between the strength and toughness of various biological materials, yet continuous synthesis of such networks remains challenging. Here, a strategy involving microcrystal dispersed growth to continuously fabricate hydrogel fibers with a homogeneous crosslinked network through wet spinning is reported. Rapid phase separation induced by solvent exchange under dense entanglement results in a uniform microcrystalline crosslinked network. Salting‐out induced crystal growth within the densified structure, while orientation and structural densification are achieved with the presence of a sacrificial salt template. Through the integration of nucleation, growth, and orientation, the homogeneous crosslinked network is constructed within the hydrogel matrix. Therefore, the strongest hydrogel fiber so far, which also exhibits a range of tunable properties, including strength (0.32 –141.66 MPa) and toughness (0.43 –157.93 MJ m⁻3) across a high‐water content range (40.6% to 86.8%) is reported. This design approach provided a viable strategy for the continuous preparation of ultra‐strong and tough hydrogels with a homogeneous crosslinked network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Different protocols and procedures for sinus lift and implant placement are available, generally involving the use of grafts to increase the tissue volume and/or prevent the Schneiderian membrane from collapsing. Among xenografts, deproteinised bovine bone graft (DBBP) is frequently used in sinus lift procedures. Leaving an ungrafted space following membrane elevation has proven to have a bony regenerative potential as well. This study aimed to compare the clinical and histological features of sinus lift surgery performed with or without biomaterials. Methods: Patients with severe maxillary posterior atrophy (residual bone height 2–6 mm and residual crest thickness ≥4 mm), and in need of sinus lift surgery to allow the placement of three implants were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. They underwent sinus lifts with DBBP (control) or with a graftless technique (test) and immediate placement of two implants (a mesial and distal one). After 6 months, a bone sample was retrieved from the area between the previously inserted fixtures, and a third, central implant was placed. The collected bone samples were analyzed morphologically and histomorphometrically. The patients were provided with prosthetic restorations after 6 months and followed up for 5–12 years. Results: Ten patients were enrolled in the test and nine in the control group. The 6‐month follow‐up showed in the control group an average augmentation of 10.31 mm (±2.12), while in the test group it was 8.5 mm (±1.41) and a success rate of 96.3% in the control and 86.7% in the test group (p > 0.05). The histological analysis evidenced the presence of new bone tissue surrounded by immature osteoid matrix in the test group, and a variable number of DBBP particles surrounded by an immature woven bone matrix in the control group. Conclusion: The results of the present trial indicate that, with residual bone height of 2–6 mm and residual crest thickness ≥4 mm, sinus lift surgery with or without biomaterials followed by implant restoration, produces similar clinical and histological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topology optimization using finite element analysis offers a promising approach for designing new biomaterials with mechanical properties similar to human skin and superior auxetic properties compared to conventional materials. This innovative technique addresses the challenges associated with trial‐and‐error‐based material design and experimental iterations. In this study, finite element‐based topology optimization is employed to achieve optimized material structural patterns that maximize the lateral expansion of previously established auxetic designs and replicate specific directional properties observed in human skin. The topology‐optimized models, including slit, I‐shape, anisotropic I‐shape, triangular pattern, and re‐entrant shapes, demonstrate material structures with lower maximum stress, reducing the likelihood of material rupture failure and enhancing lateral expansion by more than 50% compared to the initial patterns. These novel designs and their unique behaviors are verified using the theoretical model of hyperelastic auxetic materials. This study represents the first analysis of topology optimization applied to soft hyperelastic biomaterials, focusing on both maximizing auxetic properties and replicating auxetic properties of human skin. The auxetic designs and topology optimization technique developed in this research hold potential for integration into biomedical and personal protective applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X‐ray scattering has become a major tool in the structural characterization of nanoscale materials. Thanks to the widely available experimental and computational atomic models, coordinate‐based X‐ray scattering simulation has played a crucial role in data interpretation in the past two decades. However, simulation of real‐space pair distance distribution functions (PDDFs) from small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, SAXS/WAXS, has been relatively less exploited. This study presents a comparison of PDDF simulation methods, which are applied to molecular structures that range in size from β‐cyclodextrin [1 kDa molecular weight (MW), 66 non‐hydrogen atoms] to the satellite tobacco mosaic virus capsid (1.1 MDa MW, 81960 non‐hydrogen atoms). The results demonstrate the power of interpretation of experimental SAXS/WAXS from the real‐space view, particularly by providing a more intuitive method for understanding of partial structure contributions. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of PDDF simulation algorithms makes them attractive as approaches for the analysis of large nanoscale materials and biological assemblies. The simulation methods demonstrated in this article have been implemented in stand‐alone software, SolX 3.0, which is available to download from https://12idb.xray.aps.anl.gov/solx.html. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since early developments in the field of mesoporous materials, mesoporous silica has attracted large interest in drug delivery, as they display an ordered array of pores with diameters ranging from 2 to 50 nm, which can be loaded with drugs. Mesoporous silica dissolves at physiological pH, triggering the release of loaded drugs. Several studies have focused on determining the key factors that determine the biodistribution, biocompatibility, and toxicity both in vitro or in vivo. However, in vivo studies focused on the degradation of mesoporous silica materials are very scarce, despite its relevance for drug release. In this perspective, recent works addressing mesoporous materials degradation in the context of drug delivery are discussed, first from a physicochemical point of view, and secondly in in vivo settings, in animal models that are the closest conditions to the encountered when the mesoporous materials are administered to humans. Finally, further discussion about the future directions in the design of mesoporous nanomaterials for therapy and for the study of their biological fate are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic material within cells plays a pivotal role in shaping the structure and function of living organisms. Manipulating an organism's genome to correct inherited abnormalities or introduce new traits holds great promise. Genetic engineering techniques offers promising pathways for precisely altering cellular genetics. Among these methodologies, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR), honored with the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, has garnered significant attention for its precision in editing genomes. However, the CRISPR system faces challenges when applied in vivo, including low delivery efficiency, off‐target effects, and instability. To address these challenges, innovative technologies for targeted and precise delivery of CRISPR have emerged. Engineered carrier platforms represent a substantial advancement, improving stability, precision, and reducing the side effects associated with genome editing. These platforms facilitate efficient local and systemic genome engineering of various tissues and cells, including immune cells. This review explores recent advances, benefits, and challenges of CRISPR‐based genome editing delivery. It examines various carriers including nanocarriers (polymeric, lipid‐derived, metallic, and bionanoparticles), viral particles, virus‐like particles, and exosomes, providing insights into their clinical utility and future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Biological materials are often characterized by the fact that their structuring is at least equally, sometimes even more important for generating certain properties or property combinations than their chemical composition. This is not only the case for volume properties, but also for the skin of animals or the surface of leaves or blossoms. Biological structures for hydrophobization or antireflection of surfaces, adaptive coloring, drag reduction and increase of adhesion have been selected in this article as examples how such structures can be transferred (by means of bio‐inspiration) to the development of new materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop standardized in vitro thrombogenicity test methods for evaluating medical device materials, three platelet activation biomarkers, beta‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG), platelet factor 4 (PF4), soluble p‐selectin (CD62P), and a plasma coagulation marker, thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), were investigated. Whole blood, drawn from six healthy human volunteers into Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose Solution A was recalcified and heparinized over a concentration range of 0.5–1.5 U/mL. The blood was incubated with test materials with different thrombogenic potentials for 60 min at 37°C, using a 6 cm2/mL material surface area to blood volume ratio. After incubation, the blood platelet count was measured before centrifuging the blood to prepare platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) and platelet‐free plasma (PFP) for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis of the biomarkers. The results show that all four markers effectively differentiated the materials with different thrombogenic potentials at heparin concentrations from 1.0 to 1.5 U/mL. When a donor‐specific heparin concentration (determined by activated clotting time) was used, the markers were able to differentiate materials consistently for blood from all the donors. Additionally, using PFP instead of PPP further improved the test method's ability to differentiate the thrombogenic materials from the negative control for β‐TG and TAT. Moreover, the platelet activation markers were able to detect reversible platelet activation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). In summary, all three platelet activation markers (β‐TG, PF4, and CD62P) can distinguish thrombogenic potentials of different materials and detect ADP‐induced reversible platelet activation. Test consistency and sensitivity can be enhanced by using a donor‐specific heparin concentration and PFP. The same test conditions are applicable to the measurement of coagulation marker TAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The synthesis of four distinct protein‐based metal nanocomposites has been fabricated by employing egg albumin and zinc metal through a simple, straightforward two‐step method. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of zinc nanoparticles into the protein matrix and revealed an irregular microporous structure with average crystallite sizes of less than 100 nm. Thermal stability was assessed via thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermal gravimetry (DTG) analysis, revealing a notable increase in thermal stability in a high‐temperature range (300°C°C–700°C), suggesting remarkable stability at elevated temperatures. Antimicrobial efficacy against both gram‐positive (B. cereus and Lactobacillus spp.) and gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) was evaluated using paper disk diffusion, pour plate, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. All samples exhibited antibacterial efficacy, with zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameters ranging from 12 to 35 mm, and demonstrated a bactericidal effect by eliminating 93 to 98% of bacteria within 8 to 20 h at their MICs. Notably, protein–ZnO–PANI exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all four bacterial strains and among all the samples, demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity than the unpolymerized nanocomposites. The disk diffusion study confirmed that a concentration of 25 μg/mL of protein–ZnO–PANI resulted in ZOI measurements of 25 mm and 35 mm, whereas MIC values of 300 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL were observed against Bacillus cereus and E. coli, respectively, and killed 95% of B. cereus and 98% of E. coli within 24 h. Based on the obtained results, a plausible mechanism was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic hydrogel crosslinking captures network reorganization and self‐healing of natural materials, yet is often accompanied by reduced mechanical properties compared to covalent analogs. Toughening is possible in certain materials with processing by directional freeze‐casting and salting‐out, producing hierarchically organized networks with directionally enhanced mechanical properties. The implications of including dynamic supramolecular crosslinking alongside such processes are unclear. Here, a supramolecular hydrogel prepared from homoternary crosslinking by pendant guests with a free macrocycle is subsequently processed by directional freeze‐casting and salting‐out. The resulting hydrogels tolerate multiple cycles of compression. Excitingly, supramolecular affinity dictates the mechanical properties of the bulk hydrogels, with higher affinity interactions producing materials with higher Young's modulus and enhanced toughness under compression. The importance of supramolecular crosslinking is emphasized with a supramolecular complex that is converted in situ into a covalent crosslink. While supramolecular hydrogels do not fracture and spontaneously self‐heal when cut, their covalent analogs fracture under moderate strain and do not self‐heal. This work shows a molecular‐scale origin of bulk hydrogel toughening attributed to affinity and dynamics of supramolecular crosslinking, offering synergy in combination with bulk post‐processing techniques to yield materials with enhanced mechanical properties tunable at the molecular scale for the needs of specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, microbial infections have posed an arduous challenge to global public health, whereas the rise of antibiotic resistance is rendering traditional antibiotic therapies futile, prompting the development of new antimicrobial technologies. Photoactive nanomaterials have thus garnered a thriving interest for disinfection owing to their superior antibacterial efficaciousness, favorable biosafety, and rapidness and spatiotemporal precision in excreting bactericidal actions. The review summarizes recent advances and emerging trends in the design, nanoengineering, and bioapplications of photoactive antimicrobials. It commences by elaborating fundamental theories on bacterial resistance, and antibacterial mechanisms of nanomaterials and phototherapy. Subsequently, the regulation of the antibacterial effectiveness of photoactive nanomaterials is comprehensively discussed, centering on criteria and strategies for tuning photoabsorption spectra, photothermal conversion, and photocatalytic efficiency, alongside tactics for enabling synergistic therapies. This is followed by comparative analyses of techniques and modalities for synthesizing and engineering photoactive nanomaterials with diverse structures, forms, and functionalities. Thereafter, the state‐of‐the‐art applications of phototherapies across various medical sectors are portrayed, and key challenges and opportunities are finally discussed to spur future innovations and translation. This review is envisaged to provide useful guidance for devising and developing nanomaterials‐based photoresponsive antimicrobials with application‐specific materials properties and biological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastic is an emerging candidate for replacing traditional fossil‐based plastics due to its fewer carbon emissions, ease of recycling, and high degradability. Current research has shown that bioplastics benefit many applications, such as packaging, kitchenware, drug delivery, and sensors. However, high electrical resistance and poor stability of bioplastic are barriers to electronic components in robotic, bionic, and exoskeleton applications. Here, we introduce a novel bioplastic application as a strain sensor to estimate elbow angles for controlling exoskeletons. This study utilized extracted agar from red algae as the matrix, incorporating various concentrations of carbon nanotube (CNT) as a filler. The results were remarkable, with the increase in filler concentration not only improving strain from 0.8 to 1.1 but also stress from 35.2 to 45.8 kPa, surpassing commercial plastic by approximately two times. The optimized sensors have a response time of 0.16 s, a recovery time of 0.25 s, and stability over 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the CNT‐bioplastic sensor is seamlessly integrated with the exoskeleton. Our work is a significant step toward using bioplastic in electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen derived from freshwater fish scales is a potential material for hemostatic and wound healing. 3D printing method is an environmentally friendly technique to geometrically‐controlled samples and is widely applied to prepare collagen‐based materials. This work aims to compare the advantages of preparation methods for hemostatic materials based on collagen, in which, the traditional method, solution will be compared with the modern method, 3D printing. Collagen in gel form was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and was first time modified with ginsenoside Rb1 and Camellia chrysantha polyphenols. The characteristics of biomaterial samples, including functional groups, morphology, and element composition of samples have been assessed using infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray, field emission scanning electron microscopy. The swelling degree and hemostatic ability of biomaterial samples prepared according to two methods would be tested. The antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory tests, and in vivo test on mice were carried out on these biomaterials. The findings confirmed that the 3D printing method with direct ink writing technique is more suitable for the preparation of hemostatic collagen‐based membrane than the solution method. The time to hemostasis when using collagen‐based membrane was found to be 104.0 ± 16.7 s. Moreover, the collagen‐based biomaterials also have anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activity. This opens potential applications of the biomaterials from fish scale collagen in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological particles, as a fraction of organic particles, potentially play a crucial role in ice nucleation processes. However, the contributions and relationships of biological components and organic matter (OM) to atmospheric ice nucleation remain largely unexplored. Here, total ice nucleating particles (INPs), heat‐resistant INPs, lysozyme‐resistant INPs, nanoscale INPs (<0.22 μm), and heat‐resistant nanoscale INPs in precipitation collected at the summit of Mt. Lu, China, were determined using droplet freezing assays coupled with corresponding pretreatments. Heat‐sensitive INPs and lysozyme‐sensitive INPs were considered as biological INPs and bacterial INPs, respectively. Microorganisms and OM molecules in precipitation were identified by high‐throughput sequencing technology and ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry, respectively. Results revealed a predominant biological (heat‐sensitive) composition (78.8% and 93.2%) of total and nanoscale INPs at temperatures above −15°C. Specifically, bacterial (lysozyme‐sensitive) INPs accounted for 36.1% of the biological INPs at temperatures above −15°C. A notable correlation between sulfur‐containing organic compounds, mainly proteinaceous and lignin‐like substances, and INPs was uncovered, with a co‐occurrence network linking these compounds to Gram‐positive bacteria and Agaricomycetes. This study underscored the possible significance of sulfur‐containing organic compounds in the ice nucleation capacity of biological INPs, further shedding light on the ice nucleation mechanisms and potential sources of biological INPs. Plain Language Summary: Ice nucleating particles (INPs) are particles that facilitate the freezing of water at temperatures above the homogenous freezing point, impacting cloud formation and precipitation processes in the atmosphere. This study identified different types of INPs, microbes, and organic matter in precipitation sampled from Mt. Lu in southeastern China and investigated the connections among them. The findings suggested that a significant portion of INPs were of biological origin. Sulfur‐containing organic compounds likely played an important role in ice nucleation, which may originate from certain microbial taxa. This study helps us understand the role of microbes and organic molecules in ice formation, which has broader implications in areas such as preserving biological materials at low temperatures or facilitating artificial snow production. Key Points: Biological materials predominated among the ice nucleating particles (INPs) identified in precipitationSulfur‐containing organic compounds, associated with specific microbial taxa, likely acted as efficient INPs in precipitationThis study provides a preliminary understanding of the connections among INPs, organic matter, and microorganisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue self‐assembly relies on the interplay between structural cues imparted by the extracellular matrix (ECM) and instructive chemical factors that guide cellular signaling pathways. Here, it is reported that endothelial cell‐laden gelatin‐based hydrogels with optimized mechanical and chemical properties facilitate de novo vasculogenesis and recruitment of endogenous blood vessels in vivo. It is demonstrated that these engineered matrices, with tailored viscoelastic features and stiffness, drive vascular self‐assembly in a yes‐associated protein (YAP) mechanosensing‐dependent manner through integrin alpha V beta 3 (αvβ3) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity (MMP2). This research highlights how the ECM, in the form of gelatin‐based hydrogels with adjustable stress relaxation rates, drives vascular morphogenesis in the absence of growth factor supplementation, lending to a minimalistic platform for discretizing features of the microenvironment niche. Collectively, these results demonstrate a testbed that enables mechanistic evaluation of morphogenetic processes. Specifically, the results show how mechanical cues impact signaling pathways that modulate vascular remodeling, a critical tissue engineering paradigm needed for the translational application of vascularized grafts for regenerative medicine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, researchers have shown increasing interest in incorporating bioactive substances with therapeutic properties into fiber‐structured mat biomaterials, which are favored as tissue scaffolds for wound healing applications. In this study, curcumin (Cur)‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) composite mats were produced using the electrospinning method and followed by the freeze‐drying method. Scanning electron microscope images proved the homogeneous structure of the composite mats, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the Cur‐loaded composite mats were successfully produced. The antibacterial activity of Cur‐loaded PVA/CS composite mats was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the results showed that the antibacterial activity of the composite mats increased with the addition of Cur. Furthermore, the antioxidant test, release kinetics tests, and in vitro biocompatibility studies such as cytotoxicity, staining, and scratch assay of Cur‐loaded PVA/CS composite mats were carried out. The results showed that adding Cur enhanced the bioactivity of PVA10/CS10 composite mats. Further, the biocompatibility findings indicated that 10Cur‐PVA10/CS10 exhibited the highest viability value throughout all incubation periods compared with the other samples. Moreover, the highest rate of scratch closure on the 10Cur‐PVA/10/CS10 composite mats was observed at the end of 24 h compared with the other composite mats. These findings indicate that the Cur‐loaded PVA10/CS10 composite mats significantly positively impact cell migration and wound healing, making them a promising candidate as transdermal composite mats for tissue engineering and wound care applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is currently one of the most used techniques for obtaining various types of nanofibers. In the era of sustainable development, it is essential to utilize environmentally friendly raw materials and solvents. This review summarizes the current state of the art in biopolymer electrospinning using deep eutectic solvents. To date, there have not been too many studies on the simultaneous application of these mixtures and biopolymers in the electrospinning process. Nevertheless, the use of natural origin raw materials and the replacement of conventional organic solvents with deep eutectic solvents appear promising in this technique due to many attractive properties of both the mixtures and biopolymers. This article aims to inspire scientists to further research in this direction, related to the development of electrospinning techniques aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers with ammonium or phosphonium salts have been known to possess antimicrobial activity. Herein, synthesis of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride‐co‐acrylonitrile) (P(VBC‐co‐AN)) is reported via a free radical polymerization by employing AIBN as initiator. The copolymer was then quaternized using triethylamine, triphenylphosphine, and tributylphosphine. The triphenylphosphonium salt was selected for further modification, on which the polyacrylonitrile chains were reacted with two different amines: tris (2‐aminoethylamine) and diethylenetriamine. The copolymerization, quaternization, and amination reactions were confirmed by spectroscopic and morphologic analysis besides the thermal features. The water uptake of modified polymers was investigated, where tributylphosphonium salt (KH4) showed the highest water uptake capacity (41 g/g). The antimicrobial assay findings demonstrated that all the evaluated copolymers displayed a wide range of antimicrobial activity against different multidrug resistant human pathogens, for example polymer coded KH4 containing tributylphosphonium salt showed the highest growth inhibition rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis populations, recorded 87% and 72%; respectively. The anti‐inflammatory activity revealed that all the quaternized copolymers have a protection effect of human erythrocyte membrane against lysis. Antioxidant results revealed that all quaternized copolymers displayed 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities. Among the studied copolymers, aminated copolymer coded (KH6) exhibited the highest scavenging activity, with IC50 ~ 120 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalo is presented as a series of multimodal vision large language models (V‐LLMs) designed for materials science applications, integrating visual and linguistic data for enhanced understanding. A key innovation of Cephalo is its advanced dataset generation method. Cephalo is trained on integrated image and text data from thousands of scientific papers and science‐focused Wikipedia data demonstrates it can interpret complex visual scenes, generate precise language descriptions, and answer queries about images effectively. The combination of a vision encoder with an autoregressive transformer supports multimodal natural language understanding, which can be coupled with other generative methods to create an image‐to‐text‐to‐3D pipeline. To develop more capable models from smaller ones, both mixture‐of‐expert methods and model merging are reported. The models are examined in diverse use cases that incorporate biological materials, fracture and engineering analysis, protein biophysics, and bio‐inspired design based on insect behavior. Generative applications include bio‐inspired designs, including pollen‐inspired architected materials, as well as the synthesis of bio‐inspired material microstructures from a photograph of a solar eclipse. Additional model fine‐tuning with a series of molecular dynamics results demonstrate Cephalo's enhanced capabilities to accurately predict statistical features of stress and atomic energy distributions, as well as crack dynamics and damage in materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of drug‐resistant bacteria and the limitations of traditional antibacterial methods, photocatalytic inhibition has received widespread attention as a novel antibacterial method. In this paper, poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) composite oxygenated carbon nitride (PBF‐OCN) were prepared by in situ free radical polymerization using 1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and OCN. The results showed that the light absorption ability and electron hole separation rate of PBF‐OCN were greatly improved compared with that of OCN, and the rate constant for photocatalytic removal MB of PBF‐OCN‐1 was about 1.39 times of that OCN. The growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be significantly inhibited by PBF‐OCN under visible light, among which, the inhibition of PBF‐OCN‐3 was the most excellent, with the diameter of the circle of inhibition reaching 20.69 mm for E. coli, and 21.30 mm for S. aureus, and the inhibition rate against E. coli calculated by plate counting method reached 97.0%. The minimum inhibitory concentration for E. coli and S. aureus was 0.0625 mg/mL, respectively, and the possible inhibition mechanism of the samples was explored. The good synergistic antibacterial effect of PBF‐OCN is expected to be applied in water treatment, antibacterial devices, packaging materials, and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates a novel, single‐step, and low‐energy ultrasonic approach to fabricate lightweight, high‐performance flax fiber‐reinforced composites enhanced by nanotitanium dioxide coating and fly ash hollow cenospheres. This innovative approach leads to a remarkable 23% weight reduction compared with conventional composites, making it ideal for the applications demanding both lightweight and superior mechanical properties. Through dynamic mechanical testing, it is found that the composites' viscoelastic behavior, including storage modulus and damping factor, is significantly influenced by both frequency and temperature. By applying time–temperature superposition principles, the composite's dynamic properties are comprehensively characterized across a wider frequency range. A modified fractional calculus Huet–Sayegh model accurately captures the observed viscoelastic behavior. The combined effect of nanotitanium dioxide coating, which strengthens the fiber–matrix interface, and the inclusion of rigid fly ash hollow cenospheres results in significant improvements in both storage modulus (10% increase at room temperature) and peak loss factor (80% increase) compared with uncoated flax fiber‐reinforced composites. The nanocoating and cenospheres' rigid shells contribute to enhanced stiffness, while the cenospheres' hollow structure provides efficient energy dissipation mechanisms, leading to an improved damping performance. This ultrasonic approach offers a promising and sustainable method for synthesizing natural fiber nanocomposites with superior viscoelastic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]