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Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein derived from silkworms, has emerged as a promising biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, degradation rate, and tunable mechanical properties. This review delves into the intrinsic attributes of SF that make it an attractive candidate for scaffold development in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The distinctiveness of this comprehensive review resides in its detailed exploration of recent advancements in the fabrication techniques of SF‐based fibrous scaffolds, namely electrospinning, freeze‐drying, and 3D printing. An in‐depth analysis of these fabrication techniques is conducted to illustrate their versatility in customizing essential scaffold characteristics, such as porosity, fiber diameter, and mechanical strength. The article meticulously discusses process parameters, advantages, and challenges of each fabrication technique, highlighting the innovative advancements made in the respective field. Furthermore, the review goes beyond fabrication techniques to provide an overview of the latest biomedical applications and research endeavors utilizing SF‐derived scaffolds. From nerve regeneration and wound healing to drug delivery, bone regeneration, and vascular tissue engineering, the diverse applications underscore the versatility of SF in adopting various biomedical challenges. Finally, the article emphasizes the need for standardized characterization techniques, scalable manufacturing processes, and long‐term in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zein, which accounts for around 80% of the total protein composition in corn, is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance derived from renewable sources. Although insoluble in water, its amphiphilic characteristics are utilized to generate nanoparticles, nanofibers, microparticles, and even films. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the potential of zein as a prospective biomaterial to develop fibrous scaffolds for biomedical functions owing to its biocompatibility, fibrous formation, and encapsulating qualities. Fabrication of zein‐based fibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications is achieved by a wide variety of techniques, including electrospinning, wet spinning, freeze drying, and additive manufacturing. This article overviews current advancements in manufacturing techniques for zein‐based fibrous scaffolds. In addition, it summarizes the most recent biomedical applications and research activities utilizing zein‐based fibrous scaffolds. Overall, zein is proposed as a potential biomaterial for the production of fibrous scaffolds that stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation in a number of exciting biomedical applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and other unique features related to its structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in advanced electronics has initiated the investigation of new ways to develop and apply self‐powered smart devices. The concern for meteoric exhausting non‐renewable energy sources has spurred such endeavors. Even so, using external power sources like batteries is problematic due to limited capacity, maintenance inconvenience, replacement, and environmental hazards. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) capable of converting various forms of mechanical energies into electrical output are gaining popularity. The marine and coastal areas are abundant sources of salvable mechanical energy. TENGs can convert lower‐frequency, ununiform, multidirectional energies into usable electricity. This can solve the device‐powering problem and can generate diverse signals to act as monitoring or sensing platforms themselves. In this review, three main TENG‐based/TENG‐driven application themes are addressed, i.e., energy harvesting, marine environment monitoring, and self‐powered equipment for marine‐related activities. It attempts to emphasize that various design features of TENGs can influence output performance; TENGs can power devices and monitor ocean parameters; TENGs‐integrated modern IoT networking systems can transmit real‐time data. Overall, this review encompasses the fundamental working mechanisms, structure designs, and practical implementation scenarios of recently developed devices in diverse marine applications. Finally, the existing challenges and potential future directions for TENG‐based marine self‐powered electronic systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advances in polymer chemistry research have revolutionized the field of smart materials and biomedical. Polyurethanes (PUs) are a versatile polymer class with diverse structure, morphology, and behavior under various conditions deemed suitable for many functional and intelligent responses. Owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, excellent mechanical strength, tailorable chemical, and physical forms, PU has drawn significant research attention in recent times for a wide range of applications. Herein, this review paper outlines PU's recent advances in specific applications encompassing functional textiles, intelligent functionality and medical usage. This article contains a comprehensive review of recent developments and research works concerning PU's direct involvement as coatings, 3D objects, or composite parts to add novel purpose to the textile substrates, smart objects, or medical applications. Commencing with PU's application for the waterproof breathable textiles, the review further explores recent research where PU was incorporated as a phase change material and protective clothing. This review further delves innovative functionalities and responsiveness of the polymer triggered by various stimuli. It ends with an inclusive review of PU's different forms of application concerning medical devices and activities. Finally, perspectives on future challenges and new research opportunities are also presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]