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In this paper, we report on the electrical impedance measurement of human endothelial cellular networks and show the existence of emergent power law behavior in its admittance. In particular, we find that the admittance scales with the frequency ω as ωα, with the exponent that varies with the degree of the disruption caused by the inflammation in the endothelial cellular network. We demonstrate that the power law of the measured electrical admittance can be understood by a simple percolation model of a large R–C (resistor–capacitor) network, which allows us to relate quantitatively and the intensity of inflammation. Our results suggest that the electrical properties of heterogeneous biomaterials, like living tissues, behave as a complex microstructural network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FEASST is an open-source Monte Carlo software package for particle-based simulations. This software, which was released in 2017, has been used to study phase equilibrium, self-assembly, aggregation or gelation in biological materials, colloids, polymers, ionic liquids, and adsorption in porous networks. We highlight some of the unique features available in FEASST, such as flat-histogram grand canonical ensemble, Gibbs ensemble, and Mayer-sampling simulations with support for anisotropic models and parallelization with flat-histogram and prefetching. We also discuss how the challenges of supporting a variety of Monte Carlo algorithms were overcome by an object-oriented design. This also allows others to extend classes, which improves software interoperability, as inspired by LAMMPS classes and user packages. This article describes version 0.25.1 with benchmarks, compilation instructions, and introductory tutorials for running, restarting, and testing simulations, user guidelines, software design strategies, alternative interfaces, and the test-driven development strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the dimensional changes in the alveolar crest after buccal overbuilding was performed prior to tooth extraction in a dog model. Materials and Methods: At the test sites, alveolar crest overbuilding was performed on the buccal aspect of the distal root of the third premolar using xenograft covered with a collagen membrane. No treatment was applied at the control sites. After 3 months, the distal roots of both third premolars were extracted and implants were immediately placed into the alveolus, allowing nonsubmerged healing. After 3 months, biopsy samples were collected. Results: Upon histologic analysis, no statistically significant differences in hard tissue dimensions were found. The buccal bone plate at the test sites presented a tendency for higher resorption compared to the control sites. However, if the contribution of the residue of biomaterial is considered, a higher volumetric gain was registered at the test than at the control sites. Conclusions: The buccal overbuilding performed prior to tooth extraction did not contribute to the preservation of the alveolar crest dimensions after extraction. This could be due to failure to incorporate the graft into the newly formed bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of implants placed in alveolar sockets treated by means of alveolar ridge preservation after 10 years of follow-up. Method and materials: Eleven patients treated with 11 implants placed after alveolar ridge preservation using bovine-derived xenograft particles and collagen membrane were selected. Full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, probing depth at four sites per implant, and radiographic marginal bone level at mesial and distal aspects for each implant were recorded at baseline and after 10 years of follow-up. The primary outcome was the radiographic marginal bone loss. The marginal bone loss was considered as the difference between marginal bone level at baseline and after 10 years of observation time. Results: After 10 years of follow-up, full-mouth plaque score increased significantly (P < .05), while no statistically significant differences were found in the change in full-mouth bleeding score (P = .05). At the 10-year observation period, a significant increase in probing depth was observed at all sites (P < .05), except at the mesial aspects (P = .05). Radiographic marginal bone loss was 1.1 ± 0.1 mm and 1.0 ± 0.1 mm at mesial and distal sites, respectively. Conclusion: Whitin the limitations of the present study, implants placed in post-extraction sockets treated with alveolar ridge preservation yielded stable clinical and radiographic results after 10 years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paradigm of medicine is mostly designed to block or prevent pathological events. Once the disease-led tissue damage occurs, the limited endogenous regeneration may lead to depletion or loss of function for cells in the tissues. Cell therapy is rapidly evolving and influencing the field of medicine, where in some instances attempts to address cell loss in the body. Due to their biological function, engineerability, and their responsiveness to stimuli, cells are ideal candidates for therapeutic applications in many cases. Such promise is yet to be fully obtained as delivery of cells that functionally integrate with the desired tissues upon transplantation is still a topic of scientific research and development. Main known impediments for cell therapy include mechanical insults, cell viability, host's immune response, and lack of required nutrients for the transplanted cells. These challenges could be divided into three different steps: 1) Prior to, 2) during the and 3) after the transplantation procedure. In this review, we attempt to briefly summarize published approaches employing biomaterials to mitigate the above technical challenges. Biomaterials are offering an engineerable platform that could be tuned for different classes of cell transplantation to potentially enhance and lengthen the pharmacodynamics of cell therapies.

Cardiovascular organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices are composed of engineered or native functional tissues that are cultured under controlled microenvironments inside microchips. These systems employ microfabrication and tissue engineering techniques to recapitulate human physiology. This review focuses on human OoC systems to model cardiovascular diseases, to perform drug screening, and to advance personalized medicine. We also address the challenges in the generation of organ chips that can revolutionize the large-scale application of these systems for drug development and personalized therapy.

An emerging cellular engineering method creates synthetic polymer matrices inside cells. By contrast with classical genetic, enzymatic, or radioactive techniques, this materials-based approach introduces non-natural polymers inside cells, thus modifying cellular states and functionalities. Here, we cover various materials and chemistries that have been exploited to create intracellular polymer matrices. In addition, we discuss emergent cellular properties due to the intracellular polymerization, including nonreplicating but active metabolism, maintenance of membrane integrity, and resistance to environmental stressors. We also discuss past work and future opportunities for developing and applying synthetic cells that contain intracellular polymers. The materials-based approach will usher in new applications of synthetic cells for broad biotechnological applications.

Over the past two decades Biomedical Engineering has emerged as a major discipline that bridges societal needs of human health care with the development of novel technologies. Every medical institution is now equipped at varying degrees of sophistication with the ability to monitor human health in both non-invasive and invasive modes. The multiple scales at which human physiology can be interrogated provide a profound perspective on health and disease. We are at the nexus of creating avatars (herein defined as an extension of digital twins) of human patho/physiology to serve as paradigms for interrogation and potential intervention. Motivated by the emergence of these new capabilities, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, the Departments of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and Bioengineering at University of California at San Diego sponsored an interdisciplinary workshop to define the grand challenges that face biomedical engineering and the mechanisms to address these challenges. The Workshop identified five grand challenges with cross-cutting themes and provided a roadmap for new technologies, identified new training needs, and defined the types of interdisciplinary teams needed for addressing these challenges. The themes presented in this paper include: 1) accumedicine through creation of avatars of cells, tissues, organs and whole human; 2) development of smart and responsive devices for human function augmentation; 3) exocortical technologies to understand brain function and treat neuropathologies; 4) the development of approaches to harness the human immune system for health and wellness; and 5) new strategies to engineer genomes and cells.

Dental-derived stem cells (DSCs) are attractive cell sources due to their easy access, superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity. They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals, which provide biophysical and biochemical cues to regulate the fate of residing cells. However, the direct transplantation of DSCs suffers from poor proliferation and differentiation toward functional cells and low survival rates due to local inflammation. Recently, elegant advances in the design of novel biomaterials have been made to give promise to the use of biomimetic biomaterials to regulate various cell behaviors, including proliferation, differentiation and migration. Biomaterials could be tailored with multiple functionalities, e.g., stimuli-responsiveness. There is an emerging need to summarize recent advances in engineered biomaterials-mediated delivery and therapy of DSCs and their potential applications. Herein, we outlined the design of biomaterials for supporting DSCs and the host response to the transplantation.

In the present study, we focused on the development and characterization of formulations that function as biological inks. These inks were doped with coumarin derivatives to act as molecular luminescent sensors that allow the monitoring of the kinetics of in situ photopolymerization in 3D (DLP) printing and bioprinting using pneumatic extrusion techniques, making it possible to study the changes in the system in real time. The efficiency of the systems was tested on compositions containing monomers: poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylates and photoinitiators: 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldi-phenylphosphinate and lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate. The selected formulations were spectroscopically characterized and examined for their photopolymerization kinetics and rheological properties. This is important because of the fact that spectroscopic characterization, examination of photopolymerization kinetics, and rheological properties provide valuable insights into the behaviour of photocurable resin dedicated for 3D printing processes. The next step involved printing tests on commercially available 3D printers. In turn, printing carried out as part of the work on commercially available 3D printers further verified the effectiveness of the formulations. Moreover the formulation components and the resulting 3D objects were tested for their antiproliferative effects on the selected Chinese hamster ovary cell line, CHO-K1. [Display omitted] • Bioinks doped with luminescent sensors for in situ photopolymerization monitoring. • Applications of bioinks at DLP and pneumatic extrusion 3D printing technique. • Cytotoxicity of the sensors in the tested range has not been indicated. • Intense Vis-LED radiation (405 nm) does not have a damaging effect on cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

A nanocomposite scaffold was developed using gelzan, a natural extracellular polysaccharide, as the biopolymer matrix. Gelzan (GZ) was combined with Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles to enhance the scaffold’s biological properties. The aim of incorporating Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp was to utilize the combined antibacterial and bioactive properties of these components. The synthesized Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp nanoparticles, along with the gelzan-based nanocomposite scaffold produced via freeze-drying, underwent comprehensive analyses. These included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and biological assessments for antibacterial activity and bioactivity. The results demonstrated that the Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp nanocomposite scaffold possessed favourable physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the integration of Ag and Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp into the gelzan matrix was confirmed, revealing the scaffold’s structural and compositional characteristics. Tests of apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicated the development of layered apatite precipitates after 7 days. The scaffold also exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 7.35 ± 0.70 mm and 5.54 ± 0.60 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. These findings suggest the scaffold’s promising potential as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics are biomaterials characterized by excellent bone bonding abilities. Many different bioactive glass formulations have been studied since the introduction of 45S5 bioglass by Larry Hench. Among silicate and borate bioglasses the phosphate-based ones seem to be interesting in drug delivery systems applications due to their high solubility and low toxicity. In this study novel phosphate bioactive glasses from the composition of P 2 O 5 – CaO – Ca(OH) 2 – KF – Na 2 O – TiO 2 and P 2 O 5 – CaO – Ca(OH) 2 – ZnO – KF –TiO 2 modified with 500 ppm or 2000 ppm of HAuCl 4 – 3H 2 O were obtained by traditional melt-quenching technique. Glass crystallization temperature was measured by DSC calorimetry. The bioglasses were partially crystallized above the crystallization temperature and the bioactive glass-ceramic based on the composition of the parent glasses was obtained. The FT-IR structural studies were performed to detect the presence of structural units beneficial for bioactivity of the materials. Crystalline phases of the bioglass-ceramics were identified with XRD. All bioglass-ceramics contained bioactive β-pyrophosphate. The obtained bioglasses and glass-ceramics were incubated in SBF to evaluate their bioactivity. Only P 2 O 5 – CaO – Ca(OH) 2 – KF– Na 2 O–TiO 2 bioglass-ceramics developed apatite-like layer on the surface after incubation in Simulated Body Fluid and was chosen as the material for future studies. The impact of the chemical composition of the bioglass, presence of particular structural units and bioglass-ceramic phase composition on the in vitro bioactivity was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Hydrogels are insoluble three-dimensional polymer networks that are water insoluble but can absorb large amounts of water or biological fluid. They can be prepared using a variety of polymers, including both synthetic and natural ones. Either physical crosslinking, chemical crosslinking, or both are used for the preparation of polymeric hydrogels. Hydrogels made from natural polymers like chitosan, gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and hyaluronic acid are promising biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering, cosmetics, agriculture, wound healing, etc. because of their high biocompatibility and biodegradability. The present work reviews the classification of natural polymer-based hydrogels, properties, cross-linking methods, characterization, and their biomedical applications. [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]

Objective: Biomaterials loaded with ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are viewed as a promising strategy for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). However, a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on this topic has not yet been conducted. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews researches related to this approach, aiming to identify gaps and shortcomings in the field. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for retrieving studies on biomaterials loaded with TCM ingredients published from their inception to October 2024. Two reviewers performed screening of search results, information extraction, and literature quality assessment independently. Results: For this systematic review, 41 publications were included. Six TCM ingredients-paclitaxel, curcumin, tetramethylpyrazine, resveratrol, berberine, and tanshinone IIA were combined with biomaterials for treatment of SCI. Biomaterials were categorized into hydrogels, biodegradable scaffolds, nanoparticles, and microspheres according to the type of scaffold. These drug delivery systems exhibit commendable biocompatibility, drug-loading capacity, and drug-release capabilities, and in combination with TCM ingredients, synergistically contribute to anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-apoptotic effects. Conclusion: These studies demonstrated the efficacy of biomaterials loaded with TCM ingredients in facilitating motor function recovery and neuroprotection in SCI rats, providing evidence for future research. However, in the complex microenvironment of SCI, achieving the maximum drug loading capacity of TCM ingredients within biomaterials, along with sustained and controlled release to fully exert their pharmacological effects, remains a major challenge for future research. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ identifier CRD42024505000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monkeypox virus clade I is endemic in several central African countries and characterised by an increase in disease severity and mortality. Since October, 2023, a large-scale mpox outbreak has emerged in DR Congo, and in March, 2024, the first individuals with mpox were reported outside the endemic areas in Republic of the Congo. We aimed to provide insight into the epidemic by sequencing samples obtained from individuals with mpox in Republic of the Congo. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, samples were collected from individuals with suspected mpox between Jan 15 and April 8, 2024, in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Likouala, Cuvette-Centrale, and Plateaux (Republic of the Congo). Blood samples, skin or oropharyngeal swabs, or skin crusts were obtained for molecular diagnosis via real-time PCR. Monkeypox virus sequences were obtained and analysed using newly established nanopore sequencing methodology and bioinformatic pipeline. The sequences obtained were aligned and used to construct a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree using IG-TREE. 61 samples were collected from individuals with suspected mpox, 31 of which were positive for monkeypox virus and were included in our analysis (four positive samples were excluded due to unavailability of epidemiological data or insufficient biological material). Individuals who tested positive for monkeypox virus were from Cuvette-Centrale (19 [61%] of 31), Likouala (eight [26%]), and Pointe-Noire (four [13%]). 20 (65%) were male and 11 (35%) were female. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences showed two major clusters within clade Ia. One cluster was made up of four sequences from this study clustering with two monkeypox virus sequences from the current DR Congo outbreak, three older sequences from Central African Republic sequenced between 2017 and 2018, and seven sequences from DR Congo sequenced in 2006–07 and 2022. The second cluster was made up of 16 sequences from this study clustering with sequences from the current DR Congo outbreak. In addition, sequences from Republic of the Congo show multiple phylogenetic positioning suggesting the occurrence of multiple co-circulating strains in the human population. Our findings suggest that multiple monkeypox virus strains are co-circulating in the human population, highlighting the need for implementation of expanded mpox surveillance, especially in countries bordering DR Congo and Republic of the Congo, in combination with control measures focused on containing the current outbreaks in these countries to prevent escalation into a larger-scale epidemic. Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trends in health care delivery systems have shifted as a result of the modern uses of biomaterials in medicine. Contrary to traditional medicine, modern healthcare are now useful in solving problems that were considered impossible some years back. One of the most significant factors to the most recent advancements in implant development has been the use of calcium based materials in the creation of necessary implants in the form of soft and hard tissues. With the advent of naturally sourced materials in the manufacturing of biomaterials, lots of attention are now focused on the different sources of agro-based resources that can be used for the product developments. These agro-based materials are now been considered for sustainable and ecological purposes in several areas of applications globally in the recent times. Hence, the review was carried out with focus on the sources, relevance, processing techniques and applications of tricalcium phosphate based biomaterials in modern day healthcare delivery. This review provides a historical and prospective picture of the crucial functions that materials based on tricalcium phosphate will play in fulfilling human requirements for medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone loss in the alveolar ridge is a factor widely studied by dentists in implant surgeries, as it poses a major challenge for aesthetic and functional recovery in patients with large maxillary bone defects. Synthetic biomaterials function as grafts designed to replace and remodel bone tissue. Calcium phosphate is a biomaterial that has good properties such as biocompatibility and bioactivity, making it a reference in bone replacement treatments. A synthetic biomaterial such as calcium phosphate can be obtained by various synthesis techniques. The microwave hydrothermal method (HTMO) is a pathway that allows changes in synthesis parameters and significantly increases the transmission efficiency of materials such as synthetic calcium phosphate derivatives. The study proposes obtaining a biomaterial for bone grafting based on calcium phosphate by the microwave HTMO and evaluating its microstructural and physicochemical characteristics. The parameters tested in this process were temperature and reaction time. The calcium phosphate particulates were obtained by the microwave HTMO at temperatures of 110°C and 130°C for 60 min and calcined at 300°C, 500°C, and 700°C. Microstructural and physicochemical characterization analyses were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction. The results obtained showed the presence of more than one calcium phosphate biological interest phase, as hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), and octacalcium phosphate (OCP), highlighting with increasing calcination temperature, the β‐TCP phase becomes evident. The proposed synthesis method was efficient in obtaining a biomaterial with suitable physical and chemical characteristics, with an association of crystalline phases of biological interest related to the increase in synthesis temperature and calcination temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articular cartilage has limited self-healing ability, resulting in injuries often evolving into osteoarthritis (OA), which poses a significant challenge in the medical field. Although some treatments exist to reduce pain and damage, there is a lack of effective means to promote cartilage regeneration. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) have been found to increase significantly in the OA micro-environment. They play a key role in biological systems by participating in cell signaling and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Abnormal ROS expression, caused by internal and external stimuli and tissue damage, leads to elevated levels of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cell damage, and impaired tissue repair. To prevent excessive ROS accumulation at injury sites, biological materials can be engineered to respond to the damaged microenvironment, release active components in an orderly manner, regulate ROS levels, reduce oxidative stress, and promote tissue regeneration. Hydrogels have garnered significant attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and drug delivery capabilities. Numerous antioxidant hydrogels have been developed and proven effective in alleviating oxidative stress. This paper discusses a comprehensive treatment strategy that combines antioxidant hydrogels with existing treatments for OA and explores the potential applications of antioxidant hydrogels in cartilage tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is considered an effective method to overcome drug-resistant tumors. This study aims to use three FDA-approved biological materials, human serum albumin, D-α-tocopherol succinate, and indocyanine green, to construct a novel biocompatible nanomaterial named HTI-NPs, exploring its effect in drug-resistant breast cancer (MCF-7/ADR cells). The research results indicate that HTI-NPs can selectively inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7/ADR cells in vitro , accompanied by upregulating transferrin receptor, generating reactive oxygen species, and downregulating glutathione peroxidase 4. Under laser irradiation, HTI-NPs can promote ferroptosis by inhibiting glutathione expression through photodynamic therapy. Notably, HTI-NPs exhibit good inhibitory effects on MCF-7/ADR xenograft tumors in vivo. In conclusion, HTI-NPs represent a biocompatible nanomaterial that induces ferroptosis, providing new insights and options for treating drug-resistant breast cancer. [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]

Employment of yeasts as bio-templates to obtain hollow structured microspheres is recognized as a promising strategy in the view of resource utilization and sustainable development. In this study, carbon modified Bi 2 MoO 6 /Bi 2 S 3 hollow microspheres with rich oxygen vacancies were successfully prepared via in situ hydrothermal synthesis instead of removing yeast templates by calcination. As-obtained samples were characterized using SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, XPS, EPR and UV–vis DRS analysis. It was shown that carbon modified Bi 2 MoO 6 /Bi 2 S 3 hollow microspheres, with a diameter of 2.2 μm, inherited the ellipsoidal shape from primitive yeast templates. In situ hydrothermal synthesis not only resulted in the integration of yeast-derived carbon into the Bi 2 MoO 6 structure through Bi–O–C and Mo–O–C bonds, but also produced oxygen vacancy defects in the sample. Under visible light irradiation, the carbon modified Bi 2 MoO 6 /Bi 2 S 3 photocatalyst exhibited an excellent degradation efficiency, achieving 87.0 % removal of methylene blue (MB) within 100 min. With photoelectric tests and active species trapping experiments, the potential mechanism for the remarkable photocatalytic performance of carbon modified Bi 2 MoO 6 /Bi 2 S 3 was discussed preliminarily. This work explored an economical, simple and feasible approach for the multi-strategy modification of photocatalysts, and provided a new cognition on the versatile application of biological templates in material design and fabrication. [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]

The capacity and stiffness of laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) shear wall sheathed by oriented strand boards (OSBs) is significantly influenced by the structural performance of the nailed connections. Single-connector sheathing-to-framing connections were experimentally tested under monotonic and cyclic loading. The parameters investigated were the nail diameter, the loading direction, the edge distances of nails in the OSB and the LBL. The minimum edge distance for nails in both the LBL stud and the OSB panel was found to be 15 mm. Nails with a smaller edge distance within the members are at higher risk of failing prematurely under lower loads, demonstrating a brittle failure mode. The specimens subjected to cyclic and monotonic loading showed quite different damage. Fatigue fracture due to repeated reverse bending was the typical failure mode for nails in the cyclic experiments. The maximum load of the specimens increased with a larger nail diameter and the load-carrying capacity of parallel-to-grain specimens was greater than that of perpendicular-to-grain specimens. The energy-dissipation capacity of the connections increased with an increase in nail diameter and an increase in the edge distance of the nail in both the LBL and the OSB. [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]

Bioengineered materials represent an innovative option to support the regenerative processes of damaged tissues, with the final objective of creating a functional environment closely mimicking the native tissue. Among the different available biomaterials, hydrogels represent the solution of choice for tissue regeneration, thanks to the easy synthesis process and the highly tunable physical and mechanical properties. Moreover, hydrogels are biocompatible and biodegradable, able to integrate in biological environments and to support cellular interactions in order to restore damaged tissues' functionality. This review offers an overview of the current knowledge concerning hydrogel synthesis and characterization and of the recent achievements in their experimental use in supporting skin, bone, cartilage, and muscle regeneration. The currently available in vitro and in vivo results are of great interest, highlighting the need for carefully designed and controlled preclinical studies and clinical trials to support the transition of these innovative biomaterials from the bench to the bedside. [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]

Before employing a biomedical material in medical applications, a researcher must possess comprehensive knowledge regarding its chemical, physical, biological, structural, and mechanical properties. Hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is a vital constituent of the calcium orthophosphate group. The material exhibits good dielectric and biological compatibility, diamagnetic behavior, thermal stability, osteoconductivity, and bioactivity. Additionally, it has a Ca:P molar ratio of 1.67. Because HAp has a chemical composition that is quite similar to normal bone and teeth, it has the potential to be used as a material for implant implantation in fractured portions of the human skeletal system. Many ways for generating HAp nanoparticles have been found as a result of the increasing usage of HAp in medicine. The conditions under which HAp is generated determine its physical and chemical properties, crystalline structure, and form. This study provides detailed information on the HAp's characteristics and manufacturing procedures, as well as revealing the structure and its properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) is significantly influenced by the type of carbon source available in the growth medium, which in turn dictates the material's final properties. This study systematically investigates the effects of five carbon sources—raffinose (C18H32O16), sucrose (C12H22O11), glucose (C6H12O6), arabinose (C5H10O5), and glycerol (C3H8O3)—on BC production by Komagataeibacter hansenii. The varying molecular weights and structural characteristics of these carbon sources provide a framework for examining their influence on BC yield, fiber morphology, and network properties. BC production was monitored through daily measurements of optical density and pH levels in the fermentation media from day 1 to day 14, providing valuable insights into bacterial growth kinetics and cellulose synthesis rates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to elucidate fibril diameter and pore size distribution. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) provided a detailed assessment of crystallinity. Selected BC pellicles were further processed via freeze-drying to produce a foam-like material that maximally preserves the natural three-dimensional structure of BC, facilitating the incorporation and release of lidocaine hydrochloride (5%), a widely used local anesthetic. The lidocaine-loaded BC foams exhibited a sustained and controlled release profile over 14 days in simulated body fluid, highlighting the importance of the role of carbon source selection in shaping the BC network architecture and its impact on drug release profile. These results highlight the versatility and sustainability of BC as a platform for wound healing and drug delivery applications. The tunable properties of BC networks provide opportunities for optimizing therapeutic delivery and improving wound care outcomes, positioning BC as an effective material for enhanced wound management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of the TiTaNbZrAg alloys with different amounts of tantalum (0%, 10% and 20%) and with distinct surface topography (smooth and rough) was investigated in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for long-time immersion (1000 h). By this approach, we expect to bring about new insights into the influence of both the amount of Ta in the alloy composition and the surface topography on the corrosion behavior of the Ti-based alloys. The corrosion resistance was studied by Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Potentiodynamic Polarization (PP), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). From the potentiodynamic investigations, it was observed that all types of samples showed good corrosion resistance (i.e., Rcorr < 10 µm y−1) and may be used successfully for medical applications. However, the samples with smooth surfaces and with a certain amount of Ta (10% and 20%) exhibit the best corrosion performance (Rcorr < 1 µm y−1). As regards the samples with rough surfaces, the results evidenced that they showed lower corrosion resistance (1 < Rcorr < 3 µm y−1), suggesting that the Ta presence does not necessarily hinder the corrosion processes. Actually, the synergetic effect of both the presence of Ta and surface roughness plays an important role in corrosion resistance. [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]

Cryopreservation allows for the long-term storage of biological materials, ensuring their viability for future use and preserving biodiversity. This study aimed to develop an efficient protocol for the long-term in vitro conservation of fegra fig. In vitro precultured shoot tips of fegra fig with 0.3 M sucrose showed the highest regrowth percentage (100%) before plunging into liquid nitrogen. After plunging into liquid nitrogen, the regrowth percentage was 43.33%. Following cryopreservation, the recovered shoots were rooted and acclimatized to ex vitro conditions. The genetic fidelity of the acclimatized 8-week-old fegra fig plantlets after cryopreservation with their mother plant was tested using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers. Genetic similarity between the stored plantlets with their mother plant was 100% ensuring uniformity and true-to-type regenerated plants following cryopreservation. This study presents, for the first time, an efficient protocol for the genetic conservation of fegra fig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractParticipation in research is supposed to be voluntary and informed. Yet it is difficult to ensure people are adequately informed about the potential uses of their biological materials when they donate samples for future research. We propose a novel consent framework which we call “demonstrated consent” that leverages blockchain technology and generative AI to address this problem. In a demonstrated consent model, each donated sample is associated with a unique non-fungible token (NFT) on a blockchain, which records in its metadata information about the planned and past uses of the sample in research, and is updated with each use of the sample. This information is accessible to a large language model (LLM) customized to present this information in an understandable and interactive manner. Thus, our model uses blockchain and generative AI technologies to track, make available, and explain information regarding planned and past uses of donated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric ceramics are piezoelectric materials with polycrystalline structure and have been widely used in many fields such as medical imaging and sound sensors. As knowledge about this kind of material develops, researchers find piezoelectric ceramics possess favorable piezoelectricity, biocompatibility, mechanical properties, porous structure and antibacterial effect and endeavor to apply piezoelectric ceramics to the field of bone tissue engineering. However, clinically no piezoelectric ceramics have been exercised so far. Therefore, in this paper we present a comprehensive review of the research and development of various piezoelectric ceramics including barium titanate, potassium sodium niobate and zinc oxide ceramics and aims to explore the application of piezoelectric ceramics in bone regeneration by providing a detailed overview of the current knowledge and research of piezoelectric ceramics in bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin is a tissue constantly exposed to the risk of damage, such as cuts, burns, and genetic disorders. The standard treatment is autograft, but it can cause pain to the patient being extremely complex in patients suffering from burns on large body surfaces. Considering that there is a need to develop technologies for the repair of skin tissue like 3D bioprinting. Skin is a tissue that is approximately 1/16 of the total body weight and has three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Therefore, there are several studies using cells, biomaterials, and bioprinting for skin regeneration. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and showed in the recent research in skin regeneration, the main cells used, biomaterials studied that provide initial support for these cells, allowing the growth and formation of the neotissue and general characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each methodology and the landmarks in recent research in the 3D skin bioprinting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a profound medical condition that significantly hampers motor function, imposing substantial limitations on daily activities and exerting a considerable financial burden on patients and their families. The constrained regenerative capacity of endogenous spinal cord tissue, exacerbated by the inflammatory response following the initial trauma, poses a formidable obstacle to effective therapy. Recent advancements in the field, stem cells, biomaterials, and molecular therapy, show promising outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches for SCI treatment, including cell transplantation, tissue-engineered construct implantation, and other potential therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it sheds light on preclinical animal studies and recent clinical trials incorporating these modalities, providing a glimpse into the evolving landscape of SCI management. The investigation into spinal cord injury (SCI) treatments focuses on reducing long-term impacts by targeting scar inhibition and enhancing regeneration through stem cells, with or without growth factors. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show promise for autologous use, with clinical trials confirming their safety. Challenges include low cell viability and difficulty in targeted differentiation. Biomaterial scaffolds hold potential for improving cell viability and integration, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as a novel therapy. While EV research is in its early stages, stem cell trials demonstrate safety and potential recovery. Advancing tissue engineering approaches with biomaterial scaffolds is crucial for human trials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the crucial role nerves play in maintaining corneal function and integrity, the ability of bioengineered cornea to demonstrate functional nerve regeneration directly influences their longevity and stability. Despite advances in biofabrication techniques and an increasing appreciation of the importance of neural innervation, to this day none have completely replicated the complexity and functionality of the cornea with successful innervation. This review evaluates the materials and fabrication techniques used to produce and enhance innervation in bioengineered cornea. Approaches to facilitating innervation are discussed and methods of assessing innervation compared. Finally, current challenges and future directions for innervated bioengineered cornea are presented, providing guidance for future work. The functional nerve regeneration in bioengineered corneas directly influences their longevity and stability. Despite advancements in biofabrication techniques and growing recognition of the importance of neural innervation for bioengineered cornea, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews on this topic. This review addresses the critical gap by evaluating the materials and fabrication techniques employed to promote innervation in bioengineered corneas. Additionally, we discuss various approaches to enhancing innervation, compare assessment methods, and examine both in vitro and in vivo responses. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and highlighting challenges and future directions, this review aims to provide guidance for inducing innervation of bioengineered cornea. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI), which causes irreversible myocardium necrosis, affects 0.25 billion people globally and has become one of the most significant epidemics of our time. Over the past few years, bioprinting has moved beyond a concept of simply incorporating cells into biomaterials, to strategically defining the microenvironment (e.g., architecture, biomolecular signalling, mechanical stimuli, etc.) within which the cells are printed. Among the different bioprinting applications, myocardial repair is a field that has seen some of the most significant advances towards the management of the repaired tissue microenvironment. This review critically assesses the most recent biomedical innovations being carried out in cardiac patch bioprinting, with specific considerations given to the biomaterial design parameters, growth factors/cytokines, biomechanical and bioelectrical conditioning, as well as innovative biomaterial-based "4D" bioprinting (3D scaffold structure + temporal morphology changes) of myocardial tissues, immunomodulation and sustained delivery systems used in myocardium bioprinting. Key challenges include the ability to generate large quantities of cardiac cells, achieve high-density capillary networks, establish biomaterial designs that are comparable to native cardiac extracellular matrix, and manage the sophisticated systems needed for combining cardiac tissue microenvironmental cues while simultaneously establishing bioprinting technologies yielding both high-speed and precision. This must be achieved while considering quality assurance towards enabling reproducibility and clinical translation. Moreover, this manuscript thoroughly discussed the current clinical translational hurdles and regulatory issues associated with the post-bioprinting evaluation, storage, delivery and implantation of the bioprinted myocardial patches. Overall, this paper provides insights into how the clinical feasibility and important regulatory concerns may influence the design of the bioink (biomaterials, cell sources), fabrication and post-fabrication processes associated with bioprinting of the cardiac patches. This paper emphasizes that cardiac patch bioprinting requires extensive collaborations from imaging and 3D modelling technical experts, biomaterial scientists, additive manufacturing experts and healthcare professionals. Further, the work can also guide the field of cardiac patch bioprinting moving forward, by shedding light on the potential use of robotics and automation to increase productivity, reduce financial cost, and enable standardization and true commercialization of bioprinted cardiac patches. The manuscript provides a critical review of important themes currently pursued for heart patch bioprinting, including critical biomaterial design parameters, physiologically-relevant cardiac tissue stimulations, and newly emerging cardiac tissue bioprinting strategies. This review describes the limited number of studies, to date in the literature, that describe systemic approaches to combine multiple design parameters, including capabilities to yield high-density capillary networks, establish biomaterial composite designs similar to native cardiac extracellular matrix, and incorporate cardiac tissue microenvironmental cues, while simultaneously establishing bioprinting technologies that yield high-speed and precision. New tools such as artificial intelligence may provide the analytical power to consider multiple design parameters and identify an optimized work-flow(s) for enabling the clinical translation of bioprinted cardiac patches. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]