Natural silk-based materials exhibit intrinsic piezoelectricity making them suitable for advanced applications including organic bioelectronics and energy-harvesting systems. Silk fibroin is particularly attractive due to its biocompatibility. Organic and polymer-based piezoelectric devices can be effectively integrated with biological environments to provide sensing, neural interfaces, and bone tissue regeneration. This review paper presents key aspects of piezoelectric silk, processing, functionalization routes and genetic modifications focusing on its piezoelectric performance and the design of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Potential of piezoelectric silk in bone tissue reconstruction and repair is analyzed, including various silk forms such as films, hydrogels, sponges, fibers, and composites. Wearable organic electronics is reviewed with case studies in biosensors, actuators, piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators, including related challenges in integrating electronics with organic materials. Very recent advanced research directions about the links between the bone and brain systems focusing on integrative phytotherapy for neurodegenerative disorders are briefly analyzed. Challenges including low piezoelectric coefficients, material variability, limited long-term mechanical stability, fabrication scalability issues, and a lack of standardized characterization methods are analyzed, indicating the need for structural engineering, hybrid nanocomposites, advanced alignment strategies, and integrated computational-experimental approaches to achieve reliable, sustainable bioelectronic systems with silk-based materials.
Inspired by the catalytic properties of natural enzymes and the advantages of nanozymes, a nickel contained organophyllosilicate (NiAC) was constructed by a facile one-step sol-gel method under mild conditions. The catalytic performance of the urease-like activity was systematically investigated, using Nessler's reagent spectrophotometric method to detect the produced ammonia. Subsequently, comprehensive evaluations were performed under different environmental conditions. This showed that exhibited excellent catalytic activity over pH range of 4.5-6.5 and at temperatures ranging from 37 degrees C to 97 degrees C, which effectively overcomes the inherent limitation of the natural urease's susceptibility to mutation under extreme conditions. Further analysis of the catalytic mechanism was explored via steady-state kinetic analysis. The Km was calculated to be 0.0185 mM, which was lower than that of natural urease. The low cost, simple synthesis, and excellent environmental stability (resistance to strong acids and high temperatures) of NiAC highlight its potential as a powerful and economical green alternative to natural urease, which provides new insights into the molecular design of hydrolytic nanozymes and lays the foundation for their practical applications in areas such as soil remediation and wastewater treatment.
Nanocomposites zinc titanate (ZnTiO3) have been synthesized, and their structural, morphological, and optical properties were thoroughly investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of ZnTiO3 with a dominant spinel cubic phase, with crystallite sizes ranging from 18 nm (pristine TiO2) to 42 nm (ZnTiO3 with 5% doping). Structural and optical characterizations confirmed the successful incorporation of Zn into the TiO2 lattice, resulting in the formation of a perovskite ZnTiO3 phase with a narrowed band gap of 2.95 eV, compared to 3.13 eV for TiO2 and 3.10 eV for ZnO. The photocatalytic efficiency for methylene blue degradation was significantly enhanced, achieving 98.9% degradation within 120 min, surpassing undoped TiO2 (68%) and ZnO (72%). In addition, an improved degradation rate constant of 0.0336 min-1 was obtained. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus), gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the fungal strain Candida albicans. Results demonstrated that ZnTiO3 exhibited the highest bactericidal activity at low concentrations, outperforming the standard antibiotic control (Nalidixic acid, 30 & micro;g/ml) in many cases. Dose-dependent inhibition studies showed enhanced antimicrobial effects at 10 & micro;g/ml, with 2.5 & micro;g/ml identified as the optimal concentration, balancing efficacy, and minimal toxicity.
Current strategies for bone reconstruction are quite limited, falling short in effectively fostering tissue regeneration. Within tissue engineering, a primary objective has been the creation of scaffolds – porous, bioactive, and biocompatible three-dimensional (3-D) structures mimicking the extracellular matrix. This article focuses on crafting and characterizing scaffolds capable of replicating the bone’s extracellular matrix through a silicate coating. The goal is to bolster mechanical strength and encourage cell osteogenesis and osteoconduction. Using polycaprolactone/chitosan blends, nanofibrous membranes were electrospun and transformed into 3-D structures through ‘Thermally-Induced Self-Agglomeration’. Specifically, scaffolds with 10% chitosan content were created and compared with pure polycaprolactone (PCL) variants. Infrared spectroscopy and thermal assessment confirmed the compatibility of PCL and chitosan, emphasizing the scaffolds’ resilience to high temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy images showcased an interconnected network of nano- and micropores with porosity exceeding 99%, mimicking trabecular bone. Wettability and swelling studies revealed a substantial water intake capacity with a significant increase in hydrophilicity after coating with silicon dioxide. These comprehensive studies suggest that the scaffolds indeed fulfill the necessary requirements for their application in tissue engineering.
This study systematically investigates the concentration-dependent antibacterial efficacy of titanium nanoparticles (Ti NPs). Ti NPs were synthesized at 10%, 15%, and 25% concentrations in aqueous suspensions. Structural characterization via X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline metallic titanium phase with a hexagonal close-packed structure. Morphological analysis using field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed particles in the nano-range (20-300 nm), with particle size decreasing and agglomeration increasing at higher concentrations. Optical properties assessed by UV-vis spectroscopy showed strong absorption between 200 and 300 nm, and Tauc plot analysis indicated a reduction in the optical bandgap from 5.55 to 4.55 eV with increasing concentration, attributed to defect-induced states. Zeta potential measurements confirmed decreased colloidal stability at elevated concentrations. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The results demonstrated significant, concentration-dependent antibacterial effects, with optimal inhibition zones of 16 and 15 mm for K. pneumoniae and S. aureus, respectively, and MIC values ranging from 125 to 500 & micro;g/ml. This work highlights the tunable antimicrobial potential of Ti NPs and underscores the critical influence of concentration on their physicochemical and biological properties for biomedical applications.
Corrosion on metallic surfaces is a great challenge suffered by humans in today’s world. In this study, a bioinspired hydrophobic coating based on nanosilica and zirconia was developed and characterized, showing a high contact angle, strong self-cleaning ability, and markedly enhanced corrosion resistance. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy provided additional evidence of the nanostructures on coated metal, which give them their hydrophobic properties. Silica zirconia hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) modified coating showed a great water contact angle and hysteresis of 148° and 7°, respectively. The stability or adhesion of coatings was confirmed by tape and pH tests. The coatings were found to be stable in all pH solutions. Even after 5 days’ time there was no effect on coated metals; however, on uncoated metal, the corrosion process had already started. Furthermore, the anticorrosive behavior of coated metals was determined by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique, and a Nyquist plot was plotted for coated and uncoated samples, thus confirming the efficacious anticorrosion mechanism exhibited by coatings by creating a physical diffusion barrier due to air entrapment on coated metal. Great corrosion resistance was offered by coatings of silica and zirconia modified by HMDS and trimethyl octylsilane.
Nanocellulose (NC) and its derivatives have garnered interest in recent years as viable bio-based materials for water treatment applications because of their high strength, high surface area, and biocompatible, renewable nature. The –OH functional groups on the surfaces of cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibrils allow for a variety of surface modifications, resulting in useful nanocomposites with adaptable characteristics. A variety of factors, such as synthesis techniques, surface alterations, hydrophilic and hydrophobic qualities, pore size, and lasting qualities, influence the commercial application of NC composite-based materials in industrial wastewater treatment processes. Recent developments in the production of novel adsorbents or membranes have promoted the use of cleaner industrial wastewater treatment systems based on NC. Using a variety of NC composites as basis materials, this paper attempts to provide an overview of the significant advancements made thus far in the creation of composite materials for the treatment of industrial wastewater. The unique properties of industrial wastewater treatment materials based on NC, their production methods, and how well they remove impurities such as bacteria, heavy metals, pigments, and oils from water are also discussed in this paper.
Vascular networks are essential for the long-term survival of implanted grafts. Under physiological conditions, these networks include arteries, veins, and capillaries, which transport vital fluids, gases, and nutrients – such as blood, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and minerals – to the cells. However, creating vascular channels within bioengineered grafts remains a significant engineering challenge. In this study, we investigated an alternative biomanufacturing method for generating straight and curved vascular channels by employing a needle navigation process, which mimics the vascularization process inside a biocompatible polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) gel. The stability of the channels fabricated via this process was studied. Cells were seeded inside the manufactured artificial vascular channels, and their viability was measured over time. These results indicate the preliminary potential of the needle navigation method for the fabrication of viable vascular-like conduits in bioengineered grafts.
Oral cancers that frequently arise include those with squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is a worldwide public health concern. Machine learning-based categorization is constrained by time, subjectivity, inconsistency, errors, and application, as well as by existing algorithms for segmentation, clustering, and methods, which have an influence on stability. This research presents an innovative approach for automated oral cancer detection using efficient deep-learning techniques employed to histopathological images. The proposed method focuses on detecting OSCC utilizing the oral cancer annotated dataset. In the preprocessing phase, a weighted median filter and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization are used to enrich picture quality by reducing noise and enhancing contrast. The segmentation phase utilizes the U-Net architecture, consisting of contracting and expansive paths with multilevel skip connections, to accurately segment the preprocessed images. The third phase employs an augmented convolutional neural network model, incorporating 22 layers, including convolutional, max-pooling, flattening, dense layers, and activation functions, to perform the classification. Evaluation of the suggested model is conducted based on various evaluation metrics, such as accuracy, intersection over union, and dice coefficient, demonstrating its potential as a reliable tool for automated monitoring for oral cancer and aiding in prevention and treatment at an early stage planning.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) remains a critical condition, characterized by severe respiratory failure and high mortality, despite significant advances in understanding its pathophysiology. Current treatments are largely supportive, with no definitive pharmacological solutions available. This review explores the potential of nanomedicine in ARDS management, focusing on nanocarrier-based delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), particularly for RNA therapeutics, and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for conventional drug delivery, are highlighted for their enhanced targeting and stability profiles. The clinical success of LNPs in mRNA vaccine delivery demonstrates their efficacy in managing ARDS-related inflammation and tissue damage. Comparative analysis of various nanocarrier platforms reveals distinct advantages, with LNPs offering superior nucleic acid encapsulation efficiency, while NLCs provide enhanced drug-loading capacity and cost-effectiveness. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, clinical translation of nanomedicine in ARDS remains limited, constrained by challenges such as manufacturing scalability, regulatory hurdles, and potential immunogenicity. Moving forward, precision nanotherapies tailored to specific ARDS stages and triggers are essential for improving patient outcomes. This review underscores the need for further research to optimize nanocarrier properties and overcome current limitations, ultimately accelerating the clinical adoption of nanomedicine in ARDS treatment.
Dentin biomineralization with nanobiomaterials needs validation. This study aimed to analyze the remineralization potential of eggshell derived nano hydroxyapatite (ESnHA) with the addition of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) on demineralized dentin under in vitro pH cyclic conditions for 7, 14 and 28 days. ESnHA powder was synthesized by microwave processing method. ESnHA powder was incorporated with Nb2O5, ball milled and characterized. Results showed that ESnHA powder had close relation to stoichiometric ratio of HA. Dentin samples were prepared and their baseline microhardness was recorded. The dentin samples were demineralized and treated with artificial saliva, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), ESnHA and ESnHA-Nb. The mineral changes of treated dentin assessed by SEM-EDX demonstrated complete tubular occlusion on day 14 for ESnHA-Nb exhibiting a higher remineralization effect in a shorter period than artificial saliva, CPP-ACP and ESnHA. On 28th day complete tubular occlusion was observed with all the therapeutic agents except artificial saliva. A rise in Ca/P ratio was observed with ESnHA-Nb at all time intervals. Microhardness analysis of treated dentin surface showed a significant increase in hardness value on 28th day for ESnHA compared to CPP-ACP while ESnHA-Nb had substantial increase at all time periods signifying a higher potential to remineralize the demineralized dentin.
This study explores enhancing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites using a biomimetic approach inspired by nacre. Composites were fabricated with hexagonal glass fiber platelets cut via high-precision laser, embedded in a polyester resin matrix. Ten specimens were produced with varying platelet sizes (10–30 mm) and interplatelet gaps (2–6 mm), arranged in three laminate layers with a 0°/45°/90° stacking sequence. Mechanical testing revealed that larger platelets improved tensile strength, hardness, and density, while wider interplatelet gaps reduced performance. The optimal configuration, with 25 mm platelets, showed an 18% increase in impact strength (1.9 J/m → 2.3 J/m) and a 115% increase in flexural strength (59 MPa → 127 MPa) compared to monolithic laminates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated variations in resin curing and fiber–matrix interactions, and X-ray diffraction patterns showed changes in crystallinity and residual stress. Scanning electron microscopy imaging confirmed reduced delamination and enhanced crack resistance in biomimetic laminates. These findings demonstrate that nacre-inspired glass fiber composites exhibit significantly improved mechanical behavior, highlighting their potential for engineering applications, including automotive crash components and protective headgear.
Nano beta tricalcium phosphate (n beta-TCP) is one of the common and excellent biomaterials in the biomedical field. It is commonly related to the bone and teeth, as it has excellent mimicry to the nanocomposite of a natural bone. Its nano size improves biodegradability, solubility, stability, and the surface area to volume ratio hence providing a superior physicochemical property than the bulk size beta-TCP. In its nanomaterial disperse form, n beta-TCP offers greater cell interaction providing a better template for cell attachment, bone proliferation, and regeneration. However, as yet, no perfect parameter or technique has been attained to endow a designable n beta-TCP biomaterials with the desirable properties. This review discusses key synthesis methods particularly wet chemical precipitation, sol-gel, microwave-assisted, ethanol-water, and mechanochemical approaches along with critical factors such as pH, calcination temperature, and Ca/P ratio. Reported particle sizes vary between 27 and 350 nm, with crystallite sizes influenced by parameters like temperature and precursor ratios. The optimal conditions for high-purity n beta-TCP include 900 degrees C calcination, Ca/P ratio of 1.33-1.5, and pH 8-12. Biomedically, n beta-TCP has demonstrated significant outcomes, including 71% release of tetracycline and 32% release of ibuprofen in drug delivery systems, as well as bone regeneration within 8-12 weeks in vivo. Despite ongoing challenges in synthesis, n beta-TCP holds strong potential as a regenerative material, nanocarrier, and therapeutic agent.
During the braking process, temperature of brake disc in high-speed light-load vehicles sharply increases, causing the thermal fatigue crack. Therefore, it is necessary to design new brake disc and study its thermomechanical and friction properties. Here, authors designed new brake discs by way of constructing biomimetic nonsmooth structures in contact surface, then conducted simulation and experiment to quantify their effect on thermomechanical and friction properties. Compared with the smooth brake disc and under the initial velocity 120/160/200 km/h, the brake disc with straight grooves reduces the friction temperature that exhibits the reduction rate of 27.16%, 36.25% and 31.20%. Equivalent stress shows the increase rate of 61.64%, 46.92% and 71.58%, but these values are within the material yield strength. Experiment results showed the biomimetic brake discs have slightly smaller friction coefficient (0.32-0.48) but significantly lower friction temperature (41.7 degrees C-77.9 degrees C) than the smooth brake disc (0.56, 96.7 degrees C). The biomimetic brake disc with straight grooves and air inlets exhibit relatively better performance, resulting from the superior capability in dissipating heat. This study demonstrates biomimetic nonsmooth structures can improve brake disc's thermomechanical properties, which provides an available design approach for brake discs in high-speed light-load vehicles.
Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate the drawbacks of chemotherapy by enabling targeted drug delivery. Protein nanocages, particularly ferritin, have gained attention due to their unique structural properties and biocompatibility. Herein, the development and characterization of truncated maize ferritin 1 (T-ZmFer1) nanocages for enhanced drug delivery are reported, achieved by removing the E-helix through excision of 17 amino acids from the C-terminus of the protein. T-ZmFer1 was expressed in Escherichia coli Bl21 (DE3) and optimized to enhance soluble protein expression. Purified T-ZmFer1 nanocages exhibited a size of 18.17 nm with a zeta potential of -19.9 mV, indicating well-defined structural characteristics. Drug encapsulation studies revealed a significant increase in encapsulation capacity for T-ZmFer1 nanocages compared to intact ZmFer1 nanocages, with a loading efficiency of approximate to 76 DOX/protein. Moreover, in vitro drug release profiles demonstrated controlled release kinetics for T-ZmFer1 nanocages, with pH-dependent release behavior. Cytotoxicity assays in SKBR3 cells showed comparable efficacy between DOX-loaded T-ZmFer1 and ZmFer1 nanocages, with T-ZmFer1 nanocages exhibiting superior cytotoxicity at 1 mu M DOX concentration. This study underscores the potential of T-ZmFer1 nanocages as versatile drug delivery systems for cancer therapy, offering enhanced biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy, thus contributing to the advancement of nanomedicine.
The pectin/halloysite-griseofulvin (pectin/HNTs-GRF) nanocomposite films were prepared for sustained release and enhanced bioavailability of poor water-soluble drugs. The developed nanocomposite films were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, DSC and TGA along with entrapment efficiency (%EE), drug loading (%DL) and in vitro release. Cytotoxicity and antifungal activity were evaluated against the Caco-2 cell line and Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger) respectively. Permeability, bioavailability, biochemical, hematological parameters, and tissue distribution of GRF were determined using albino rats. SEM showed successful incorporation of GRF and HNTs in the pectin matrix. XRD analysis indicated the crystalline structure of GRF and successful inculcation of drug within nanocomposite film. The thermal stability of the film was shown by DSC and TGA analysis. The %EE, %DL and in vitro release of GRF were 96%, 42% and 44% respectively. Nanocomposite films followed zero order kinetics and non-fickian diffusion. Zone of inhibition measured to be 35 mm and 29 mm for C. albicans and A. niger respectively and 38 mm and 31 mm for S5 loaded with lavender oil (S7). The more permeability of GRF was observed from nanocomposites and formulations in the culture medium did not produce cytotoxicity and showed enhanced bioavailability of GRF.
Laser surface texturing (LST) has become a pivotal technique in biomedical surface engineering, providing unparalleled precision in modifying material surfaces to enhance implant performance. This review integrates recent advancements in femtosecond and ultrafast laser technologies, offering novel insights into how these methods enhance osseointegration, antibacterial properties, and tissue regeneration in biomedical implants. Unlike previous reviews, this paper delves into specific laser parameters and their influence on surface morphology, wettability, and biocompatibility, particularly in orthopaedic and dental applications. A detailed comparison of LST techniques highlights their role in reducing implant failure due to bacterial contamination and inadequate tissue integration. The scalability of LST for clinical and commercial applications is also explored, emphasizing its potential as a transformative tool for improving implant longevity and reducing post-surgical complications. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates challenges and limitations, including scalability issues, standardization concerns, and long-term clinical validation. By synthesizing the latest advancements, this work provides a comprehensive foundation for future developments in laser-assisted biomedical surface engineering, positioning LST as a prominent approach in next-generation biomedical materials and medical device innovation.
The remineralizing effect of eggshell-derived nano-hydroxyapatite prepared by microwave (MnHAp) and aging (AnHAp) methods on demineralized dentin was compared with commercial nHAp (CnHAp). Forty dentin discs were prepared from extracted teeth and mounted on acrylic resin, and baseline microhardness values (MHVB) were recorded. The discs were etched with 37% phosphoric acid, and microhardness post-demineralization (MHVD) was recorded; and randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each) and immersed in artificial saliva (AS), 1% MnHAp, 1% AnHAp, and 1% CnHAp (groups 1-4, respectively) solutions for 48 h. Post-treatment microhardness (MHVR) was recorded again. MHVD of all groups reduced significantly compared with their MHVB. Remineralization with AS, AnHAp, and CnHAp increased MHVR; however, it was significantly less than MHVB. Remineralization with MnHAp was significantly higher than in other experimental groups, comparable with MHVB.
In this study, we prepared a silicon-containing electrolyte solution and a silicon-containing titanium dioxide coating (Si–TiO2) on the surface of medical titanium by way of microarc oxidation. The surface properties of the formed Si–TiO2 were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and a profilometer. The corrosion resistance of Si–TiO2 was evaluated by way of an electrochemical workstation. The biocompatibility and biological activity of Si–TiO2 were evaluated using in vitro cell culture. The results indicated that Si–TiO2 could be successfully deposited on the surface of titanium using microarc oxidation, and XRD confirmed that the Si–TiO2 was mainly composed of titanium dioxide. The Nyquist curve and Tafel curve indicated that the surface Si–TiO2 improved the corrosion resistance of titanium. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that Si–TiO2 promoted the adhesion and proliferation of the MC3T3-E1 cells. In conclusion, microarc oxidation could be used to introduce silicon onto the surface of titanium implants, and this porous surface not only improved the wear and corrosion resistance of titanium but also had good biological activity. Thus, the use of Si–TiO2 on titanium implants warrants further research for potential clinical applications.
Small-scale soft robots are vital in medical scenarios requiring access to confined spaces. This study explores motion optimization for such robots, emphasizing magnetically responsive materials that enable shape changes through controlled magnetic fields. These materials provide robots with versatile and agile locomotion capabilities. Using genetic algorithms, we present a novel approach to optimize magnetic field parameters and robot dimensions. In magnetic field optimization, the results validate prior experimental observations while providing new insights into determining optimal magnetic field characteristics for walking motions. Deviations from optimal magnetic field magnitudes directly affect walking velocity, revealing a nonlinear relationship between magnetic fields and locomotion speed, diverging from linear modeling results. Furthermore, we find that both excessively low and high robot heights hinder walking speed: lower heights reduce surface friction, while higher heights compromise agility. This comprehensive optimization strategy advances the capabilities of small-scale soft magnetic robots. Our work in motion modeling and optimization enhances the understanding of these robots’ dynamics and unlocks new possibilities for deployment in complex environments. These findings reaffirm the significance of soft robots in medical and confined-space applications, offering a robust foundation for further innovations in this evolving field.
