Xenogeneic scaffolds derived from porcine skin offer a promising alternative due to their structural and biochemical similarities to human skin. However, current decellularization strategies compromise extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, porosity, or mechanical performance, limiting applicability. Here, we developed a decellularized porcine matrix (DEPOMA) scaffold using an ultrasound-assisted low-detergent strategy designed to achieve effective cellular removal while preserving ECM architecture. Specifically, we focused on combining ultrasonication, hypertonic/hypotonic treatments, and reduced Triton X-100 exposure. Our protocol effectively removed cellular components with over 99% deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) removal, while preserving key basement membrane and dermal proteins, as seen by quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrating 76% Laminin, approximately 66% Collagen IV, and 889% Elastin retention relative to native tissue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demostrated that DEPOMA maintained native dermal ultrastructure with enhanced and uniformly distributed porosity, quantified using DIGIMIZER image analysis. Uniaxial tensile testing on DEPOMA demonstrated preserved mechanical properties comparable to native skin. The DEPOMA scaffold demonstrated markedly enhanced biocompatibility, supporting a 3.4-fold increase in primary human fibroblast metabolic activity compared to controls. In a porcine full-thickness ex vivo wound model, DEPOMA showed progressive host-derived cellular infiltration reaching a penetration depth of 147 µm after 21 days, consistent with active scaffold integration and remodeling. When benchmarked against a detergent-based decellularized scaffold and a commercial dermal regeneration template, DEPOMA exhibited significantly improved cell viability and proliferative capacity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ultrasound-assisted low-detergent decellularization enables superior ECM preservation, structural integrity, and biological performance, supporting DEPOMA as a translationally optimized dermal scaffold for wound healing and regenerative medicine applications.
Background Peri-implantitis management remains an evolving field, and no gold standard treatment exists. Although oxygen-based agents show promise in periodontal therapy, there’s limited data on their use in peri-implantitis. This study is aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of an Oxygen-rich fluid (ORF) against titanium surface infected with peri-implant colonizing bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). Materials and Methods Titanium discs inoculated with E. coli or S. aureus were assigned to 100% ORF, ORF at its MIC, 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as a positive control, or broth as a negative control. Discs were exposed to 1 mL of the assigned solution for 1 min, then assessed for viable bacteria by colony-forming units (CFU) and biofilm adhesion by crystal violet staining (OD600). Surface morphology was examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Results ORF showed a downward trend in bacterial load and biofilm adhesion on Ti discs against both E. coli and S. aureus . CHX produced the greatest reduction, while 100% ORF showed an intermediate effect and MIC ORF the least reduction. However, after post hoc analysis, only the CHX vs control comparison remained statistically significant (p< 0.002). FE-SEM images showing clear membrane disruption CHX and 100% ORF groups, while MIC ORF group exposure left more intact membrane boundaries. Conclusion ORF showed a favorable trend in reducing E. coli and S. aureus bacterial counts and biofilm attachment on titanium surfaces, although CHX remained more effective.
This study evaluated the influence of different radiopacifying agents on the physical and biological properties of tricalcium silicate-based cement (TCS). Eight radiopacifiers—bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ), zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ), calcium tungstate (CaWO 4 ), barium sulphate (BaSO 4 ), tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), strontium fluoride (SrF 2 ), strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ), and barium titanate (BaTiO 3 )—were incorporated into TCS, with pure TCS serving as the control. Setting time, compressive strength, radiopacity, discolouration, fluid uptake, porosity, solubility, bioactivity, calcium ion release, pH, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Most radiopacifiers reduced the initial setting time and solubility without significantly affecting the final setting time, compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, bioactivity, or pH. All radiopacifiers increased radiopacity and calcium ion release, while also increasing fluid uptake and porosity. Certain radiopacifiers were associated with increased cytotoxicity. Among the materials tested, BaTiO 3 achieved the highest composite score. In contrast, CaWO 4 , BaSO 4 , ZrO 2 , SrTiO 3 , SrF 2 , and Ta 2 O 5 demonstrated progressively inferior performance compared with pure TCS, with Bi 2 O 3 showing the least favourable outcome.
Bacterial biofilms provide survival mechanisms distinct from free-floating cells. An important mediator of biofilm formation in Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is indole, which is formed by tryptophanase. In our study, E. coli biofilm formation was investigated in the context of removing indole production pathways, reducing indole production via a tryptophanase inhibitor (N-acetyl tryptophan), and by supplementing indole. We examined factors including indole production, the extent of biofilm generation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Suppression of indole production by knockout of tryptophanase and by inhibitor-mediated reduction in tryptophanase activity both reduced biofilm formation in E. coli . In addition, there were indications that N-acetyl tryptophan could contribute to the anti-biofilm effect by affecting indole level and also the possibility of modulating ROS levels.
Clinical repair of critical-sized bone defects is currently hindered by the insufficient bioactivity of existing materials and mechanical property mismatches. This study aims to develop a 3D-printed graphene oxide (GO)/bioactive glass (BG)/bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) composite biomimetic scaffold that integrates structural support with biochemical induction. In this work, polycaprolactone-based scaffolds loaded with different gradients of GO (1, 5, 10 wt.%) were fabricated using 3D printing technology, and surface functionalization of BMP-2 was achieved through EDC/NHS coupling. The optimal composition (5% GO) was determined through electron microscopy and mechanical screening, and a rat proximal femoral penetrating defect model was established. Micro-CT, Masson staining, and molecular biology techniques (IHC/WB) were utilized to evaluate its multidimensional regulatory effects on bone regeneration. Results showed that the 5% GO/BG/BMP-2 scaffold exhibited excellent mechanical stability and an appropriate porous structure, with compressive strength and modulus superior to other formulations. Animal experiments confirmed that the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of the GO/BG/BMP-2 group were significantly higher than those of other groups ( p < 0.001). At 4 weeks post-operation, the new bone area fraction reached 75.50% ± 3.17%, achieving high mineralization and functional remodeling of the bone tissue. Molecular mechanism studies indicated that the scaffold induces efficient osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by strongly activating core signaling pathways such as BMP-2, RUNX2, and EGFR during the early stages of repair. In conclusion, the 5% GO/BG/BMP-2 composite scaffold possesses both precise mechanical support and powerful molecular regulatory capabilities, providing a highly promising biomimetic alternative for the clinical treatment of complex bone defects.
This study aimed to develop a novel hemostatic dressing capable of exerting pressure-assisted hemostasis, promoting platelet aggregation, and enhancing the absorption of blood and tissue exudates. The Alginate/calcium chloride (Alg/CaCl 2 ) dressing was fabricated by crosslinking sodium alginate with calcium chloride, resulting in the formation of a stable gel network, which was subsequently freeze-dried to obtain a porous structure. In vitro evaluations were performed using L929 mouse fibroblasts to assess cytotoxicity, platelet aggregation, and platelet activation. The biosafety of the dressing was further examined using a rabbit skin irritation model following both topical application and subcutaneous injection. In addition, the pressure-assisted hemostatic effect of the dressing was evaluated using a customized compression device incorporating the Alg/CaCl 2 dressing. The results demonstrated that the Alg/CaCl 2 dressing promoted platelet aggregation and activation while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity at most tested concentrations, indicating favorable biocompatibility. The dressing possessed a highly porous structure and excellent fluid absorption capacity. Furthermore, the sustained release of physiologically active calcium ions may facilitate platelet activation and fibrin formation, thereby accelerating the hemostatic process. In vivo assessments revealed no significant skin irritation or adverse tissue reactions following either topical application or subcutaneous injection, supporting its safety for biomedical applications. Moreover, compression testing in the animal model demonstrated that the Alg/CaCl 2 dressing generated greater compressive force than commercially available hemostatic products, contributing to enhanced pressure-assisted hemostasis.
Background Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment; however, its therapeutic efficacy is significantly limited by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, particularly in breast cancer. To address this limitation, we developed a biomimetic nanoplatform capable of generating oxygen within the tumor microenvironment to enhance SDT performance. Methods Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were co-loaded with catalase and the sonosensitizer IR780 and subsequently coated with 4T1 cancer cell membranes (CIP@4T1m NPs). A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate tumor-targeting capability, hypoxia alleviation, singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) generation, antitumor efficacy, induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), and activation of antitumor immune responses. Results The resulting CIP@4T1m NPs were successfully fabricated and exhibited preferential accumulation in 4T1 tumor cells and orthotopic 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the nanoplatform partially relieved tumor hypoxia and significantly enhanced SDT-mediated 1 O 2 production and antitumor effects. Moreover, CIP@4T1m NPs combined with ultrasound induced ICD-associated changes, promoted dendritic cell maturation, facilitated the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages from the M2 to M1 phenotype, reduced regulatory T cell populations, and increased intratumoral CD8 + T-cell infiltration. Conclusion This work describes a biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates homologous targeting with enzymatic oxygen generation to enhance SDT efficacy and promote antitumor immune responses in an orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model. The proposed strategy offers a potential approach to mitigate hypoxia-associated limitations in cancer therapy.
The thermodynamic surface properties of biomaterials play a key role in governing interfacial interactions and are commonly characterized by surface free energy (SFE) and its components derived from wetting data. However, different theoretical approaches used for SFE determination may yield substantially different results, particularly for polar and high-energy surfaces. In this study, the total surface free energy and its components were systematically analyzed for a range of clinically relevant biomaterial surfaces, including titanium, gold, cobalt-chromium alloy, nano-hydroxyapatite, and amorphous Teflon, prepared as smooth thin films on glass substrates. Static contact angles with water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and diiodomethane were measured to assess wettability and to calculate SFE using three commonly applied models: the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble (geometric mean) approach, the Lifshitz-van der Waals/acid-base (LW-AB) approach, and the equation of state (EOS) approach. These models estimate total SFE as well as nonpolar, polar, and acid-base components, enabling a detailed comparison of model-dependent surface energetic data. The results show good agreement between the different approaches for low-energy, hydrophobic surfaces, whereas pronounced discrepancies occur for hydrophilic, high-energy materials, particularly in the calculated polar and acid-base contributions. While total SFE values were partly consistent across methods, the relative magnitudes of individual SFE components strongly depended on the applied theoretical model. Overall, this study highlights that SFE should not be considered an intrinsic material property but a model-dependent descriptor. Careful selection of the SFE calculation approach and cautious interpretation of SFE components are essential when using thermodynamic surface analysis to compare biomaterial surfaces or to relate surface energetics to interfacial phenomena such as biofilm formation.
Vibrations can have harmful effects on the human brain and are associated with neurological damage, cognitive impairments, and an increased risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Exposure to low-frequency vibrations, such as those encountered in blast events, contact sports, and accidents, can induce resonance within the brain, potentially amplifying mechanical stress and strain on neural structures. To better understand these effects, this study examines the mechanical response of a cerebrum-shaped human brain simulant subjected to vertical vibrations within the 1-12 Hz frequency range. Using a full-scale biofidelic brain model fabricated from a multi-part polymeric material, experimental measurements and a simplified mathematical model were employed to analyse vibration transmissibility characteristics. The first resonance peak was observed between 4-4.2 Hz, aligning with previously reported frequency ranges. Regional variations in transmissibility were observed within the experimental model, with relatively higher transmissibility in the temporal region at approximately 8 Hz, while the left and right hemispheric regions exhibited resonance peaks at 2, 9, and 11 Hz, along with an intermediate anti-resonance feature. The absence of surrounding anatomical structures, such as the skull and cerebrospinal fluid, may contribute to the observed transmissibility levels. These findings provide baseline experimental data on the vibration response of a developed biofidelic brain model and contribute to the understanding of vibration transmissibility behavior in controlled laboratory settings. The developed model offers a repeatable experimental platform that may support future investigations into brain vibration dynamics and the progressive development of more anatomically and mechanically representative models for safety and injury biomechanics research.
Background/objective(s)/introduction: Tissue engineered scaffolds fabricated by 3D printing promises to enhance the success rate in alveolar bone augmentation. The aim of this study was to construct and characterize a 3D printed poly(ε-caprolactone; PCL) scaffolds treated with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and carrying human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) for potential use in the augmentation of alveolar bone. Materials and methods: PCL scaffolds with defined pore geometry were fabricated by 3D printing using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and treated with O 2 plasma to enhance BMP-2 and cell adhesion. The scaffolds were characterized by compression testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle measurement. BMP-2 was bound to the surface, and hGMSCs from gingival connective tissue were seeded onto the scaffolds. BMP-2 was quantified by elisa. The cells were identified as stem cells based on their differentiation capacity and immunophenotypic profile. Osteogenic differentiation on BMP-2 bound scaffolds was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition assays. Results: Compressive modulus of the PCL scaffolds (73.2 ± 17.1 MPa) was close to human alveolar bone (96.2 ± 40.6 MPa). SEM revealed a porous design with continuous struts, creating an average pore size of 400 µm and zig-zag channels suitable for cell infiltration and adhesion. O 2 plasma treatment decreased the water contact angle from 110° ± 4° to 59° ± 2°, indicating improved surface hydrophilicity. ELISA showed that over 98% of BMP-2 remained bound to the scaffold for 28 days, indicating prolonged growth factor presence during cell culture. Within the environment created, BMP-2 bound scaffolds led to a threefold increase in ALP activity and higher calcium deposition compared to controls, confirming enhanced osteogenic differentiation. Conclusion(s): 3D printed PCL scaffolds functionalized with BMP-2 and seeded with hGMSCs exhibited highly improved in vitro osteogenic properties which promises to improve alveolar bone augmentation results.
Background Chronic and extensive skin wounds remain a major clinical challenge requiring advanced regenerative strategies. Decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds and platelet derivatives support tissue repair by providing essential structural and biological signals. This study evaluated decellularized camel small intestine submucosa (CSIS) alone or combined with platelet lysate (PL) for full-thickness skin wound healing in rats. Methods CSIS was prepared via detergent-based decellularization and characterized histologically and via DNA quantification. Following in vitro biocompatibility testing with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using an MTT assay, 1.5 × 1.5 cm full-thickness dorsal wounds in male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control, CSIS, PL, or CSIS+PL groups. Wound closure was tracked macroscopically on days 7, 14, and 21. Wound tissues were analyzed via histopathology, RT-qPCR for inflammatory genes ( CD68, CD28, IL-1, IL-6, TGF-β ), and ELISA for TNF-α and IL-17. Results Decellularization efficiently removed cellular components while preserving ECM architecture and supported good MSC viability. In vivo , all treated groups showed faster wound closure than control, with near-complete healing in the CSIS+PL group by day 21 (residual area: 1.02 ± 1.24 mm 2 vs. 33.55 ± 12.45 mm 2 in control, p < 0.05). Histology demonstrated thicker epidermis, more organized dermis, and reduced inflammatory infiltrate in CSIS and especially CSIS+PL wounds. At day 7, CSIS+PL significantly decreased mRNA levels of CD68 , CD28 , and IL-1 , moderately lowered IL-6 , and increased TGF-β compared with control. TNF-α and IL-17 protein levels in wound tissue were also significantly reduced (TNF-α: 4.7 ± 0.9 pg/mg; IL-17: 3.7 ± 0.5 pg/mg in CSIS+PL vs. control, p < 0.01). Conclusion CSIS is a biocompatible scaffold that supports skin regeneration, and its combination with PL enhances wound healing by modulating inflammation and promoting tissue remodeling. This strategy may represent a promising approach for the treatment of complex cutaneous defects.
The development of suitable bioinks for bioprinting is still a key issue in the field of tissue engineering. Most of the biomaterials used are derived from animal sources. A novel bioink for corneal stroma bioprinting based on chemically modified keratin derived from human hair waste was developed and evaluated. To confirm the successful functionalization of methacrylated keratin (KerMA), various characterization methods such as 1 H-NMR, IR as well as a cytotoxity assay were performed. The newly developed biomaterial KerMA was mixed with methacrylated hyaluronic acid and bioprinted with cells as a corneal stroma substitute. Two different cell types were encapsulated in the bioink, immortalized corneal keratocytes and human corneal fibroblasts. The printed constructs were crosslinked under UV light and cultured for up to four weeks. The bioprinted constructs were monitored for four weeks for optical transparency, cell viability (live/dead staining), biomechanical properties and protein expression by indirect immunofluorescence. Furthermore, human corneal epithelial cells were seeded on top of the bioprinted constructs and demonstrated high cell viability. The bioprinted constructs showed good optical transparency and decent biomechanical properties. The addition of KerMA to methacrylated hyaluronic acid led to an improvement in cell viability and protein expression. This bioink approach offers a sustainable, ethically sourced alternative to animal-derived materials. It forms the basis for future in vitro and in vivo studies on the development of corneal tissue.
Ceramic filters are an effective, low-cost solution for water potabilization, particularly in rural communities. The integration of 3D printing has advanced this traditional approach by enabling precise control over design parameters that govern filtration efficiency. Gyroid-type ceramic scaffolds for water treatment were fabricated by clay-based extrusion 3D printing. Two ceramic pastes (ECP 1 and ECP 2) containing kaolin, attapulgite, alumina, and feldspar were formulated; ECP 2 incorporated 10 wt% activated carbon as a sacrificial porogenic phase. Rheological characterization using rotational rheometry and Bingham model fitting identified 40 wt% water as optimal for extrusion. Sintering at 1100°C produced interconnected open-pore networks in ECP 2 (apparent porosity: 23.6%; water absorption: 11.8%). Scaffolds were functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera . AgNPs exhibited surface plasmon resonance at 422 nm; silver leaching was 0.00282 ppm (WHO limit: 0.1 ppm). Ethanolic extract E2 (80% v/v) showed significantly lower MIC (0.175 g/mL) than E1 (0.35 g/mL; p < 0.05) and bactericidal activity (MBC/MIC ⩽ 4.0). Functionalized scaffolds (EG) reduced biofilm formation by 80%–95% versus controls at 24 h (MTT assay) and maintained cellular compatibility above the 80% ISO 10993-5 threshold at 7 days. This combination of properties positions them as a highly promising alternative for advanced ceramic water filters.
Chronic pressure ulcers persist within a self-sustaining microenvironment marked by unresolved inflammation, inadequate neovascularization, and excessive extracellular-matrix (ECM) degradation, highlighting the need for injectable bioactive scaffolds that can be delivered precisely to reprogram compromised tissue. The ultra-fine micronized human acellular dermal matrix (UFM-hADM; ∼70 μm) is designed to remain suspendable and pass through narrow-gauge injection, enabling uniform distribution along irregular wound margins and undermined tissue planes where sheet-type matrices may have limited contact and conformability. Here, we evaluated perilesional injection of an UFM-hADM (∼70 μm) as an injectable ECM scaffold in a murine cyclic ischemia–reperfusion pressure-ulcer model. Compared to saline, UFM-hADM accelerated early wound closure and improved quality of healing at Day 7, with enhanced re-epithelialization and dermal regeneration accompanied by increased collagen deposition. Mechanistically, UFM-hADM shifted the wound milieu toward a pro-healing program by attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) while increasing IL-10, promoting neovascularization and vascular maturation (upregulated VEGF, increased CD31 and α-SMA), and restoring balanced ECM remodeling (elevated COL1A1 and COL3A1 with suppression of MMP1 and MMP3). These coordinated molecular changes opposed inflammatory, protease-rich transcriptional signatures identified in human pressure ulcers through public transcriptomic reanalysis. In addition, exploratory observational use of Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)-approved UFM-hADM for pressure ulcers, undertaken with patient consent as part of routine clinician-directed care, suggested acceptable tolerability and a favorable healing course during follow-up. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic support for the adjunctive clinical use of UFM-hADM as a minimally invasive, human-derived injectable ECM adjunct that may facilitate pressure-ulcer healing through coordinated modulation of immune, vascular, and matrix responses.
This study evaluated the effect of calcium-rich nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) as an intracanal medicament on root fracture resistance compared with calcium hydroxide (CH). Forty-eight caries-free maxillary central incisors were instrumented and randomly assigned to a two-factor design (two medicaments × two sealers), yielding four experimental groups ( n = 12/group): CH + resin-based sealer, CH + bioceramic-based sealer, nano-HA + resin-based sealer, and nano-HA + bioceramic-based sealer. The medicaments were applied and stored in simulated body fluid at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 10 days. After removal, the canals were obturated with heated gutta-percha using either a resin-based or a bioceramic-based sealer, and were then stored for an additional 28 days. Vertical fracture resistance was measured using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA ( p < 0.05). The nano-HA groups showed a higher mean fracture resistance (924.04 N) than the CH groups (818.54 N). The highest fracture resistance was observed in the nano-HA + bioceramic-based sealer group (1020.38 N), whereas the lowest was observed in the CH + resin-based sealer group (665.83 N). The main effect of sealer type was statistically significant ( p < 0.001), while no significant interaction between medicament and sealer type was detected. Within the limitations of this in vitro study using static vertical loading, sealer type had a large, statistically significant effect on fracture resistance, with the bioceramic-based sealer yielding higher values than the resin-based sealer. Although the nano-HA groups exhibited numerically higher fracture resistance than calcium hydroxide, the main effect of intracanal medicament did not reach statistical significance. These findings are limited to laboratory conditions and should not be directly extrapolated to long-term clinical performance.
The selection of materials for biomedical applications is governed by stringent requirements, including biocompatibility, biological safety, corrosion resistance, and mechanical compatibility with human tissues. Among metallic biomaterials, equiatomic nickel–titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs), commonly known as Nitinol, have attracted significant attention for medical device applications due to their unique functional properties, particularly super elasticity (SE) and the shape memory effect (SME), which distinguish them from conventional alloys. These functional behaviors originate from reversible stress- and temperature-induced martensitic phase transformations, enabling the material to undergo large deformations and recover its original shape without permanent damage. This unique mechanism allows Nitinol to exhibit exceptional flexibility and durability under physiological conditions. Furthermore, compared with conventional metallic biomaterials, Nitinol demonstrates a relatively low elastic modulus closer to that of cortical bone, while maintaining high strength. This review provides a focused overview of recent advances in Nitinol alloys, emphasizing their functional characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and applications in biomedical devices such as stents, guidewires, and orthodontic arch wires. In addition, the manuscript briefly discusses current challenges associated with NiTi biomaterials, and highlights existing strategies aimed at improving their reliability in biomedical applications.
Background/purpose: This study aimed to compare the radiopacity of pulp capping materials with that of dental hard tissues. In this study, the radiopacity of traditional and contemporary pulp capping materials was examined and compared with that of dental hard tissues and an aluminum step wedge. Materials and methods: Eight pulp capping materials were used in the study. Ten disk-shaped specimens, each 1 mm thick and 5 mm in diameter, were prepared from each material. Ten specimens from each material were placed on a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate system together with a tooth slice and the aluminum stepwedge. The images were analyzed with a software program (Adobe Photoshop) to measure mean gray values (MGVs). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were significant differences among the groups. Tukey’s test was applied for pairwise comparisons ( p < 0.05). Results: All materials used in the study showed greater radiopacity than dentin. BiOfactor, Dycal, MTA Angelus, ProRoot MTA were more radiopaque than enamel, while the other materials showed lower radiopacity than enamel. The radiopacity values of the materials were found as follows: Dentin < MTA CEM LC < Calcimol LC < Biodentin < TheraCal LC < Enamel < Dycal < BiOfactor < MTA Angelus < ProRoot MTA. Conclusion: The materials examined were found to be more radiopaque than dentin. This may allow a more objective evaluation in radiographic examinations. However, in radiographic images in which enamel is superimposed, materials that do not exhibit greater radiopacity than enamel may complicate radiographic assessment.
Diabetic wounds are among the most common complications in patients with diabetes, often occurring in the lower extremities and manifesting as diabetic foot ulcers. These wounds are often associated with issues such as infection, peripheral artery disease, hyperglycemia, and hypoxia, making them difficult to heal and prone to becoming chronic wounds. MNs enable painless, controlled transdermal drug delivery, overcoming limitations of traditional methods such as poor permeability and short drug duration. Stimuli-responsive microneedles targeting specific triggers have developed rapidly in recent years and are expected to contribute to the realization of precision medicine. Diabetic wounds are often accompanied by microenvironmental imbalance, and this complex wound milieu frequently causes them to progress into refractory wounds. Stimuli-responsive microneedles therefore represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Current studies in this field are still mainly limited to single-stimulus-responsive microneedles, whereas multifunctional microneedles capable of responding to multiple stimuli have not yet been fully developed. This review summarizes the research foundation and current progress of stimuli-responsive microneedles for the treatment of diabetic wounds, and further discusses the future prospects and potential directions of multi-stimuli-responsive microneedles. In addition, this review clarifies the conceptual boundary between truly stimuli-responsive microneedles and microenvironment-associated therapeutic platforms, compares major responsive strategies and microneedle platforms, and discusses key translational barriers including mechanical robustness, manufacturing scalability, cargo stability, model relevance, and regulatory considerations.
Biofilm-colonized chronic wounds are difficult to treat due to a constantly evolving microbiome. In this study, a cHG augmented with antibiotics was examined for the topical treatment of biofilm-challenged wounds in vivo. Two studies were performed in series using a murine stented wound model. Mice were divided into four groups: control (wound only), infection only (IO), infection + cHG (IcHG), and infection + cHG + antibiotics (IcHG + Abx). We first examined Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms treated with gentamicin, and then MRSA biofilms treated with clindamycin. Wound healing was assessed using photography, immunohistochemistry, and histology. Systemic symptoms were monitored with hematological laboratory tests. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wounds treated with cHG + Abx healed faster and were protected from bacteremia. In the MRSA infected mice, wound treatment significantly affected the outcome, explaining 5.56% of total variance (ANOVA: F (3, 366) = 17.38, p < 0.0001). Additionally, infected wounds treated with cHG + Abx demonstrated less inflammatory tissue and accelerated closure rate on day 8 (76.53% ± 7.43% vs 48.40% ± 4.95%, p < 0.0001) and day 14 (96.00% ± 3.07% vs 82.38% ± 8.24%, p = 0.003), as compared to the infection only wounds. cHG offers a biocompatible, topical option with dual functionality: antibiotic augmentation to target biofilm pathogens, and a collagen-rich dressing to accelerate wound healing.
Mineralized bone is increasingly considered as a functional substrate for regenerative applications, yet its impact on neuron-glia remodeling remains insufficiently defined. We cultured ex vivo injured rat hippocampal tissue on glass coverslips either uncoated or coated with micron-scale mouse skull bone particles and quantified neurite architecture and astrocyte morphology. Bone-particle substrates supported robust adhesion and selectively modulated process development. Axons on bone displayed a 2.8-fold increase in varicosity-like expansion size and 2.2-fold higher neurofilament-M expression relative to glass, indicating potentiated axonal sprouting. In contrast, dendrites exhibited 20% shorter mean length and 73% lower branching. Astrocytes on bone showed 21% shorter processes with 34% fewer processes per cell; total cell area and GFAP levels were unchanged. However, astrocytes displayed increased circularity, decreased roundness, and elevated solidity-morphologies consistent with a reactive, potentially chronic, state. Together, these data identify mineralized bone as a bioactive osseous substrate that enhances axonogenesis while biasing astrocytes toward reactivity. This divergence suggests design trade-offs for osseous or mineral-hybrid scaffolds aimed at central nervous system repair. Our findings provide quantitative guidance for engineering bone-derived or mineral-composite scaffolds that differentially control neuronal and glial outcomes in neural repair strategies.
