This study aims to develop innovative biocompatible and bioactive 3D printed Polycaprolactone (PCL)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PT), enhanced with various mesoporous silica [PT/MS], for bone regeneration purposes. The nanoformulated bioink, comprising 70
For centuries, natural extracts such as Aloe vera have been used in wound care due to their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. However, their clinical efficacy can be limited by instability, low bioavailability, and restricted antimicrobial potency. Nanotechnology offers promising strategies to enhance and complement the therapeutic benefits of herbal extracts. In this study, we investigated the wound-healing potential of Aloe vera gel combined with ZnO/SWCNT/Ag (zinc oxide-single-walled carbon nanotubes-silver nanoparticles) nanocomposite. Forty full-thickness excisional wounds (15 mm) were created on the dorsum of 20 Sprague Dawley rats and divided into four treatment groups: ZnO/SWCNT/Ag alone (1 mg/mL), Aloe vera gel (30 mg/mL), the combination of Aloe vera gel with the NPs, and control (saline 0.9
This study developed a novel Eremina desertorum snail extract (Ere extract) loaded-chitosan nanoparticles (Ere-CS NPs) to enhance the anti-diabetic efficacy of Eremina desertorum snail extract. The nanoparticles, synthesized via ionic gelation, were spherical ( 80 nm) and exhibited storage stability when lyophilized, with consistent physicochemical properties upon reconstitution over a 90-day period, high encapsulation efficiency (73.56
Bone regeneration and self-repair of bone are highly challenging without surgical interventions. Currently, chitosan-based injectable hydrogels have gotten great attention in bone tissue engineering due to their biodegradability, cytocompatibility, cell adhesion, and proliferation. To improve the strength and mechanical properties of scaffolds, metal oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into a hydrogel matrix to develop a new scaffold for bone regeneration. In this work, TiO₂ nanorods were prepared using the hydrothermal method and then loaded with exosomes, which were then incorporated into chitosan hydrogel. Injectable hydrogel scaffolds were obtained by free radical polymerization of biocompatible monomers such as chitosan, acrylamide, and itaconic acid, and TiO₂ NRs were loaded, which improves the mechanical properties of CS-hydrogel. The thermal stability of nanofiller-loaded hydrogels is improved, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05), confirming thermal resistance. In addition, cell adhesion, proliferation, ALP activity, and the gene expression of osteogenic genes such as OPN, BSP, and OCN and angiogenesis genes, namely VEGF, ANG-1, and CD31, by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro, were performed for the prepared CS-hydrogel@TiO₂NRs-exo hydrogel. Cell adhesion and spreading area were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), and in vitro studies demonstrated that the incorporation of TiO₂NRs-exo in CS hydrogel enhances the OCN, OPN, VEGF, and ANG gene expressions and promotes new bone formation. Western blotting and RT-PCR results revealed that CS-hydrogel@TiO₂NRs-exo could induce osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while the inhibitor DKK1 significantly reduced osteogenic differentiation following stimulation with CS-hydrogel@TiO₂NRs-exo. Overall, the studies revealed that the formulated CS-hydrogel@TiO₂NRs-Exo hydrogel has superior properties and can be used as a scaffold for bone regeneration.
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The mortality rate can be reduced through the development of novel therapeutic drugs for lung cancer. In this study, we developed nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cloaked mesoporous polydopamine (MP) loaded with indocyanine green (IG) and talazoparib (TZ), designed to combine therapies for lung cancer. MP NPs were synthesized and surface-capped with methoxypolyethylene glycol amine. PEG2K-MP and PEG5K-MP NPs were analyzed using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. PEG2K-MP@IG TZ and PEG5K-MP@IG TZ NPs were developed using the solvent diffusion technique to co-load IG and TZ. The reduction in drug-feeding ratios led to a decrease in the amount of drug loaded and an increase in the encapsulation efficiency. PEG2K-MP@IG TZ and PEG5K-MP@IG TZ NPs, which showed excellent drug loading efficiency (IG: 9.9 ± 0.4
We developed a novel glaucoma drainage tube, designated as GDTI-50H. The outer opening end of the drainage tube is provided with multiple drainage holes, which allows for normal drainage of aqueous humor through the remaining holes when one of the drainage holes becomes blocked. It is potentially enhancing the sustained drainage efficiency. Fourteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to receive GDTI-50H implantation in either the right or left eye as the test eye, with the contralateral eye serving as its own control (undergoing sham surgery). Intraocular pressure(IOP) was continuously monitored within 12 weeks postoperatively, combined with slit-lamp microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, Trypan Blue patency test, and histopathological examination. Results showed that IOP in the test group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 12 weeks postoperatively (all differences were statistically significant, p < 0.05). Anterior segment OCT showed that drainage tube was accurately positioned within the anterior chamber angle without displacement or detachment. The Trypan Blue patency test demonstrated that at 12 weeks postoperatively, Trypan Blue dye could still drain from the anterior chamber into the subconjunctival space in the test group. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining images showed no significant inflammatory cell infiltration around drainage tube. This study demonstrated that after implantation of drainage tube into the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes, and it has certain efficacy and safety in controlling IOP.
Enhancing full-thickness cutaneous wound repair in dogs remains challenging, particularly when infection risk and delayed regeneration are expected. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) delivers a concentrated pool of growth factors, while chitosan-based nanoparticles—especially silver-functionalized systems—may provide antimicrobial protection and support tissue remodeling. This study evaluated PRP alone or combined with chitosan nanoparticles (PRP/CS NPs) or chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (PRP/CS/Ag NPs) in experimentally induced full-thickness skin wounds in dogs. Twenty-four healthy male mongrel dogs were randomized into four groups (n = 6): saline control, PRP, PRP/CS NPs, and PRP/CS/Ag NPs. Standardized 2 × 2 cm full-thickness wounds were created surgically and followed for 21 days using clinical wound assessment, wound area and contraction measurements, histopathology, collagen deposition analysis, and immunohistochemical staining for EGF and α-SMA. All treatments significantly reduced wound size and increased contraction versus controls over time (p < 0.001). PRP/CS/Ag NPs achieved the greatest wound size reduction, particularly on days 7, 14, and 21, with a significant difference from controls at day 14 (p < 0.001). PRP promoted higher early collagen deposition (day 7), whereas PRP/CS/Ag NPs induced sustained and significantly greater collagen deposition at days 14 and 21. Immunohistochemistry showed consistently higher EGF expression in the PRP/CS/Ag NPs group across time points, while PRP/CS NPs increased α-SMA expression, consistent with enhanced myofibroblast activity. PRP accelerates early wound repair, while chitosan-based nanoparticles modulate later healing events.PRP combined with PRP/CS/Ag NPs produced the most consistent improvement in wound closure, collagen remodeling, and epithelial regeneration, supporting silver-functionalized chitosan nanoparticles as a promising adjunct to PRP for managing full-thickness cutaneous wounds in dogs.
A gastric ulcer (GU) that leads to acute or persistent bleeding poses a considerable risk of fatalities. Despite their overall primacy, the current treatments for GU have major downsides of incomplete healing, antibiotic resistance, and secondary injury. To address these challenges, researchers have turned their attention to hydrogels to solve the therapeutic bottleneck of GU treatment. Based on this, we developed a β-chitin (β-ch) hydrogel incorporating Lyophilised Platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) with anti-ulcer drug Lansoprazole (Lns). The prepared hydrogel was characterized using FESEM and FT-IR. In vitro studies of all samples showed good controlled swelling behaviour and degradation rate. Incorporation of Lansoprazole (Lns) facilitates healing and promotes and gastric mucosal regeneration, potentially through its acid-suppressive effects, whereas the in vitro drug release study proved the sustained release of Lns from the prepared hydrogel. The in vitro growth factor release study using ELISA revealed a sustained release of TGFα and PDGF BB. The Lansoprazole incorporated hydrogels exhibited good antioxidant activity. Further, β-ch–L-PRF-Lns hydrogel was demonstrated to be biocompatible in nature, and enhanced cell attachment of β-ch –L-PRF-Lns hydrogel was also observed in intestinal cells (INT 407). The INT 407 cells exposed to Lns incorporated β-ch-L-PRF hydrogel showed enhanced cell migration. Therefore, this unique strategy accelerates regenerative processes, making it a possible effective therapeutic alternative for treating GU.
Assessing the degree of conversion is important for evaluating processing quality in additively manufactured dental methacrylates. However, the widely used attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) method, based on the 1637/1608 cm⁻¹ ratio, may be unstable in contemporary methacrylate systems because of spectral congestion and the formulation-dependent behaviour of the aromatic reference band. This study evaluated a low-variance ATR-FTIR protocol based on a polymerisation-sensitive, ester-associated band pair at 1320/1352 cm⁻¹ to estimate surface or near-surface conversion in two commercially available microfilled dental resins for additive manufacturing, with matrices dominated by ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Bis-EMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA). The conventional 1637/1608 cm⁻¹ ratio was analysed in parallel as a comparative method. Across the manufacturer-recommended processing stages, from the green state before postcuring to the final postcured state, the 1320/1352 cm⁻¹ model yielded chemically plausible and statistically stable conversion trajectories. In contrast, the conventional aromatic-normalised method showed greater dependence on formulation and workflow, and lower analytical stability. In the UDMA-dominant resin, conversion increased from 68.44
Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of diverse malignancies; however, its clinical use often results in skeletal muscle atrophy (SMA). Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and persistent unsettled inflammation are significant contributors to cisplatin (CPT)-induced skeletal muscle atrophy (CiSMA). Nanoparticles capable of scavenging ROS and alleviating inflammation may effectively address CiSMA. We developed a straightforward, fast one-step method for fabricating tailored zinc-polydopamine (Zn-PD) nanozymes and confirmed their promising therapeutic agents for CiSMA. Zn-PD, which exhibits diverse enzyme-mimicking capabilities, Zn-PD effectively inhibits ROS-triggered myotube apoptosis, rectifies mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory effects by obstructing the M1 macrophage infiltration into the muscle milieu, thereby mitigating CiSMA in mice. Collectively, this study proposes a treatment approach for CiSMA and underscores the potential of Zn-PD-based therapies for treating muscle atrophy during the perioperative period of surgery.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) feature a highly dynamic inflammatory milieu. While reperfusion remains essential, it does not sufficiently correct immune dysregulation or prevent adverse remodeling. Biomaterials offer a complementary strategy by enabling spatiotemporally controlled immunomodulation and tissue repair. By providing localized delivery of bioactive cues, mechanical support to stabilize the infarct wall, and immuno-instructive interfaces that steer macrophages toward reparative phenotypes, biomaterial platforms can reshape the post-infarction microenvironment. This review summarizes recent biomaterial-mediated strategies for the treatment of coronary heart disease. By integrating advances in immunomodulatory design, controlled drug delivery, and cardiac tissue engineering, it highlights how biomaterials can reshape the post-ischemic microenvironment to improve repair and limit adverse remodeling. These insights not only clarify current opportunities and translational barriers, but also provide guidance for developing next-generation, phase-adaptive and clinically scalable biomaterial platforms.
Topical minoxidil is typically administered over an extended period for the therapeutic management of androgenic alopecia. Given the adverse effects of commercial preparations of minoxidil (i.e., minoxidil solution), researchers are increasingly looking for alternative preparations that offer enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. To do so, in this study, nanoemulsions containing 1
Breast cancer remains a global challenge, with rising incidence rates. While treatment advancements have improved outcomes, systemic administration of cytostatic agents continues to cause severe adverse effects, including myelosuppression, heart failure, and infertility, due to non-specific biodistribution. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been explored as an alternative approach to improve therapeutics delivery and reduce non-specific effects. Zinc-based nanoparticles demonstrate ability to induce cytotoxic responses in cancer cells in vitro, making them suitable systems for probing cell-type-specific effects. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic effects of spherical zinc peroxide (ZnO₂) nanoparticles (20–80 nm and 50–300 nm), commercial ZnO nanoparticles, and tetrapodal ZnO (T-ZnO) microparticles in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and RMF-EG fibroblasts. ZnO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity (1 µg/mL–10 mg/mL), inducing a significantly higher death rate of cancer cells than normal fibroblasts, which retained >75
Tissue regeneration is a significant medical challenge in repairing damaged tissues and organs, driving the need for novel biomaterials with both excellent bioactivity and mechanical properties. Tantalum (Ta) is a promising biomedical metal due to its mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and biological functions. However, the high density, cost, and processing difficulty of pure Ta limit its direct application. Consequently, research strategies have shifted to constructing a new generation of Ta-containing biomaterials by compositing Ta with other materials to retain its biological advantages while optimizing overall performance. Despite these advances, a comprehensive review systematically linking the fundamental properties of Ta with diverse material strategies and their clinical applications is still missing. To address this gap, the primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive framework that bridges Ta’s material science with its clinical application strategies. Accordingly, we systematically examine Ta’s properties, regeneration mechanisms, and the applications of four types of Ta-containing materials in hard and soft tissue regeneration, followed by an analysis of current challenges and future directions. This work represents the first comprehensive integration from basic properties to clinical applications, providing a systematic overview and a solid theoretical foundation for optimizing design, accelerating translation, and advancing regenerative medicine.
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common neurological problem that can hamper the quality of life causing sensory and motor dysfunction. While small peripheral nerve defects get repaired by themselves, larger defects require tissue engineering substitutes to bridge the nerve gap. One of the recent technologies and strategies to address the peripheral nerve regeneration is through 3D bioprinting. In this study, we show an effective method to fabricate acellular matrix (ACM) from rat Schwann RSC96 cells and incorporate it into alginate hydrogel. We observed that ACM showed presence of 400 µg/ml of proteins and specific Schwann cell marker (S100) and myelination markers (PMP22, MPZ) with significant DNA reduction, indicating effective decellularization and minimal immunogenicity. Cytochemical and immunofluorescence staining confirmed presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, collagen I and fibronectin. We also developed a novel dual crosslinking strategy using glutaraldehyde (pre-print crosslinking) and calcium chloride (post-print crosslinking) to facilitate efficient bioprinting. Further, rat Schwann RSC96 cells were blended with alginate/ACM hydrogel to prepare a functional bioink. Our results demonstrated good cell viability and functionality in the printed structures, highlighting the potential role of rat Schwann RSC96-derived ACM as well as a dual crosslinking strategy for peripheral nerve tissue regeneration.
This study evaluated hydrothermally induced nanostructured TiO2 coatings (HT-TiO2) on Grade 1 titanium (Ti) with a focus on surface mineralization behavior and early cellular responses. Rapid mineralization (RM) was achieved by immersion in modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF). Ti discs were subjected to hydrothermal treatment (HT) to produce a TiO2 coating, then mineralized in m-SBF for 2, 4, or 6 h. Surface characterization was conducted using SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. Cellular responses were assessed using pre-osteoblastic cells and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‑like cells in vitro. Cell proliferation on Ti substrates was evaluated over 7 days, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in MSC-like cells was measured at days 7 and 14 across four groups: NC (non-coated), HT-TiO2, RM4 (HT-TiO2 with 4-h RM), and RM6 (HT-TiO2 with 6-h RM) discs. Cell attachment and spreading were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy at days 3 and 7. The intensity of the Ca–P layer and the molar composition increased with mineralization time (2–6 h). All surfaces supported pre-osteoblast proliferation without significant differences between groups. ALP activity was significantly elevated in the HT-TiO2 and RM6 groups compared to controls, indicating early osteogenic activity in a subset of cells. Fluorescence imaging showed flattened cell morphology on HT-TiO2-discs and more elongated morphology on RM discs at day 3, while comparable cell confluency was observed on all surfaces by day 7. Overall, hydrothermally-induced nanostructured TiO2 coatings on Ti surfaces can be rapidly mineralized, and the resulting Ca–P layer supports cell attachment, proliferation, and early osteogenic activity in vitro. These findings highlight the potential of surface‑driven mineralization strategies for modulating early cellular responses to titanium implants.
This study investigated the regulatory effects of strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) on bone cell regulation, with a specific focus on osteoblast and osteoclast activities. X-ray diffraction verified the successful incorporation of strontium into the hydroxyapatite lattice, confirming the high phase stability despite the presence of a minor amount of CaO. SrHAp nanoparticles with a Sr/Ca molar ratio of 0.417 and a (Ca+Sr)/P ratio of 1.73 were synthesized. The resulting material exhibited a zeta potential of -14.9 mV and an average particle size of 712.6 nm. Cell viability assays revealed that SrHAp concentrations of 100 μg/mL for HOS cells and up to 1000 μg/mL for RAW 264.7 cells were not cytotoxic. Furthermore, SrHAp treatment significantly reduced basal reactive oxygen species levels in HOS cells, suggesting its antioxidant capacity. Our results demonstrated that SrHAp significantly promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, as evidenced by increased calcium deposition detected using Alizarin Red S staining and the upregulation of osteogenic markers, including RUNX2 and osteocalcin. Moreover, SrHAp effectively inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. The morphological analysis of RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells revealed a reduction in TRAP-positive multinucleated cells, and this result was supported by decreased TRAP activity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SrHAp interfered with the RANKL/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to the downregulation of the master transcription factor NFATc1. In conclusion, SrHAp nanoparticles exhibit dual functions, as they promote osteoblastic mineralization while concurrently arresting osteoclast differentiation. This balanced regulation highlights the potential of SrHAp as a bioactive ceramic for the treatment of osteoporosis and for advanced bone regeneration.
Designing multifunctional wound dressings with admirable mechanical virtues, appropriate electrical conductivity, and good antibacterial performance is critical for preventing infection and promoting tissue repair. Herein, a conductive gellan–agar composite film reinforced with chopped PCL–gelatin electrospun fibers containing polyaniline–graphene (PAG) and loaded with ciprofloxacin (Cip)–encapsulated PCL particles, was developed. The highest electrical conductivity (5.6 × 10–5 S.cm–1) was donated to the PCL-gelatin fibers with 1.5 wt.
Flow diverters play an important role in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms; however, their use can be associated with thromboembolic complications. Thus, in recent years, flow diverters with surface coatings have been developed to prevent thrombus-related complications. In this study, the hemocompatibility of the flow diverters FRED X with poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) coating and the DERIVO 2heal with fibrin/heparin coating, as well as the uncoated DERIVO 2 flow diverter, was evaluated using an in vitro blood circulation model. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), biomarkers of thrombocytes (β-thromboglobulin (β-TG)), coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT)), complement system (SC5b-9), and inflammation (PMN elastase) activation were analyzed. Further analyses comprised thrombogenicity assessment by scanning electron microscopy and measurement of blood cell counts and hemolysis. The uncoated DERIVO 2 flow diverter exhibited increased coagulation and platelet activation, accompanied by enhanced adhesion of platelets to the blood-contacting surfaces. In contrast, both the FRED X and the DERIVO 2-heal flow diverter could effectively reduce the coagulation (TAT) and platelet activation (β-TG) and prevent the adhesion of platelets. Notably, DERIVO 2heal flow diverter induced significantly lower activation of the complement system (SC5b-9) and reduced inflammatory response (PMN elastase) compared to FRED X flow diverter. These findings indicate the improved hemocompatibility of the fibrin/heparin-coated DERIVO 2heal flow diverter and its potential to reduce thromboinflammatory complications.
Surface melting and alloying of H13 tool steel were investigated using the tungsten inert gas (TIG) process under argon and argon–nitrogen shielding atmospheres. The influence of key process parameters, including current intensity and shielding gas composition, on the characteristics of the modified surface was systematically examined. The dimensions of the treated zones, microstructural features, and hardness profiles were found to be strongly dependent on the applied parameters. In addition, a subset of the surface-treated specimens underwent austenitizing, quenching, and tempering according to standard heat treatment procedures for H13 steel. Microstructural characterization using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that defect-free and homogeneous melt zones were formed. The solidified microstructures were predominantly martensitic, accompanied by finely dispersed carbide and nitride precipitates. A maximum surface hardness of approximately 800 HV, corresponding to nearly four times that of the untreated substrate, was achieved in samples processed under an argon–nitrogen atmosphere followed by post-treatment tempering. The significant hardening effect is attributed to martensitic transformation and the formation of finely distributed carbide and nitride phases within the melted zone. These surface characteristics indicate potential relevance for high-durability biomedical tooling applications, particularly for reusable and indirectly used medical instruments, while acknowledging that further validation is required for clinical translation.
