Despite significant advances in wound dressing materials, a critical challenge remains in developing a single multifunctional platform that simultaneously provides mechanical integrity, controlled bioactive delivery, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection for complex and infected wounds. To address this gap, the present study synthesized and evaluated an innovative alginate-chitosan-based composite hydrogel reinforced with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA) and thyme extract (Thymus vulgaris) for advanced wound dressing applications. The primary goal was to create a multifunctional system with optimized mechanical, swelling, biological, and antimicrobial properties. FESEM analyses revealed a uniform distribution and porous morphology in the final sample (Alg/HA/Chi/Ext), while XRD results confirmed a gradual decrease in crystallite size and crystallinity degree from 89.5% for pure HA to 21.7% for the final composite, indicating enhanced amorphous character and intermolecular interactions. Tensile testing demonstrated a significant improvement in the UTS (50 MPa) and, notably, toughness (1087.5 kJ/m³) of the final sample compared to pure alginate hydrogel. This composite exhibited high swelling capacity (766%) similar to pure alginate, but with much better structural stability. The MTT assay confirmed superior biocompatibility and increased cell viability (88% after 72 hours). Release studies showed a biphasic profile for the final sample, which followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Significantly, this hydrogel demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus (98.99% inhibition) and the fungus Aspergillus flavus (99.12% inhibition), with very low MIC values (below 5 µg/mL). The developed Alg/HA/Chi/TE hydrogel exhibited significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05) and superior extract-loading capacity compared with the other formulations, while maintaining controlled release behavior and acceptable biodegradation characteristics. These findings demonstrate the potential of the proposed multifunctional composite as a promising platform for sustained delivery of natural therapeutics in wound-healing applications. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies and sterilization validation are required before clinical translation.
Water-in-oil nanoemulsions can improve the skin permeation of encapsulated hydrophilic drugs; however, their limited residence on the skin restricts prolonged drug delivery. To address this limitation, we developed a novel film-forming emulsion (FFE) by incorporating our previously developed water-in-oil nanoemulsion (WG/O-NE) into an in situ film-forming matrix, thereby combining the penetration-enhancing function of WG/O-NE with prolonged skin residence. WG/O-NE with a mean particle size of 141.2 ± 0.6 nm was incorporated into the matrix to produce FFE droplets with a mean diameter of 1.02 ± 0.47 μm. Formulation optimisation identified 10% (w/v) PVA and 10% (v/v) glycerol as balancing skin permeability and adhesion. FFE formed a flexible, adherent film. Confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy revealed interconnected porous structures, and WG/O-NE released from the dried film retained a nanoscale particle size distribution. In an in vivo mouse skin penetration study, FFE increased skin retention of fluorescein, a hydrophilic model drug, by 2.31- and 3.99-fold compared with the film-forming system and WG/O-NE, respectively, and enabled delivery to subcutaneous tissue at depths of ≥375 μm. Fluorescein remained detectable for up to 48 h under repeated application. Safety evaluation revealed no obvious tissue damage, and transient epidermal thickening resolved within 2 days after film removal. These findings suggest that WG/O-NE can be released from the FFE film and that FFE may combine film-mediated skin retention with the release and penetration-enhancing functions of WG/O-NE. Thus, FFE may serve as a platform for prolonged skin residence and deep delivery of hydrophilic drugs.
The skin as the largest human organ serves several functions, such as natural protection against internal as well as external environmental influences. Three-dimensional (3D)-tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach for the development of functional and physiologically relevant dermis substitutes. Mimicking the topography of the dermis to develop a skin-niche model (SKN) that contains epidermal stem cells is still a challenge. This study aimed to develop a dermis equivalent featuring a physiologically relevant dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) topography; hence, a pattern was printed using 2-photon polymerization (2PP). The depth of the invaginations can influence cell differentiation and proliferation of epidermal stem cells. The template was subsequently translated into a dermis equivalent (DE). The human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) remodeled the DE over 14 days, resulting in reduced dimensions that remained within the physiological range. The DE contains gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and proliferating fibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix (ECM). In a proof-of-concept, N/TERT-1 keratinocytes, as the epidermal layer, were seeded on the patterned DE to verify the adhesion and proliferation of keratinocytes on the DE. Overall, this approach enables the generation of a DE with a natural DEJ, as a more physiological skin model for future use in disease modeling, drug development, screening, and skin transplantation.
Hydrogel-based advanced wound dressings promote rapid healing by creating a moist environment and protecting against contamination. However, pure hydrogel often lacks strength, flexibility, and wearer comfort for practical clinical use. To address these limitations, this study developed a gelatin hydrogel reinforced with wool fibrous nonwoven. The addition of wool fibers improved thermal comfort, structural integrity, and overall performance of the hydrogel system. Using a sol–gel technique, wool nonwovens with different areal densities (100–300 g/m2) were incorporated into gelatin matrices at varying concentrations (1–5%) to fabricate robust composite dressings. The composites were subjected to morphological, thermal, mechanical, permeability, absorption, antimicrobial, and in vivo evaluations. The fabricated composites demonstrated superior exudate absorption, increased mechanical strength, and elevated air permeability. In vivo investigations revealed that treated wounds significantly outperformed control groups by achieving 98% closure within 21 days. The statistical analysis confirmed that gelatin concentration had the predominant effect on strength and absorption properties, with wool reinforcement playing a pivotal role in improving breathability. These results indicate that wool-reinforced gelatin hydrogel composites offer an optimal integration of mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality, positioning them as a promising material for advanced wound-dressing applications.
This manuscript introduces a novel biosystem consisting of filamentous fungi and luminescent silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs). The microorganisms were cultivated in a nutrient solution containing Si-NPs, acquiring a dense layer of abiotic material. The biohybrid entities were characterized using a combination of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Intriguingly, in addition to incorporating Si-NPs into the fungal cell wall, we observed the internalization of these nanoparticles within fungal organelles. Moreover, the apparent crystallite size of the Si-NPs within the fungal biohybrids was notably smaller than that of the synthesized Si-NPs, indicating that, under the cultivation and preparation conditions, microorganisms assimilate smaller Si-NPs more readily than larger ones. Consequently, nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm may permeate the cell wall and be concentrated in vacuoles, as observed by fluorescence microscopy.
Diabetic wounds, particularly combined with pressure ulcers, pose significant therapeutic challenges due to their complex pathophysiology. Conventional treatment strategies often fail to adequately address the multifactorial impairment of healing in these conditions. Here, we proposed and investigated a combinatory strategy employing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hADSC-Exos) with near-infrared-II (NIR-II)-responsive selenium telluride (TeSe) nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT). A full-thickness skin defect pressure ulcer model in diabetic mice was established to systematically evaluate different exosome administration regimens (single high-dose vs. multiple low-dose injections) and their combination effect with TeSe nanoparticle and NIR-II irradiation. We find that multiple low-dose subepidermal injections of hADSC-Exos resulted in more pronounced healing compared to a single high-dose strategy. The combination of low-dose exosomes with TeSe+NIR-II PTT markedly enhanced wound closure quality and stimulated hair follicle regeneration within 21 days. In vitro, TeSe nanoparticles demonstrated effective NIR-II photothermal conversion and antibacterial activity. Their integration with exosomes significantly boosted fibroblast migration and proliferation. Histological analysis confirmed that the combined therapy potently promoted angiogenesis (increased CD31 expression), reduced inflammation (decreased CD68 expression), and improved collagen remodeling (lowered collagen I/III ratio). This work presents an innovative therapeutic approach that synergizes bioactive exosome delivery with microenvironment modulation via antibacterial photothermal therapy, offering a promising prospective treatment for diabetic pressure ulcers.
An electrochemical immunosensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotube/zinc oxide nanoparticle (MWCNTs/ZnONPs) composites was fabricated for the sensitive and selective detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an established biomarker for early prostate cancer diagnosis. The MWCNTs/ZnONPs-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) provided an enlarged electroactive surface area and enhanced electron transfer kinetics, thereby improving the overall analytical performance. Monoclonal anti-PSA antibodies were covalently immobilized on the composite surface and PSA quantification was conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimized experimental conditions, the biosensor exhibited a linear response toward PSA concentrations ranging from 5 to 200 ng mL⁻¹, with a detection limit of 5 ng mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.979). The proposed platform demonstrated good sensitivity, specificity, and operational stability, whereas negligible interference was observed for potential coexisting species, such as glucose, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and ascorbic acid. Glucose showed minimal current variation because of its weak electroactivity under the selected conditions, while BSA produced only a slight signal increase, likely due to limited protein adsorption onto the electrode surface. In contrast, ascorbic acid generated a relatively higher current response owing to its intrinsic electrochemical activity; however, its electrochemical profile remained distinguishable from the PSA signal. The good anti-interference performance was attributed to the combined effect of the conductive MWCNTs/ZnONPs platform and the BSA blocking layer, which reduced non-specific adsorption while preserving efficient electron transfer. Because of its easy fabrication, cost-effectiveness, and reliable analytical performance, the MWCNT/ZnONP/SPCE immunosensor is promising as a portable point-of-care device for prostate cancer screening.
Conventional cancer treatments have several challenges, such as side effects and physical decline. Recently, adoptive immunotherapy, which has few side effects, has attracted attention, but the use of expensive drugs has become an issue. In addressing this problem, boron-containing apatite (Ca9.5+0.5x{(PO4)6-x(BO3)x}{(BO2)1-xOx} (0 ≤ x ≤ 1); BAp) ceramics, which are referred to as “immunoceramics,” have been developed to actively engage the immune system and enhance the activation of CD3+CD8+ cells corresponding to killer T cells. The BAp ceramics have been fabricated via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USSP); however, a deviation from the stoichiometric composition occurred when x in the chemical formula was small. Therefore, in this study, the synthesis method was changed from USSP to “reaction sintering”. The material properties of the fabricated BAp ceramics confirmed the synthesis of the BAp phase. In particular, the BAp ceramics fabricated by reaction sintering have a composition closer to stoichiometry than those synthesized by USSP. Furthermore, when immune cells derived from mouse spleen were cultured on BAp ceramics, the immune cells cultured on the BAp ceramics fabricated by reaction sintering remarkably increased the percentage of CD3+CD4+ cells corresponding to helper T cells and CD3+CD8+ cells compared with those of BAp ceramics fabricated by USSP. When the BAp ceramics were used to culture the immune cells again, the percentage of CD3+CD4+ cells and CD3+CD8+ cells could be increased as in the first culture. In addition, when BAp ceramics were reused for immune cell culture, they increased the percentage of CD3+CD4+ cells and CD3+CD8+ cells as in the first culture. The BAp ceramics may be expected as a novel culture substrate for adoptive immunotherapy.
Silver nanoparticles are widely applied in medicine, packaging, and environmental remediation because of their potent antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, predictive modeling of their zone of inhibition (ZOI) remains a longstanding challenge due to limited experimental datasets and the lack of physical consistency in machine learning approaches. In this study, a physics-guided liquid state machine (PG-LSM) was developed, integrating key physics-informed features of nanoparticle formation with experimental ZOI data through a series of reservoirs to predict antimicrobial efficacy. Three pretrained reservoirs of particle shape, particle core size, and ultraviolet-visible peak are transferred as encoders into a terminal ZOI predictor. Across nine baseline models, PG-LSM achieved the strongest test performance with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.956, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.151, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.486 with close agreement between validation and test scores, indicating reliable generalization under small-sample conditions. Ablation studies confirmed the additive value from each reservoir; removing any intermediate stage degraded accuracy and stability. SHAP analysis revealed that exposure dose concentration and duration dominated the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs, whereas microbial species, capping agent, and reducing agent had a lower impact. PG-LSM advances materials informatics for AgNP antimicrobial assessment through physics-guided embeddings integrated with reservoir computing. The framework delivers accurate, stable, and interpretable ZOI predictions and remains practical for limited datasets.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects millions of women globally, with postmenopausal hypoestrogenism playing a critical role in its development. Pelvic floor repair faces two major challenges: high recurrence rates and clinical complications that have been associated with permanent impants. Clinical complications may be reduced by using degradable implants. In fact, our previous research showed that absorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) implants result in fewer complications. We hypothesized that the high failure rates stem from impaired tissue regeneration and healing capacity, particularly in postmenopausal women requiring prolapse surgery who experience hypoestrogenism. Since estrogen is essential for tissue regeneration and pelvic floor integrity, we developed electrospun (ES) P4HB scaffolds with controlled estradiol (E2) release to enhance healing at the surgical site. In this study, we aimed to improve tissue regeneration through controlled release of estradiol (E2) at the surgical site. We investigated electrospun (ES) P4HB scaffolds loaded with E2 as a biodegradable alternative for POP repair. P4HB ES scaffolds with varying E2 concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, and 5%) were fabricated and characterized for their physicochemical, mechanical, degradation, and drug eluting properties. Scaffolds had a suitable pore structure for tissue ingrowth and were strong and elastic enough to comply with native vaginal tissue, even after in vitro degradation for 20 weeks. In vitro drug release followed zero-order kinetics, with sustained E2 elution over 19 to 110 days. To evaluate in vivo host response, scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously in an ovariectomized rat model simulating postmenopausal estrogen deficiency. Both ES P4HB and ES P4HB-E2 scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with no infections observed. Notably, ES P4HB-E2 scaffolds demonstrated significantly higher collagen type I/III ratio (11.5±6.3 vs 7.3±3.3, p=0.047), indicating enhanced collagen maturation and tissue remodeling. Total collagen deposition was high with no fibrotic response. LC-MS analyses confirmed local E2 delivery without systemic effects. The controlled local E2 release offers a promising therapeutic approach for POP treatment in hypoestrogenic patients.
The development of biomaterials that actively promote bone regeneration remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine and dentistry. This study investigated the time-dependent osteogenic potential of an organic-inorganic composite bone filler (hydroxyapatite/collagen bone-like nanocomposite, HAp/Col) using a rat calvarial model, assessed by immunohistochemistry and bone histomorphometry.By day 3, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-positive cells were detected on the HAp/Col surface, indicating early vascular invasion. By day 5, vascular infiltration had extended into the scaffold, where double staining with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)/ alkaline phosphatase (ALP) revealed osteoclast-mediated material resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone matrix deposition around vascular cavities. By day 7, bone remodeling within HAp/Col was markedly active, with clusters of osteoblasts producing new bone matrix. Outside the scaffold, osteoblasts adhered to its surface and elongated, enhancing bone formation through the space-forming effect of HAp/Col swelling.Furthermore, collagen triple helix repeat-containing protein 1 (CTHRC1) expression increased progressively from days 3 to 7, as confirmed by immunostaining and qRT-PCR, suggesting its role as a coupling factor between osteoclast activity and osteoblast differentiation.These findings suggest that HAp/Col is associated with cellular activities related to bone remodeling, including vascular invasion and osteoclast/osteoblast recruitment. HAp/Col demonstrates biocompatibility and in vivo tissue compatibility as a candidate biomaterial for medical and dental applications.
Artificial bone grafts are widely used to treat bone defects, and paste-type materials capable of setting into arbitrary shapes offer particularly high clinical value. We previously developed a novel paste-type artificial bone, termed a chelate-setting calcium phosphate cement, which uses inositol phosphate (IP6) with strong calcium-chelating ability. Earlier studies revealed a clear relationship between the in vitro solubility and in vivo resorption behavior of this cement; however, the cellular mechanisms linking solubility to biological responses remain insufficiently understood. In this study, chelate-setting cements composed of different calcium phosphate phases, α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and hydroxyapatite (HAp), were fabricated to clarify how ions released from each cement influence osteoblast and osteoclast responses. The IP6/α-TCP cement showed the highest release of calcium and phosphate ions, followed by IP6/β-TCP, whereas IP6/HAp exhibited the lowest release. In osteoblast assays, cell proliferation was greatest on IP6/HAp and lowest on IP6/α-TCP. Conversely, osteoclast differentiation was most strongly promoted by IP6/β-TCP and suppressed on IP6/HAp. Overall, the β-TCP-based cement provided the most balanced cellular responses for bone formation and resorption, supporting the established view that β-TCP offers superior resorption–replacement characteristics.
Keratins are ubiquitously occurring proteins, which are the structural basis of e.g. hairs, nails, and even skin. In detail, the Stratum corneum (SC) barrier function depends on the keratin-filled corneocytes and the surrounding lipid matrix. Our focus was on keratins as artificial substituents and model substances for/on damaged or irritated SC with limited barrier properties. We were able to extract full-sequenced, intact fibrous proteins from chicken feathers using a urea and L-cysteine-based extraction method, with the intention to avoid the application of irritating sodium dodecyl sulfate and final keratin precipitation. Keratin particles with a high degree of water-solubility were received. Typical characteristics of feather keratins were further verified: FT-IR technique revealed the presence of α-helical structures and β-sheets. Applying gel electrophoresis techniques, a main fraction was observed with a molecular mass of 10 kDa. Finally, mass spectrometry identified feather keratins with 10.1 kDa and 98 amino acids, indicating the complete protein sequences. In aqueous dispersion, a DLS study revealed that keratin particles were in a colloidal state with an average particle size of about 300 nm and a zeta potential of –40 mV. Cell proliferation and cell vitality tests on juvenile native human dermal fibroblasts and native human epidermal keratinocytes cells presented the physiological effect of the keratin particles. A final ex vivo study on hen´s eggs revealed no irritative potential of the keratin, which was crucial for the intended usage on damaged or irritated SC.
Tendon engineered substitutes remain clinically unavailable, largely due to the need for prolonged culture periods to allow for sufficient extracellular matrix deposition. Although macromolecular crowding allows for accelerated extracellular matrix deposition, the optimal macromolecular crowding agent in human tenocyte cultures is still unknown. Here, we measured the physicochemical properties of six macromolecules (κλ carrageenan, λ carrageenan, polysucrose, polyacrylic acid, hyaluronic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone) and assessed their effect in human tenocyte basic function, collagen type I deposition and gene expression. The κλ carrageenan exhibited the highest polydispersity index. None of the macromolecules impaired cell viability and metabolic activity. The κλ carrageenan and the λ carrageenan significantly enhanced collagen type I deposition. A macromolecular crowding agent dependent gene expression was observed, with the κλ carrageenan appearing to induce a more mature phenotype. This study provides a framework for selecting an appropriate macromolecular crowding agent to enhance and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, whilst maintaining acceptable cell function.
Bone degeneration remains a significant concern for long-term space missions due to microgravity-induced reductions in bone density and imbalances in bone remodeling processes. Discrepancies between spaceflight and ground-based analog studies complicate our understanding of the problem, particularly given the limitations of in vitro models that lack tissue-like environments. Research on osteoblast differentiation -crucial for bone maintenance - has yielded conflicting results, depending on the model and culture conditions. This study aims to establish a simple, scaffold-based bone tissue model using MG-63 cells cultured on poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds under simulated microgravity in random positioning machine (RPM), enabling further investigation into bone deconditioning mechanisms. After 14 days of culture, MG-63 cells exhibited osteogenic differentiation on both control flat glass substrate and PLGA scaffolds, with some variations between them, suggesting different maturation stages. Enclosure conditions in the vials, without contact with CO2 standard cell culture atmosphere, impaired cell differentiation, suggesting hypoxia-induced effects. Compared to the static standard cell culture counterparts, simulated microgravity tended to cause a decrease in expression of some osteogenic markers, such as runt-related gene 2 (Runx2) and type I collagen, and an increase in others, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The use of scaffolds may modulate the effects of simulated microgravity. This simple bone tissue model shows potential for simulating microgravity-induced bone changes and could support research in Earth-based analog environments if proven in real microgravity.
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in biomicrodevices owing to its excellent processability, flexibility, and optical properties. However, the poor cell adhesiveness of PDMS limits its application as a stable substrate for long-term cell cultures. To address these challenges, we synthesized a photocrosslinkable terpolymer composed of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)acrylamide, N-benzophenone acrylamide, and N-succinimidyl acrylate (NSA), and covalently grafted it onto PDMS surfaces using UV irradiation. The ternary polymer coatings exhibited long-term stability in aqueous media and suppressed thenonspecific adsorption of proteins and cell adhesion. Furthermore, the immobilization of collagen on the side groups of NSA provides selective cell-adhesive functionality. In particular, PDMS surfaces modified with a ternary polymer containing 10 mol% NSA supported the robust and sustained adhesion of C2C12 myoblasts. When combined with stripe-patterned microstructures, these surfaces promoted unidirectional alignment, efficient myotube formation, and strong expression of dystrophin, with the 25 μm-pitch pattern demonstrating the most pronounced effects. Notably, spontaneous contraction of the formed myotubes confirmed advanced functional differentiation. These results demonstrate that the proposed facile and durable surface modification strategy for PDMS imparts both anti-biofouling properties and selective biofunctionality. The PDMS modification strategy provides a versatile platform for engineering functional muscle fibers and expanding the potential of PDMS-based bio-microdevices and tissue-engineered constructs.
The metastatic spread of prostate cancer to the bone is debilitating for patients and is associated with a poor prognostic outlook. Gaining a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of prostate cancer and its metastatic spread using advanced, in vitro, 3D models could enhance disease understanding and the successful development of new drug treatments. The in vitro replication of prostate cancer metastasisation to bone is challenging and has received little research attention. The 3D scaffold models investigated to date exhibit different physical characteristics and utilise a diverse range of materials, and manufacturing methods. This variability is likely driven by the lack of standardisation and guidance. Herein, we review the scaffold models used as in vitro bone niches of prostate cancer metastases and examine the different physical (e.g. porosity, pore geometry) and material criteria that guide the design and production of artificial 3D bone aliases. We critically review different manufacturing techniques ranging from standard techniques (e.g. freeze drying) to more advanced additive manufacturing strategies that enable the production of more intricate and controlled structures. Ultimately, we provide insights and future directions to guide researchers investigating this poorly studied field.
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4), have emerged as promising candidates for biomedical applications due to their tunable magnetic properties, biocompatibility, and functionalization potential. In this study, we synthesized superparamagnetic MnFe2O4@Fe2O3 core-shell nanoparticles (5.8 nm inorganic core, ∼10 nm lipid-coated) functionalized with oleic acid (OA) or soy lecithin (Lec) to enhance biocompatibility. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to combine this unique hybrid core-shell structure with lipid coatings and evaluate its safety in an animal model. To characterize the MNPs we provided structural, magnetic, and physical-chemistry studies using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetization hysteresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements. To assess acute and chronic nanotoxicity, fruit flies from parental and F1 generations were fed a diet containing MNPs at concentrations of 0.0, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/mL, and were evaluated throughout all developmental stages. The findings revealed that the MNPs showed no signs of toxicity at any of the concentrations tested. We combined hybrid core-shell superparamagnetic nanoparticles with organic lipid-coated that exhibit unique physicochemical characteristics, confirming their low in vivo nanotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster and supporting their potential as biocompatible, magnetically responsive and small-sized platforms for biomedical application such as drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, magnetic properties, and physicochemical stability.
The use of bone-repair biomaterials is rapidly expanding to meet the needs of an ageing and increasingly active population, often with compromised bone quality. However, inconsistencies in how materials are assessed preclinically, across animal models, sampling strategies, and analytical techniques, have led to flawed comparisons and misleading claims. Fundamental differences in material properties and the biological responses they elicit are frequently ignored, conflating distinct mechanisms of bone formation. This "apples vs. oranges" problem is magnified by the growing diversity of biomaterials. Here, we call for a more systematic, context-aware approach to biomaterial evaluation that emphasises standardisation and biological relevance.
Fe-Mn alloys represent promising candidates for temporary biomedical intravascular implants with a thin structure (e.g., coronary, cerebral and peripheral stents) due to their high mechanical strength, acceptable biocompatibility, and controllable corrosion rate. Traditionally, these devices are produced by casting followed by thermo-mechanical processing, i.e. a time- and energy-intensive top-to-bottom approach. This study explores electroforming as an alternative method to fabricate bottom-to-top thin Fe-Mn structures using ethylene glycol-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Glycine was introduced as a complexing agent to enhance Mn co-deposition. Electroforming was investigated in presence of three glycine concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 M), and the the microstructure, composition, corrosion behavior, and cytocompatibility of the developed thin (50-85 µm) structures were characterized. Higher glycine content improved Mn incorporation, crystallinity, hardness and increased corrosion rate. These findings support the use of DES-based electroforming as a promising route for fabricating biodegradable Fe-Mn devices with tunable properties.
