Contemporary R D activities aimed at enhancing the delivery of insoluble food bioactives have focused on the development of sustainable nanomaterials. In this study, a novel self-assembled complex of cationic biopolymer chitosan (CS) and anionic biosurfactant surfactin (SF) was successfully developed via the nanoprecipitation method for the encapsulation of bioactive curcumin (Cur). Complex formation is driven by a synergistic interplay of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions as revealed by comprehensive physicochemical and thermodynamic investigation. An amorphous form of Cur was loaded in the CS-SF nanocomplex, as evidenced from X-ray diffraction pattern and differential scanning calorimetry. The CS-SF-Cur nanocomplex exhibited spherical core-shell morphology as revealed by FESEM and TEM imaging with a hydrodynamic diameter of 302.37 ± 51.98 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.34 ± 0.1. The encapsulation and loading efficiencies of Cur were 86.1 ± 0.21

The essential prerequisite of a vascular conduit is to provide a conducive, healthy lumen interface to the flowing blood within it. The persistent problem of late thrombosis, coagulation cascade activation, and vessel occlusion is pertinent in commercial and small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVG) (<6 mm diameter), upon coming in contact with blood flow. The above critical issues are overcome by providing an anticoagulant and antithrombotic coating to the lumen surface. This study explored the grafting of heparin on the polycaprolactone (PCL)-silk fibroin (SF) composite fabricated as emulsion electrospun core-shell fibers, followed by O2 plasma modification and silanization with 3-(aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). The density of heparin on PSH5 surfaces was ∼18.43 µg/cm2, sufficiently higher than in previous studies. Heparin-grafted fibers (PSH3 and PSH5) exhibited exceptional hemocompatibility with hemolysis % of (∼0.2 ± 0.003), maintaining a platelet discoid shape (∼3.5-3.9 µm diameter) without platelet activation/aggregation and conserving disc-shaped RBC morphology without apoptosis (∼5.6-5.8 µm diameter). PSH5 fibers further supported human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) growth and proliferation on their surfaces with % cell viability of 121.8% after 5 days, with observation of the CD31 + HUVEC confluent monolayer in in vitro studies for 12 days. Subcutaneous in vivo implantation of PSH5 also depicted sufficient muscular layers and collagen deposition after 60 days of implantation with neovasculatures.

Failure at the bone-implant interface due to the difference in modulus is the primary cause of orthopaedic implant loosening. Multiple strategies are offered for enhancing osseointegration through tissue ingrowth with strong interfacial locking. The bioactive and bioresorbable metal-glass composite is designed for defect healing, which will ultimately be replaced by newly generated skeletal tissues. Conventional metallic biomaterials such as stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chromium alloys exhibit a substantially higher Youngs' modulus compared to that of natural bone. This pronounced stiffness mismatch in bioresorbable load bearing implants leads to an undesirable stress-shielding effect that compromises long-term implant performance and bone remodelling. Conversely, magnesium based alloys are lightweight and exhibit lower mechanical properties when utilised in a porous form compared to real bone. Nonetheless, its accelerated deterioration in the electrolytic environment of bodily fluids leads to adverse effects due to hydrogen accumulation in-vivo and void formation at the defect location. Bioglass, a bioactive osteoconductive substance with suboptimal mechanical characteristics, can be combined with magnesium to enhance mechanical properties and adjustable degradability. This study focused on the development of a bioactive glass-reinforced magnesium composite to enhance machinable strength, reduce effective Youngs' modulus, and improve in-vivo bioresorbability, serving as a template for skeletal tissue regeneration. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results show that the final product retains the essential physical features of both bioglass and magnesium. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy examination revealed the compositional distribution, while several microscopic analyses illustrated the microstructure of the synthesised composite. The developed material exhibits osteoconductivity and cytocompatibility; hence, the biocompatibility investigations may facilitate future applications.

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse micelle (RM) and sonochemical (SM) methods using a precursor of zinc nitrate salt. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized powders were thoroughly investigated for crystal structure, size, morphology, and chemical composition. Antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of the nanoparticles were also determined for their applicability. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the presence of hexagonal wurtzite phase. The SM method yielded spherical ZnO nanoparticles between 12 and 16 nm, whereas RM method yielded narrow size distribution ranging from 5 to 7 nm due to RM acting as a particle size-controlling nano-reactor. These nanoparticles self-assembled to form nanoflowers as revealed by FESEM micrographs. All ZnO nanoparticles effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth at the fastest rate, indicating strong antibacterial efficacy. However, RM-synthesized Zn showed antibacterial activity at relatively lower concentration in comparison to SM-method. Cytotoxicity assay using 3T3 fibroblast was performed, in which the RM-synthesized ZnO shows good cytocompatibility (75%) for lower concentrations up to 40 & micro;g/mL after 72 h, while SM-produced ZnO maintained 88% cell viability even at 100 & micro;g/mL. These results demonstrate that SM method is a simple, cost-effective approach for bulk production of ZnO nanoparticles, as an antibacterial agent for biomedical applications without compromising cell viability characteristic.

Skeletal tissue injuries and defects remain a major clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of bone with critical-sized defects and limitations in current grafting methods. Bone-derived decellularized matrix (dECM) offers a bioactive composition with growth factors that closely replicate the native tissue analogues. dECM functions as bioactive scaffold that can replicate the native extracellular matrix for promoting effective tissue repair. In this study, dECM was processed into a printable bioink along with PCL and bioglass to fabricate a three-dimensional scaffold using extrusion-based printing. The scaffold showed a well-connected porous structure, good structural stability, and mechanical strength, appropriate for applications in skeletal tissue engineering. In vitro evaluation demonstrated favorable cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, while in vivo implantation indicated enhanced tissue integration. Thereby, CT data-guided 3D printing of personalized scaffolds could be an interesting approach with promise of advanced therapeutic alternatives by reverse engineering tools.

In this study, the conduction mechanisms and impedimetric ammonia sensing of the PANI-ZnFe2O4 nano-composite are thoroughly investigated. The AC electrical response characteristics, governed by charge transport and relaxation dynamics, are systematically examined under varying ammonia concentrations and AC bias frequencies. Moreover, Frequency-dependent activation energy and Mott's characteristic temperature calculations demonstrate the effect of ammonia as a function of AC-bias frequency, supported by Multiple Trapping and Release (MTR) and Mott's Variable Range Hopping (VRH) models. Under the pair approximation, deviations observed at higher frequencies suggest quantum mechanical tunneling of charge carriers between localized pair sites. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), incorporating the AC operating frequency as a loading vector, revealed that at room temperature (25 degrees C), the 1:1 PANI: ZnFe2O4 composite (PAZF11) exhibited a distinct and high response profile. The K-means clustering demonstrated frequency-dependent bifurcation in response characteristics, with distinct response behavior observed in both the low (<= 10 kHz) and high-frequency (10 kHz to 5 MHz) regimes. The optimized impedimetric sensor demonstrated a superior response compared to conventional DC detection over a broad ammonia concentration range (500 ppb to 75 ppm), with values ranging from 25 % to 1850 % at 10 Hz. BET surface area and Langmuir adsorption isotherm analyses confirm that the incorporation of ZnFe2O4 in PANI enhances the specific surface area and the number of active adsorption sites. Finally, a legitimate model based on Mott-Schottky analysis is proposed to elucidate the underlying sensing mechanism, and the IoT-enabled monitoring system provides real-time off-grid detection of ammonia.

Interest in bio-based nanocomposites made from natural resources has increased as a result of the growing need for environmentally friendly and biodegradable packaging materials. In recognition of the serious environmental problems with conventional plastic packaging, eco-friendly substitutes must be developed. By adding cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from Streblus asper leaves (SAL) and antibacterial oil from Hygrophila auriculata leaves to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) matrix, this study seeks to develop and assess a biodegradable bio-nanocomposite film intended to prolong the shelf life of grapes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the CNCs after they were extracted using acid hydrolysis. XRD demonstrated good crystallinity, FESEM displayed spherical-like CNC shape, and FTIR verified the elimination of non-cellulosic components. Comparing the optimized PVA-CS composite film with 10 wt% CNCs and 5 ml of oil, the tensile strength increased significantly from 1.25 ± 0.14 MPa to 3.45 ± 0.4 MPa. Additionally, water vapour, carbon dioxide, and oil permeability were reduced by 30.95%, 39.22%, and 14.28%, respectively, indicating a considerable improvement in UV-barrier, thermal stability, and barrier characteristics. Under soil burial circumstances, the produced composite film showed reduced swelling, water solubility, and moisture content in addition to partial biodegradation. In summary, adding CNCs and HAL oil to the PVA-CS matrix improves its mechanical, barrier, and stability properties, making it a viable sustainable substitute for applications involving active food packaging.

ABSTRACT Tissue‐specific templates are essential for muscle differentiation as they enhance cell alignment and regeneration. Advancements in extrusion 3D printing with biomaterial inks enable customizable designs and tailored spatial arrangements. Key growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents are crucial for muscle differentiation from stem cells, with the placenta being a significant resource. This study explores human placenta ECM‐fish gelatin‐based hydrogels as a cost‐effective alternative. ECM was obtained via ultrasonication‐assisted decellularisation, which preserved its structure while removing cellular content. The research focused on placenta‐gelatin ink formulations for scaffold printing, forming an interpenetrating network hydrogel. Rheological analysis indicated that placenta‐fish gelatin biomaterial ink exhibited a higher storage modulus compared to only fish gelatin formulations. Analytical techniques such as FESEM, FTIR, and the Ninhydrin assay confirmed that the placenta hydrogels exhibit shape fidelity and achieved approximately 75 ± 7% crosslinking density. Hydrogels supported cellular proliferation and aligned growth. Myogenic differentiation involving C2C12 cells and human amniotic membrane stem cells (HAMSCs) demonstrated organized myoblasts and aligned myotubes, respectively. CAM assay revealed enhanced angiogenesis and microvascular growth with negligible hemolysis. This research offers biowaste‐derived ECM hydrogels for skeletal muscle engineering, eliminating the need for sacrificial templates or synthetic crosslinkers.

The development of non-toxic antibacterial nanocatalysts for water purification and wastewater treatment on the same platform opens a greener approach for energy remediation applications. Carbon dots (CDs) derived from natural precursors have gained popularity recently because of their low toxicity and appealing physicochemical features that vary depending on carbon supply pathways. A facile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method was used to synthesize CDs utilizing an aqueous extract of S. aromaticum (clove buds (CE)). The physicochemical characterization of produced clove extract-derived CDs (CECDs) was performed using various spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The effect of CECD concentration on cell toxicity and hemocompatibility was investigated. Moreover ex vivo CAM assays and in vivo toxicity assessments were performed to recognize their usefulness in biological environments. The antibacterial study reveals a log kill value of 3.5 and 4.2 and a zone of inhibition value of 5.09 mm and 6.84 mm for E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains at 1 mg mL-1 concentration, respectively. Meanwhile, at the same concentration, a study on the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) dye shows 99.9% dye decolorization in 12 min. The obtained bio-safe CECDs have shown better potential to serve as antibacterial agents for disinfectant formulations and these nanocatalysts, can be integrated into the current wastewater treatment and purification system.

Over the past few decades, tissue engineering has undergone significant advancements, enabling the development of complex and customizable synthetic tissue constructs. Among these, 3D printing has emerged as a powerful technique for fabricating scaffolds with precisely controlled architectures capable of mimicking tissue-specific mechanical and biological properties. In this context, the present study focuses on the development of a slurry-based 3D printing approach for fabricating bioactive glass scaffolds with enhanced mechanical performance tailored for site-specific tissue engineering applications. The rheological behavior of the printable viscous dough was systematically optimized to achieve superior printability and structural integrity after post-printing. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including SEM, FTIR, and TG-DSC analysis, were employed to investigate the physicochemical states of the synthesized glass particles. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a stabilized glassy phase with enhanced ionic mobility under controlled heat treatment. The biologically active and mechanically robust scaffolds exhibited accelerated biomineralization kinetics and apatite growth on their surfaces. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of 3D-printed, customized BG scaffolds as promising candidates for promoting bone regeneration within the broader framework of regenerative medicine.

Trauma and diseases such as gangrene, diabetes mellitus, leprosy, or advanced-stage cancer requiring resections may lead to digit loss due to the limited capacity of tissue regeneration. The increasing global incidence of phalanx fractures necessitates surgical intervention for restoring organ function. Early mobilization post-surgery significantly improves the range of motion and overall functional outcomes, emphasizing the need for mechanically stable and biologically responsive solutions. In this study, a CT-derived, site-specific "personalized" phalanx reconstruction was fabricated using bioresorbable fibres by melt-extrusion printing. Scaffold architecture was optimized to provide partial mechanical stability, thus promoting early-stage soft-tissue integration and joint articulation. The composition of PCL-bioglass material was optimized as a bioactive template with biodegradability in vivo. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was employed to ensure efficient stress distribution, optimum deformation, and site-specific modulus matching. Physicochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo biological assessment, especially site-specific implantation in a rabbit model, revealed the ability of the scaffold to accelerate bone remodelling. An AI-assisted mathematical model trained on micro-CT-derived experimental data was developed to predict the intermediate period of bone regeneration over three years, providing a next-generation solution for personalized implant-based treatment to restore skeletal tissue function.

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems are redefining precision medicine by enabling targeted transport and controlled release of therapeutic cargos. Yet, their clinical translation hinges on an in-depth understanding of uptake dynamics, intracellular trafficking, and release mechanisms at the single-cell level. This review represents a brief overview of the mechanistic insights of nano-bio interactions in single cells and highlights the recent advances in quantitative tools to understand these processes with unprecedented resolution. We describe the potential of the five core instrumental techniques for these studies, including confocal microscopy (CLSM), two-photon microscopy, X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XRF), flow cytometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). By advancing quantitative single-cell analytics, these approaches pave the way for the design of safer and more effective nanomedicine.

In this work, a highly efficient UV photodetector was developed by synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films via a cost-effective one-pot synthesis. Controlled UV treatment of the seed layer effectively modified the morphology and the relative oxygen-defect concentration of the ZnO NS. The UV photo-sensing properties were systematically investigated at room temperature (27 degrees C) as a function of UV exposure time. Structural, morphological, and optical characteristics were comprehensively analyzed using XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, photoluminescence, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The optimized device (ZON60) demonstrated exceptional photodetection performance, achieving a high photocurrent of similar to 233 & micro;A, a responsivity of similar to 4.72 A W-1, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of similar to 1600 %. Impedance spectroscopy, carried out over a frequency range from 40 Hz to 5 MHz at 27 degrees C, revealed distinct grain and grain boundary contributions using the Nyquist plot. The enhanced photo-response was attributed to the optimized relative oxygen-defect concentration, a prolonged grain-boundary relaxation time (similar to 1.55 & micro;s), and a higher FWHM (similar to 1422 ns) in the distribution of relaxation times (DRT). The influence of UV illumination on the conduction process was further investigated, establishing a correlation between charge-transport dynamics and photo-response. Additionally, an IoT-enabled real-time UV monitoring system was demonstrated. Finally, a mechanistically validated model of the UV-sensing mechanism is proposed based on the biexponential photo-response behavior.

A flow diagram illustrates the fabrication of PVDF nanofibers integrated into fish scale-based, mechano-stimuli-responsive, sustainable, multifunctional smart biotemplates for next-generation healthcare applications.

Structural integrity of blood vessels is critical for maintaining physiological function in vivo. Damage or obstruction of capillaries and vessels that disrupt normal blood flow can lead to severe pathological conditions. Cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and aneurysms account for nearly 25% of total mortality. To address this clinical challenge, a bioresorbable tubular stent was fabricated using a composite ink of silk fibroin (SF) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), followed by surface functionalization with angiogenin cues. Rheological analysis of 15% SF-GelMA inks demonstrated shear-thinning behavior with a thermosensitive sol-gel transition. 3D-printed stents showed post-printing mechanical stability and compliance, exhibiting ∼0.45 MPa tensile strength with ∼17% elongation, thereby mimicking native soft vascular tissue under wet conditions. Following angiogenin functionalization, the resultant stents evidenced 20-25% bioresorbability over 15 days with low hemolysis (∼1%) and ∼45% higher cell viability in vitro over 5 days. Additionally, the computational modeling outcome of strong, stable binding between angiogenic proteins and activated SF-GelMA stent aligns with experimental outcomes. Overall, this study demonstrates potential of a 3D-printed, angiogenin-functionalized SF-GelMA tubular stent as a promising candidate for cardiovascular tissue regeneration, offering a synergistic combination of structural fidelity, biocompatibility, and pro-angiogenic activity.

In this study, a lead‐free ternary poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 )/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanocomposite was developed to enhance piezoelectric and piezo‐photocatalytic performance. SrTiO 3 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via an autocombustion route and incorporated with PEDOT:PSS into the PVDF matrix, utilizing the solution‐casting method. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the successful formation of cubic‐phase SrTiO 3 NPs and their uniform incorporation within the polymer matrix. The incorporation of SrTiO 3 NPs and PEDOT:PSS significantly promoted electroactive phase formation in PVDF, yielding an electroactive phase content of 97.74% for the optimized composite. Complex impedance spectroscopy revealed enhanced interfacial polarization and improved dielectric behavior. Consequently, the optimized nanocomposite exhibited a high dielectric constant ε ′ ≈ 101.26 at 40 Hz frequency. The corresponding piezoelectric nanogenerator delivered an open‐circuit voltage of 45.50 ± 0.58 V and a maximum power density of 51.76 ± 1.33 μW cm −2 under periodic mechanical excitation. Furthermore, the optimized composite demonstrated enhanced piezo‐photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye, attributed to efficient charge separation induced by the piezoelectric potential under simultaneous mechanical and light stimulation.

Bioactive peptides of fish scale gelatin represent a sustainable use of aquaculture by-products. Besides conventional enzymatic digestion, exploring alternative cost-effective extraction approaches is necessary. This study evaluates cold plasma as an alternative method in comparison to enzymatic digestion for generating functional peptides from Labeo rohita scale. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) by plasma-induced or enzymatic digestion was optimized for high-yield peptide recovery by optimizing parameters including reaction time, buffer pH, enzyme concentration and reaction temperature. Notably, enzyme digestion yielded a DH of 60.8 +/- 2.2% with a peptide recovery of 79.3 +/- 0.5%, while cold plasma discharge reached a maximum DH of 25.0 +/- 2.5% with a yield of 31.3 +/- 1.0% driven by radical-assisted peptide bond cleavage with oxidative surface modifications. Comparative physicochemical and spectrophotometric analyses evidenced molecular fragmentation with chemical diversity yielding low molecular weight peptides (similar to 200-2000 Da) for both the processes, while cold plasma caused oxidative functionalization. Moreover, both peptides exhibited antioxidant potential, hemocompatibility and excellent cytocompatibility. Subsequently, immunomodulatory assays showed improved reparative macrophage polarization and inflammation resolution by plasma hydrolyzed peptides compared to the enzymatic one. Furthermore, topical application in a rat full-thickness wound model accelerated wound closure, re-epithelialization and collagen remodeling, where plasma peptides triggered an initial inflammatory priming phase followed by rapid healing. Overall, these findings establish cold plasma as a green, cost-effective alternative for producing multifunctional peptides with therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine.

Nanoparticle-embedded biomedical mats often demonstrate heterogeneous and nonrobust performance owing to nonuniformity in their crystal structures and Ostwald ripening. To overcome this issue of nanoparticle engineering, this study leverages high-voltage electrospinning as a one-step solution to tailor the crystalline structure of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) embedded in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. The electrospinning-assisted ZnO NP-embedded micro/nanofibrous matrix has been termed ENZO. The high-voltage-induced Coulombic forces introduced additional surface defects, leading to (i) an 82% increase in fluorescence intensity, (ii) a 29% reduction in size, and (iii) a 17% increase in d-spacing in the ZnO NPs of ENZO(22) mats (mats fabricated at the highest voltage, 22 kV) as compared to their pristine counterparts, thus confirming successful engineering of the nanoparticles. The micro/nanofibrous matrix of ENZO(22) demonstrated homogeneous distribution of the ZnO nanoparticles, which also contributed to its superior fluorescence intensity, mechanical performance, and surface characteristics. In contrast to conventional methods of nanoparticle engineering, such as thermal or chemical-based methods, this single-step electrospinning process avoids toxic dopants, improving biocompatibility and scalability. Cytocompatibility tests of the mats, conducted with primary human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, revealed excellent cell adhesion and proliferation (127% cell viability as per MTT assay, and <120% LDH activity). Finally, more than 99% reduction in the colony-forming units of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria in the presence of ENZO(22) mats confirmed their antibacterial nature. This has been validated by metal-ion-induced reactive oxygen species generation. High-voltage-induced nanoparticle engineering in ENZO mats endowed them with superior mechanical and optical properties, accompanied by high cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity, making them an ideal candidate for their prospective applications in tissue engineering and for the development of smart biomedical scaffolds.