Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology最新文献

The outbreak of infectious diseases and rapid pathogens' evolution have highlighted the urgency for developing new therapeutics to protect public health and the economy from massive loss. Drug discovery for infectious diseases involves a multi-stage and multi-disciplinary pipeline, often leading to increased risk and mortality due to the prolonged course. However, advancements in technology have been reshaping the field by offering alternative in vitro models-facilitating drug discovery, studying the mechanism of infectious diseases, and developing patient-specific solutions. Recently, 3D bioprinting has been emerging as a revolutionary technology that enables researchers to precisely create custom 3D constructs that mimic human physiology and can be used as either platforms for delivering therapeutics and/or cells locally or in vitro tissue models for drug screening. Herein, we shed light on recent advancements in the use of 3D bioprinting technologies to introduce platforms employed for fabricating 3D structures to control and study infectious diseases.

Craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration poses significant clinical challenges due to the anatomical complexity of this region and the inherent limitations of conventional reconstructive techniques. Stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising alternative in that stem cells harness the capacities of multilineage differentiation and paracrine signaling to enhance tissue regeneration. Nonetheless, the overall clinical efficacy of stem cell therapy remains a subject of debate. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of stem cell therapy in oral and craniofacial bone regeneration. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in July 2024, identifying 59 eligible prospective studies-including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials and single-arm studies-involving more than five participants each. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool for randomized studies and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. The included studies encompassed a broad range of surgical indications, such as alveolar cleft repair, alveolar ridge augmentation, sinus floor augmentation, periodontal defect regeneration, mandibular fracture management, pathological bone defect repair, and temporomandibular joint disorders. Over three-quarters of studies utilized bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and/or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), either alone or combined with biomaterial scaffolds. Across diverse procedures, stem cell therapy was associated with clinical and histological benefits, especially in the quality and maturity of regenerated bone. Meta-analysis showed that the addition of stem cells significantly improved the histologic quality of regenerated bone (p = 0.0446), although this enhancement was not evident in radiographic assessments (p = 0.1094). Additionally, meta-analyses demonstrated that stem cell therapy did not result in significant improvements in periodontal clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (p = 0.0730) or linear bone height (p = 0.1858) and width (p = 0.8323) compared to conventional treatments. Notably, volumetric (3D) radiographic assessments indicated significantly enhanced bone volume regeneration in stem cell-treated groups (p = 0.0218). Overall, stem cell therapy shows promising potential in craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration, but heterogeneity among studies underscores the need for further standardized clinical trials to establish definitive benefits, as well as consistent reporting.

Systematic review registration: The protocol of this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO with the ID CRD42024619352.

Introduction: This study developed a MALDI-TOF MS metabolomics analysis method based on MXene nanomaterial functionalization platform for early diagnosis of bloodstream infections (BSI). Currently, BSI detection mainly relies on methods such as blood culture, PCR, and single biomarkers (such as PCT, CRP), which have problems such as long detection time, low sensitivity, and insufficient specificity. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a high-throughput detection technology that is fast, sensitive, and capable of multidimensional analysis.

Method: This study synthesized and characterized MXene nanomaterials, and utilized their ultra-high specific surface area and controllable surface functional groups to construct MXene matrices, significantly improving the enrichment and ionization efficiency of serum metabolites. We used this platform to perform metabolic profiling analysis on 50 BSI positive samples and 50 non BSI control samples, and analyzed the data using principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and heatmaps.

Result: The platform achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.981, a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 96% in BSI diagnosis, demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional single biomarkers. Further screening identified multiple potential metabolic markers (M/Z=203.64, 206.75, 218.67, 220.70), all of which had AUCs higher than 0.969.

Discussion: This study not only confirmed the application potential of MXene in mass spectrometry, but also provided a highly sensitive and high-throughput metabonomics technology platform for early screening of infectious diseases. This progress is expected to promote the transformation of BSI diagnosis from single indicator detection to multidimensional metabolic fingerprint analysis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a long-term chronic liver disease condition that stems from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and results from multiple factors, including lifestyle, metabolic dysfunction, and genetic predisposition. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD in the global population is expected to reach over 35% by 2030. It thus has become a significant public health concern because of its association with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial to avoid further liver disease complications and to provide early and effective patient care. Though there are diagnostic measures available for NASH/MASH detection, like biopsy and serological assays, these are mostly invasive and do not provide the complete picture of the liver condition. Point-of-care diagnostics like biosensors can help overcome these limitations by allowing for a rapid, inexpensive, and more straightforward diagnostic method that also aligns with the present global health needs. Moreover, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches for automated analysis alongside real-time cloud-based reporting and telehealth interfaces can potentially aid in expanding the utility of these systems into integrated diagnostic systems. Through this review, we aim to address the interplay of technological innovation, public health significance, and implementation barriers in advancing biosensor diagnostics for effective and reliable detection of NASH/MASH for better liver health.

Background: Rotator cuff tears represent a prevalent musculoskeletal challenge with high postoperative retear rates despite surgical advances. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising biological adjunct in arthroscopic repair, though clinical evidence remains inconsistent regarding its efficacy in improving structural and functional outcomes.

Methods: This PRISMA-guided meta-analysis evaluated 13 randomized controlled trials (n = 880 patients) comparing PRP-augmented versus conventional arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Primary outcomes included retear rates and functional scores (UCLA, Constant, SST, ASES, VAS). Statistical analysis employed fixed/random-effects models with subgroup analyses of PRP formulations and tear characteristics.

Results: PRP augmentation significantly improved functional outcomes, with mean differences of 1.82 points (95% CI: 1.13-2.51) for UCLA scores, 2.31 points (95% CI: 1.02-3.61) for Constant scores, and 0.43 points (95% CI: 0.11-0.75) for SST scores (all p < 0.01). VAS pain scores decreased by 0.23 points (95% CI: -0.41 to -0.05, p = 0.01). However, retear rates showed no significant reduction (RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.48-1.05, p = 0.09). Benefits were most pronounced in medium/large tears treated with leukocyte-poor PRP and double-row repairs (I² = 0-40% for functional outcomes). Conclusion: While PRP enhances early functional recovery and pain control after rotator cuff repair, its capacity to improve structural integrity remains unproven. Clinical implementation requires standardization of PRP protocols and targeted application in patients with larger tears. Future research should investigate optimized biomaterial formulations and personalized treatment strategies.

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer related mortality due to delayed diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficiency. Early detection and effective immune modulation are important to control lung cancer. Advancements in nanotechnology have improved oncology due to sensitive, specific, and minimally invasive detection platforms along with immune regulatory therapeutic approaches. Smart nanoplatforms fabricated with high precision and responsiveness have the ability to treat diseases as well as the immune system. These systems combine functional nanomaterials with biomolecular recognition elements to detect biomarkers such as exosomes, DNA, RNA, and proteins. They also facilitate targeted immune activation through checkpoint inhibition, nanovaccines, and tumor microenvironment reprogramming. Moreover, artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the interpretation of complex data, which increases the diagnostic accuracy and predictive power. Despite advances in diagnostic and immune modulation, there are also several challenges related to biological barriers and biocompatibility. This review comprehensively explains the molecular basis of lung cancer, recent progress in nanotechnology based diagnostics and immunotherapy, and the design of multifunctional smart nanoplatforms. Future studies emphasize integrating personalized medicine, digital modeling, and bioinspired nanosystems for clinically translatable solutions in early lung cancer management.

Objective: This study aims to compare different intraocular pressure (IOP) correction formulas in post-refractive surgery patients who underwent Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), and Trans-epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (tPRK), and to identify the most accurate formula for correcting IOP values measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT).

Methods: This prospective study included 160 patients (160 eyes) who underwent FS-LASIK (58 eyes), SMILE (52 eyes), or tPRK (50 eyes) at the Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University. IOP was measured using GAT and Dynamic Contour Tonometry (DCT) preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Optical zone diameter, ablation depth (AD), residual stromal thickness, refractive error correction, central corneal thickness (CCT), and mean corneal curvature (Km) were collected. Fourteen published GAT correction formulas (F1-F14) were applied to postoperative GAT values and compared with preoperative measurements. Differences between pre- and postoperative DCT readings served as a reference.

Results: In FS-LASIK and SMILE, formulas F3, F4, and F11 showed superior correction performance. In FS-LASIK, the mean differences, concordance correlation coefficients (CCC), and proportions of differences within ±2 mmHg were closer to or better than the DCT reference (0.58, 0.572, 55.17%), with F3 (0.25, 0.372, 72.41%), F4 (0.20, 0.373, 63.79%), and F11 (0.04, 0.324, 67.24%) showing high agreement. Similarly, in SMILE, F3 (0.25, 0.379, 57.69%), F4 (0.22, 0.375, 61.54%), and F11 (0.01, 0.399, 63.46%) outperformed or approximated DCT (0.86, 0.447, 44.23%). In tPRK, F1 (0.18, 0.653, 64.00%) and F2 (0.25, 0.316, 62.00%) provided better correction than DCT (0.19, 0.493, 56.00%).

Conclusion: Formulas F3, F4, and F11 are applicable for GAT IOP correction in both FS-LASIK and SMILE eyes. F1 and F2 are more suitable for tPRK; the preoperative IOP parameters included in F1 may lead to assessment bias, making F2 the recommended choice when preoperative IOP is unavailable.

Objective: Accurate, non-invasive assessment of muscle strength remains a key challenge for functional health monitoring and wearable systems. This study investigates whether segmental bioimpedance (BioZ) and anthropometry measurements from the wrist and forearm can predict hand grip strength (HGS) in healthy young adults, and characterizes how measurement site, frequency, and applied pressure influence BioZ signal behavior, which are critical factors for translating BioZ into wearable applications.

Methods: We recruited twenty healthy young adults who underwent standardized HGS testing alongside segmental BioZ measurements at the wrist and forearm using a bipolar electrode configuration. Anthropometric variables including age, height, body mass, and limb circumference were recorded. Nonparametric statistical analyses were used to examine anatomical site-specific differences and associations among BioZ, circumference, and HGS. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) regression models were developed to estimate HGS from anthropometric and localized BioZ features and evaluated using leave-one-out cross validation. In addition, exploratory single-subject experiments were conducted to assess BioZ responses to varying frequency, applied pressure, and electrode configuration at both anatomical sites.

Results: At the cohort level, forearm BioZ values were higher than wrist BioZ (p = 0.0001) and inversely correlated with forearm circumference (ρ = -0.54, p = 0.014). Forearm circumference showed the strongest positive association with HGS, while forearm BioZ exhibited a moderate inverse association. Incorporating localized forearm BioZ into baseline improved predictive performance (RF regression: R² _cv = 0.44). A size-normalized BioZ index further enhanced prediction accuracy, achieving the highest in RF regression models (R² _cv = 0.56). Frequency- and pressure-dependent analyses revealed that high-frequency BioZ increased linearly with applied pressure, whereas low-frequency BioZ exhibited non-linear and less stable behavior, suggesting sensitivity to tissue compression and local fluid redistribution.

Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates that localized, size-normalized forearm BioZ provides physiologically complementary information to basic anthropometry for estimating HGS in healthy young adults. By integrating cohort-level modeling with exploratory mechanistic experiments, the findings provide insight into the anatomical and mechanical determinants of localized BioZ behavior. This supports the potential utility of combining experimental and computational approaches to inform the future development of next-generation BioZ-based wearable systems for non-invasive assessment of muscle strength, rehabilitation progress, and early signs of muscular decline.

Introduction: Prolonged air leaks (PAL) are considered to be one of the leading causes of postoperative complications following lung surgery. There are currently no clinically relevant methods for efficiently and systematically evaluating the underlying causes of PAL. Here, we introduce a new intuitive, physiologically-representative system for ex vivo negative pressure ventilation of lungs, equipped with PAL-oriented features.

Methods: Reproducibility and system capabilities were assessed using a lung simulation model capable of controlling the effective area of the defect, then validated with ex vivo specimens.

Results: Our system enables dynamic control of ventilation using either pressure (PCV) or volume (VCV) targets, with respective standard deviations of ±0.08 cm H2O and ±2.1 mL with moderate air leaks (<1,000 mL/min) and respective standard deviations of ±0.18 cm H2O and ±11 mL with severe air leaks (>1,000 mL/min). Additionally, leak quantification features proved comparable to that of the Thopaz+ (Medela Healthcare, Baar, Switzerland), a standard commercial digital thoracic drainage system, offering sufficient resolution to differentiate among clinically relevant air leaks. In the lower leak ranges (<400 mL/min) across all methods of evaluations, there were no significant differences between measured leak rates. For higher leak ranges, although there remained no significant differences between the Ex-PALM methods evaluated, the Thopaz + proved to systematically report lower leak rates values (Thopaz+ 420.0 ± 10.0 mL/min vs. PCV-derived 449.0 ± 19.9 mL/min, p < 0.05) and (Thopaz+ 1,200.0 + 0.0 mL/min vs. PCV-derived 1,239.7 ± 21.1 mL/min, p < 0.001). Unlike current systems, coughing was predictably replicated using peak pressure targets ranging from 100 to 300 cm H2O with a standard deviation of ±1.30 cm H2O from target. Our system allows extraction of biomechanical parameters at every breath, with theoretically expected pressures matching experimental measurements with a goodness fit value (R2) above 0.95 for the vast majority of breaths.

Discussion: The Ex vivo Pulmonary Air Leak Model (Ex-PALM) provides a preclinical PAL testing platform with high translational potential and applications in studying biomechanical mechanisms of PAL and developing intraoperative mitigation strategies.