Journal of Biomaterials Applications最新文献

Favorable biocompatibility is essential to biomaterials, and natural amino acids are recognized as the promising building block of polymers due to their non-toxicity and tunable side chains. We prepared polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) using N-acryloyl-L-tryptophan monomer by precipitation polymerization, and modified with polyethylene glycol and folate (PEG-FA) to improve the solubility and target folate-receptors (FR) overexpressed tumor tissues. Serving as drug carriers for vinblastine (VBL), NPs-PEG-FA with about 212.4 nm had the drug loading of VBL of 6.65 ± 0.41% after co-incubating for 1 h and showed sustained-release in pH 7.4 PBS, in which 99.87 ± 1.00% of VBL was released from NPs-PEG-FA during 72 h. Furthermore, NPs-PEG-FA was more efficiently taken up by FR positive Hela cells compared with NPs-PEG, which signified folate could enhance the internalization of NPs-PEG-FA into FR over-expressed cells. And NPs-PEG-FA began to enter Hela cells in large quantities from 3 h onwards, meanwhile the released drug increased more quickly in the first 3 h, which indicated most of the drugs would be released after entering tumor cells. More importantly, NPs-PEG-FA had good biocompatibility to L929 mouse fibroblast cells and exhibited hemocompatibility via the assays of hemolysis, antithrombogenicity, coagulation activation and platelet activation. NPs-PEG-FA could serve as drug carriers for delivering drugs into FR positive tumor cells.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids represent pathological outcomes of wound healing characterized by excessive collagen deposition and persistent myofibroblast activity, necessitating effective therapeutic intervention. In this study, a self-polymerizable one-component silicone gel loaded with tranilast was developed and evaluated in a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model. The formulation was characterized for physicochemical, rheological, and film-forming properties, and its biocompatibility was assessed in accordance with ISO 10993 standards. Hypertrophic scars were induced by punch biopsy on rabbit ears (n = 6), followed by topical treatment with silicone gel alone or tranilast-loaded silicone gel for 40 days. Scar remodeling was evaluated using histological staining (H&E, Masson's trichrome), α-SMA immunohistochemistry, and biochemical quantification of hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycans. The gel rapidly polymerized on the skin to form a stable solid film and demonstrated favorable biocompatibility. Tranilast release reached approximately 81% within 24 h, following diffusion-controlled kinetics. Histological analyses revealed reduced epidermal and dermal thickness in treated groups compared to control, with the tranilast-loaded gel showing collagen fiber reorganization closely resembling healthy skin. Hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced in the tranilast group compared to both control and silicone-only groups (p < 0.01), accompanied by decreased α-SMA expression (27-30%), indicating suppression of myofibroblast activity. These findings demonstrate that the self-polymerizable silicone gel provides an effective delivery platform for tranilast, offering synergistic benefits in scar modulation and supporting its potential for advanced topical scar management.

Post-traumatic wound management is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Chitosan (CS) with inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability is widely applied in wound healing, but the products of CS often suffer from poor water solubility and mechanical strength. Herein, we developed new double-crosslinked CS-based cryogels. Firstly, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was used to modify CS for the crosslinking of double bonds, followed by further crosslinking with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). A series of CS-based cryogels were prepared by adjusting the concentration of CS from 2wt% to 4wt% and the content of BDDE from 0.1vol% to 0.4vol%. The CS-based cryogels demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties as the concentration of CS increased, higher swelling capacity as the content of BDDE increased and potent antioxidant activity around 80%. The CS-based cryogels exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial performance, with antibacterial rates over 90% against both S. aureus and E. coli. Cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays confirmed the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the cryogels. The CS-based cryogels reduced blood loss in mice tail amputation models and accelerated tissue regeneration in full-thickness wound models demonstrating potential for clinical application. Among them, the CS₃-GB₃ cryogel demonstrated the most effective promotion of wound healing.

Since the prognosis and treatment of nervous system tumors are still not beneficial to the patient, alternative therapies need to be investigated as primary or supplemental treatments to current methods. Hydrogel systems are well-known for their high-water absorption capacity, three-dimensional network composition, and biocompatibility, making them suitable as photosensitizers (PS) carriers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). A gelatin hydrogel system was synthesized via chemical cross-linking with varying glutaraldehyde concentrations, and the optimal hydrogel was encapsulated with methylene blue (MB). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the formulation formed three-dimensional networks. The freeze-drying procedure increases the hydrogel's water-retention capacity, as shown by the swelling test. All spectroscopic results showed excellent photophysical properties of MB when incorporated into the system. The encapsulation efficiency was 95.35%. According to the trypan blue exclusion test, the cell viability in the PDT-treated groups was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Approximately 95% of 9 L/lacZ cells died after PDT utilizing a concentration of 50 μmol.mL^-1 for the hydrogel with MB. Based on the data obtained, the system's viability has been confirmed, and it is expected to demonstrate potential in the treatment of neoplasms.

This study evaluates a novel biodegradable magnesium (Mg) mesh for abdominal wall repair. Current synthetic meshes present clinical limitations, while Mg alloys offer favorable mechanical properties and biodegradability that remain underexplored. The Mg mesh was characterized through tensile/burst testing and finite element analysis, demonstrating sufficient strength (initial: 167.2 ± 5.9 N/cm; 1 month: 55.9 ± 1.6 N/cm) to withstand tensile breaking strength of abdominal wall (16 N/cm). Degradation studies revealed faster rates in simulated body fluid (2.62 mm/year) versus Hanks' solution (1.14 mm/year), with 60% structural integrity maintained after 8 weeks in vivo. Biocompatibility assessment using human skin fibroblasts showed >60% viability (Grade 0-1 cytotoxicity) across extract concentrations, with 60% concentration enhancing proliferation. In rat abdominal wall defect models, the Mg mesh exhibited superior performance to polypropylene meshes, demonstrating reduced foreign body reaction and upregulated collagen III/V expression. Proteomic analysis (TMT), PCR, and Western blot confirmed enhanced wound healing mechanisms. The mesh maintained tight tissue integration throughout degradation while providing mechanical support matching physiological demands. These findings collectively indicate that the biodegradable Mg mesh combines: (1) appropriate time-dependent mechanical properties, (2) controlled degradation matching tissue regeneration timelines, (3) excellent cytocompatibility with pro-proliferative effects, and (4) improved healing outcomes compared to standard polypropylene meshes. The results support its potential as a next-generation material for abdominal wall reconstruction, addressing key limitations of permanent synthetic meshes through its optimal balance of biomechanical performance and bioresorbability. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these promising preclinical outcomes.

Development of surgical sutures coated with antimicrobial agents is a promising strategy to minimize surgical site infection (SSI) and improve wound healing. The antimicrobial features of Hypericum Perforatum and biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have arised an increasing demand for processing surgical sutures. Herein the results of the animal experiments and mechanical tests of a novel antimicrobial silk suture coated with H. perforatum extract (Hp) and biogenic AgNPs (Hp-AgNP) are reported. The study used in vivo histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques to illustrate the variations in inflammatory response, re-epithelialization, and collagenization of the coated silk sutures in a rat buccal mucosa incision model. Diameter, knot-pull tensile strength, knot security, tie-down, and needle attachment tests were carried out for evaluating the effects of the coating process on mechanical and handling properties. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed progressive healing in all groups, with variations in wound closure, inflammation, and cytokine expression. Hp-AgNP-coated sutures showed significant improvements in re-epithelialization and reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels over time, highlighting their potential benefits in enhancing wound healing compared to other materials. The coating process had a remarkable effect on the mechanical and handling properties. Coated sutures exhibited higher values than control groups. Suture diameter, knot-pull tensile strength and knot security revealed the highest values for Hp-AgNP-coated suture. The Hp-AgNP coating on the silk suture significantly improves wound healing, mechanical and handling properties. This implies that it has the potential to be a feasible substitute for commercially available silk sutures in surgical interventions. (Scheme 1).

This investigation examines the influence of calcium sulfate (CaS) and modified nano-hydroxyapatite (mHA) additions on the physicochemical properties, microstructural development, apatite-forming potential, and antibacterial properties of bioactive tricalcium silicate (C₃S) cement. Although C₃S cements exhibit inherent antibacterial properties, their efficacy in treating infected bone defects requires enhancement. The release kinetics of vancomycin (VANCO), an antibiotic, and the modified cements' antibacterial efficacy were systematically evaluated. The findings revealed a notable decrease in setting time from 363 to 264 min upon the integration of CaS. The composite cements demonstrated flow properties and injectability that met standard requirements, exceeding 75% at both 2 and 5 min. The modified cements noted Improved compressive strength compared to their unmodified counterparts. Furthermore, the cements promoted the formation of apatite on their surfaces when immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Antibacterial evaluations established that VANCO released from the composites effectively impeded bacterial proliferation. These findings suggest that C₃S cement enhanced with CaS and mHA exhibits superior physicochemical characteristics and bioactivity, thereby establishing it as a promising candidate for cutting-edge bone repair materials.

Infected bone defects are characterised by inadequate local blood supply and the formation of bacterial biofilms, which impede bone tissue regeneration and repair, presenting a significant clinical challenge. In this study, we developed a bifunctional scaffold combining near-infrared (NIR)-responsive antibacterial activity with osteogenic properties by co-electrospinning photothermally active copper hydroxyphosphate (Cu₂(OH)PO₄, CuHP) and osteogenic magnesium-calcium phosphate (Mg-CaP) into poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes. Near-infrared (NIR) irradiation activates the photothermal response of CuHP in nanofiber membrane scaffolds, effectively killing bacteria through photothermal therapy (PTT), while the released Mg-CaP synergistically promotes osteogenesis. Animal studies have revealed that the scaffold effectively inhibit infections while accelerating bone healing, offering a promising strategy for infected bone defects.

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is a corticosteroid that has been widely used to treat ocular inflammation. However, due to the physicochemical properties of TA, this drug has low solubility and permeability. This study aims to improve the solubility of TA and promote better ocular absorption through solid dispersion (SD) formulation with the solvent evaporation method incorporated into in situ gel. The SD-TA was characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM to confirm physicochemical modifications that support enhanced solubility. The most optimal SD-TA will then be combined into an in situ gel base with a composition of poloxamer, HPMC, and HPC. The resulting in situ gel exhibited desirable physical properties, remained isotonic with lacrimal fluid, and showed no signs of toxicity. Moreover, the system achieved prolonged ocular retention, with 3.15 ± 0.15 mg of TA retained on the ocular membrane after 24 h, indicating strong potential for sustained local therapeutic effect. In conclusion, this study successfully developed a new TA delivery approach that enhances solubility, prolongs ocular residence time, and improves local anti-inflammatory efficacy. Further in vivo studies and long-term stability assessments are recommended to support clinical translation.

Frequent insulin injections remain the primary method for regulating blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus; however, patient compliance is often poor. Due to its non-invasive nature, oral insulin delivery, exploring nanomedicine strategies, is considered a highly desirable alternative as an affordable and accessible medicine. However, the physical intestinal barriers and the harsh gastrointestinal environment provide major obstacles to reaching the best possible pharmacological bioavailability of insulin. Insulin's stability, bioavailability, and targeted administration throughout the GI tract can be improved using colloidal nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, phospholipid vesicles, and lipid-based nanoparticles. These nanocarriers mimic the physiological insulin secretion and improve the pharmacokinetics of insulin by shielding it from enzymatic degradation, facilitating controlled release, and enhancing absorption across the intestinal mucosa. Key parameters such as particle size, surface charge, zeta potential, and polymer-mucin interactions are examined concerning their effects on epithelial transport and enzymatic protection. Strategies such as PEGylation, chitosan functionalization, and bile salt incorporation are discussed with an emphasis on their interfacial engineering potential. Additionally, novel strategies such as glucose-responsive formulations, cell-penetrating peptides, and enzyme inhibitors, and innovative devices like microneedle capsules and SOMA systems have been explored to enhance oral insulin efficacy. This might not, however, be helpful for translation on its own. Another deciding aspect will be the combination of that with distinct pathways. Future perspectives and innovative approaches to enhance the therapeutic potential of nano-driven systems for oral insulin administration are also discussed in this review as an affordable and accessible medicine strategy.