Journal of Biomaterials Applications最新文献

This study evaluated the impact of cryoprotection temperature on the structural and biomechanical properties of gamma-irradiated human tendon allografts. Tendons were irradiated at 15 kGy or 25 kGy under three temperature conditions: -70°C, 0°C, or room temperature (RT). Structural integrity was assessed histologically and biochemically, while biomechanical properties were measured via tensile testing. Tendons irradiated at RT exhibited severe collagen disorganization and cellular loss, whereas those cryoprotected at -70°C retained aligned collagen structure with minimal disruption. Biomechanically, the -70°C groups showed significantly higher maximum stress than RT groups at both irradiation doses. Increasing irradiation dose exacerbated structural and mechanical degradation, but these effects were substantially mitigated by cryoprotection at -70°C. Thus, low-temperature protection during gamma irradiation is crucial for preserving the integrity of tendon allografts.

Peri-implantitis, a leading cause of dental implant failure, is primarily attributed to suboptimal soft tissue sealing at the implant-tissue interface, which facilitates bacterial colonization and subsequent inflammatory responses. Surface modifications on titanium can expedite good soft tissue sealing and antibacterial action. We engineer titanium surfaces with ultraviolet light-functionalized titanium dioxide nanotubes (UV-TNTs) to achieve good soft tissue sealing and antibacterial effect. Surface properties were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness analysis, wettability assessment and methylene blue (MB) degradation. Antibacterial performance was quantified using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) viability assays. Soft tissue integration was evaluated through fibroblast proliferation assays and immunofluorescence staining of vinculin and collagen type I. The UV-TNTs demonstrated significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy and promoted fibroblast proliferation, adhesion and collagen deposition to improve soft tissue sealing. This surface modification strategy offers a promising approach for enhancing implant biocompatibility and long-term stability, offering useful references for advanced implant design and fabrication.

Bone implant materials with excellent corrosion resistance, antibacterial property, and controlled ion release kinetics are crucial for their clinical application. In this study, Zn-supported Ni-Ti-O nanopores (NPs) coating was prepared on the surface of nickel-titanium (NiTi) implants by anodization and hydrothermal treatment (HT), the effects of HT time on coatings structure, antibacterial property, corrosion resistance, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ release behavior and biocompatibility were studied. The results indicate that with the extension of HT time, the coating thickness increases, while the diameters of the NPs decrease. After 3 h of HT, the average diameter of the NPs is 42.52 nm, which is about 1/2 of that after anodization (86.63 nm). Furthermore, our experimental results show that with the extension of HT time, the corrosion resistance is improved, and the corrosion current density of the sample NP-30-Zn-3h is 3.214 × 10^-8 A⋅cm^-2, which is one order of magnitude lower than that of the NiTi substrate (7.529 × 10^-7 A⋅cm^-2). In addition, Zn-supported Ni-Ti-O NPs coatings exhibit excellent antibacterial property and biocompatibility, especially the sample NP-30-Zn-3h. Interestingly, with the extension of HT time, the release of Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ is inhibited, and Zn²⁺ concentration released from the sample NP-30-Zn-3h is about 3.65 mg/L at days 7 and 14, which is close to the reported osteoblast-stimulating concentration of 3.53 mg/L.

Conventional approaches to prevent and treat diseases, particularly liver disorders, often fall short, highlighting the urgent need for innovative strategies and materials in RNA therapeutics and genetic drug delivery. This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) spherical particles as a novel drug delivery system for selenium nanoparticles (SeNp), presenting a promising (PLGA/SeNp) platform for enhancing the efficacy of genetic therapies aimed at liver diseases. We assessed the effects of PLGA/SeNp nanoparticles in vitro using human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 cells), focusing on (i) cell viability, (ii) intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and (iii) genotoxic response. The findings indicated that PLGA/SeNp nanoparticles maintained cell viability, exhibited minimal ROS generation, and demonstrated low genotoxicity, underscoring their biocompatibility for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, this study explored the in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of PLGA and PLGA/SeNp particles through non-invasive dynamic imaging techniques. By radiolabeling with technetium-99m (Tc^99m), we conducted scintigraphic imaging to analyze biodistribution. Our in vivo results revealed significant differences in the biodistribution profiles of PLGA and PLGA/SeNp formulations at 24 h post-injection, with PLGA/SeNp showing enhanced hepatic, splenic, and pulmonary uptake compared to PLGA. These findings emphasize the unique pharmacokinetic properties of the PLGA/SeNp system, presenting a viable option for RNA-based therapeutics in liver disease management.

In this study, silver-containing carbonate apatite (CO₃Ap) cement was prepared by mixing silver-containing vaterite and calcium hydrogen phosphate (DCPA) powder in an aqueous phosphate solution. The material properties and antibacterial performance of the cement were evaluated. Silver ions were introduced during vaterite synthesis, resulting in a composite CO₃Ap cement containing silver phosphate (Ag₃PO₄). The addition of silver nitrate did not affect key physical properties of the cement, including strength and porosity. Antibacterial testing using inhibition zone measurements confirmed that effective antibacterial activity was achieved even at low silver contents. At high silver concentrations, the coexistence of amorphous nanoclusters and Ag₃PO₄ is expected to form a biphasic release system that enables both immediate and sustained silver ion release. These results demonstrate that introducing silver ions during vaterite synthesis is an effective approach for producing antibacterial CO₃Ap cement with strong potential for orthopedic and dental applications.

A common and fatal consequence of diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are linked to an increased risk of mortality and amputation. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate a polyherbal gel formulation (PGF) employing hydro-alcoholic extracts of Solanum nigrum (fruits), Aloe vera (leaves), Psidium guajava (fruits), and Moringa oleifera (bark) at different concentrations for the efficient treatment and management of DFU. The anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and wound healing activities of PGFs were investigated using a range of cell-based in-vitro assays and animal models. Each PGF exhibited a remarkable α-amylase inhibitory activity, with PGF 4 demonstrating the highest inhibition of α-amylase (IC50- 0.093 mg/mL). Fluorescent microscopy analysis revealed significant glucose uptake by McCoy fibroblast cells in the presence of PGFs. In addition to this, the PGFs exhibited notable anti-bacterial efficacy against a spectrum of tested pathogens. The administration of PGFs to McCoy cells displayed enhanced wound closure, with 86.04 % closure rate in presence of PGF 4 in scratch assay. In-vivo assessments encompassed the evaluation of PGFs efficacy in inducing caudal fin regeneration in Zebra fish, revealing PGF 3 and PGF 4 to be effective with a substantial 56.67% and 73.3% regeneration, respectively, after 8 days post-amputation. In a diabetic rat model, wherein circular wounds were inflicted, a 14 days regimen of topical PGF 4 application demonstrated enhanced efficacy compared to the standard Calendula cream (79%) in expediting diabetic wound closure. Collectively, these findings underscore the promising potential of PGF 4 for advance therapeutic approach in the management of DFUs.

This study developed hybrid nanofiber scaffolds composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyethylene oxide (PEO), loaded with resveratrol (RSV) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), aiming to enhance wound healing and provide antimicrobial protection. Using electrospinning combined with a full factorial design, we optimized formulation parameters including total polymer concentration, drug/polymer ratio, and PEO/polymer ratio. We found that increasing the drug/polymer ratio resulted in an increase in fiber diameter, whereas raising the PEO concentration decreased fiber diameter. Additionally, elevating the total polymer and PEO content significantly increased the encapsulation efficiency (EE) % of RSV in the nanofibers. Moreover, higher levels of PEO positively influenced the swelling % and release efficiency (RE) %. The optimized RSV-loaded PAN/PEO nanofibers exhibited a smooth, cylindrical, and bead-free morphology with an average diameter of 217.36 ± 37.20 nm, an EE of 83.71 ± 2.28%, drug loading of 14.47 ± 1.09%, RE over 30 h of 60.95 ± 2.36%, swelling of 1111.67 ± 122.58%, ultimate tensile strength of 2.84 ± 0.34 MPa, and Young's modulus of 26.06 ± 5.58 MPa. The incorporation of Ag NPs resulted in bead-free fibers with a slightly reduced diameter and a swelling of 1032.5 ± 106.45%.X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline presence of both RSV and Ag NPs within the fibers. The Ag NPs imparted strong antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (31.66 ± 2.51 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (18.33 ± 3.51 mm), whereas RSV alone showed no antibacterial effect. In vivo wound healing studies demonstrated a significantly faster wound healing rate for Ag NPs-RSV- nanofiber compared to other groups, with complete wound closure, full re-epithelialization, enhanced collagen deposition, and the formation of skin appendages by day 15. These findings suggest that RSV-loaded PAN/PEO nanofibers offer a promising medicated wound dressing capable of promoting tissue regeneration and preventing infection.

The various maxillofacial bone defect caused by fractures, tumors, and inflammationsis challenging to repair clinically. Therefore, developing a functional material with bone tissue regeneration capabilities has significant practical importance. In this study, Zn doped silica nanoparticles were produced by microemulsion assisted sol-gel method and then different concentrations of nanoparticles was added to the gelatin methacrylated hydrogel to form the composite materials for potential rat mandibular bone defect repair. First, the elements of Zn, O, and Si were effectively integrated into nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed the presence of Zn doped silica nanoparticles on the hydrogel's surface. Second, the 0.2 ZnSNPs/GelMA had good biocompatibility, and the ability to effectively induce osteogenic differentiation in Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Finally, in vivo 4 mm diameter circular bone defect repair experiments indicated that the 0.2 ZnSNPs/GelMA promoted new bone regeneration in vivo. Overall, we believe that composite material with good biocompatibility and excellent osteoinductive property will provide new ideas for enhancing the efficacy of hard tissue repair.

Background: Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers globally, with current treatments offering limited efficacy and significant side effects. Astragaloside II (ASII), a compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, shows promise in reducing adverse effects, improving patient constitution, and prolonging survival. However, its clinical application is hindered by poor solubility and distribution. This study aims to develop a neutrophil-based nanocarrier system to enhance the tumor-targeting capability and therapeutic efficacy of ASII. Methods: We encapsulated ASII within PEG-PLGA nanomicelles and loaded them into neutrophils to create a neutrophil nanocarrier system (PG@AS-Neu). The physical properties of PG@AS-Neu were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency and release profile of ASII were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The inhibitory effects of ASII and PG@AS-Neu on liver cancer cells were evaluated through cell viability, apoptosis, scratch wound, Transwell, and hemolysis assays to assess the nanocarrier's biosafety. Results: The neutrophil nanocarrier system demonstrated excellent stability and intact cellular morphology. Hemolysis assays confirmed the nanocarrier's blood compatibility. Cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion and migration assays revealed that both ASII and PG@AS-Neu significantly inhibited liver cancer cells. The preparation process of PG@AS-Neu did not compromise the anticancer activity of ASII, showing similar efficacy to free ASII. Conclusion: PG@AS-Neu exhibits potent anticancer effects and holds significant potential for liver cancer treatment.

The structural features of polymer-based tissue engineering scaffolds engineered to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation have been consistently and assiduously studied over the past few decades. It is now well known that scaffolds composed of polymers with ultrafine fibrous morphologies produced via electrospinning and integrated porosity, can positively influence cell response. The primary objective of most studies in tissue engineering scaffold development is to create a scaffold that emulates the native in vivo-like environment of extracellular matrices (ECMs). Achieving an even distribution of cells throughout the scaffold is critical for exactly mimicking the native extracellular matrix environment. However, inadequate cell infiltration towards the center of the scaffolds has been a common issue in many studies. Only a limited subset of researchers has successfully identified the structural features of scaffolds that facilitate cell penetration and has consequently introduced innovative scaffolds. This study aims to identify the critical structural features of polymeric scaffolds that facilitate cell infiltration and presents novel ultrafine fibrous scaffolds engineered to enhance uniform cellular penetration.