Journal of Biomaterials Applications最新文献

Advances in understanding natural articular cartilage have led to the development of bionic repair materials, with hydrogel composites emerging as a promising option due to their low friction, high water content, and customizable mechanical properties. This study investigates PVA/PAMPS/FMWCNT hydrogels, focusing on the role of negatively charged groups in enhancing performance. FTIR analysis confirmed the integration of PVA, PAMPS. SEM revealed a porous structure resembling cartilage, with carboxyl-functionalized samples showing the largest pores and achieved a 1853% swelling ratio, while hydroxyl- and amine-functionalized samples had smaller pores and greater crosslink density. Mechanical tests showed hydroxyl-functionalized samples achieved 1.01 MPa tensile stress and 237% elongation, whereas carboxyl-functionalized samples, despite strong hydrogen bonding, had inferior mechanical properties due to high porosity. Tribological tests demonstrated carboxyl-functionalized samples had the 0.0346 coefficient of friction (COF), attributed to their high negative charge density and hydration lubrication. Long-term friction tests revealed a stable coefficient (0.07), demonstrating sustained frictional stability under extended sliding conditions. These findings highlight the importance of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNT) and negatively charged groups in optimizing hydrogels for cartilage repair, offering insights for developing bionic materials.

In bone tissue engineering (BTE), vascularization can be attracted by application of biomaterials with pro-angiogenic properties like bioactive glasses (BGs). By releasing ions with angiogenesis stimulating activity including boron, zinc or copper, the angiogenic properties of BGs can be enhanced. Borate BGs like the 1393-B3 BG (composition in wt%: 56.6 B₂O₃, 18.5 CaO, 11.1 K₂O, 5.5 Na₂O, 4.6 MgO, 3.7 P₂O₅) constitute an attractive vector to be doped with further pro-angiogenic ions. In this study, the cytocompatiblity and the angiogenic properties of 1393-B3-BG and its copper and/or zinc-doped variants (exchange for CaO) namely B3-Cu BG (wt%: 15.5 CaO, 3.0 CuO), B3-Zn BG (wt%: 17.5 CaO, 1.0 ZnO) and B3-Cu-Zn BG (wt%: 14.5 CaO, 3.0 CuO, 1.0 ZnO) have been evaluated using human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), a human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)-tube formation and a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. All BGs showed excellent cytocompatibility and enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of angiogenesis stimulating factors like VEGF-A. The BGs also enhanced the formation of a tubular network in the HUVEC-based assay and vascularization on the CAM. However, the addition of copper and zinc did not yield an improvement in the enhancement of angiogenesis by the 1393-B3 BG. In conclusion, in the present experimental setting, the unmodified 1393-B3 BG has demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility and strong pro-angiogenic effects with no additional benefit from incorporating zinc or copper in its composition.

Hyperthermia induced by photothermal therapy can cause certain damage to surrounding healthy tissues and cells. In contrast, low-temperature photothermal therapy (LTPTT) has emerged as an alternative due to its non-invasiveness and safety. However, tumor cells can upregulate the molecular chaperone heat shock protein upon thermal stimulation, thereby compromising the therapeutic efficacy of LTPTT. Based on this, this study designed and developed ZIF-8 nanoparticles loaded with gambogic acid (GA), and modified the surface of these nanoparticles with Au nanoparticles to obtain the composite nano-system ZIF-8@Au@GA (ZAG). ZAG can accumulate in the tumor site through the enhanced permeability and retention effect and achieve LTPTT in synergy with an 808 nm laser. The loaded GA, as a natural inhibitor of heat-shock protein 90, can directly exert an anti-tumor effect. Meanwhile, the small-sized Au nanoparticles can act as glucose oxidase mimics to consume cellular ATP levels, further reversing the thermal tolerance of tumor cells, and can also upregulate reactive oxygen species such as H₂O₂ to kill tumor cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the designed ZAG composite system, in combination with an 808 nm laser, can achieve favorable LTPTT efficacy without any toxic side effects. This integrated dual-enhancement strategy for LTPTT designed in this study offers a new perspective for tumor therapy.

Millions of people suffer from traumatic ligament ruptures every year. Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee are the most common ligament tear requiring surgical intervention. Without surgical intervention, this type of injury can be debilitating, painful, and athletic career-ending. Furthermore, damage to the ACL can lead to troublesome, chronic complications such as accelerated progression of osteoarthritis, even with modern surgical intervention. Most commonly, patients have their torn or ruptured ACL reconstructed with the use of a tendon graft, either autograft or allografts. Both graft material can result in prolonged and painful healing with limited capacity for total remodeling of the graft. It is hypothesized that these grafts can improve healing through the use of gold nanoparticles conjugated to the grafts. The proposed mechanism of enhanced ligamentization is through reduced excessive levels of inflammation. The conjugation process and modified physical properties of the grafts were examined, as well the cellular response to these alterations. The results demonstrated that the AuNP conjugated tendon grafts had a significant effect on cellular oxidation and inflammation levels. Additionally, the cells were shown to be biocompatible with AuNP modified grafts, as evidenced by metabolic and proliferation assays, however there was a notable decrease in these measures especially at the higher AuNPs concentration. It appeared that a AuNP concentration of less than 50 g/g AuNP to tissue will elicit a positive biocompatibility response while still reducing inflammatory response.

Membrane materials containing dense and porous layers are greatly needed for periodontal-guided tissue regeneration (GTR) surgery. Silk fibroin (SF) has been widely used in medical biomaterials. However, conventional methods make it difficult to prepare suitable SF membranes for periodontal GTR. Here, an integrated Janus SF membrane (JSFM)-a membrane with two distinct sides-with dense and porous layers was directly prepared by unidirectional nanopore dehydration (UND) and freeze-drying. The effects of UND duration on the JSFM were examined. In addition, the biocompatibility of the membranes was examined in vitro and in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the resulting membrane had a Janus structure when the UND was performed for less than 4.5 h. With extended UND duration, the Janus structure disappeared, and the swelling ratio and water uptake abilities of the membranes decreased significantly while the mechanical properties were enhanced. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that the crystalline structure of the porous layer gradually increased with increasing UND duration. The in vivo study indicated that the membrane could support the growth and proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells (hPDLs), and the dense layer of the membrane effectively prevented the migration of hPDLs. The in vivo study performed in rats demonstrated that the membranes have good biocompatibility. Therefore, a new membrane type with a special Janus structure was developed. The membrane shows excellent biocompatibility and can intercept cells for exploitation in various biomedical applications, particularly in periodontal GTR.

Effective treatment of skin wounds is essential due to the skin's protective, regulatory, and aesthetic functions. Post-injury infections can significantly impair healing, highlighting the need for advanced biomaterials that combine antimicrobial activity with regenerative potential. In this study, we developed a multifunctional chitosan/gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/GEL/PVA) nanocomposite containing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles loaded with quercetin (MgO@QC), aimed at enhancing wound healing and promoting keratinocyte growth factor 1 (KGF1) expression. MgO nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using DLS, zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and TEM. Quercetin was successfully loaded onto the MgO nanoparticles with a high loading efficiency of 99%, as confirmed by spectroscopic analyses. The resulting nanocomposite demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including uniform morphology, excellent swelling behavior (∼79%), optical clarity, and robust structural integrity. Hemolysis assays revealed excellent hemocompatibility, while in vitro cytotoxicity tests confirmed biocompatibility up to 500 µg/mL. Cell proliferation and migration assays (MTT and scratch test) showed dose-dependent enhancement of fibroblast activity, particularly at 1 mg/mL. The nanocomposite also significantly upregulated KGF1 gene expression, suggesting its role in stimulating epithelial regeneration. In vivo studies using a murine excisional wound model demonstrated accelerated wound closure and tissue regeneration in the MgO@QC-treated group, supported by histological evidence of angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and reduced inflammation. The CS/GEL/PVA/MgO@QC nanocomposite offers a biocompatible and bioactive platform that significantly enhances wound healing. These findings suggest its strong potential for clinical application as an advanced wound dressing for acute and chronic skin injuries.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a global health issue, affects approximately 10% of the population. However, limited treatment options, such as dialysis or transplantation, have significant drawbacks. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential of a collagen sheet derived from human perirenal adipose tissue for kidney regeneration. Collagen sheets were derived from discarded perirenal adipose tissues and implanted into partially nephrectomized mice. The right kidneys were completely removed, and 2 mm of the upper and lower poles of the left kidneys were resected. A collagen sheet measuring 1 × 1 × 3 mm³ was implanted in the mid-pole of the left kidney following partial resection of renal parenchyme. Renal function, inflammation, and tissue regeneration were evaluated using serum analysis, PCR, histological staining, and immunohistochemistry to assess structural and functional improvements. The collagen sheet reduced pro-inflammatory markers, minimized fibrosis, and restored renal function indicators such as BUN and cystatin C, though creatinine levels remained unchanged. Regenerative markers, including PAX2 and Wt1, were significantly elevated, indicating enhanced tissue repair and structural recovery. The perirenal adipose tissue-derived collagen sheet demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and promoted renal tissue regeneration. These findings suggest its potential as a biomaterial for renal injury management. However, further research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy, optimize application methods, and ensure clinical safety.

In this study, porous PLA structures were prepared using the porogen leaching technique, specifically with sodium chloride (NaCl) of particle sizes 200-300 µm and 400-500 µm, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weights of 3,000, 6,000, or 10,000 g/mol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of the cross-sections revealed that larger NaCl particle sizes contributed to an increased degree of pore connectivity, while PEG with the lowest molecular weight accelerated the leaching process. As the concentration of NaCl in the polymeric matrix increased, its removal became more effective, as indicated by lower residual percentages during thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Additionally, lower residual percentages were recorded for the systems containing PEG prior to leaching. Although the average diameter of the resulting pores decreased in systems that used PEG, the porous structure achieved was more uniform, with both micro- and macro-porosity observed on the surfaces of the scaffold cross-sections. This variation in pore geometry is desirable and can be tailored for specific applications in scaffold construction for tissue engineering. Water exposure altered the inherent properties of PLA, affecting its suitability for short-term, soft-tissue compatible scaffolds. Solution viscometry revealed a molecular weight drop to contribute to accelerated biodegradation. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature (T_g), and in cold crystallization temperature (T_cc). In addition, the thermal degradation resistance of PLA decreased, as determined by TGA experiments. The aforementioned changes were significantly amplified in PLA specimens subjected to dual leaching of both PEG and NaCl.

Aims: Processed perinatal tissue allografts have emerged as adjunctive treatment options for chronic wounds. Different processing techniques used to manufacture perinatal tissue allografts can substantially alter their material and biochemical properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform multi-scale characterizations of a dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion allograft. Methods: Histological and biochemical techniques were used to evaluate the extracellular matrix (ECM) microarchitecture and composition of a dual-layer amnion and a full-thickness amnion/chorion allograft. Established assays were performed to quantify graft sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG), collagen, growth factor, and cytokine content. In vitro cellular responses, including proliferation, metabolic activity, and migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was used to assess bioactivity of graft extracts. Results: Histological analysis of dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion grafts demonstrated preservation of native ECM layers containing intact cell nuclei, GAGs, collagen, and elastin. sGAG and collagen content of the grafts were comparable to native tissue values reported in literature. Angiogenic, regenerative, matrix remodeling, immunomodulatory, and neurotrophic growth factors were found in dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion grafts. Both grafts induced a significant increase in metabolic activity of HDFs compared to negative controls. Conclusion: Dual-layer amnion and full-thickness amnion/chorion wound care allografts are comprised of an intact microarchitecture containing a variety of ECM components that can provide bioactive signals to HDFs.

Objectives: Polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used as biomedical material due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability. A PLA honeycomb-shaped porous scaffold as bone graft substitute was printed by 3D-printed. Method:Coating and mineralization treatment was used in order to further improve the properties of the PLA scaffold. The materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Xray diffraction (XRD). The structure of the scaffolds was observed by electric scanning microscope (SEM). The hydrophilicity of the material was observed by contact angle tester. Compression tests were carried out to evaluate the strength of the scaffolds. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated by MTT. The behaviors and responses of preosteoblast cells on the scaffolds were studied as well. Results: The porosity of the 3D-printed PLA scaffold was 82.6%. The compressive strength and compressive modulus value of the PLA scaffolds was 8.22 ± 0.16 MPa and 244.3 ± 5.7 MPa, respectively. Coating and mineralization treatment could improved the hydrophilicity, strength and the biocompatibility of the scaffold. Conclusions: The 3D-printed PLA porous scaffold has a good prospect for application as artificial scaffold for bone tissue engineering.