Journal of Biomaterials Applications最新文献

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.

Degradation of Silk fibroin (SF) provides essential nutrients such as amino acids and peptides for cell proliferation, but cannot provide a slow and sustained O₂ release for osteoblastogenesis, which limits the bone repair effects. For the fabrication of highly personalized and complex bone repair scaffolds, 3D printing technology acts as a tailored tool for the clinical challenge. Therefore, we designed a SilMA/XLG/CaO₂ scaffold system for O₂ supply, which consists of modified photo-crosslinking SF (SilMA), lithium magnesium silicate (XLG) and CaO₂. The combination of modified SF (SilMA) and lithium magnesium silicate (XLG) improves the printability and topological controllability, promoting vascularization and osteogenesis differentiation. Besides, the multi-dimensional modification of CaO₂ enhances the mechanical properties of the scaffolds as well as the adjustability of the O₂ release, providing favorable conditions for osteoblastogenesis. Most importantly, the topology and oxygen release of the 3D printed scaffolds synergistically induced neovascularization and osteoblast differentiation with Mg²⁺ generated by scaffold degradation. Mechanistically, SilMA/XLG/CaO₂ upregulates of angiogenic factors VEGF, CD31, and key osteogenesis proteins RUNX2 and BMP-2, resulting in collagen production and calcium deposition. Overall, our study provides a new strategy for bioactive scaffold preparation that exhibits significant clinical potentials for complex bone defects.

Degenerative retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinitis pigmentosa, cause irreversible vision loss by destroying vital retinal cells and represent major global health concerns. Traditional therapies have limited success in fully restoring vision due to the complex retinal structure and blood-retinal barriers (BRBs), though they may help alleviate symptoms or slow disease progression in some cases. Nanochemistry and peptide-based systems represent breakthrough approaches by leveraging nanoscale precision and biological specificity. This review examines the chemical design and synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), nanoscaffolds, and peptide conjugates used in retinal neural regeneration. It also explores their biomedical applications, especially in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cellular repair. Biodegradable polymeric NPs, liposomes, and hybrid nanostructures are designed to cross barriers, release drugs in a controlled manner, and enhance biocompatibility. PEGylation improves stability and reduces immune responses in the ocular environment, while peptide functionalization enables specific cellular targeting and minimizes inflammatory reactions. Peptide-functionalized platforms, such as RGD-modified NPs and self-assembling hydrogels, provide receptor-mediated targeting and extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicry to support retinal regeneration for improved stem cell differentiation and neuroprotection. We discuss drug/gene delivery mechanisms, cellular interactions, and immune modulation, as well as neuroprotection, stem cell therapy, and diagnostic applications. Preclinical studies have demonstrated promising efficacy in animal models; however, concerns regarding scalability, long-term safety, and non-invasive delivery persist. Next-generation technologies, such as stimuli-responsive NPs, computationally designed peptides, and patient-specific delivery systems, are on the horizon to address unmet clinical needs. By marrying nanochemistry's precision with peptides' bioactivity, these technologies have the potential to transform retinal disease treatment, enabling the restoration of vision and an improvement in quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Hemostasis is critical for ensuring surgical success over the past few decades. Various topical hemostatic agents have been developed to promote hemostasis in various surgeries, particularly in cases where traditional surgical techniques are not applicable. However, the hemostatic performance of most agents is often limited by their reliance on a single component. Therefore, it is necessary to develop composite hemostatic agents that integrate multiple materials from diverse sources to enhance hemostatic efficacy. In addition, existing hemostatic agents in solid forms are not often effective in scenarios involving irregularly shaped or deep wounds, as well as endoscopic surgical procedures. In this study, a gelatin-chitosan-thrombin (GCT) composite hemostatic hydrogel was prepared using cross-linking method. The agent's properties, including morphology, water absorption ratio, swelling ratio, and cytotoxicity were systematically evaluated. A rabbit spinal laminectomy model and a rat live injury model were used to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of GCT agent. Histological assessment was performed to investigate its biocompatibility. The three-dimensional porous structure of the GCT agent endows it with a high absorption capacity and a low swelling ratio. The GCT agent demonstrates superior hemostatic performance in terms of blood loss and bleeding time compared to existing agents in vivo. In addition, the GCT agent exhibits excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility in vivo, and minimal hemolytic and cytotoxic effects in vitro. Therefore, the novel composite hemostatic hydrogel would be a strong candidate for surgical hemostasis especially when precise application is required.

In this study, we explored the design of polymeric nanocapsules as vehicles for controlled release of iron. Amphiphilic block copolymers (ABCs) composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) segments were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP), using PEG and methoxy-PEG (mPEG) with varying molecular weights as macroinitiators. Structural and molecular characterizations using infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography confirmed successful copolymerization and narrow dispersity indices (Ð <1.5). Iron-loaded nanocapsules were formulated using the double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) technique with synthesized PEG-b-PCL copolymers as polymeric precursors. The impact of the copolymer composition on the particle size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was evaluated. Spherical nanocapsules with diameters below 500 nm were obtained, and a positive correlation was observed between copolymer molecular weight and EE%, with the highest value (74.4%) achieved for the Fe@COP5-96 formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that iron incorporation altered the thermal behavior of the copolymers, resulting in a shift of the melting peaks toward lower temperatures and a decrease in melting enthalpy, consistent with reduced crystallinity arising from ion-polymer interactions. The iron release kinetics exhibited a sustained release behavior. These results demonstrate the potential of PEG-b-PCL nanocapsules as effective carriers for ionic species with promising applications in nutrient delivery and medical therapies.

Nanotechnology is transforming the area of corneal tissue engineering by improving scaffold design and enabling sophisticated therapeutic strategies. Nanomaterials are being used to improve the corneal scaffolds' mechanical strength, permeability, and transparency, as well as to enable the therapeutic agents' targeted delivery by nanocarriers. These improvements deal with important problems in corneal repair, like inflammation, infections, and neovascularization. While corneal transplantation remains a standard treatment, the risk of rejection and availability of donor tissue are the main limitations. Recent improvements in electrospinning have made it possible to make nanofibers that look like the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). These fibers have a large surface area and high porosity, which help cells grow, stick to each other, and change into different types of cells. Both synthetic and natural polymers have been successfully employed to fabricate biocompatible and biodegradable nanofibers, indicating their potential for the treatment of various corneal disorders. Electrospun nanofibers are very useful for corneal tissue engineering because they are easy to use, can be used in surgery, and are structurally similar to the cornea. Adding nanofibers and nanoparticles to corneal tissue engineering improves the scaffold and allows for targeted therapies, which means that there are more advanced ways to reconstruct and rehabilitate the cornea. This study investigates the application of naturally derived and synthetic nanoparticles in drug delivery systems and the development of composite nanoparticles, highlighting their potential to improve corneal tissue engineering techniques.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) have promising biomedical applications but are limited by potential cytotoxic and genotoxic risks. This study addresses these concerns by synthesizing mycosynthesized FeONPs (M.FeONPs) having angiogenic properties using Apiospora aurea, a mangrove-derived fungus, to enhance biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. The results showed that chemically synthesized FeONPs induced oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, whereas M.FeONPs exhibited lower toxicity and better compatibility in CHO-K1 cells. In vitro, genotoxicity assessments further revealed that FeONPs caused significant chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage, while M.FeONPs had reduced genotoxic effects. In vivo studies using Swiss albino mice confirmed that M.FeONPs induced minimal systemic toxicity, maintaining stable hematological and biochemical profiles, unlike FeONPs, which triggered immune stress and mild organ inflammation. In vivo, genotoxicity studies also demonstrated that M.FeONPs caused lesser clastogenic, mitotic, aneugenic, and teratogenic effects than chemically synthesized FeONPs. Hence, these findings confirm the potential of M.FeONPs for biomedical applications, particularly in reproductive health and therapeutics applications.

The rational design of biofunctional nanocomposites through structural and interfacial engineering is central to advancing next-generation biomaterials. In this study, we developed a multifunctional silver-based nanocomposite with dual-level modification; albumin (Alb) is used as a biopolymeric stabilizer, while Elettaria cardamomum extract, rich in alpha-terpinyl acetate (aTA), served as a surface-functionalizing agent. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed aTA as the predominant phytoconstituent (97.7% match). Dynamic light scattering revealed progressive size increases from 67.17 nm (AgNPs) to 145.73 nm (Alb-AgNPs) and 365.7 nm (Alb-AgNPs-aTA), indicating successful stepwise functionalization. Structural transformations were supported by UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed changes in surface plasmon resonance and crystalline phases. Thermal analysis (DSC and TGA) demonstrated improved thermal stability, with a pronounced DTG peak at 333.2°C. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested strong Alb-aTA interactions that enhance nanocomposite stability. In vitro assays on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells showed improved biocompatibility and anticancer efficacy for Alb-AgNPs-aTA (IC₅₀ = 24 µg/mL). This study presents a thermally stable, structurally engineered nanocomposite with demonstrated bioactivity and potential applicability in drug delivery and cancer therapy, contributing to the broader understanding of how nanoscale modifications influence biological performance.

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds lack sufficient bioactivity for optimal bone tissue engineering applications. This shortcoming can be overcome by coating PCL scaffolds with collagen and hydroxyapatite (PCL/col-HA) or by applying a collagen coating to PCL-HA composite scaffolds (PCL-HA/col). Here we aimed to test which type of scaffold is more effective in stimulating osteogenic activity. Moreover, the scaffolds' physicomechanical properties were characterized. 3D-printed PCL/col-HA containing 10, 20, or 30% HA particles, and 3D-printed PCL-HA/col containing 10, 20, or 30% HA particles with collagen coating were fabricated. MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were cultured on the scaffolds for 14 days. The physicomechanical properties of the scaffolds and pre-osteoblast functionality were evaluated through experiments and finite element (FE) modeling. We found that coating of PCL scaffolds with collagen and HA or coating of PCL-HA composite scaffolds with collagen changed the geometry and topography of the scaffold surfaces. Furthermore, PCL/col-HA and PCL-HA/col showed higher surface roughness and elastic modulus, but lower water contact angle, than PCL scaffolds. FE-modeling showed that all scaffolds tolerated up to 2% compressive strain, which was lower than their yield stress. 3D-printed PCL/col-HA and PCL-HA/col scaffolds promoted pre-osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic activity compared to unmodified PCL scaffolds. PCL-HA/col scaffolds increased pre-osteoblast proliferation and collagen deposition, whereas PCL/col-HA scaffolds increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Osteogenic activity of pre-osteoblasts was more enhanced on 3D-printed PCL/col-HA scaffolds than on PCL-HA/col scaffolds, particularly in the short-term, which seems promising for in vivo bone tissue engineering.

PEEK is a promising biomaterial for orthopedic and dental applications due to its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and bone-like elastic modulus. However, its bioinert surface limits osseointegration and predisposes it to wear debris-induced inflammation, hindering its use in load-bearing implants. To address these challenges, this study proposes a composite modification strategy combining gradient sulfonation with polydopamine (PDA) coating to enhance the bioactivity, tribological performance, and interfacial stability of PEEK. Surface characterization revealed that sulfonation introduced porous structures and hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups, while PDA further improved wettability and enabled chelation-mediated hydroxyapatite (HA) mineralization. Tribological tests demonstrated that optimal sulfonation reduced the friction coefficient and wear width, whereas excessive sulfonation (60 min) degraded mechanical properties due to adhesive wear. In vitro mineralization confirmed that PDA-coated samples exhibited robust HA deposition, attributed to catechol/amino group-mediated nucleation. Additionally, H₂SO₄/PDA synergistically enhanced antibacterial efficacy by chemically disrupting bacterial membranes. A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) graft layer was constructed on the surface of PEEK substrate, and its interfacial bonding performance under frictional shear load was evaluated. These results demonstrate that the H₂SO₄/PDA composite modification optimizes PEEK's multifunctional performance, offering a viable route for developing advanced biomimetic joint implants with improved osseointegration, wear resistance, and long-term stability.