Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition最新文献

Bone fractures and osteoporosis-related defects continue to pose major global health and socioeconomic burdens, necessitating the development of advanced regenerative approaches. This review presents a comprehensive overview of bone anatomy, fracture types, and healing mechanisms, followed by an in-depth discussion of current clinical strategies for enhancing bone regeneration, such as distraction osteogenesis, casting, splinting, and bone grafting. The limitations of these conventional treatments highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions through three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. The review explores 3D-printed scaffolds as a transformative platform in bone tissue engineering, detailing key fabrication techniques, including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, and bioplotter printing, and the integration of nanotechnology to enhance scaffold biofunctionality. Various biomaterial classes are critically assessed, including metal-, ceramic-, polymer-, and composite-based scaffolds, along with design parameters that govern architectural integrity, mechanical performance, and cellular responses. Emerging trends such as four-dimensional (4D) implanting, aimed at achieving dynamic, stimuli-responsive scaffolds, are also highlighted. Finally, the review discusses ongoing challenges related to vascularization, immune compatibility, mechanical optimization, scalability, and regulatory and ethical considerations. By bridging biological principles with engineering innovation, this work provides a forward-looking perspective on the design and clinical translation of next-generation bone scaffolds for improved regenerative outcomes.

Chronic and infected wounds remain a significant clinical challenge, requiring advanced therapeutic strategies to accelerate repair and improve outcomes. This study developed a chitosan/gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/GEL/PVA) nanocomposite incorporating chrysin-loaded cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂@Chry) to connect their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties for enhanced wound healing. CeO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized via a green method, loaded with chrysin, and embedded into a polymeric matrix to form a stable, transparent, and flexible dry film. Physicochemical characterization revealed uniform morphology, high swelling capacity (∼80%), and strong structural integrity. Hemolysis assays confirmed excellent hemocompatibility, and MTT-based cytotoxicity tests on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and murine fibroblasts (L929) demonstrated good biocompatibility up to 500 µg/mL. Proliferation and scratch assays indicated dose-dependent stimulation of fibroblast growth and migration, with the 1 mg/mL formulation exhibiting the greatest effect. Notably, treatment significantly upregulated Col1 gene expression, indicating potential in promoting extracellular matrix synthesis. In vivo evaluation using a murine excisional wound model demonstrated accelerated wound closure, improved tissue regeneration, enhanced angiogenesis, complete re-epithelialization, and reduced inflammation in CeO₂@Chry-treated wounds compared to controls. These findings suggest that the CS/GEL/PVA/CeO₂@Chry nanocomposite is a biocompatible, multifunctional wound dressing with strong potential for managing both acute and chronic skin injuries. Its combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative actions make it a promising candidate for clinical translation in advanced wound care.

The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of azithromycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AZM-CSNPs) to enhance antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy. The nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation of chitosan with TPP, followed by PAA coating and covalent conjugation using EDC cross-linking to obtain stable CTS/TPP-PAA NPs. Preformulation studies (FTIR and DSC) confirmed drug-polymer compatibility, while physicochemical characterization revealed that the optimized formulation (CNP 1) exhibited a particle size of 287.3 nm, PDI of 0.352, zeta potential of -22.0 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 98.35%. Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses confirmed spherical, uniformly distributed nanoparticles. In-vitro drug release demonstrated sustained release of 90% over 24 h. The formulation showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 17-21 mm and significant antibiofilm activity, evidenced by 71% biofilm biomass inhibition and 40 µg/mL EPS reduction. Overall, AZM-CSNPs displayed superior performance compared to pure azithromycin, suggesting their potential as an effective nanocarrier system for treating biofilm-associated infections and addressing antibiotic resistance.

This research developed an advanced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based hydrogel, which combines graphene oxide (GO) and liposome (Lip) to solve the key challenges in joint repair. PVA-GO-Lip composite material was prepared by freeze-thaw cycling, forming a composite structure with hydrogen bonding network and embedded Lip micro reservoir. This material has excellent mechanical properties (300% elongation, 4.2 kg load capacity) and self-healing properties through dynamic hydrogen bonding. Friction tests showed that compared to pure PVA, friction was reduced by 48% (coefficient: 0.11) due to GO enhanced hydration and Lip mediated boundary lubrication. The release of alendronate (ALN) follows Higuchi kinetics, with stable Lip release under mechanical stress (cumulative release 82.4%). GO has excellent antibacterial activity (inhibition rate > 98% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), while ALN promotes significant mineralization (calcium/phosphate content increased by 8-16 times). This composite material has excellent stability (degradation of 2.6% within 30 days), adjustable hydrophilicity (contact angle of 36.5°), and swelling ability (equilibrium ratio of 49.21%). This multifunctional hydrogel combines mechanical durability, adaptive lubrication, controlled drug delivery, antibacterial effect and osteogenic potential. It is a promising biomimetic solution for the treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage regeneration, linking biomechanical properties with therapeutic functions.

In this study, a cationic biopolymer has been developed through the chemical modification of a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer such as poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGGAH). A series of PGGAH_xTMEA_y copolymers with varying degrees of cationic groups incorporation (11-95%) were synthesized by partial esterification of carboxylate side groups of PGGAH with 2-bromoethyl trimethylammonium bromide (BrETABr). The copolymers were thoroughly characterized using ¹H NMR, FTIR, TGA, and GPC analyses. It was found that the degree of esterification had a pronounced effect on the thermal stability, and DNA-binding capacity of the copolymers. Higher degrees of modification were shown to enhance the excellent potential for DNA complexation, forming polyplex nanoaggregates with sizes in the range of 80-220 nm at various ammonium-to-phosphate (N/P) ratios. The stability, size, and surface charge of these polyplexes were monitored over two weeks in aqueous solutions using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Enhanced stability in polyplex formation was exhibited by copolymers with higher degrees of modification, which maintained consistent particle sizes across different N/P ratios. This study provides valuable insights into the development of efficient DNA delivery systems based on a new cationically modified poly(γ-glutamic acid) derivative.

A common Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a special risk to people with compromised immune systems, including those receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and people with cystic fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to use PLGA nanoparticles conjugated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and alginate antigens to create an efficient nanovaccine against P. aeruginosa. The mass culture of P. aeruginosa was prepared and its lipopolysaccharide as well as its polysaccharide capsule (alginate) were extracted, purified and conjugated with PLGA NPs. Using a zeta sizer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy, the conjugation process was verified. Then, vaccination was administered in two ways of intramuscular and intranasal to 48 New Zealand white male rabbits (each trial 24). The blood sampling was performed from marginal ear vein of the rabbits two weeks after the last administration to carry out the antibody titration and opsonophagocytosis assay. Then, to check the immunogenicity, the rabbits were challenged by injecting a direct dose of P. aeruginosa. In general, LPS-PLGA conjugate produced significantly higher immunogenicity compared to ALG-PLGA conjugate, pure antigens, and PLGA NPs in both ways of administration. It was also found that vaccination by intramuscular injection causes better immunity compared to intranasal vaccination.

This study presents the synthesis and biological evaluation of chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-stabilized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CS/CeO₂NPs), green-synthesized using Thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract. Characterization through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed uniform spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 120 nm and crystalline structure with an average crystal size of 28.32 nm. The incorporation of thyme extract into the CS matrix was confirmed. Drug release studies exhibited a biphasic pattern, with a rapid initial release (75.41% in 3 h) followed by a sustained release, achieving 92.56% over 10 days. Antibacterial assays demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, with significant antibacterial activity at concentrations above 60 μg/mL. In vitro anticancer assays revealed potent cytotoxicity against breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (CT26) cell lines, with 50% inhibition in MCF-7 and over 80% inhibition in CT26 cells at 60 μg/mL. In vivo evaluations further highlighted the therapeutic potential of CS/CeO₂NPs. Wound-healing assays demonstrated accelerated wound closure and enhanced epithelial regeneration in CS/CeO₂NPs-treated rats. In vivo antibacterial assays showed significant bacterial load reduction, particularly against S. aureus, indicating effective infection control. Histological analysis confirmed improved tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced re-epithelialization in CSQ/CeO₂NPs-treated wounds, suggesting efficient wound healing. These results underscore the multi-functional therapeutic potential of CS/CeO₂NPs, highlighting their antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. Further research is needed to optimize formulations and elucidate the mechanisms driving their biological activities for clinical applications.

The goal of this study is to develop a novel injectable hydrogel, referred to as PPMF, and evaluate its biosafety profile. The PPMF polymer, which serves as the gelation precursor, was synthesized through a redox radical polymerization and amidation process. The molecular structures of the synthesized polymers were thoroughly characterized using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The PPMF hydrogel was formed via Diels-Alder reactions between the PPMF polymer and four-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide (4-armed-PEG-Mal) cross-linkers. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the hydrogel's injectability, swelling ratios, hematotoxicity, biodegradability, and overall biosafety. Both FTIR and ¹H NMR spectra confirmed the successful synthesis of the PPMF polymers. The results revealed that the PPMF hydrogel demonstrated remarkable injectability, favorable swelling ratios, and minimal in vitro cytotoxicity. Upon subcutaneous injection into Kunming mice, the PPMF hydrogel degraded and was absorbed within 25 days. Importantly, the PPMF hydrogel showed no significant physiological or pathological changes in the internal organs of the treated mice. No inflammatory responses were observed at the injection sites, and blood routine and biochemical tests further emphasized the hydrogel's excellent biocompatibility and safety. In conclusion, the PPMF hydrogel's outstanding biosafety and unique properties make it a promising candidate for a wide range of applications in biological fields.

Hydrogel-based drug delivery technologies have garnered considerable interest in the biomedical field, aiming to overcome the challenges associated with conventional treatments. This investigation reports a novel injectable hydrogel composed of non-chemically modified hyaluronic acid and κ-carrageenan, crosslinked using a Fe(III)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) complex for the delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent. The system exhibits shear-thinning behavior, possessing both appropriate rheological and drug-release properties, thereby eliminating the need for chemical or thermoresponsive additives. This study examines this system in the context of chemotherapeutic delivery, providing a novel approach to achieving biocompatibility, structural flexibility, injectability, and prolonged release properties. The developed hydrogels were evaluated in vitro for their ability to deliver the model drug daunorubicin (DNR). Physicochemical characterizations of hydrogels, including FTIR, DSC, and SEM analysis, were carried out. Furthermore, the rheological properties, in vitro release, swelling, degradation, and cytotoxicity of the developed hydrogels were evaluated. Homopolymer hydrogels of metal ion crosslinked HA, KCG, and hybrid hydrogels of HA-KCG were developed and evaluated. All studied hydrogels can control DNR release; compared to homopolymer hydrogels, the HA-KCG hybrid hydrogels showed a better swelling ratio, a slower degradation rate, and a higher capability to prolong DNR release over 16 days. In addition, the evaluated hydrogels exhibit shear-thinning properties and diverse viscoelastic properties, as well as enhanced DNR cytotoxic activities. Overall, Injectable self-healing hydrogels of HA and KCG interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) produced by metal ionic crosslinking were successfully created, exhibiting shear-thinning ability and thixotropic properties, making them a potential candidate for localized chemotherapeutic drug delivery.

Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an innovative biodegradable hemostatic gelatinous sponge containing curcumin nanoparticles for use in dentistry. This research investigated the efficacy and safety of this material in both in vitro tests and some clinical settings. The novel sponge was prepared via the freeze-drying method. It was characterized by common approaches. The biocompatibility and biological effects of the new sponge were evaluated in vitro. In the next step, thirty-eight patients who needed dental extraction on two teeth were selected for clinical assessment. The prepared sponge was placed inside the cavity of the experimental group. On the control side, the teeth were extracted normally. All patients were studied for pain, swelling, repair of the extracted site, clot quantity, and the occurrence of dry sockets. Results revealed a porous structure with micro- and nanosized pores and a 12-day degradation period. The produced sponge could absorb blood 38 times its weight. It showed no toxic effect. In the clinical study, pain reduction was larger in the experimental group compared to the control group. The extracted site was normal in terms of repair and clot formation. Finally, there was no dry socket in any of the experimental and control groups. The abovementioned advantages may make the new sponge more effective in tooth extraction and other surgical applications in dentistry.