Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials最新文献

In the present study, chitosan microspheres (MSCH) loaded with different concentrations of simvastatin (2%, 5%, and 10%) were synthesized as a biomaterial for dentin tissue engineering. The microspheres were prepared by emulsion crosslinking method, and simvastatin was incorporated during the process. The microspheres were then physicochemically and morphologically characterized. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the spherical morphology of synthesized microspheres and the chemical incorporation of simvastatin into MSCH, respectively. UV–visible absorption confirmed the controlled and continuous release pattern of the drug. To mimic the clinical application in vitro, the microspheres were applied onto three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). Cell viability, proliferation, and in situ-mineralized matrix deposition were evaluated. The results indicated no cytotoxic effects for all 3D cultures for all tested biomaterials, with cells being able to proliferate significantly over time. HDPCs showed a significant increase in the deposition of mineralization nodules when 3D cultures were in direct contact with chitosan microspheres in comparison to control; nevertheless, the highest expression was observed for MSCH encapsulated with 5% and 10% simvastatin, which was significantly higher than plain MSCH. Therefore, chitosan microsphere systems loaded with 5%–10% simvastatin provided the development of a controlled release system in bioactive dosages for dentin tissue engineering.

While polyetherketoneketone is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer, its hydrophobicity and inertness limit bone adhesion. This study aimed to evaluate a novel PEKK/CaSiO₃/TeO₂ nanocomposite, comparing it to PEKK/15 wt.% CaSiO₃ and PEKK groups. The in vitro study, involving 90 discs (n = 30), assessed the cytotoxicity of all groups after 24, 72, and 168 h. The in vivo animal study, using cylinder-type implants (n = 30), evaluated osseointegration through biomechanical push-out tests, descriptive histopathological examinations of decalcified sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and histomorphometric analysis of new bone formation area after 2- and 6-week healing intervals. The cytocompatibility of PEKK/15 wt.% CaSiO₃/1 wt.% TeO₂ composite confirmed its acceptance as a biomedical material. Additionally, in vivo study results showed that the PEKK/15 wt.% CaSiO₃/1 wt.% TeO₂ had the highest shear strength value and the highest new bone formation area compared to other experimental groups. The multimodal concept of adding CaSiO₃ micro fillers and TeO₂ nanofillers to PEKK produces a cytocompatible composite that enhances osseointegration and new bone formation in a rabbit's femur after 2- and 6-week healing intervals.

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma worms, is a major neglected tropical disease in Africa, this disease is ranked as second after malaria. Nanotechnology is important for treating schistosomiasis while minimizing chemotherapy side effects. The current investigate aimed to assess the effectiveness of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), which were used for the first time in an attempt to find alternative treatment for schistosomiasis and synthesized by Origanum majorana, and to compare them with praziquantel (PZQ), the only chemical treatment approved by the World Health Organization. The study included evaluations both in the laboratory and in vivo. In the laboratory experiment, adult worms exposed to ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.125 μg/mL showed the highest complete mortality rates at concentrations of 100 and 50 μg/mL after 6 and 12 h, respectively. Combinations of ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 12.5 + 0.4, 25 + 0.3, 50 + 0.2, and 75 + 0.1 μg/mL with PZQ were also tested. In vivo, four groups of hamsters infected with Schistosoma haematobium were treated. In hamsters, the number of eggs present in the tissues as well as the size and number of granulomas significantly decreased when ZnO nanoparticles combined with PZQ were administered. The properties of ZnO particles synthesized by Origanum majorana were consistent and confirmed by all previous studies. These results indicate that green ZnO nanoparticles with PZQ showed high activity against S. haematobium in laboratory experiments.

Calcium phosphates, notably monetite, are valued biomaterials for bone applications owing to their osteogenic properties and rapid uptake by bone cells. This study investigates the enhancement of these properties through Cobalt doping, which is known to induce hypoxia and promote bone cell differentiation. Heat treatments at 700°C, 900°C, and 1050°C are applied to both monetite and Cobalt-doped monetite, facilitating the development of purer, more crystalline phases with varied particle sizes and optimized cellular responses. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization through XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM/EDS, and ASAP analyses shows significant phase transformations into pyrophosphate, influencing the materials' structural and functional attributes. When utilized to condition a culture medium for MC3T3-E1 cells, these materials demonstrate non-cytotoxic behavior and provoke specific gene responses associated with the osteoblastic phenotype, angiogenesis, adhesion, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Significantly, non-heat-treated Cobalt-doped Monetite retains properties advantageous for clinical applications such as dental and orthopedic implants, where lower processing temperatures are crucial. This attribute, combined with the material's straightforward production, highlights its practicality and potential cost-effectiveness. Further research is essential to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of these materials in clinical settings. Our findings underscore the promising role of Cobalt-doped Monetite in advancing bone repair and regeneration, setting the stage for future innovations in treating bone lesions, enhancing implant integration, and developing advanced prosthetic coatings within the field of tissue engineering.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability, and traditional treatment methods often struggle to restore its complex biomechanical properties. This article explores the innovative application of self-healing hydrogels in the treatment of IDD, offering new hope for disc repair due to their exceptional self-repair capabilities and adaptability. As a key support structure in the human body, intervertebral discs are often damaged by trauma or degenerative changes. Self-healing hydrogels not only mimic the mechanical properties of natural intervertebral discs but also self-repair when damaged, thereby maintaining stable functionality. This article reviews the self-healing mechanisms and design strategies of self-healing hydrogels and, for the first time, outlines their potential in the treatment of IDD. Furthermore, the article looks forward to future developments in the field, including intelligent material design, multifunctional integration, encapsulation and release of bioactive molecules, and innovative combinations with tissue engineering and stem cell therapy, offering new perspectives and strategies for IDD treatment.

In dental implant surgery, infection is identified as the primary factor contributing to the failure of bone grafts. There is an urgent need to develop bone graft materials possessing antibacterial characteristics to facilitate bone regeneration. Magnesium phosphate bone cement (MPC) is highly desirable for bone regeneration due to its favorable biocompatibility, plasticity, and osteogenic capabilities. However, the limited porosity of conventional MPC hinders the nutrient supply, gas diffusion, and cell infiltration, thereby compromising its osteogenic efficacy. This research focused on the fabrication of a highly porous MPC (CaCO₃/CA-MPC) by incorporating citric acid (CA) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as foaming agents. The resulting material demonstrated enhanced physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and antimicrobial effects. When compared with conventional MPC, human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) showed improved osteogenic differentiation when cultured with CaCO₃/CA-MPC. The inclusion of foaming agents significantly enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of MPC against both Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). The results of in vivo anti-infection experiments in rats revealed that 3%CaCO₃/CA-MPC displayed superior bactericidal activity compared with Bio-Oss and control groups (p < 0.05), thereby enhancing the anti-infective outcomes post-bone grafting and stimulating osteogenesis in the infected bone defect region. The study demonstrated that MPC containing 3%CaCO₃/CA exhibited excellent antimicrobial and osteogenic properties both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential as a promising candidate as bone graft material for dental implant surgeries.