Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.12.003
Jie Li , Muhammad Shafiq , Minghua Yao , Zehua Liu , Ruizhi Tian , Fangqiao Zheng , Chan Lu , Ming Ma
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major cause of heart failure, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and rapid loss of cardiomyocytes. Traditional therapies for MIRI remain limited, largely due to poor cardiac targeting and an absence of real-time diagnostic capabilities. Recently, various nanomaterials (NMs) have been extensively developed and applied to achieve more precise and effective treatment of MIRI, owing to their favorable biosafety and functional tunability. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress on functional NMs in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions for MIRI. In the context of diagnostic imaging, in vitro nano-biosensors enable the early detection of MIRI biomarkers, while NM-enhanced imaging modalities provide high diagnostic precision at the in vivo level and support real-time therapeutic guidance. Therapeutically, NMs can be leveraged as direct antioxidative agents, vehicles for targeted gene therapy, and platforms for combination regimens including gas therapy, stem cell therapy, and circadian rhythm modulation, to enhance myocardial repair. By synthesizing these advancements, this review provides conceptual and technological insights that could guide the future of nanomedicine-enabled precision cardiovascular care.
{"title":"Advanced nanomaterials for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: Bridging precision imaging to targeted therapy","authors":"Jie Li , Muhammad Shafiq , Minghua Yao , Zehua Liu , Ruizhi Tian , Fangqiao Zheng , Chan Lu , Ming Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major cause of heart failure, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and rapid loss of cardiomyocytes. Traditional therapies for MIRI remain limited, largely due to poor cardiac targeting and an absence of real-time diagnostic capabilities. Recently, various nanomaterials (NMs) have been extensively developed and applied to achieve more precise and effective treatment of MIRI, owing to their favorable biosafety and functional tunability. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress on functional NMs in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions for MIRI. In the context of diagnostic imaging, <em>in vitro</em> nano-biosensors enable the early detection of MIRI biomarkers, while NM-enhanced imaging modalities provide high diagnostic precision at the <em>in vivo</em> level and support real-time therapeutic guidance. Therapeutically, NMs can be leveraged as direct antioxidative agents, vehicles for targeted gene therapy, and platforms for combination regimens including gas therapy, stem cell therapy, and circadian rhythm modulation, to enhance myocardial repair. By synthesizing these advancements, this review provides conceptual and technological insights that could guide the future of nanomedicine-enabled precision cardiovascular care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"Pages 13-43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.12.001
Yuzhong Zhang , Shenglin Geng , Junxiao Zhang , Lan Ma , Jinhe Tian , Yuanying Guo , Guojuan Fan , Weifen Zhang , Jinlong Ma
In the field of burn treatment, where infected wound sites face critical challenges such as inadequate antimicrobial efficacy and impaired tissue regeneration, developing multifunctional strategies that synergize antibacterial activity and regenerative promotion remains an urgent need. Here, we developed a zinc ion (Zn2+) and 2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] (AIP)-based antibacterial nano-carrier (ZIP) for co-delivering resveratrol (Res) and indocyanine green (ICG) (R/I@ZIP) for burn regeneration. The ZIP platform demonstrates dual intrinsic antibacterial mechanisms through sustained Zn2+ release and free radical generation, effectively overcoming resveratrol's inherent antimicrobial limitations. Notably, R/I@ZIP employs thermodynamic therapy mediated by ICG instead of conventional photothermal approaches, eliminating the risks of thermal damage that cause secondary tissue injury. The system exhibits pH-responsive drug release behavior, accelerating resveratrol release in acidic wound environments to synergistically enhance fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration. In murine models of infected burn wounds, R/I@ZIP demonstrated superior therapeutic outcomes through combined antimicrobial action and regenerative promotion. This work presents a paradigm-shifting multifunctional platform that integrates intrinsic therapeutic properties with drug delivery capabilities, while overcoming the weak antimicrobial ability of resveratrol in burn management.
{"title":"Dual-antibacterial nano-sheet synergizes resveratrol delivery for burn regeneration","authors":"Yuzhong Zhang , Shenglin Geng , Junxiao Zhang , Lan Ma , Jinhe Tian , Yuanying Guo , Guojuan Fan , Weifen Zhang , Jinlong Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the field of burn treatment, where infected wound sites face critical challenges such as inadequate antimicrobial efficacy and impaired tissue regeneration, developing multifunctional strategies that synergize antibacterial activity and regenerative promotion remains an urgent need. Here, we developed a zinc ion (Zn<sup>2+</sup>) and 2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] (AIP)-based antibacterial nano-carrier (ZIP) for co-delivering resveratrol (Res) and indocyanine green (ICG) (R/I@ZIP) for burn regeneration. The ZIP platform demonstrates dual intrinsic antibacterial mechanisms through sustained Zn<sup>2+</sup> release and free radical generation, effectively overcoming resveratrol's inherent antimicrobial limitations. Notably, R/I@ZIP employs thermodynamic therapy mediated by ICG instead of conventional photothermal approaches, eliminating the risks of thermal damage that cause secondary tissue injury. The system exhibits pH-responsive drug release behavior, accelerating resveratrol release in acidic wound environments to synergistically enhance fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration. In murine models of infected burn wounds, R/I@ZIP demonstrated superior therapeutic outcomes through combined antimicrobial action and regenerative promotion. This work presents a paradigm-shifting multifunctional platform that integrates intrinsic therapeutic properties with drug delivery capabilities, while overcoming the weak antimicrobial ability of resveratrol in burn management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"7 ","pages":"Pages 1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145891196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The integration of bioelectronics with biological tissues remains challenging due to mechanical and interfacial mismatches. In addition, existing bioelectronic hydrogels typically exhibit monofunctional characteristics and cannot achieve integrated wound monitoring and healing capabilities. There is an urgent need for multifunctional hydrogels that combine reliable bioelectronic sensing with active tissue repair properties. Here, we report a MIL-53 (Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF)-loaded polydopamine (PDA)-mediated graphene oxide (PGO)-incorporated polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel. The catechol groups of PDA strongly coordinate with the Fe sites of MIL-53 MOF, anchoring the MIL-53 MOF onto the PGO sheets and improving its dispersion. The incorporation of MIL-53@PGO significantly enhances the hydrogel's mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and tissue adhesion. The hydrogel exhibits exceptional bioelectronic performance, enabling high-fidelity electromyographic signal acquisition in vivo and acting as a highly efficient capacitor with a specific capacitance as high as 159.4 mF/g. Furthermore, At the same time, due to the good energy storage function of MIL-53 MOF, it can provide electrons for PGO after its addition, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immunomodulatory effects, and promoting electrical stimulation-mediated cell regulation. This work presents a promising strategy for developing next-generation bioelectronic hydrogels that achieve integrated sensing and therapeutic functionalities for advanced healthcare applications.
{"title":"Self-adhesive and conductive hydrogel based on MIL-53 (Fe)-anchored graphene oxide for bioelectronics and wound healing","authors":"Jialiang Zhao , Xuanhan Lv , Ying Chen, Xiong Lu, Chaoming Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of bioelectronics with biological tissues remains challenging due to mechanical and interfacial mismatches. In addition, existing bioelectronic hydrogels typically exhibit monofunctional characteristics and cannot achieve integrated wound monitoring and healing capabilities. There is an urgent need for multifunctional hydrogels that combine reliable bioelectronic sensing with active tissue repair properties. Here, we report a MIL-53 (Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF)-loaded polydopamine (PDA)-mediated graphene oxide (PGO)-incorporated polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel. The catechol groups of PDA strongly coordinate with the Fe sites of MIL-53 MOF, anchoring the MIL-53 MOF onto the PGO sheets and improving its dispersion. The incorporation of MIL-53@PGO significantly enhances the hydrogel's mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and tissue adhesion. The hydrogel exhibits exceptional bioelectronic performance, enabling high-fidelity electromyographic signal acquisition in vivo and acting as a highly efficient capacitor with a specific capacitance as high as 159.4 mF/g. Furthermore, At the same time, due to the good energy storage function of MIL-53 MOF, it can provide electrons for PGO after its addition, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immunomodulatory effects, and promoting electrical stimulation-mediated cell regulation. This work presents a promising strategy for developing next-generation bioelectronic hydrogels that achieve integrated sensing and therapeutic functionalities for advanced healthcare applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 406-416"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.002
Meng-Yuan Wang , Han-Lin Tao , Jun Li , Xue-Yu Chen , Ya-Chao Gu , Ruizhi Tang , Xi-Qiu Liu
Due to the properties of biocompatibility, affordability, and high-throughput production capabilities, alginate-based biomaterials have been extensively studied in the biomedical field, which can be developed into scaffolds, hydrogels, and microspheres. To date, alginate microspheres encapsulating cells have been particularly attractive in cell culture, organoid construction, and tissue engineering applications because alginate microspheres can maintain exchange with external nutrients while providing immune isolation effects. This review summarizes various preparation methods for alginate microspheres loaded with cells, highlighting techniques such as extrusion, electrostatic microdroplet generation, coaxial airflow spraying, and microfluidics. Each method is evaluated for its advantages and disadvantages in terms of particle size, uniformity, and encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, the review presents the recent development of cell-loaded alginate microspheres in the treatment of diabetes, bone defects, and liver failure, as well as their role in fabricating 3D tumor for drug screening. Finally, we also conclude by discussing the current limitations and future directions of alginate microspheres for improving therapeutic outcomes in various medical applications. Overall, alginate microspheres represent a significant advancement in the field of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering.
{"title":"The cell-loaded alginate microspheres in cell culture and disease treatment","authors":"Meng-Yuan Wang , Han-Lin Tao , Jun Li , Xue-Yu Chen , Ya-Chao Gu , Ruizhi Tang , Xi-Qiu Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to the properties of biocompatibility, affordability, and high-throughput production capabilities, alginate-based biomaterials have been extensively studied in the biomedical field, which can be developed into scaffolds, hydrogels, and microspheres. To date, alginate microspheres encapsulating cells have been particularly attractive in cell culture, organoid construction, and tissue engineering applications because alginate microspheres can maintain exchange with external nutrients while providing immune isolation effects. This review summarizes various preparation methods for alginate microspheres loaded with cells, highlighting techniques such as extrusion, electrostatic microdroplet generation, coaxial airflow spraying, and microfluidics. Each method is evaluated for its advantages and disadvantages in terms of particle size, uniformity, and encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, the review presents the recent development of cell-loaded alginate microspheres in the treatment of diabetes, bone defects, and liver failure, as well as their role in fabricating 3D tumor for drug screening. Finally, we also conclude by discussing the current limitations and future directions of alginate microspheres for improving therapeutic outcomes in various medical applications. Overall, alginate microspheres represent a significant advancement in the field of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 387-405"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145620536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.001
Xin Jin , Yin Li , Hang Ran, Zaihong Zhang, Peng Cheng, Yuxiang Wu
Hydrogels have advanced significantly in biomedical applications, yet their inherent hydrophilic matrices often hinder the efficient encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. Nanomaterial-crosslinked (NMC) hydrogels, in which nanomaterials (NMs) serve as crosslinkers rather than mere fillers, represent an innovative platform. NMC hydrogels synergistically integrate the tissue-mimetic and injectable properties of hydrogels with the versatile functionalities of NMs. This review systematically categorizes and discusses the diverse NM-polymer interactions, including irreversible covalent bonds, dynamic covalent bonds, and non-covalent interactions. These interactions that govern the formation and performance of NMC hydrogels and endow them with unique smart behaviors, such as stimuli-responsive phase transitions, programmable cargo release, self-healing capability, and suitability for 3D/4D bioprinting. Particular emphasis is placed on the design principles of NM-polymer interactions and their role in enhancing mechanical robustness, dynamic adaptability, and biomedical functionality. This review aims to inspire the development of more sophisticated and adaptable NMC hydrogel systems, thereby accelerating their translation into clinical practice.
{"title":"Smart nanomaterial-crosslinked hydrogels for biomedical applications","authors":"Xin Jin , Yin Li , Hang Ran, Zaihong Zhang, Peng Cheng, Yuxiang Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogels have advanced significantly in biomedical applications, yet their inherent hydrophilic matrices often hinder the efficient encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. Nanomaterial-crosslinked (NMC) hydrogels, in which nanomaterials (NMs) serve as crosslinkers rather than mere fillers, represent an innovative platform. NMC hydrogels synergistically integrate the tissue-mimetic and injectable properties of hydrogels with the versatile functionalities of NMs. This review systematically categorizes and discusses the diverse NM-polymer interactions, including irreversible covalent bonds, dynamic covalent bonds, and non-covalent interactions. These interactions that govern the formation and performance of NMC hydrogels and endow them with unique smart behaviors, such as stimuli-responsive phase transitions, programmable cargo release, self-healing capability, and suitability for 3D/4D bioprinting. Particular emphasis is placed on the design principles of NM-polymer interactions and their role in enhancing mechanical robustness, dynamic adaptability, and biomedical functionality. This review aims to inspire the development of more sophisticated and adaptable NMC hydrogel systems, thereby accelerating their translation into clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 417-433"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.004
Jia Jia , Xitong Liu , Chi Chen
Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal strategy for restoring immune balance in diseased tissues, harnessing the immune system to eliminate malignant cells and suppress aberrant inflammatory responses at lesional sites while sparing healthy adjacent tissues. Programmable nucleic acid origami nanostructures can be precisely modified with diverse biomolecules at designated sites, making them superior delivery carriers for immune modulation. This review highlights the transformative therapeutic potential of nucleic acid origami nanostructures in the immunotherapy of cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases through regulation of both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Particular attention is given to their applications in antigen/adjuvant co-delivery for vaccine design, cytokine delivery, adoptive cell therapies, and combination immunotherapies. We further summarize current biomedical applications and clinical translation efforts, critically evaluating both opportunities and limitations. Overall, this review underscores the promise of nucleic acid origami nanostructures to redefine personalized immunotherapy and provides perspectives for future research directions.
{"title":"Programmable nucleic acid origami nanostructures for immunotherapy","authors":"Jia Jia , Xitong Liu , Chi Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal strategy for restoring immune balance in diseased tissues, harnessing the immune system to eliminate malignant cells and suppress aberrant inflammatory responses at lesional sites while sparing healthy adjacent tissues. Programmable nucleic acid origami nanostructures can be precisely modified with diverse biomolecules at designated sites, making them superior delivery carriers for immune modulation. This review highlights the transformative therapeutic potential of nucleic acid origami nanostructures in the immunotherapy of cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases through regulation of both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Particular attention is given to their applications in antigen/adjuvant co-delivery for vaccine design, cytokine delivery, adoptive cell therapies, and combination immunotherapies. We further summarize current biomedical applications and clinical translation efforts, critically evaluating both opportunities and limitations. Overall, this review underscores the promise of nucleic acid origami nanostructures to redefine personalized immunotherapy and provides perspectives for future research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 434-451"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.10.001
Yinsong Wang , Xiangling Quan , Xiaoyu Duan , Dongliang Yang , Huijing Zhao , Kai Meng
Chronic wound repair remains challenging in skin regenerative medicine due to complex pathology and dynamic microenvironments. Traditional single-functional dressings fail to integrate exudate management, pH-responsive drug delivery, and inflammation monitoring, while empirical replacement disrupts microbial balance and impairs healing, making multifunctional smart dressings with high absorbency, pH-triggered release, and infection monitoring imperative. This study developed a dual pH-responsive, highly absorbent composite foam sheet using degradable wheat gluten (WG) as the primary matrix with auxiliary components-nanocellulose, glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, and curcumin-based chromogenic capsules (Cur NC); an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) electrospun nanofibrous membrane was integrated via chemical-physical methods. Its dual pH responsiveness involves pH-sensitive swelling of SA carboxyl groups and pH-dependent color changes of Cur NC. In vitro evaluations showed EGCG release of 74.22 % at pH 6.5 and 96.22 % at pH 8.5, with >99.99 % antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; the WG/Cur NC foam exhibited color transitions (yellow at pH 4–7, darkening with pH; red to reddish-brown at pH 7.4–9), enabling visual detection of infected wounds (pH > 7.4). The composite, crosslinked with CaCl2 and negative pressure suction, had a dense interface with excellent peel strength, fracture strength, and liquid absorption. By synergizing pH-responsive drug release (nanofibers) and colorimetric monitoring (foam), this composite sheet addresses key challenges in chronic wound exudate management and infection warning, offering an innovative strategy to accelerate healing and reduce healthcare costs.
{"title":"Nanofiber membrane-foam composite sheet with dual pH-responsive functions of drug release and color change","authors":"Yinsong Wang , Xiangling Quan , Xiaoyu Duan , Dongliang Yang , Huijing Zhao , Kai Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic wound repair remains challenging in skin regenerative medicine due to complex pathology and dynamic microenvironments. Traditional single-functional dressings fail to integrate exudate management, pH-responsive drug delivery, and inflammation monitoring, while empirical replacement disrupts microbial balance and impairs healing, making multifunctional smart dressings with high absorbency, pH-triggered release, and infection monitoring imperative. This study developed a dual pH-responsive, highly absorbent composite foam sheet using degradable wheat gluten (WG) as the primary matrix with auxiliary components-nanocellulose, glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol, and curcumin-based chromogenic capsules (Cur NC); an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) electrospun nanofibrous membrane was integrated via chemical-physical methods. Its dual pH responsiveness involves pH-sensitive swelling of SA carboxyl groups and pH-dependent color changes of Cur NC. In vitro evaluations showed EGCG release of 74.22 % at pH 6.5 and 96.22 % at pH 8.5, with >99.99 % antibacterial activity against <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>; the WG/Cur NC foam exhibited color transitions (yellow at pH 4–7, darkening with pH; red to reddish-brown at pH 7.4–9), enabling visual detection of infected wounds (pH > 7.4). The composite, crosslinked with CaCl<sub>2</sub> and negative pressure suction, had a dense interface with excellent peel strength, fracture strength, and liquid absorption. By synergizing pH-responsive drug release (nanofibers) and colorimetric monitoring (foam), this composite sheet addresses key challenges in chronic wound exudate management and infection warning, offering an innovative strategy to accelerate healing and reduce healthcare costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 334-346"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.003
Narayani Prasad Kar , Junyi Lin , Ashkan HassankhaniRad , Wei Li , Alaa R. Aboushanab , Ying Li , Jingjing Sun
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal malignancies, characterized by aggressive biology, a dense fibrotic and immunosuppressive microenvironment, and profound resistance to standard therapies. Smart polymeric nanoparticles (SPNs), engineered to sense and respond to biological cues, present a transformative approach to overcome these barriers. This review highlights recent advances in SPNs tailored for PDAC, including systems designed to actively target tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and cancer stem cells (CSCs), thereby enhancing selective drug delivery and efficacy. SPNs also remodel the desmoplastic stroma or deliver matrix-modulating agents to improve tumor penetration. Furthermore, stimuli-responsive SPNs exploit the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC, leveraging pH, hypoxia, or enzymatic triggers to achieve controlled, localized drug release. Beyond these strategies, SPNs have been developed to reprogram tumor immunity, modulate metabolic pathways, and enable precision gene therapy or combination treatments. Incorporating chronotherapy principles, future SPNs are capable of synchronizing drug release with circadian rhythms to maximize therapeutic windows while minimizing toxicity. Emerging concepts, such as integrating biosensors for real-time endogenous signal detection or applying AI-driven design to optimize SPN properties, underscore the future potential of these systems. Together, these multifaceted strategies position SPNs as a powerful platform to tackle the formidable challenges of PDAC and advance toward personalized cancer care.
{"title":"Smart polymeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery and microenvironment-responsive therapy in pancreatic cancer","authors":"Narayani Prasad Kar , Junyi Lin , Ashkan HassankhaniRad , Wei Li , Alaa R. Aboushanab , Ying Li , Jingjing Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal malignancies, characterized by aggressive biology, a dense fibrotic and immunosuppressive microenvironment, and profound resistance to standard therapies. Smart polymeric nanoparticles (SPNs), engineered to sense and respond to biological cues, present a transformative approach to overcome these barriers. This review highlights recent advances in SPNs tailored for PDAC, including systems designed to actively target tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and cancer stem cells (CSCs), thereby enhancing selective drug delivery and efficacy. SPNs also remodel the desmoplastic stroma or deliver matrix-modulating agents to improve tumor penetration. Furthermore, stimuli-responsive SPNs exploit the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC, leveraging pH, hypoxia, or enzymatic triggers to achieve controlled, localized drug release. Beyond these strategies, SPNs have been developed to reprogram tumor immunity, modulate metabolic pathways, and enable precision gene therapy or combination treatments. Incorporating chronotherapy principles, future SPNs are capable of synchronizing drug release with circadian rhythms to maximize therapeutic windows while minimizing toxicity. Emerging concepts, such as integrating biosensors for real-time endogenous signal detection or applying AI-driven design to optimize SPN properties, underscore the future potential of these systems. Together, these multifaceted strategies position SPNs as a powerful platform to tackle the formidable challenges of PDAC and advance toward personalized cancer care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 368-386"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.002
Athanasia Pylostomou , Jacek K. Wychowaniec , Riccardo Tognato , Sarah T. Egger , Gion U. Alig , Charlotte J.C. Edwards-Gayle , Fatemeh Safari , Jennifer R. Weiser , Dagnija Loca , Matteo D'Este , Tiziano Serra , Andrea J. Vernengo
Complex tissue engineering requires precise spatial cell organization, but static or isotropic hydrogels hinder long-term pattern maintenance due to random cell migration. We developed EXtrusion Patterned Embedded ConstruCT (EXPECT), a thermosensitive hydrogel embedding medium for 3D bioprinting, integrating Carbopol® 940 and gelatin for rheological properties and print fidelity, with poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (pNIPAAm-CS) for biocompatibility and temperature-responsive behavior (∼32 °C lower critical solution temperature (LCST)). Rheological and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses confirmed EXPECT's self-healing printability and reversible LCST-driven transitions from hydrophobic (above ∼32 °C) to hydrophilic (below ∼32 °C) states. Temperature actuation (15 min at 25 °C every ∼5 days, otherwise 37 °C) in 10 mm toroid channels embedded within EXPECT guided cellular organization of cells seeded in these channels. In chondrogenic medium, actuated single mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) showed ∼50 % narrower patterns by day 7, sustained to day 36 (p < 0.001 vs. static, which widened to 137 ± 20 %). Actuated MSC spheroids elongated, forming bipedal shapes and fusing into extended patterns (length 480 ± 158 μm, p < 0.0001) over 36 days. In 14-day human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)-MSC co-cultures (10:1), actuation reduced pattern width by 27.5 % (p = 0.0236), promoted early protrusions, and decreased cell circularity (vs. 2 % increase in static, p = 0.0173), indicating enhanced elongation and potential vascularization. EXPECT's dynamic, actuation-mediated control of anisotropic cell organization overcomes limitations of static hydrogels, offering significant potential for engineering complex, organized tissues in regenerative medicine.
{"title":"EXPECT: A thermosensitive embedded bioprinting platform for guided spatial cell organization","authors":"Athanasia Pylostomou , Jacek K. Wychowaniec , Riccardo Tognato , Sarah T. Egger , Gion U. Alig , Charlotte J.C. Edwards-Gayle , Fatemeh Safari , Jennifer R. Weiser , Dagnija Loca , Matteo D'Este , Tiziano Serra , Andrea J. Vernengo","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complex tissue engineering requires precise spatial cell organization, but static or isotropic hydrogels hinder long-term pattern maintenance due to random cell migration. We developed EXtrusion Patterned Embedded ConstruCT (EXPECT), a thermosensitive hydrogel embedding medium for 3D bioprinting, integrating Carbopol® 940 and gelatin for rheological properties and print fidelity, with poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (pNIPAAm-CS) for biocompatibility and temperature-responsive behavior (∼32 °C lower critical solution temperature (<em>LCST</em>)). Rheological and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses confirmed EXPECT's self-healing printability and reversible LCST-driven transitions from hydrophobic (above ∼32 °C) to hydrophilic (below ∼32 °C) states. Temperature actuation (15 min at 25 °C every ∼5 days, otherwise 37 °C) in 10 mm toroid channels embedded within EXPECT guided cellular organization of cells seeded in these channels. In chondrogenic medium, actuated single mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) showed ∼50 % narrower patterns by day 7, sustained to day 36 (<em>p</em> < 0.001 vs. static, which widened to 137 ± 20 %). Actuated MSC spheroids elongated, forming bipedal shapes and fusing into extended patterns (length 480 ± 158 μm, <em>p</em> < 0.0001) over 36 days. In 14-day human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)-MSC co-cultures (10:1), actuation reduced pattern width by 27.5 % (<em>p</em> = 0.0236), promoted early protrusions, and decreased cell circularity (vs. 2 % increase in static, <em>p</em> = 0.0173), indicating enhanced elongation and potential vascularization. EXPECT's dynamic, actuation-mediated control of anisotropic cell organization overcomes limitations of static hydrogels, offering significant potential for engineering complex, organized tissues in regenerative medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 347-367"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.001
Ziwen Wang, Zebang Zhang, Xiao Kuang
Fourth-dimensional (4D) printing has progressed tremendously since its first conceptualization in 2013. 4D printing is an emerging branch of three-dimensional (3D) printing that allows printed parts to change their shapes and properties as a function of time under external stimuli. It has revolutionized the fabrication of smart polymer composites with customized geometry and programmed dynamic functions for expanding engineering and healthcare applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the 4D printing of polymer composites, emphasizing three pivotal areas: 3D printing methodologies, smart material design, and their healthcare applications. We start with 3D printing techniques, encompassing traditional methods, multimaterial printing approaches, and other emerging technologies for functional polymer systems. We discuss the molecular engineering of shape-shifting smart polymers, including shape memory polymers, liquid crystal elastomers, magnetoactive soft materials, and hydrogel composites. The structural design strategies and modeling-guided design of smart materials are also covered. We summarize the emerging healthcare applications of 4D-printed polymer composites in medical devices, soft robotics, wearables, drug delivery, and tissue repair/regeneration. Finally, challenges, opportunities, and future directions are highlighted in material design and printing techniques for 4D printing to advance next-generation healthcare solutions.
{"title":"Recent advances in polymer 4D printing: 3D printing techniques, smart material design, and healthcare applications","authors":"Ziwen Wang, Zebang Zhang, Xiao Kuang","doi":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smaim.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fourth-dimensional (4D) printing has progressed tremendously since its first conceptualization in 2013. 4D printing is an emerging branch of three-dimensional (3D) printing that allows printed parts to change their shapes and properties as a function of time under external stimuli. It has revolutionized the fabrication of smart polymer composites with customized geometry and programmed dynamic functions for expanding engineering and healthcare applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the 4D printing of polymer composites, emphasizing three pivotal areas: 3D printing methodologies, smart material design, and their healthcare applications. We start with 3D printing techniques, encompassing traditional methods, multimaterial printing approaches, and other emerging technologies for functional polymer systems. We discuss the molecular engineering of shape-shifting smart polymers, including shape memory polymers, liquid crystal elastomers, magnetoactive soft materials, and hydrogel composites. The structural design strategies and modeling-guided design of smart materials are also covered. We summarize the emerging healthcare applications of 4D-printed polymer composites in medical devices, soft robotics, wearables, drug delivery, and tissue repair/regeneration. Finally, challenges, opportunities, and future directions are highlighted in material design and printing techniques for 4D printing to advance next-generation healthcare solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":22019,"journal":{"name":"Smart Materials in Medicine","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 305-333"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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