Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine最新文献

This study aimed to fabricate hybrid blocks by infiltrating various resin compositions into pre-sintered porous lithium disilicate (Li₂Si₂O₅) scaffolds and to evaluate their surface characteristics, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility. Hybrid ceramic–polymer blocks were produced using mixtures of Bis-GMA, UDMA, and TEGDMA monomers, polymerized at 300 MPa and 180 °C. Four groups (BT82, BT55, UT55, UT73) with different monomer ratios were tested. Complete resin infiltration was achieved in all groups. Surface roughness, contact angle, and water sorption showed no significant differences. However, mechanical properties varied depending on resin composition. UDMA-containing groups (UT55, UT73) exhibited higher flexural strength and Vickers hardness, while Bis-GMA-containing groups showed lower values. Flexural strength was maintained after thermal cycling, but hardness decreased in all groups. All formulations demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility. These results demonstrate that optimizing the resin composition enables the fabrication of lithium disilicate-based hybrid blocks with excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, suggesting their potential application as chairside Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing dental restorative materials.

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Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has revolutionized tissue engineering by precisely fabricating customized scaffolds that recapitulate native tissue architectures. This study introduces a photo-crosslinkable methacrylated guar gum (GG-MA) hydrogel as a tunable monophasic bioink for cartilage tissue engineering. By adjusting methacrylation degrees, GG-MA hydrogels achieved tailored mechanical strength (Young’s modulus: GG-MA2 = 0.184 MPa vs. GG-MA1 = 0.069 MPa), controlled degradation (61.41% vs. 90.71% mass loss over 60 days), and shear-thinning behavior suitable for extrusion bioprinting. Encapsulated with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), GG-MA2 scaffolds exhibited favorable biocompatibility, and promoted cell proliferation, cell migration, and chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs, evidenced by promoting the secretion of extracellular matrix and upregulating gene expression of Collagen Type II Alpha 1 Chain (COL2A1), Aggrecan (ACAN), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9). The novel 3D bioprinting GG-MA hydrogel scaffolds demonstrated significant potential as a versatile platform balancing biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and chondrogenic capacity for cartilage tissue engineering.

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In this study, an innovative hierarchical porous oxide surface (HPOS) with an increased surface area was developed on biomedical 316L stainless steel (SS) implants to promote early bone and implant integration. The surface features and in vivo performance of the HPOS implant were examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, nanoindenter, roughness measurement instrument, contact angle goniometer, micro-computed tomography, and histological analysis. Results showed that the HPOS consisted of a hybrid micro-nano-pores structure and had a relatively low elastic modulus (150.6 ± 7.8 GPa, *p < 0.05), high roughness (8.6 ± 1.2 μm, **p < 0.01), and a low contact angle (15.6 ± 1.8°, ***p < 0.001). Additionally, rapid new bone formation was observed on the HPOS of the 316L SS implant modified at 5 V for 5 min, producing pore sizes from approximately 300 nm to 13.5 μm, with bone contact interfaces exceeding 64% at 12 weeks. The HPOS maintained mechanical interlocking ability at the microscale, which positively influenced osseointegration. Moreover, the difference in new bone formation thickness between the unmodified control group (0.45 ± 0.11 mm) and the modified 316L SS implant with HPOS (0.66 ± 0.13 mm) was statistically significant at 12 weeks post-implantation (*p < 0.05). These findings suggest that forming an innovative HPOS on a 316L SS implant could offer a potential solution to enhance early-stage osseointegration in clinical applications.

Tissue-mimicking materials are essential for developing realistic ultrasound phantoms in medical training and device calibration. This study systematically evaluates the acoustic and physical properties of 15 materials, including gelatin-based formulations, synthetic gels, and rubbers, to assess their suitability for simulating human soft tissues. The investigation focused on ultrasound propagation speed, attenuation coefficients, and temporal stability, with measurements conducted under controlled conditions to ensure consistency. Results revealed that organic gelatins exhibited propagation speeds (1508–1626 m/s) and attenuation coefficients (0.21–1.10 dB/cm) closely aligned with soft tissue benchmarks (1540 m/s and 0.54 dB/cm MHz, respectively), with minimal variations (<5%) over 15 days. However, their susceptibility to dehydration and mold growth necessitates protective measures. Synthetic gels, such as ballistic gel and PVC-Plastisol, demonstrated superior long-term stability but required more complex fabrication processes. Rubbers, while durable, exhibited acoustic properties that deviated significantly from tissue standards, limiting their utility. The study quantitatively highlights trade-offs between material categories: gelatins offer cost-effectiveness and acoustic fidelity for short-term use, whereas synthetic gels provide durability for repeated applications. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for selecting materials tailored to specific phantom requirements, balancing acoustic accuracy, stability, and manufacturability. The work advances the development of high-fidelity, cost-effective phantoms, with implications for improving ultrasound training and diagnostic tool validation. Future research should explore hybrid materials and extended stability assessments to further optimize phantom performance.

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The detection of tinidazole (TIZ) in environmental and pharmaceutical samples remains constrained by conventional electrochemical sensors, which often rely on energy-intensive synthesis routes and toxic modifiers, undermining their sustainability. To bridge this gap, this study introduces a green synthesis approach for sensor fabrication, leveraging the concept of waste-to-value by converting banana peel into nanocellulose (PNC) and using it as a sustainable scaffold for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The enhanced performance of the PNC-ZnO/CPE sensor originates from a synergistic interplay between the high surface area and conductivity of ZnO NPs and the dispersive and stabilizing properties of PNC, which collectively facilitate the electron transfer kinetics for TIZ reduction. The prepared samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The sensor demonstrated a linear response to TIZ concentrations ranging from 9.0 ×10⁻⁹ M to 25.0 ×10⁻⁶ M, with a detection limit of 2.1 nM under optimized conditions. Furthermore, selectivity was quantitatively demonstrated, with the sensor maintaining a stable signal (<5% deviation) in the presence of common interferents. The combination of performance metrics derived from agricultural waste not only validates the sensor’s efficacy but also provides a cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative, advancing the principles of green chemistry in electroanalysis. This work establishes a platform for the future development of sustainable, waste-derived nanocomposites for a broader range of electrochemical sensing applications.

Niosomes are known to improve the bioavailability of drugs. However, niosomes have drawbacks related to stability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Chitosan coating on niosomes can increase their stability in gastrointestinal fluid and absorption after oral administration. This study aimed to evaluate the biopharmaceutical stability and oral absorption of chitosan-coated Ursolic acid niosomes in vivo. Niosomes Ursolic Acid (Nio-UA) were prepared using a thin-layer hydration method, and chitosan was added to produce Niosomes Ursolic Acid with chitosan coating (Nio-UA-CS). The stability of niosomes was evaluated by exposing them to simulated gastrointestinal fluid. The oral absorption and biodistribution were determined in vivo. The results showed that niosome formation increased UA solubility from 1.02 × 10^–4mg/mL to 23.49 × 10^–3mg/mL for Nio-UA and 22.34 × 10^–3mg/mL for Nio-UA-CS and decreased the LogP value of UA from 5.18 ± 0.05 to 1.70 ± 0.22 for Nio-UA and 1.74 ± 0.30 for Nio-UA-CS. Adding chitosan layers increased the stability of the niosome, resulting in the lowest %cumulative calcein release of 7.05 ± 1.77% in Nio-UA-CS after exposure to simulated gastric fluid and 31.53 ± 8.80% after exposure to simulated intestinal fluid. Chitosan-coated niosomes exhibited higher absorption in the duodenum. Moreover, photomicrographs revealed that UA niosomes with a chitosan layer were highly accumulated in the liver 4 h after oral administration. A biodistribution study revealed that chitosan coating increased the plasma concentration of UA and selective hepatic accumulation. Thus, the chitosan layer successfully improved the oral absorption of UA niosomes, providing potential uses of nanoparticles for improving drugs’ bioavailability.

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Poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) is a novel polymer that has attracted considerable attention in the biomedical field due to its exceptional biocompatibility. However, a comprehensive and systematic summary of its diverse applications remains lacking. To address this gap, the present review outlines the physicochemical properties of PLCL and the factors that influence them. Additionally, it consolidates the most commonly employed processing and preparation methods for PLCL in biomedical applications. The review further provides a systematic overview of current applications of PLCL in various biomedical fields, including wound healing, cardiovascular stents, nerve repair, osteochondral tissue engineering, drug delivery, and screening. It also examines modification strategies aimed at enhancing PLCL performance. Ultimately, this review seeks to provide valuable insights for future research and development of PLCL in biomedical contexts.

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Mesoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have the advantages of high specific surface area, tunable pore size, and favorable biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for drug delivery in cancer therapy. In this study, a series of mesoporous zinc-based MOF, constructed using cyclopentane dicarboxylic acid as the organic linker, was successfully synthesized via a surfactant-assisted solvothermal method. Surface characterization revealed that MOF-2 exhibited high surface area (1325 m²/g), pore volume (0.273 cm³/g), and average pore diameter (5.69 nm). UV-Vis analysis showed that MOF-2 demonstrated improved drug loading (18% w/w), encapsulation efficiency (86%), and cumulative release (96%), along with both pH-responsive degradation and drug release properties. Furthermore, cisplatin-loaded MOF-2 exhibited potent antitumor activity against A549 cells and effectively inhibited cell migration and invasion, while maintaining minimal cytotoxicity toward LO2 normal hepatic cells. These findings suggest MOF-2 as a promising nanocarrier for pH-responsive anticancer drug delivery.

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This study introduces the design of two bilayer scaffolds that offer safety and show potential for biomedical applications, especially for wound healing in the skin or oral cavity. Each scaffold is composed of a collagen sponge layer derived from warm-water fish skin (seabass and tilapia) and a PVA layer incorporated with Hsiantsao extract and biosynthesized ZnONPs. Both extracted collagens were identified as type I, with their purity and triple-helical structure confirmed by electrophoresis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and EDX analyses. TEM characterization revealed that the ZnONPs were small (7.95 ± 1.45 nm) and spherical. The bilayer scaffolds utilize the unique functions of each layer: the denser PVA layer, integrated with nanoparticles, acts as a barrier against dust and bacteria and releases bioactive compounds from the Hsiantsao extract, while the sponge collagen layer supports cell proliferation. Mechanically, the scaffolds showed high flexibility, with a tensile strength of about 4 MPa and an elongation at break of around 300%. They also absorbed fluids rapidly and maintained a slightly acidic pH (6.5–6.8). Additionally, the scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatibility (cell viability > 115% after 48 h and a hemolytic percentage < 1.5%), strong antioxidant activity (69–70% DPPH and 80% ABTS scavenging), and antimicrobial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings suggest that the Hsiantsao/ZnONPs-loaded PVA/Seabass and Hsiantsao/ZnONPs-loaded PVA/Tilapia scaffolds are promising candidates for medical treatments.

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