Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine最新文献

N-carboxyethyl chitosan (CECS) and sodium alginate oxide (SAO) are two biomaterials extensively used in tissue engineering, particularly in wound dressing (WD) applications. Nonetheless, these materials exhibit certain limitations such as inadequate physicomechanical properties, limited antibacterial activity in non-acidic environments, and insolubilityunder physiological condition. This study introduces an injectable self-healing hydrogel composed of CECS and SAO, improved with hydrophilic nanomaterials, i.e., cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, to address the inherent drawbacks of these hydrogels. The CECS/SAO/CNFs/CuO hydrogels were analyzed by varying the CNFs concentration (0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 wt.%) and CuO nanoparticles content (0, 0.008, 0.020, 0.032 wt.%). Physicomechanical properties (compressive modulus and strength, % degradation, swelling, and pore size), rheological characteristics, and biological performance (assessed by fibroblast cell growth, adhesion, and live-dead tests) of the hydrogels were evaluated. The findings indicated that the CECS/SAO hydrogel containing 0.10% CNFs and 0.032% CuO nanoparticles exhibited appropriate physical properties (2259% swelling after 1 h, 22.3% degradation after 6 days, and 151 µm pore size), compressive modulus (22.31 kPa), shear thinning behavior, and biological viability (more than 90% after 3 days), while ensuring adequate injectability and proper self-healing. The antibacterial property of the hydrogel against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was observed to be higher than 99.5%. These results highlight the significant potential of the CCH/SAO/CNFs/CuO hydrogel for wound dressing applications.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are used as a suitable delivery system in cancer immunotherapy. Coating NPs with cell membranes can improve their therapeutic efficacy. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with a dominant phenotype of M2 and anti-inflammatory properties are found within the tumor microenvironment and contribute to tumor progression. Reprogramming TAMs toward a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype can be a suitable approach to alter the tumor microenvironment and improve treatment outcomes. In this study, we synthesized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs loaded with a TLR7/8 agonist (R848) and coated with M1 macrophage cell membranes (CM1), along with a cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) agonist (PLGA-CM1-CDN-R848 NPs), and their ability to reprogram M2-like macrophages was investigated using an in vitro model. PLGA-CM1-CDN-R848 NPs were preferentially taken up by M2-like macrophages and efficiently stimulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS) as well as the STING pathway (IFN-β). The reprogrammed macrophages induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 and G2/M phases) in 4T1 breast cancer cells. In conclusion, the PLGA-CM1-CDN-R848 NPs formulation represents a promising strategy for breast cancer immunotherapy by targeting M2 TAMs within the TME and reprogramming them toward the M1 phenotype.

The present study investigates the effect of thin porous ceramic coatings on implant stability, focusing on two materials: a calcium alkali orthophosphate (GB14, Ca₂KNa(PO₄)₂) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), with and without copper (Cu) incorporation. The coatings were applied to titanium implant surfaces (CP Ti, grade 2) and characterized for porosity and microstructure. The in vivo performance of the material is assessed in a New Zealand White rabbit model. Following defined healing periods, biomechanical push-out testing were performed. The results of β-TCP/Cu for cancellous bone show that Cu-doped coatings exhibit significantly improved bone integration compared to their Cu-free counterparts. The enhanced fixation is attributed to the bioactive and potential antibacterial properties of copper, which may stimulate osteogenesis and the presence of supraparticles in the Cu samples. Furthermore, the incorporation of β -TCP supraparticles into the ceramic matrix increases overall coating porosity, facilitating deeper bone ingrowth and improved mechanical interlocking. This structural change results in improved osseointegration compared to less porous coatings. This structural change results in improved osseointegration compared to less porous coatings. The results of this study demonstrate that combining copper incorporation with enhanced porosity through supraparticles can improve implant stability by shortening the time required for the transition from primary to secondary stability. This approach offers a promising strategy for optimizing surface design in orthopedic and dental implants.

Ferroptosis is a novel anticancer therapeutic approach that effectively circumvents the apoptotic cell death mechanism. Nonetheless, enhancing the catalytic effectiveness of the Fe²⁺-mediated Fenton reaction and effectively inducing ferroptosis present significant challenges. In this study, motivated by the kinetics of hyperthermia-improved Fenton reactions, we initially developed Quercetin (QT)-Curcumin (CUR)-Iron (Fe)-coordinated nanochelates for photothermal-improved ferroptosis in anticancer therapy. We precisely adjusted the appropriate feeding rate of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), QT, CUR, and Fe to develop unique nanofibrous QT-CUR-Fe chelates, referred to as QCFs. The differences in size and structure made QCFs more practical for colorectal cancer therapy than ultrasmall QT-Fe (QFs). Under NIR laser exposure, QCFs can continuously enhance the formation of depleted excessive GSH and toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH), leading to increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) accumulation and subsequently activating the ferroptosis pathway in vitro. Furthermore, the incorporation of CUR may suppress prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in conjunction with PTT-improved ferroptosis colorectal therapy to facilitate dendritic cell (DC) maturation, elicit immunogenic cell death (ICD), and enhance synergistic antitumor immunotherapy. Overall, this study proposed a way to integrate small-molecule immunomodulators into QFs nanocoordination to overcome its limitations, thereby fostering a novel design concept for colorectal cancer therapy.

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, exhibits potent multimodal anticancer activity by modulating critical oncogenic pathways (e.g., NF-κB, STAT3, PI3K/Akt/mTOR), inducing apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis, and reversing multidrug resistance (MDR). However, its clinical translation is severely hindered by poor aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and negligible oral bioavailability (typically <1% in serum), which result in subtherapeutic concentrations at tumor sites. Smart nanoparticle delivery systems have emerged as a transformative strategy to overcome these limitations, enabling enhanced solubility, controlled release, and targeted accumulation in tumors. This review comprehensively summarizes the advancements in curcumin-loaded nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles (e.g., PLGA, chitosan), lipid-based systems (e.g., liposomes, NLCs), inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., mesoporous silica, gold nanoparticles), and stimuli-responsive platforms (pH-, redox-, enzyme-sensitive). These nanosystems leverage passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting through ligand conjugation (e.g., folate, transferrin, hyaluronic acid), significantly improving tumor-specific delivery and curcumin’s bioavailability—exemplified by a 178-fold increase in plasma AUC in healthy human volunteers following oral administration of the co-grinding formulation CUMINUP60® compared to standard crystalline curcumin. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that nanoformulated curcumin synergizes with conventional chemo/radiotherapy, sensitizes resistant cancers, and modulates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. For instance, Phase I/II trials indicate that formulations like nanomicellar curcumin (Sinacurcumin®) can modulate inflammatory cytokines, while liposomal variants (Lipocur™) have shown target engagement in metastatic cancers, albeit with the need for dose optimization. Hybrid nanocarriers co-delivering curcumin with chemotherapeutics or siRNA further augment therapeutic outcomes in models of colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and glioblastoma cancers. Despite these progresses, the gap between preclinical success and clinical translation remains significant. This review critically analyzes the barriers impeding commercialization, specifically highlighting the heterogeneity of the EPR effect, the lack of scalable GMP-compliant manufacturing for complex nanocarriers, and the regulatory hurdles regarding long-term biocompatibility and safety assessments.

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Over the past few decades, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a focal point of research due to their versatility and diverse applications across biomedical and technological domains. The rapid advancement in nanotechnology has enabled MNPs to be utilized in drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cancer therapy. In biomedical applications, MNPs are valued for their small size, biocompatibility, and responsiveness to external magnetic fields, facilitating targeted drug delivery, cell tracking, and magnetic hyperthermia. MNPs can be functionalized with therapeutic agents for precision-targeted delivery and magneto-mechanical activation at the cellular level. This review explores the synthesis and characterization of MNPs, focusing on their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Iron oxide nanoparticles have been studied for their ability to target tumors through passive and active mechanisms, allowing controlled drug release within the tumor microenvironment. Coating MNPs with biocompatible materials enhances their stability and drug loading capacity while reducing toxicity. MNPs are also integrated with other nanotechnologies to create multifunctional theranostic platforms combining treatment and imaging capabilities. Despite promising preclinical results, clinical translation requires further optimization to address challenges like targeting efficiency and regulatory approval. Continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to fully realize the potential of MNPs in advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes.

Teeth and dental materials are very noteworthy because of their important role in digestion and facial beauty. It is necessary to develop dental materials with suitable physical, chemical and biological properties to improve the quality and beauty of teeth. Fullerene, as a spherical allotrope of carbon, has potent properties for medical applications. In this combinatorial review article, we focus on the application of fullerene C60 in dentistry. By searching the database for suitable keywords (“fullerene”, “dental” and “dentistry”), 12 related articles were found. The data extracted from these articles showed that fullerene C60 can improve the mechanical properties of dental materials, prevent bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth, reduce frictional forces during orthodontic tooth movement, reduce the oxidation of orthodontic wires, improve surface topography, and adjust the roughness of dental implants in cell proliferation and connections, reduce the overall roughness of dental implants, increase the biocompatibility of dental materials, improve osteonectography by inducing biomineralization and differentiation of osteoblasts, act as alkaline phosphatase-like catalysts and increase the concentration of phosphate ions, improve the longevity and quality of implants, reduce worn teeth and corrosion, and prevent prosthetic stomatitis and inflammation. One related study showed that the designed fullerene-based system can be used as a probe to evaluate alpha-amylase activity and serve as an alternative analytical method for caries detection. Based on this article, the future of dentistry and dental materials is bright due to the spherical nanostructure of fullerene and the development of research in the field of its use in dentistry.

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Cerium dioxide (CeO₂) nanozymes are capable of mimicking the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), thereby facilitating the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to synthesize CeO₂ nanozymes with different morphologies by controlling reaction conditions and to elucidate the relationship between morphology and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the same material. The successful preparation of CeO₂ nanozymes with different morphologies was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our findings revealed that CeO₂ nanotubes exhibited the strongest total antioxidant capacity. More importantly, all CeO₂ nanozymes with different morphologies demonstrated excellent ROS scavenging abilities and effectively inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, reduced phosphorylated p65 (P-p65) protein levels, and consequently decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. This study not only elucidates the structure-activity-anti-inflammatory efficacy relationship of CeO₂ nanozymes but also provides a significant theoretical basis for the development of novel anti-inflammatory nanomedicines.

Despite ongoing research efforts, spinal cord injury (SCI) remains one of the most disabling neurological disorders where current therapies provide limited solutions that mostly address symptoms rather than true regeneration. The latest research indicates that exosome-loaded hydrogel systems could function as a dual-purpose treatment for spinal cord injury in regenerative medicine. Exosomes are tiny membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles that carry multiple therapeutic biomolecules which help control inflammation while delivering neuroprotective and tissue regenerative properties. The structural support and controlled release capabilities of hydrogels allow them to encapsulate exosomes which leads to their stable and bioactive delivery to the injury site. This study evaluates recent progress in exosome-loaded hydrogel technology for spinal cord injury repair by examining SCI mechanisms and the advantages of combining exosomes with hydrogels to develop optimized delivery systems. Our discussion will cover both the challenges of standardizing exosome production and hydrogel formulation as well as the scalability of these systems for in vivo applications. The following review will provide a summary of this novel SCI treatment approach and set out research directions to develop a therapy that is efficient, scalable, and translatable to humans.

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The uveoscleral outflow pathway is one of the important pathways for aqueous humor outflow. Implanting ab interno glaucoma drainage devices through this pathway does not require conjunctival filtering bleb formation, thereby avoiding bleb-related complications. However, permanent drainage devices can easily cause damage to the corneal endothelium. We hypothesize that a novel ab interno supraciliary HA-Mg biodegradable glaucoma drainage plate through the uveoscleral pathway can reduce corneal endothelial cell damage, demonstrate an IOP-lowering effect, and form and maintain a physiological aqueous outflow pathway after complete degradation and absorption. Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: HA-Mg drainage plate group (10 right eyes), trabeculectomy group (6 right eyes), and control group (16 left eyes). Results showed that the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the ab interno plate group was significantly lower than in the other two groups within the first 20 weeks after surgery (P < 0.0001). After 21 weeks, the IOP in the ab interno plate group gradually returned to the levels of the other two groups. Within 5 months after surgery, the plate was completely degraded and absorbed, the aqueous humor drainage pathway extended to the supraciliary space at the anterior chamber angle, and a water sac-like gap formed above the ciliary body. At the 6th month postoperatively, the number of corneal endothelial cells in the ab interno supraciliary HA-Mg drainage plate group was 2446.0 ± 104.3, and in the control group was 2391.67 ± 49.6, revealing no statistically significant difference (t = −1.611, P = 0.168). In summary, the HA-Mg biodegradable glaucoma drainage plate placement in rabbits was well fixed in the supraciliary space. After 5 months of implantation, the internal drainage plate was completely absorbed, and the implantation procedure and degradation process did not cause damage to the corneal endothelial cells. Compared with the trabeculectomy group, the ab interno plate group maintained a significantly lower IOP for a longer period in this normotensive rabbit model. Although an aqueous humor drainage channel was formed after degradation, the IOP gradually returned to the levels of the control group.

Graphical Abstract

We developed a biodegradable material hydroxyapatite coated magnesium (HA-Mg) as a glaucoma drainage device. The device is implanted into the supraciliary space, where it effectively reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) and gradually degrades. After complete degradation, a functional drainage pathway remains, without causing corneal endothelial damage.