Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine最新文献

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan and is essential in biomedical research due to its distinct properties, compatibility with biological tissues, and functions in preserving tissue hydration, lubrication, and the integrity of the extracellular matrix, a significance recognized since 1934. Its capability to develop hydrogels and react to environmental factors has provided it a strong factor for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing uses. This review emphasizes the various biomedical uses of HA-based materials, focusing on their functions in cancer treatment, wound healing, inflammation control, antibacterial properties, and antioxidant functions. In cancer treatment, HA-functionalized nanoparticles improve the targeted drug delivery by using the additional presence of CD44 receptors in cancer cells. HA-based hydrogels have demonstrated significant potential in advancing wound healing by regulating inflammatory responses, enhancing angiogenesis, and participating in the extracellular matrix remodeling. Moreover, HA’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics have been utilized in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions including osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The recent developments in HA-based materials have also demonstrated their promise in antibacterial applications, diabetes control, and in treating cardiovascular and neurological conditions. The advancement of HA-based intelligent drug delivery systems and bioactive scaffolds is ongoing, presenting new treatment options for tissue repair and disease management. This review emphasizes the diverse functions of HA in both health and disease, showcasing its capacity to tackle various medical issues through cutting-edge biomedical applications.

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In recent years, magnesium alloys and their composites, a new generation of biodegradable metals, have become biomedical materials for orthopedic bone implants because of their adequate strength and high biocompatibility. Good biocompatible material should lead to low cytotoxicity, hemolysis, bleeding, and inflammation and must not be at risk for carcinogenic reactions. The medical equipment was tested for cell growth, reproduction, and morphology using in vitro tissue cells in the cytotoxicity test. This research examines the cytotoxicity of a Mg-1%Sn-2%HA composite, produced using powder metallurgy methods, utilizing an in vitro mammalian cell culture system in accordance with ISO 10993-5 criteria. Extracts were generated utilizing the elution technique in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and evaluated on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. The cells were cultured at 37 °C with 5% CO₂ for 7 days, after incubation, the monolayers were evaluated microscopically for aberrant cell morphology and degeneration, followed by quantitative cell toxicity using the MTT method. The results indicated a high cell viability of 71.51% with the undiluted extract preparation, confirming the non-cytotoxic properties of the Mg-1%Sn-2%HA composite. Furthermore, cell viability improved with dilution, attaining 84.93%, 93.20%, and 96.52% at concentration of 50%, 25%, and 12.5%, respectively. No notable morphological alterations or indications of cellular deterioration were seen. The results support the viability of the Mg-1%Sn-2%HA composite as a biodegradable material for orthopedic applications. The research offers essential insights into the formulation and assessment of magnesium-based biomaterials for enhanced safety and efficacy in medical implants. The novelty of this study lies in combining a critical review of cytotoxicity evaluation methods with an experimental investigation of Mg-1%Sn-2%HA composite. This work is the first to systematically evaluate the cytotoxicity of Mg-1%Sn-2%HA composite, thereby filling a key research gap. Unlike earlier reports that focused solely on Mg-Sn alloys or Mg-HA composites, this work integrates both alloying and reinforcement strategies, thereby offering new insights into their collective role in biocompatibility assessment.

The study presents a novel high focus laser scanning (HFLS) system, which integrates the advantages of conventional equipment, and demonstrates its superiority. The biological functions of biomaterial surfaces modified using HFLS were investigated. The advantages of HFLS, including ease of use, processing speed, and precision, were validated via morphological analyses such as microscopy, and surface characterization techniques such as contact angle measurements. The material surfaces were modified into the ‘Line’ and the ‘Grid’ shapes to facilitate further investigations on cellular response and drug delivery. Cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation were examined to investigate cellular responses to HFLS-modified material surfaces. To evaluate the functionality of HFLS-modified materials as drug carriers, prednisolone (PDS) holding capacity, drug release, platelet adhesion, and western blot analysis for inflammatory cytokines were performed. Compared with conventional methods, HFLS processing proved to be faster and more precise, enabling easy modification of materials into hydrophilic (the Line) or hydrophobic (the Grid) surfaces. The highest contact angle (158.63° ± 1.26) was observed for surfaces processed with a 50 µm wave size. Cell culture medium spread across nearly the entire surface on the Line compared to the control, whereas minimal spread was observed on the Grid. These results align with those of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and platelet adhesion assays. Moreover, HFLS-modified materials demonstrated increased PDS retention, with PDS release occurring in a controlled manner rather than disappearance due to rapidly drug eluted. The released PDS maintained an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the expression of cytokines associated with M1 macrophages. The laser system presented in this study proposes a promising approach for enhancing tissue engineering applications, including surface morphology modification, cytocompatibility improvement, and efficient drug delivery. Additionally, it holds potential for clinical accessibility as an equipment owing to its versatility.

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Wound-healing remains a significant challenge in regenerative medicine, necessitating the development of advanced biomaterials with enhanced bioactivity and therapeutic potential. In this study, we synthesized a biocompatible zinc oxide nanoflower (ZnO NF)-infused chitosan/alginate/polyvinyl alcohol (Cs/Alg/PVA) nanocomposite for accelerated skin regeneration. ZnO NFs were synthesized via a green approach using gallic acid and ascorbic acid, yielding nanostructures with high stability and bioactive properties. The physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful formation of ZnO NFs, exhibiting a flower-like morphology. The synthesized ZnO NF-loaded Cs/Alg/PVA nanocomposite demonstrated superior swelling capacity, controlled ZnO NF release, and enhanced mechanical stability. In vitro biocompatibility studies using HDF and L929 cell lines revealed non-cytotoxic behavior and significant proliferation enhancement. Hemocompatibility assessments confirmed very minimal hemolytic activity, indicating excellent blood compatibility. In vivo, wound healing studies in a murine model demonstrated accelerated wound closure, enhanced angiogenesis, reduced inflammation, and improved collagen deposition in ZnO NF-treated groups compared to controls. Histopathological analyses further validated the superior regenerative potential of the nanocomposite. These findings highlight the promising applications of ZnO NFs-based biopolymers in advanced wound dressings, offering a multifunctional platform for tissue engineering and skin regeneration.

Treating neurodegenerative and traumatic brain disorders is profoundly challenging due to factors like permanent tissue loss and the restrictive nature of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), which limits drug delivery to the brain. Biomaterials offer a promising therapeutic strategy, serving as scaffolds for tissue regeneration or as platforms for the controlled and sustained release of therapeutic agents. These materials can localize treatment to the site of injury and prevent the rapid clearance of drugs from circulation. However, the development of biomaterials with the precise properties required for these complex applications is often slow and resource-intensive when using traditional trial-and-error methods. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a paradigm shift to overcome this limitation, poised to revolutionize the field by enabling the intelligent design, virtual screening, and rapid selection of optimal biomaterials. By analyzing vast datasets of material and biological properties, AI can accelerate the development of more effective and personalized treatments. This review examines innovative biomaterials and their applications in conditions such as ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. A central focus is placed on how the integration of AI is accelerating the discovery of novel treatments, paving the way for the future of therapy for neurological disorders.

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AI-powered biomaterial for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Regenerating osteochondral (OC) defects remains a significant challenge in regenerative medicine due to the complex nature of these tissues and their limited self-healing capacity. While tissue engineering offers a promising solution, developing a comprehensive, long-term regenerative strategy is still an active area of research. This study focused on fabricating of a biocompatible bilayer collagen (COL) based scaffold, designed with a bone layer containing hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles and a cartilage layer incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Fabricated through COL fibrillation and gelation subsequent with plastic compression and freeze-drying, the scaffold provided proper environment for both bone and cartilage cells. The inclusion of HAp and CNCs not only enhanced the mechanical properties of the scaffolds but also provided structural similarity to the native matrix of these tissues, thereby improving bioactivity. The bone layer, featuring larger pores, structurally resembled hard bone tissue and supported excellent survival, adhesion, and proliferation of MG-63 cells (a human osteoblastic cell line). In contrast, the cartilage layer, provided a hydrated, bioactive environment similar to natural cartilage with smaller, well-distributed pores that promoted the adhesion and growth of C28/I2 chondrocytes (an immortalized human chondrocyte line). Together, these properties enhance the scaffold’s capacity for effective OC tissue regeneration. These findings highlight the scaffold’s potential for effective OC tissue regeneration, offering a promising step forward in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Nickel (Ni) was an essential component of Ni-Ti alloys used in cardiovascular implants. However, the release of Ni from these alloys might pose potential health risks. This study aimed to identify a simple extraction medium for evaluating Ni release from Ni-Ti alloys and to establish safety assessment guidelines. Seven extraction media, including 0.005% HCl and goat whole blood, were tested. The Ni release was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and statistical methods. The results indicated that 0.005% HCl could replace goat blood, as it showed comparable Ni release levels and provided a more conservative assessment. The optimal extraction medium was validated over 41 days at 37 °C. The Ni release curves demonstrated higher release in 0.005% HCl than in physiological media. Safety evaluation against the International Council for Harmonisation’s (ICH) permissible daily exposure (PDE) of 20 μg/day revealed that some samples exceeded the limits, highlighting the need for stringent risk assessment. This study provided a practical method for Ni release evaluation, supporting regulatory oversight and enhancing product safety in the medical device industry.

UniPearls^® is a novel product of microspheres developed recently with unique features. This study aimed to investigate the embolic efficacy and safety of UniPearls^® for hepatic artery embolization (TAE) in vivo. Eighteen domestic pigs were randomly allocated to experimental group (n = 9) or control group (n = 9) and subjected to TAE procedure [set as day (D) 1]. UniPearls^® (size: 70 μm) was applied in experimental group, whereas HepaSphere^® (size: 30–60 μm) was applied in the control group. Domestic pigs were euthanized on D3, D8, and D29 (n = 3 per group at each timepoint). The mean injection speed, volume, and delivery performance score were 0.43 mL/min, 0.86 mL, and 3 points (highest score) in the experimental group, respectively; in comparison, the injection speed was greater in the experimental group versus the control group, whereas the injection volume and delivery performance score were not different. The angiographic embolization score was greater in the experimental group compared to the control group on D3, instead of on D1, D8, or D29. HE staining revealed that: on D3 and D8, obvious embolic features were identified in both groups; however, on D29, vacuolization, defect, and lightening staining were found in control group, whereas intact margins and high staining were discovered in experimental group. Subsequent histological scoring also confirmed these findings. No off-target embolization, obvious adverse reactions, or deaths occurred in either group. Moreover, the majority of routine blood, biochemical, and coagulation indexes didn’t differ between the two groups. UniPearls^® serves as a good choice for hepatic embolization with satisfied efficacy and safety profiles.

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Recently, premix bioceramic-based pulp capping (BPC) materials have been introduced with desirable properties. However, data regarding the bioactivity and biocompatibility of these materials remain limited. This present study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity and biocompatibility of BPC materials. This study consisted of five experimental groups: Bio C Repair (BCR); BG Multi (BGM); Well pulp ST (WPS); ProRoot MTA (PMTA); and a no capping (NC) group. Measurement of pH, calcium ion (Ca²⁺) release, and a bioactivity test were performed. An in vivo experiment was conducted on maxillary first molars of Wistar rats with exposed pulp, and pulpal responses were assessed at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. Immunohistochemical expressions of Nestin, Osteopontin, and DMP-1 were performed. All materials exhibited alkaline pH. BCR exhibited the highest Ca²⁺ release (p < 0.05). PMTA, BCR, and WPS produced well-formed calcium phosphate depositions. On day 1, BCR, BGM and NC groups showed no to mild inflammatory responses (p < 0.05). On day 3, mild to moderate inflammatory responses was observed in all groups except for the NC group. On day 7, BCR and WPS groups exhibited no to mild inflammatory responses, along with the mineralized tissue layer formation (MTF). On day 28, no inflammatory responses were observed in the BCR, BGM, and WPS groups. Complete and homogenous MTF was identified in all experimental groups except the NC groups. Variable expression of Nestin, Osteopontin, and DMP-1 was noted at different time points. This present study demonstrated that premix BPC materials exhibited favorable bioactivity and biocompatibility and may serve as potential substitutes for PMTA.

The effective treatment and repair of skin trauma has always been an important topic of medical research. As an advanced preparation method of nanofibers (NFs), electrospinning (ES) technology shows broad application prospects in the field of skin wound dressing. This review aims to systematically summarize and analyze the process and application research progress of PVA ES materials in skin wound dressing, and explore its mechanism and clinical application prospects in the process of wound healing. By consulting and analyzing the literature about PVA ES materials in recent years, the preparation process, structural properties, and application examples in skin wound dressing were focused on, and the latest experimental research and clinical data were combined to make a comprehensive review. The results suggested that PVA ES material had unique advantages in wound healing. NFs dressings with specific structure and properties can be prepared by adjusting ES parameters. PVA ES dressing not only has excellent physical barrier function, but also can regulate humidity, promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis, thus accelerating wound healing. In addition, the functionally modified PVA fiber dressing also suggested visible effects in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other aspects. Visible progress has been made in the application of PVA ES materials in skin wound dressings. However, further optimization of its preparation process, improvement of functional properties, and large-scale clinical trial validation are still the key directions of future research. Through continuous innovation and improvement, PVA ES dressing is expected to play a greater role in the field of skin wound repair and promote the development of regenerative medicine.

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