Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine最新文献

Osteoporosis, osteomyelitis disease, bone tumors, bacterial infections, and accidents are posing a great challenge in the orthopedic field. For decades, autograft and allograft transplant techniques have been considered gold-standard treatments for bone problems. Given these limitations and increased medical demand for bone substitute material, the orthopedic field has sparked rapid interest in building safe and biocompatible materials. In search of alternatives, biomaterials such as bioactive glasses, hydroxyapatite (HAp), calcium silicate, β-tricalcium phosphate, etc., offer new insights for bone regeneration. In particular, HAp [Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂] has drawn considerable attention because the bone has HAp as a major inorganic component. In addition, HAp has bioactivity, biocompatibility, and osteointegration properties. Further, to enhance the biological properties of the HAp, it has been modified to a nanoscale level and named nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp). The nHAp has a larger surface area, which helps to facilitate drug loading, gene delivery, and fast recovery of injured bone. Thus, the present review spotlights a brief introduction to HAp and nHAp, their history, basic properties, synthesis methods, and composites with metals, polymers, ceramics, growth factors, etc., for bone tissue engineering applications.

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Nanohydroxyapatite and its composites for bone tissue engineering application.

Biodegradable zinc-based alloys are promising candidates as a new generation implant materials due to their favorable degradation rates compared to magnesium and iron. However, their relatively low mechanical strength hinders their clinical usage. In this experimental study, Zn–3Mg/xSnS (x = 0.5–6 wt%) composites were manufactured via powder metallurgy. The performance of the obtained samples was systematically investigated via microstructural analysis (SEM), mechanical properties (compressive yield strength, elastic modulus, and hardness), in vitro degradation, and cytocompatibility with L929 fibroblast cells. According to the obtained results, SnS reinforcement significantly improved mechanical performance. Microstructural investigation revealed homogeneous SnS distribution and refinement of intermetallic phases. Among all the sample groups, Zn–3Mg–2SnS resulted in a compressive yield strength of 402 MPa, elastic modulus of 49 GPa, and hardness of 151 HV. Degradation tests were performed for 28 days, and the samples exhibited a moderate corrosion rate ( ~ 0.2 mm/year). Cytotoxicity assays confirmed >70% cell viability at 50% extract concentrations. These results show that Zn–3Mg alloys can be efficiently reinforced with bio-derived SnS particles, improving their strength and biocompatibility without decreasing their degradation performance.

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This study introduces a novel hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) approach that integrates a surface coating process directly into the AM workflow. By incorporating a vacuum arc plasma source into a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) system, we combine the design freedom and scalability of 3D printing with the ability to biofunctionalize the printed polymer part in a single fabrication step. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is widely used in biomedical engineering due to its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and radiolucency. However, its bioinert nature poses challenges for infection prevention and bone integration. This study aims to evaluate the coatings produced by this integrated process on a PEEK substrate specifically in a biomedical context, focusing on their antimicrobial performance and cytocompatibility. The results show that zinc (Zn) is the most effective antimicrobial agent among the tested coatings (Ag₂O, Cu, and Zn), achieving a reduction in bacterial adhesion of over 4 log. Moreover, TiO₂/Zn composite coatings exhibit strong antimicrobial activity while maintaining good cytocompatibility with fibroblastic cells in vitro. Qualitative imaging also indicates improved osteoblast attachment on surfaces coated with TiO₂ and TiO₂/Zn. This hybrid manufacturing platform enables the production of implants with tailored structural and biological properties in a single step, representing a significant advancement in the development of next-generation medical implants.

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Metal oxide nanomaterials play a central role in biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. In particular, various treatment methods such as drug delivery, hyperthermia therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy are used for the treatment of carcinoma. Current studies prefer to investigate the anticancer activity of nickel oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a green synthesis approach. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to investigate the cubic crystalline structure and crystallite size varies from 11.08 nm to 12.88 nm due to increased calcination temperature. The crystallite size has a significant impact on the cytotoxicity and toxicity of nanoparticles; smaller crystal sizes frequently result in higher toxicity, because of their larger surface area to volume ratio. The MTT (Tetrazolium salts) assay was performed to test the cytotoxicity of NiO nanoparticles (NPs) against HepG2 cell line. After that, machine learning was applied to connect the biomedical field with artificial intelligence. It can be seen from the results that the NiO NPs that were calcinated at 600 °C gave the average cell viability <40%. At last, the machine learning approach was used to calculate the cytotoxicity of NiO NPs and decision tree was generated by using Google Colab. A correlation matrix was generated using a machine learning approach, providing insights into the interdependence among all parameters.

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Diabetic wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge, characterized by a protracted and uncertain prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), functioning as natural carriers released by living cells, play a pivotal role in intercellular communications by delivering diverse bioactive cargo. In recent years, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have garnered increasing attention due to their inherent biocompatibility, safety, low immunogenicity, and abundant source availability. PDEVs are regarded as a highly promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on PDEVs biogenesis, physiological functions and their underlying mechanisms, and isolation/characterization methodologies. Specifically, we explore the potential of PDEVs as drug delivery vehicles and discuss engineering strategies for their modification. Finally, we provide a critical analysis of the potential challenges associated with translating PDEVs into cell-free therapeutics for diabetic wounds and offer perspectives on future research directions.

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Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) have potential applications in bone tissue regeneration around tooth implant and local drug delivery. Small amounts of zinc added to their composition could additionally provide antibacterial and ossteoinductive and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, zinc-containing mesoporous bioactive glasses (5ZnO–25CaO–70SiO₂) were synthesised using three modified surfactant-assisted sol-gel methods: dilute water (MZ1), Stöber (MZ2), and microemulsion-assisted (MZ3). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that MZ1 and MZ3 were amorphous, while MZ2 exhibited a ZnO crystalline phase. The synthesised particles showed uniform morphology with sizes ranging from 10 to 500 nm. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed that MZ1 had the highest specific surface area (726 m²/g), approximately 4.1 times higher than MZ3 (176 m²/g). Haemolysis testing showed that MZ1 and MZ2 were non-haemolytic, whereas MZ3 caused lysis of erythrocytes. All samples were biocompatible with periodontal ligament fibroblasts, maintaining cell viability above 80% after three days of incubation. Antibacterial assays indicated that MZ2 exhibited over 60% inhibition of P. intermedia in a dose-dependent manner, but only ~20% inhibition of P. gingivalis. MZ2 demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect and was most effective in reducing anaerobic bacterial populations among all tested groups. These results highlight the potential of Zn-containing mesoporous bioactive glasses as multifunctional biomaterials for periodontal tissue engineering, suitable for such applications as scaffolds, bone cements, bone-filling granules, and antibacterial implant coatings. Furthermore, MZ2 material due to its antimicrobial properties, can potentially be a material of choice in periodontitis/peri-implantitis therapy applications.

In this study, we report the biogenic synthesis of ZnO-CuO nanocomposites (NCPs) utilizing Mentha longifolia leaf extract as both a reducing and capping candidate. The synthesis process was optimized utilizing the Plackett-Burman statistical design, achieving a maximum yield of 22.18 mg/mL under controlled conditions. The resulting ZnO-CuO NCPs exhibited a crystalline structure with an average particle size of 26.61 nm, as analyzed by XRD, TEM, and SEM approaches. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents, such as phenolic derivatives and alkaloids, which stabilized the nanocomposites. The ZnO-CuO NCPs demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 180.47 µg/mL. In anticancer evaluations, the ZnO-CuO NCPs exhibited selective cytotoxicity against A549 (lung), HepG2 (liver), and MDA (breast) cancer cell lines, with selectivity indices (SI) of 4.88, 25.19, and 46.32, respectively. Apoptosis induction was confirmed through nuclear staining and morphological analysis. Additionally, the ZnO-CuO NCPs showed promising antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) (IC₅₀ = 9.29 µg/mL, SI = 63.24) and Adenovirus-7 (IC₅₀ = 25.88 µg/mL, SI = 22.66), suggesting potential mechanisms involving viral replication inhibition. Molecular docking studies further supported the anticancer potential of the ZnO-CuO NCPs, revealing strong interactions with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax), key regulators of angiogenesis and apoptosis. These findings highlight the multifunctional therapeutic potential of plant-mediated ZnO-CuO NCPs, offering a sustainable and effective strategy for addressing antimicrobial resistance, cancer, and viral infections, with promising implications for future biomedical applications.

Chronic wound treatment presents a significant challenge, requiring bioactive scaffolds that facilitate effective wound repair and promote skin regeneration with normal functionality. In this study, gellan gum (GG) networks were formed via physical crosslinking with divalent cations, while silk sericin (SS), as the linear phase, molecularly penetrated the pore volume of the GG network, resulting in the formation of semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks (semi-IPNs). The GG/SS scaffolds were enriched with betel leaf extract-encapsulated β-cyclodextrin complexes (B-ICs) to preserve the bioactive substance, improve the controlled release, and provide antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Characterization through XRD, FTIR, and thermal analyses confirmed successful encapsulation and enhanced thermal stability, while SEM imaging revealed well-formed microporous structures. Mechanical testing showed that B-ICs significantly improved the compressive modulus and strength of the scaffolds. Additionally, the controlled release behavior of the B-ICs-GG/SS scaffolds, confirmed by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, suggested anomalous transport as the release mechanism, aligning with the faster in vitro degradation rate. The scaffolds exhibited high phenolic content, resulting in excellent free radical scavenging activity to minimize oxidative stress and support an optimal wound healing environment. In vivo skin irritation test in rabbits confirmed that B-ICs-GG/SS scaffolds were non-irritant, suggesting the dermal safety and biocompatibility of the materials, a critical requirement for clinical translation. As a result, the B-ICs-GG/SS scaffolds would be a promising candidate for wound healing and tissue engineering applications.

The need to improve biocompatibility and to ensure successful integration of biologically compatible metals or bio-metals with biological tissues has resulted in the development and creation of engineered surfaces as biomaterials for use as implants and bio-medical devices. Through laser surface texturing, precise control over surface micro-topography, and microstructure pattern can be achieved, that optimize and enhance cellular adhesion, growth and differentiation—key factors that prevent implant rejection and improve device functionality and performance. This study investigates nanosecond-pulsed, laser-engineered surface texturing on stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chromium alloys, particularly for use in biocompatible implants. Coupons of each material were textured using uniform laser parameters, resulting in engineered surfaces with distinct and defined peaks and valleys, creating micro-topographies influenced by the Gaussian profile of the laser, as analyzed via SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and optical profilometry. Surface analysis showed that engineered textures on stainless steel demonstrate high uniformity with surface roughness measured to be 0.897 μm (R_a), facilitating better cellular adhesion, an essential feature for implant integration. This was confirmed via water contact angle test that showed a moderately hydrophilic surface showing consistent behavior (mean Water Contact Angle (WCA)) close to 71.1°, variance 0.17). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated minimal surface oxidation across all samples, consistent with processing under an inert gas environment. Additionally, a computational model was created to verify and validate the “experimental surface-textured” profiles of each of the materials within a 5% margin, confirming the accuracy and reproducibility of the laser-processing technique. The uniform micro-scale surface topography and preserved surface chemistry of SS316L show that it promotes cell-adhesion and enhanced potential for biomedical implant applications compared to Co-Cr and Ti-6Al-4V.

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Advances in bone tissue engineering and dental regenerative medicine have made strides in the development of several biomaterials. Optimizing the chemical and physical milieu of scaffold is required to induce osteogenesis for faster bone regeneration. In this study, polymer blend of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) doped with nHAP-ZnO Np was prepared by a solution casting technique. Structural and physiochemical characterization was performed. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis was performed through tetrazolium-based assay (MTT) assay and the differentiated cells were subjected to alkaline phosphatase assay (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) analysis respectively. Scanning Electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed a rough and uniform matrix arrangement of the PVA-PVP blend. Crystallites properties and functional groups was confirmed by X ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) respectively. The optimal water absorption capacity was observed in PVA-PVP-nHAP-ZnO Np scaffold (P3) and also degradation pattern was analysed for PVA-PVP (P1), PVA-PVP-nHAP (P2) and PVA-PVP-nHAP-ZnO Np (P3) scaffolds where P3 scaffold holds high stability compared to P1 and P2 scaffolds. In the thermal stability analysis, PVA-PVP (P1) and PVA-PVP-nHAP-ZnO Np (P3) scaffolds showed an overall stability up to 270 °C. Highly miscible blends of PVA-PVP and 1 wt% nHAP – ZnO Np was observed with semi-crystallinity in Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The mechanical property of the PVA-PVP-nHAP-ZnO Np (P3) scaffold has shown an increasing trend in tensile strength analysis. The cytotoxic study of scaffolds showed 84% of cell viability confirming high biocompatibility than compared to plain scaffold. the elevated level of ALP and calcium deposition was observed in loaded scaffold (P3). Thus, PVA-PVP-nHAP-ZnO Np (P3) scaffold supports and induces osteogenesis and can be used as biomaterial in bone regenerative medicine.