Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine最新文献

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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This study explores the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of AZ91 composites reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) particles, processed at varying rotational speeds (600, 1000, and 1400 rpm) using a deformation-driven metallurgy process. Microstructural analysis revealed that plastic deformation and heat generation during processing resulted in complete bonding between AZ91 powder particles and reinforcements, forming a fine equiaxed microstructure through dynamic recrystallization. The average grain size increased with rotational speed, measuring 54.2 ± 1.3 µm, 67.1 ± 1.5 µm, and 74.5 ± 1.9 µm for samples processed at 600, 1000, and 1400 rpm, respectively, highlighting the dominant role of temperature in grain growth. Mechanical testing demonstrated a decreasing trend in hardness and tensile strength with increasing rotational speed. The hardness dropped from 85.2 ± 2.9 HV0.1 at 600 rpm to 71.2 ± 6.8 HV0.1 at 1400 rpm, while ultimate tensile strength declined from 334.2 ± 6.3 MPa to 265.3 ± 4.9 MPa. Corrosion resistance was significantly influenced by processing parameters. The lowest corrosion current density (40.901 µA/cm²) and highest polarization resistance (Rp = 239.996 Ω·cm²) were observed in samples processed at 600 rpm, demonstrating enhanced corrosion resistance due to finer grains and uniform HA dispersion. In contrast, at 1400 rpm, increased grain size and uneven HA distribution contributed to a higher corrosion rate and reduced Rp (186.194 Ω·cm²).

Chemotherapy and photothermal therapy have demonstrated significant promise in the treatment of gastric cancer. A stable, effective, and safe photothermal agent is needed in this synergic system. Here, carbon quantum dots (CDs), an efficient photothermal agent, were first developed. By encapsulating CDs and the gastric cancer drug camptothecin (CT) in liposomes (Lip), a folic acid (FA)-targeted multifunctional photothermal nanosystem was rationally developed. To augment the photothermal performance and accelerate liposome cleavage for drug release, a NIR photothermal agent, indocyanine green (IG), was incorporated into the bilayer membranes. This built photothermal multifunctional nanosystem was triggered by an NIR laser and demonstrated payload-controlled release, in addition to exceptional performance with a photothermal conversion efficacy of up to 46.97%. The multifunctional photothermal nanosystem demonstrated superior cytocompatibility, stimuli-responsive drug release, improved tumor-specific targeting, and efficient cell death of NCI-N87 gastric cancer cells through multimodal synergic treatment. The effective development of this NIR-triggered, cell-targeted, photothermal, multifunctional nanosystem would enhance the therapeutic efficiency of gastric cancer therapy and offer a potential approach for designing and developing synergistic chemo-photothermal combination therapies.

This study evaluates a new self-gripping, slowly resorbable mesh (SRM) for ventral hernia repair, focusing on its in vitro degradation and in vivo biocompatibility in a rabbit model. Traditional ventral hernia repair methods often use permanent synthetic meshes, which can have limitations. Slowly resorbable synthetic meshes, such as the SRM, offer a promising alternative by providing temporary support and gradually degrading to be replaced by the body’s own tissue. The SRM, made from a poly(L-lactide) and trimethylene carbonate copolymer, was tested for its mechanical properties and degradation behavior. In vitro degradation was assessed according to ISO 13781:2017, while in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated following ISO 10993-6 guidelines. The study included native and pre-degraded samples implanted in New Zealand White rabbits, with assessments at 4, 10-, 26-, 52-, and 78-week post-implantation. Results showed that the SRM provided mechanical support for at least 20 weeks, with favorable integration and biocompatibility. The in vitro degradation profile indicated a steady decline in molecular weight, while in vivo studies revealed controlled degradation and minimal inflammatory response. Comparative analysis with the commercially available TIGr® Matrix Surgical Mesh demonstrated that the SRM had similar or better performance in terms of tissue response and degradation. The preclinical results of SRM, combined with the findings from this ISO 10993 Part 6 standard study, provide important data for market approval filings and the initiation of clinical evaluations.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammatory condition requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. This study introduces a nanocomposite hydrogel system combining Arnica montana extract and propolis-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AMEPROCNPs) with menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs), designed for sustained delivery and enhanced mucosal healing. The system demonstrated biocompatibility, effective drug release, and strong mucoadhesion. In vitro studies showed marked reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, alongside significant cytoprotection against oxidative stress. In vivo, the optimized formulation (HYDROMenSC-CNP-8) substantially alleviated AR symptoms and significantly downregulated key Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and TNF-α, while upregulating IFN-γ levels, comparable to Fluticasone Propionate. These results suggest that the AMEPROCNPs-loaded MenSC-collagen hydrogel represents a promising, safe, and effective alternative to current AR therapies. Furthermore, this system holds potential for broader application in treating other inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Cardiac patches represent a groundbreaking approach in the treatment of heart disease, offering a new hope for patients with damaged heart tissue following a myocardial infarction (MI). These engineered patches not only provide essential structural support to weakened heart tissue but also actively promote regeneration by recreating a functional, contractile environment. However, achieving long-term success with cardiac patches requires innovative strategies to address the complexities of the cardiac environment. This review addresses the significant challenge of maintaining cell viability and functionality in the large-scale production of cardiac patches. It aims to advance the effectiveness of cardiac patches for clinical applications in treating heart diseases through various methods, including the incorporation of conductive materials and the use of biocompatible scaffold materials to mimic native cardiac tissue. Strategies to promote vascularization, optimize cell sources, and refine cell culture conditions are also discussed. Additionally, controlled release systems for growth factors, surface modification techniques, and mechanical conditioning during in vitro culture are highlighted as crucial aspects of patch fabrication.

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