Biomaterials Science最新文献

Malignant tumors pose a serious threat to human health with their high incidence and mortality rates. Although chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (DOX) exhibit significant antitumor efficacy, their non-specific distribution leads to toxic side effects and mono-chemotherapy fails to achieve complete tumor eradication, significantly limiting clinical applications. This study presents the development and evaluation of a multifunctional nanoplatform, Fe₃O₄@Ce6-DOX@liposome, which integrates magnetic targeting, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for enhanced tumor treatment. The nanoparticles (NPs) were engineered to co-deliver the chemotherapeutic drug DOX and the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), while superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ enabled external magnetic guidance. In vitro studies in MCF-7 cells demonstrated the system's light-activated cytotoxicity, with confocal microscopy revealing precise spatiotemporal control over drug release and ROS generation. In vivo evaluation in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice showed that magnetic navigation significantly enhanced tumor accumulation of NPs, leading to 73% tumor growth inhibition through synergistic chemo-PDT effects. The combination of magnetic targeting and dual therapeutic modalities resulted in superior antitumor efficacy compared to individual treatments, with minimal systemic toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of this multifunctional nanoplatform as a precise and effective strategy for solid tumor therapy, offering improved targeting and reduced off-target effects compared to conventional treatments.

Polymer nanodiscs are a research tool that allows membrane proteins (MPs) to be encapsulated by a surrounding amphipathic polymer, isolated and studied to understand their structural and physiological properties. An advantage of using polymer nanodiscs over other membrane mimetics can be found in their ability to natively solubilise membrane proteins (MPs) within an annulus of cellular phospholipids, however, potential polymer interactions with membrane constituents can hinder MP activity making the selection of a suitable polymer critical. This work demonstrates the native solubilisation of G-protein coupled A_2A adenosine receptor (A_2AR) by polymers with alternating units and cationic charge, poly(N-methyl-4-vinyl pyridinium iodide-co-N-alkyl-maleimides) (poly(MVP-co-AlkylMs)), and novel statistical copolymers with pseudozwitterionic charge, poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate-co-2-(trimethyl-amino) ethyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl methacrylate) (poly(KSPMA-co-TMAEMA-co-BMA)), both synthesised using RAFT polymerisation. After surveying a library of polymers within each class, A_2AR extraction was the most efficient using poly(MVP-co-BM) (1 : 1 MVP : BM) and poly(KSPMA-co-TMAEMA-co-BMA) (1 : 1 : 1 KSPMA : TMAEMA : BMA). The optimal pH, temperature, solubilisation time, polymer concentration and ionic strength conditions required for extracting A_2AR were identified and enabled a large-scale A_2AR-nanodisc preparation. The yield of A_2AR-poly(MVP-co-BM) was superior to A_2AR-poly(KSPMA-co-TMAEMA-co-BMA) nanodiscs after affinity purification. Functional assessment of the reconstituted receptors was undertaken using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to determine the ligand binding capacity of A_2AR stabilised within an alternating cationic poly(MVP-co-BM). These native nanodiscs retained their ability to specifically bind A_2AR ligand antagonists.

Monocytes are mononuclear phagocytes crucial for tissue repair, pathogen clearance, and immune surveillance. Comprising 2–10% of all human blood peripheral leukocytes, monocytes are precursors to macrophages and dendritic cells and can be leveraged for diagnostics and treatment of various diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Current methods of monocyte isolation for these applications, such as plastic adhesion, magnetic-activated antibody-based selection, and counterflow centrifugal elutriation are limited by either low purity and viability or costly equipment and reagents. Here, we develop and optimize an aptamer-based method for traceless isolation of monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells at low cost with high purity and yield, and with minimal activation and immunogenic risks. We identify and use CD36 as a novel selection marker for monocyte isolation and confirm that monocytes isolated using our CD36-binding aptamer possess similar phenotypes to monocytes isolated from anti-CD14 and anti-CD36 antibodies with higher, unperturbed CD14 and CD36 expression.

Correction for ‘Design considerations for photoinitiator selection in cell-laden gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels’ by Elvan Dogan et al., Biomater. Sci., 2025, https://doi.org/10.1039/d5bm00550g.

The development of inorganic nanozymes has revolutionized the field of nanotechnology by providing a new class of catalytic materials that exhibit enzyme-like activities. Compared with traditional natural enzymes, nanozymes have broad application prospects in the field of biomedicine due to their higher chemical stability, stronger environmental adaptability, and ability to maintain their activity under extreme conditions. To provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress made in this field, herein, an overview of inorganic nanozymes for biomedical applications is provided. In this review, the structure, synthesis methods, and catalytic mechanism of inorganic nanozymes are summarized. Subsequently, the latest progress of various inorganic nanozymes for the applications in biomedicine is reviewed, including diagnostic applications, therapeutic applications and drug delivery systems. Then, the recent developments in the modification and multifunctionalization of novel inorganic nanozymes are discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of inorganic nanozymes in the field of biomedicine are highlighted and pointed out. We hope that this timely review can further advance this promising field.

While catechol chemistry is widely known, the selection of catechols applied for resins and adhesive purposes has relied almost exclusively on L-dopamine variants. Herein five catechol isomers evaluate ortho, meta, and para dihydroxybenzene (DHB) structures on adhesion related mechanical properties, including organic/aqueous stability, gelation time, and adhesion strength on soft substrates. A model system evaluates the catechol–aldehyde isomers through Schiff base grafting to an amine rich macromolecule, branched polyethylenimine. This work evaluates how grafted-catechol isomers can be exploited to tune reactivity to both solvent and external stimuli. The formulations allow a range of sensitivity, from designs that observe gelation time within minutes of water exposure, to water-stable formulations that can be cured through via voltage stimulation.

The etiology of oral ulcers is complex, primarily comprising external physical and chemical stimuli, immune imbalances, and various diseases. Pressure ulcers are mainly caused by continuous or intermittent pressure that damages the skin and underlying tissues. The healing process for both types of ulcers is similar to wound healing, including stages such as inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. However, some clinically used treatments have issues such as significant side effects, high costs, low adhesion, and insufficient mechanical strength, which can negatively affect the patient's physical and mental health. In this study, we designed a mussel-inspired hydrogel (GD3M4), which consists of dopamine-grafted gelatin (GelDA), aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid (OHA), and methacrylate gelatin (GelMA). This hydrogel can sustain adhesion for 48 hours in artificial saliva. In compression tests, the GD3M4 hydrogel showed a compression modulus of nearly 1.26 MPa, demonstrating excellent compressive strength to adapt to complex in vivo and in vitro environments. The DCFH-DA experiments showed that the GD3M4 hydrogel has good antioxidant properties. In both the mouse oral ulcer model and pressure ulcer model, the GD3M4 hydrogel exhibited excellent ulcer-healing effects by modulating the expression of inflammatory factors and epidermal growth. In conclusion, the GD3M4 hydrogel provides a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting the healing of oral ulcers and pressure ulcers.

Amid the rising toll of war-associated deaths and injuries and escalating conflicts between countries, there is a strong need to manage complex battlefield injuries by preventing further deterioration and accelerating the repair of damaged tissues. Global military powers, including the USA and China, have established scientific facilities for dedicated research into military regenerative medicine. However, there remains a gap, as most reported medical devices created for tissue repair are unsuitable for use on battlefields. In this perspective, we argue why now is the golden time for countries to invest in military regenerative medicine, and we propose the use of RIPE (Restorative, Individualized, Portable and Emergency) criteria to optimize technologies for tackling battlefield injuries, including rapid hemostasis, immobilization, tissue repair, and functional reconstruction. Similar to technologies such as blood plasma transfusion and portable ultrasound, which were originally developed through military investment and later found highly valuable for civilian medical use, timely investment in military regenerative medicine, as we argue, will have a positive spillover impact on public healthcare programs in the future.

Cartilage injuries present a significant clinical burden due to the tissue's limited regenerative capacity. Microfracture (Mfx) remains the gold standard of cartilage repair but often results in inadequate defect fill and inferior tissue formation. Point-of-care augmentations to the Mfx environment represent implementable and cost-effective methods to enhance outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate platelet lysate (PL) as an adjuvant to microfracture-based cartilage repair, with the goal of maintaining tissue volume and promoting functional repair. The impact of PL on the activity of marrow-derived cells (MDCs) was first evaluated in monolayer culture, which demonstrated an increase in cellular area and proliferation. Next, PL was incorporated into fibrin gels (to mimic fibrin-rich Mfx), and MDCs encapsulated within PL-containing fibrin gels exhibited increased proliferation, increased cellular area, and reduced fibrosis markers. PL incorporation into fibrin gels led to clear changes to initial nanostructure and an increase in initial mechanical properties, which resulted in less MDC-mediated contraction during culture. These findings suggested that time-zero augmentation of Mfx with PL may alter both cellular signaling and Mfx clot structure/remodeling. Finally, PL-augmented Mfx was evaluated in a pig trochlear osteochondral defect model (t = 5 weeks). While PL-treated defects exhibited reduced contraction and improved macroscopic appearance over Mfx alone, micro-CT and mechanical testing revealed no significant differences in subchondral bone remodeling or repair tissue stiffness. Histological analysis and grading showed no significant improvements in cartilage repair quality across treatment groups, suggesting that while PL may influence early clot stability, its effects on long-term tissue maturation remain uncertain. "Future studies are needed to determine whether PL-based augmentation provides sustained functional benefits, potentially in combination with additional biological or mechanical strategies".

The cells co-culture approach, involving endothelial cells and supporting stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, is commonly used for engineering microvascular networks. While this approach effectively promotes vascular morphogenesis through paracrine signaling and matrix remodeling, it often leads to excessive fibroblast proliferation. This uncontrolled growth can disrupt the structural organization of the developing vasculature, making it challenging to achieve reproducible and physiologically relevant microtissue architectures. In this work, we introduce an alternative monoculture method that uses only endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a fibrin gel matrix. To promote the formation of structured capillary-like networks without stromal support, we optimized vasculogenesis by supplementing exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fine-tuning matrix stiffness, and applying it in a hypoxic environment (1% O₂). This approach was also applied to brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC). This innovation addresses the limitations of traditional methods, overcomes rapid matrix degradation caused by fibroblast-mediated remodeling, identifies ∼2.56 kPa as the optimal stiffness for blood capillary growth, and demonstrates that capillary development is significantly enhanced at VEGF concentrations above 50 ng ml⁻¹.