Biomaterials Science最新文献

Diabetic chronic wounds are commonly characterized by persistent inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, impaired tissue regeneration capacity, and elevated risk of bacterial infection. These characteristics severely hinder tissue repair. This study developed a multifunctional core–shell structure 3D-printed chitosan/collagen (CS/Col) hydrogel scaffold featuring a pH-degradable shell. The core is loaded with exosomes (Exo) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), while the outer layer adsorbs glucose oxidase (GOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), coated with polydopamine (PDA) as an acid-responsive shell. The optimized CS : Col = 3 : 2 hydrogel exhibits excellent printability, mechanical properties, and structural stability after crosslinking with genipin (GEN). The PDA shell enables tiered release in acidic inflammatory environments: early release of GOx/SOD/AMP for antibacterial and antioxidant effects, followed by Exo and EGF release to promote tissue regeneration. In vitro experiments demonstrated stable bioactivity retention, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and significant antioxidant capacity. The scaffold effectively induced macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 phenotype while promoting fibroblast and keratinocyte migration and proliferation. In vivo studies-including diabetic rat skin defects, C57 infectious dermatitis, and rabbit full-thickness ear wound models-demonstrated that the G3 core–shell scaffold significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced bacterial load, and promoted ordered collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, and skin appendage regeneration. This study provides an intelligent 3D-printed hydrogel dressing capable of multi-target synergistic regulation of the wound microenvironment, offering a novel strategy with application potential for treating complex diabetic wounds.

PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) is still the most widely used biomaterial for bioengineering studies, which can mimic the tissue stiffness and micro/nanostructure to improve the generation and investigation of human cardiomyocyte (iCM) differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Hence, PDMS-based substrates modified to reflect biomechanical—stiffness-related—and biophysical—topography-related—properties, in combination with biochemical cues, can enhance the efficiency of in vitro iCM generation. In this study, human fetal cardiomyocytes (HFCMs) were isolated and their natural geometrical micro/nanotopography was imprinted on PDMS surfaces with different stiffnesses combined with tailored biochemical factors, and the impact of the three factors on the differentiation of hiPSC-derived CM (iCM) was evaluated. The results show that the combination of biophysical, biomechanical, and biochemical factors could improve the expression of iCM differentiation and maturation markers compared to biochemical factors alone. Based on these findings, which can be applied in organ-on-chip studies, by imitating the in vivo environment, cultured cells behave authentically, providing realistic platforms for studying biological systems and ensuring accurate, translatable results.

Hydrogen synergistic therapy, an emerging and promising strategy in tumor treatment, has been bolstered by nanotechnology to establish a stable and multifunctional foundation for its implementation. Hydrogen-synergistic diagnostic and therapeutic nanoplatforms (HSDT-NPs), a novel type of tool for tumor treatment, integrate hydrogen therapy with various tumor diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, significantly enhancing the efficiency and specificity of tumor treatment, which is crucial for achieving precision therapy at the tumor site. The construction of HSDT-NPs relies on the design of hydrogen nanomaterials and the selection and assembly of synergistic units. Through HSDT-NPs, the synergistic effects between hydrogen therapy and other strategies are markedly enhanced, not only improving the efficacy of traditional therapies on tumors but also effectively protecting normal cells. Based on different material types, this study explores the construction strategies of HSDT-NPs. Subsequently, focusing on the collaborative treatment modes, it delves into the synergistic mechanisms of HSDT-NPs. Our work aims to offer new perspectives and innovative approaches for advancing cancer treatment based on hydrogen therapy research.

Ischemic stroke continues to be a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. However, the clinical use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is constrained by its rapid systemic clearance and the risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT). In this study, we present an MMP-9-responsive PLGA-based nanocarrier (tPLGA) that enables thrombus-microenvironment triggered release of tPA. When combined with Bindarit, an inhibitor of the CCL2/CCR2 pathway, this strategy achieves both targeted thrombolysis and effective suppression of HT. In mouse thrombosis models, tPLGA mediated precise spatiotemporal tPA delivery, enhancing clot dissolution. Concurrent CCL2/CCR2 blockade reduced neutrophil infiltration, preserved blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and prevented HT. Behavioral, histological, and biosafety assessments confirmed improved neurological recovery and translational potential. This work establishes a therapeutic platform integrating precision thrombolysis with immune modulation for a safer and more effective treatment of ischemic stroke.

Multifunctional nanoplatforms that integrate both exogenous stimuli-induced mild photothermal therapy (mPTT) and endogenous stimuli-responsive chemodynamic therapy (CDT) have shown great potential for precise and safe cancer treatment. However, the effective interplay among nanoplatform components to enhance the synergistic effects of mPTT and CDT still suffers from distinct limitations during implementation. Here, we present a novel multifunctional nanoplatform, HCuS-DOX@ZIF-8-GOX (HDZG), rationally engineered to achieve self-augmented mPTT/CDT through cascade regulation under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, effectively addressing these limitations. Upon accumulation at the tumor site, the synergistic effects of GOX-catalyzed glucose consumption by inhibiting the glycolytic pathway and Zn²⁺-induced mitochondrial dysfunction accelerated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, thereby suppressing heat shock protein (HSP) expression and amplifying the efficacy of NIR-triggered mPTT. Simultaneously, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was markedly amplified via an accelerated Fenton-like reaction, driven by elevated intracellular H₂O₂ levels produced from GOX-catalyzed glucose oxidation and the photothermal effect of hollow copper sulfide (HCuS). Moreover, glutathione (GSH) depletion was intensified by DOX-induced ROS production and the Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ cycling reaction, collectively contributing to a markedly improved CDT effect. Consequently, HDZG NPs demonstrated self-enhanced antitumor effects through NIR-induced mild photothermal/chemodynamic synergistic therapy, offering a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of multimodal cancer treatments.

The regeneration of periodontitis-related bone defects remains a significant clinical challenge due to the complex and dynamic pathological microenvironment. The primary barrier stems from a self-perpetuating cycle driven by plaque biofilm-induced chronic inflammation, hypoxia, and the consequent overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conventional therapeutic approaches are often inadequate in simultaneously targeting these interconnected pathological factors, leading to suboptimal tissue regeneration. In recent years, as an emerging nanobiomaterial, antioxidant nanozymes have provided a promising solution for overcoming the aforementioned therapeutic bottlenecks, owing to their tunable catalytic activity, high stability, and excellent biocompatibility. This review systematically examines the multifaceted roles of ROS in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, with particular emphasis on their suppressive effects on the osteogenic niche. We provide an in-depth analysis of the catalytic mechanisms and design strategies of various antioxidant nanozymes exhibiting superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activities, and highlight their multifunctional applications in periodontal therapy. These include direct antibacterial and anti-biofilm actions, modulation of the immune-inflammatory milieu to promote macrophage M2 polarization, and facilitation of both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Notably, the field has advanced from early single-function antioxidants toward the development of intelligent, stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms that integrate multiple enzymatic activities and environmental responsiveness, enabling precise sensing and adaptive intervention within the intricate periodontal microenvironment. Finally, we discuss key challenges facing future research and the translational potential of nanozyme-based therapies, aiming to establish a solid theoretical framework and guide the development of next-generation strategies for periodontitis treatment.

Correction for ‘Ciprofloxacin-loaded bioadhesive hydrogels for ocular applications’ by Islam A. Khalil et al., Biomater. Sci., 2020, 8, 5196–5209.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, with current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) being ineffective in up to 30% of patients. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of existing AEDs is significantly limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The neuropeptide Y₂ receptor is a potential antiepileptic target, with NPY (3–36) acting as its selective agonist. GW2580, an inhibitor of the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, has neuroprotective potential. In this study, a novel nanocomposite, NPY@ZIF-RG, was synthesized by covalently conjugating NPY (3–36) onto the surface of GW2580-encapsulated nano-Zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 (ZIF-90) via a simple post-modification. The biosafety of NPY@ZIF-RG was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The BBB permeability and its effects on neuroinflammation and neuronal excitability were assessed. The therapeutic efficacy of NPY@ZIF-RG was explored using immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and behavioral tests in a mouse model of kainic acid-induced acute epilepsy. The results indicated that NPY@ZIF-RG exhibited excellent biocompatibility and efficient BBB penetration. Furthermore, it exerted beneficial therapeutic effects by inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammation and reducing excitatory glutamate release. NPY@ZIF-RG alleviated hippocampal neuronal loss and cognitive dysfunction by co-delivering GW2580 and NPY (3–36), which exerted synergistic neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This study provides a promising nanocomposite drug-delivery system for the treatment of epilepsy.

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microenvironment of diabetic wounds can trigger oxidative stress and hinder wound healing. This study developed a novel ROS-responsive antioxidant hydrogel relying on boronated ester bonds. The GMOP/TA hydrogel is constructed using methacrylic acid modified gelatin (GelMA) and phenylboronic acid modified oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA-PBA) as the crosslinking framework, with tannic acid (TA) loaded as the active antioxidant component. GelMA and OHA-PBA crosslink through covalent bonds and Schiff bases, and the reversible properties of their imine and boronate ester groups enable responsive TA release under high ROS conditions. The GMOP/TA hydrogel exhibits suitable mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility and ROS-responsive antioxidant capabilities. In vivo evaluation results show that this hydrogel can effectively alleviate oxidative stress, accelerating cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Transcriptome sequencing analysis further revealed that its pro-healing effects are mechanistically associated with key signaling pathways, especially PI3K-AKT and PPAR signaling pathways, to facilitate cell proliferation and suppress inflammation. Overall, the hydrogel provides a straightforward but effective platform for chronic diabetic wound healing.

Chronic wounds have emerged as a major healthcare challenge due to their prolonged healing cycle. A key feature of chronic wounds is local tissue hypoxia, resulting in insufficient oxygenation of the wound microenvironment. While traditional therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and topical oxygen therapy (TOT) alleviate wound hypoxia by oxygen supplementation, they are limited by high costs, uncertainty in sustained efficacy, and complications, restricting clinical use. Oxygen carriers, such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and hemoglobin (Hb), exhibit high-efficiency oxygen delivery capacity, excellent biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. They hold enormous potential for clinical applications. This review focuses on the application of PFCs and Hb-based oxygen carriers in chronic wound therapy. It systematically elaborates on the diversified oxygen delivery strategies based on PFCs and Hb. It also quantitatively compares their oxygen delivery capabilities and analyzes their multiple synergistic biological effects. Meanwhile the review also describes the difficulties and challenges in precise delivery and clinical translation.