Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.11.004
Hong Zhang , Yujian Xu , Yangwu Chen , Kun Zhao , Tianshun Fang , Youguo Liao , Xiangming Ye , Xiao Chen , Zi Yin
Tendon injuries are common musculoskeletal disorders characterized by limited natural healing capacity and inability to restore the original structure and function of tendons. Tendon tissue engineering based on tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) offers a potential strategy for tendon injury treatments. The function regulation of TSPCs is influenced by both in vivo and in vitro microenvironmental factors. Here, we provide a concise summary of the various subpopulations of TSPCs identified thus far. Additionally, we explore the current research progress on the in vivo microenvironment of TSPCs. Notably, we first introduce the concept of a "degeneration loop," which highlights the intricate interplay between the tendon microenvironment and TSPCs. Developing from this concept, we derive the theory and strategic framework of "Remodel niche - Disrupt Degeneration Loop - Tendon Healing" for effective tendon regeneration. Furthermore, we present an overview of the latest advances in the regulation of TSPCs expansion and differentiation through manipulation of the microenvironment in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we address the challenges and related prospects encountered in the regenerative application of TSPCs subpopulations. A deeper multi-scale understanding of the interplay between distinct TSPCs subpopulations and their microenvironment will greatly contribute to the development of innovative tissue engineering strategies for successful tendon regeneration.
{"title":"Harnessing the interplay between tendon stem/progenitor cell and microenvironment boosts tendon tissue regeneration","authors":"Hong Zhang , Yujian Xu , Yangwu Chen , Kun Zhao , Tianshun Fang , Youguo Liao , Xiangming Ye , Xiao Chen , Zi Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tendon injuries are common musculoskeletal disorders characterized by limited natural healing capacity and inability to restore the original structure and function of tendons. Tendon tissue engineering based on tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) offers a potential strategy for tendon injury treatments. The function regulation of TSPCs is influenced by both <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> microenvironmental factors. Here, we provide a concise summary of the various subpopulations of TSPCs identified thus far. Additionally, we explore the current research progress on the <em>in vivo</em> microenvironment of TSPCs. Notably, we first introduce the concept of a \"degeneration loop,\" which highlights the intricate interplay between the tendon microenvironment and TSPCs. Developing from this concept, we derive the theory and strategic framework of \"Remodel niche - Disrupt Degeneration Loop - Tendon Healing\" for effective tendon regeneration. Furthermore, we present an overview of the latest advances in the regulation of TSPCs expansion and differentiation through manipulation of the microenvironment <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. Lastly, we address the challenges and related prospects encountered in the regenerative application of TSPCs subpopulations. A deeper multi-scale understanding of the interplay between distinct TSPCs subpopulations and their microenvironment will greatly contribute to the development of innovative tissue engineering strategies for successful tendon regeneration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"7 ","pages":"Pages 12-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146081929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2026.01.001
Kenichi Arai , Kazuya Fukuhara-Obonai , Soichi Ishimaru , Nobuhiko Kojima , Tanveer Ahmad Mir , Takahiro Kitsuka , Masahiro Hosaka
Hepatic spheroids formed by the spontaneous self-aggregation of hepatocytes maintain better liver function than two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Although structural polarity and intercellular adhesion can be maintained in hepatic spheroids, cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions cannot be reproduced in spheroid-based models. In this study, we leveraged customizable ECM component and fabricated hepatic by injecting a cell suspension supplemented with primary mouse hepatocytes and Matrigel into a high-density methylcellulose (MC) solution. Amongst other findings, gene expression analysis of hepatic spheroid aggregates containing Matrigel revealed elevated levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes (Phase I and II) and transporters (compared to spheroids without Matrigel). Furthermore, the induction of drug metabolism enzymes and activity in hepatic spheroids containing Matrigel also increased compared to those without Matrigel. Lastly, we demonstrated that hepatic spheroids containing Matrigel can maintain liver function by increasing HNF4α through activation of Hippo signaling. Overall, our results indicate that high-performance hepatic spheroids containing Matrigel can maintain liver function through cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions and can be used to increase the efficiency of drug screening.
{"title":"Development of a primary hepatocyte-based preclinical spheroid model system for the analysis of Phase I and Phase II enzyme activity in vitro","authors":"Kenichi Arai , Kazuya Fukuhara-Obonai , Soichi Ishimaru , Nobuhiko Kojima , Tanveer Ahmad Mir , Takahiro Kitsuka , Masahiro Hosaka","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatic spheroids formed by the spontaneous self-aggregation of hepatocytes maintain better liver function than two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Although structural polarity and intercellular adhesion can be maintained in hepatic spheroids, cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions cannot be reproduced in spheroid-based models. In this study, we leveraged customizable ECM component and fabricated hepatic by injecting a cell suspension supplemented with primary mouse hepatocytes and Matrigel into a high-density methylcellulose (MC) solution. Amongst other findings, gene expression analysis of hepatic spheroid aggregates containing Matrigel revealed elevated levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes (Phase I and II) and transporters (compared to spheroids without Matrigel). Furthermore, the induction of drug metabolism enzymes and activity in hepatic spheroids containing Matrigel also increased compared to those without Matrigel. Lastly, we demonstrated that hepatic spheroids containing Matrigel can maintain liver function by increasing HNF4α through activation of Hippo signaling. Overall, our results indicate that high-performance hepatic spheroids containing Matrigel can maintain liver function through cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions and can be used to increase the efficiency of drug screening.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"7 ","pages":"Pages 1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146057383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.02.001
Tien T.T. Truong , Toan V. Phan , Yamin Oo , Ladawan Sariya , Risa Chaisuparat , Silvia Scaglione , Glauco R. Souza , Supansa Yodmuang , Catherine H.L. Hong , Kai Soo Tan , Waranyoo Phoolcharoen , Oranart Matangkasombut , João N. Ferreira
Oral mucositis (OM) remains a painful complication of anticancer chemotherapy (CT), tending to progress in severity in the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Yet, no effective therapy exists to suppress OM since in vitro models mimicking CT-induced OM are lacking, halting the discovery of new drugs. Here, we developed an integrated millifluidic in vitro tissue culture system for OM disease modeling. This bioengineered system integrates magnetically bioassembled oral epithelium sheets with millifluidics for CT-based 5-fluorouracil perfusion and Fn infection to model CT-induced OM. After modeling OM with all pro-inflammatory hallmarks, we were able to suppress OM with our in-house plant-produced epidermal growth factor (P-EGF), a well-known re-epithelialization cue. Thus, this the first instance where a milifluidic system enabled OM modeling in the presence of CT drug perfusion and Fn infection. This bioengineered system is a novel tool for drug discovery as it propelled P-EGF as a promising therapy for OM.
{"title":"Integrating bioprinted oral epithelium with millifluidics for fluorouracil perfusion and Fusobacterium infection to bioengineer oral mucositis-on-a-chip","authors":"Tien T.T. Truong , Toan V. Phan , Yamin Oo , Ladawan Sariya , Risa Chaisuparat , Silvia Scaglione , Glauco R. Souza , Supansa Yodmuang , Catherine H.L. Hong , Kai Soo Tan , Waranyoo Phoolcharoen , Oranart Matangkasombut , João N. Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oral mucositis (OM) remains a painful complication of anticancer chemotherapy (CT), tending to progress in severity in the presence of <em>Fusobacterium nucleatum</em> (<em>Fn</em>). Yet, no effective therapy exists to suppress OM since <em>in vitro</em> models mimicking CT-induced OM are lacking, halting the discovery of new drugs. Here, we developed an integrated millifluidic <em>in vitro</em> tissue culture system for OM disease modeling. This bioengineered system integrates magnetically bioassembled oral epithelium sheets with millifluidics for CT-based 5-fluorouracil perfusion and <em>Fn</em> infection to model CT-induced OM. After modeling OM with all pro-inflammatory hallmarks, we were able to suppress OM with our in-house plant-produced epidermal growth factor (P-EGF), a well-known re-epithelialization cue. Thus, this the first instance where a milifluidic system enabled OM modeling in the presence of CT drug perfusion and <em>Fn</em> infection. This bioengineered system is a novel tool for drug discovery as it propelled P-EGF as a promising therapy for OM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 ","pages":"Pages 1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143488582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.05.003
Elena Capitanini , Laura Talarico , Sara De Vincentiis , Chiara Giacomelli , Sara Vitolo , Lorenzo Da Palmata , Laura Marchetti , Elisabetta Ferraro , Maria Letizia Trincavelli , Vittoria Raffa
Axon navigation is guided by spatial patterns of chemical and physical cues in the developing central nervous system. Following injury, these patterns are disrupted, the microenvironment evolves rapidly, and inhibitory molecules create a barrier to the regeneration of severed axons. We have recently developed a technology called nano-pulling designed to stimulate axon growth and regeneration by modulating neuronal mechanotransduction. In this paper, we demonstrate that nano-pulling can induce axon growth in hippocampal neurons even in the presence of repulsive cues, such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, semaphorin 3A, microglial activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nano-pulling can also enhance the elongation of neural processes in neural progenitors transplanted into an organotypic spinal cord injury model that mimics the tissue complexity and inflammation seen in in vivo models. Our data suggest that nano-pulling could be used as a strategy to manipulate axon growth, overcoming certain extrinsic inhibitory factors.
{"title":"Force induces axon growth in inhibitory conditions","authors":"Elena Capitanini , Laura Talarico , Sara De Vincentiis , Chiara Giacomelli , Sara Vitolo , Lorenzo Da Palmata , Laura Marchetti , Elisabetta Ferraro , Maria Letizia Trincavelli , Vittoria Raffa","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Axon navigation is guided by spatial patterns of chemical and physical cues in the developing central nervous system. Following injury, these patterns are disrupted, the microenvironment evolves rapidly, and inhibitory molecules create a barrier to the regeneration of severed axons. We have recently developed a technology called nano-pulling designed to stimulate axon growth and regeneration by modulating neuronal mechanotransduction. In this paper, we demonstrate that nano-pulling can induce axon growth in hippocampal neurons even in the presence of repulsive cues, such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, semaphorin 3A, microglial activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nano-pulling can also enhance the elongation of neural processes in neural progenitors transplanted into an organotypic spinal cord injury model that mimics the tissue complexity and inflammation seen in <em>in vivo</em> models. Our data suggest that nano-pulling could be used as a strategy to manipulate axon growth, overcoming certain extrinsic inhibitory factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 ","pages":"Pages 133-145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.07.002
Xiaoyu Teng , Qinlian Jiao , Yidan Ren , Xin Su , Zigan Li , Yuxuan Cai , Tangbin Hu , Maoxiao Feng , Xiaoyan Liu , Ming Xia , Jun Tai , Yana Zhang , Yunshan Wang , Mo Wang
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease closely linked to immune dysregulation. The immune microenvironment within atherosclerotic lesions is highly complex, involving diverse innate and adaptive immune cells and their intricate crosstalk. These immune interactions collectively contribute to plaque formation, progression, and destabilization. This review comprehensively examines the roles of key immune cell populations—including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells—in regulating inflammation, foam cell formation, and lesion stability. Special attention is given to intercellular regulatory circuits such as the Th1–M1 feedback loop, the OX40L–Th17 axis, and DC–T–NK amplification loops. Furthermore, the review highlights the influence of immunometabolic reprogramming on immune cell function and plaque phenotype, illustrating how metabolic states shape inflammatory outcomes. It also discusses the contribution of key signaling pathways—including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)—to atherosclerotic inflammation and plaque vulnerability. Advances in immunotherapy are also reviewed, including anti-inflammatory agents such as colchicine and canakinumab, as well as emerging vaccine strategies targeting lipid metabolism and vascular inflammation.
A deeper understanding of immune cell interplay and signaling dynamics in atherosclerosis will provide a foundation for developing more effective, multi-targeted immunotherapeutic interventions. Future research should aim to refine these strategies to maximize efficacy and safety, with the goal of reducing the global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
{"title":"The microenvironment in atherosclerosis: molecular regulation mechanism and immunotherapy","authors":"Xiaoyu Teng , Qinlian Jiao , Yidan Ren , Xin Su , Zigan Li , Yuxuan Cai , Tangbin Hu , Maoxiao Feng , Xiaoyan Liu , Ming Xia , Jun Tai , Yana Zhang , Yunshan Wang , Mo Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease closely linked to immune dysregulation. The immune microenvironment within atherosclerotic lesions is highly complex, involving diverse innate and adaptive immune cells and their intricate crosstalk. These immune interactions collectively contribute to plaque formation, progression, and destabilization. This review comprehensively examines the roles of key immune cell populations—including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells—in regulating inflammation, foam cell formation, and lesion stability. Special attention is given to intercellular regulatory circuits such as the Th1–M1 feedback loop, the OX40L–Th17 axis, and DC–T–NK amplification loops. Furthermore, the review highlights the influence of immunometabolic reprogramming on immune cell function and plaque phenotype, illustrating how metabolic states shape inflammatory outcomes. It also discusses the contribution of key signaling pathways—including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)—to atherosclerotic inflammation and plaque vulnerability. Advances in immunotherapy are also reviewed, including anti-inflammatory agents such as colchicine and canakinumab, as well as emerging vaccine strategies targeting lipid metabolism and vascular inflammation.</div><div>A deeper understanding of immune cell interplay and signaling dynamics in atherosclerosis will provide a foundation for developing more effective, multi-targeted immunotherapeutic interventions. Future research should aim to refine these strategies to maximize efficacy and safety, with the goal of reducing the global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 1","pages":"Pages 174-187"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144767036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.07.004
Sana Ahmed , Eman Alshehri , Sarah Nazneen , Fayrouz Attia , Dalia Obeid , Hanan Almuzaini , Alaa Alzahrani , Jahan Salma , Iriya Fujitsuka , Abdullah M. Assiri , Dieter C. Broering , Raja Chinnappan , Ahmed Yaqinuddin , Tanveer Ahmad Mir
Liver is the largest solid organ in the human body engaged in an array of critical physiological activities that primarily support metabolism, digestion, nutrient storage, detoxification. Liver dysfunction due to disease or surgical intervention often leads to severe life-threatening complications or death in humans. Therefore, in vitro liver models that mimic key functional characteristics are considered a reliable option for the study of liver diseases and the development of new therapeutic agents. Furthermore, they can overcome the limitations of conventional monolayer cultures and animal related experiments in assessing the response of new therapeutic agents and drug molecules. In recent years, the emergence and advancement of organoid technology has greatly facilitated the development of reliable in vitro liver models for a variety of biomedical and pharmacological applications. However, organoid culture primarily relies on tumor-derived extracellular matrix, such as Matrigel, which pose challenges due to its xenogeneic nature and variable composition. Therefore, creating organoid models using Matrigel-free hydrogel materials could significantly improve the outcomes of regenerative medicine and experimental studies. In this review, we provide an overview of rapidly evolving biomaterials for organoid research. We then outline preparation methods and the most relevant studies applying different hydrogels for engineering liver organoid models. Finally, we discuss the challenges, future perspectives, and opportunities of hydrogels in engineering next-generation liver organoid models for translational applications.
{"title":"Current advances and prospects in biomaterials-guided tools for liver organoids research","authors":"Sana Ahmed , Eman Alshehri , Sarah Nazneen , Fayrouz Attia , Dalia Obeid , Hanan Almuzaini , Alaa Alzahrani , Jahan Salma , Iriya Fujitsuka , Abdullah M. Assiri , Dieter C. Broering , Raja Chinnappan , Ahmed Yaqinuddin , Tanveer Ahmad Mir","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Liver is the largest solid organ in the human body engaged in an array of critical physiological activities that primarily support metabolism, digestion, nutrient storage, detoxification. Liver dysfunction due to disease or surgical intervention often leads to severe life-threatening complications or death in humans. Therefore, in vitro liver models that mimic key functional characteristics are considered a reliable option for the study of liver diseases and the development of new therapeutic agents. Furthermore, they can overcome the limitations of conventional monolayer cultures and animal related experiments in assessing the response of new therapeutic agents and drug molecules. In recent years, the emergence and advancement of organoid technology has greatly facilitated the development of reliable in vitro liver models for a variety of biomedical and pharmacological applications. However, organoid culture primarily relies on tumor-derived extracellular matrix, such as Matrigel, which pose challenges due to its xenogeneic nature and variable composition. Therefore, creating organoid models using Matrigel-free hydrogel materials could significantly improve the outcomes of regenerative medicine and experimental studies. In this review, we provide an overview of rapidly evolving biomaterials for organoid research. We then outline preparation methods and the most relevant studies applying different hydrogels for engineering liver organoid models. Finally, we discuss the challenges, future perspectives, and opportunities of hydrogels in engineering next-generation liver organoid models for translational applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 1","pages":"Pages 203-217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current bioadhesive dressings, though potential in wound care, often exhibit inadequate adhesion and lack essential properties for optimal wound healing, such as being antibacterial, hemostatic, and angiogenic. While various scaffolds containing natural adhesive molecules such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) and tannic acid (TA) have been individually assessed, the comparison of adhesives containing these molecules are scarcely studied. This study addresses these limitations by developing two innovative composite hydrogel adhesives, based on DOPA and TA, which are integrated with novel multi-metal bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs). A comprehensive comparison of their properties was conducted to evaluate their potential in improving wound healing outcomes.
BGNs were synthesized using sol-gel approach, yielding an amorphous and porous structure. Incorporation of 10 % w/w BGNs with uniform distribution enhanced the mechanical and adhesive properties of both hydrogels, with TA-based dressings demonstrating superior performance. While both dressings demonstrated biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, TA-based adhesive outperformed DOPA-based adhesive in cell viability and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while DOPA-based composites showed better in vitro angiogenic and hemostatic capabilities.
Regarding in vivo investigations, conducted on mice model of full-thickness skin wounds, DOPA- incorporated adhesive dressing which contained 10 % BGN exhibited slightly superior performance in re-epithelialization, collagen formation and blood vessel density, indicating its potential for acute wound healing applications.
{"title":"Comparison of two hemostatic skin adhesive dressings, incorporating multi-metal bioactive glass","authors":"Melina Ghasemian , Neda Alasvand , Ali Samadikuchaksaraei , Hajir Bahrami , Mahmoud Azami , Farzad Ramroudi , Soheila Naderi Gharahgheshlagh , Hajar Nasiri , Soroush Taherkhani , Peiman Brouki Milan","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2024.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2024.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current bioadhesive dressings, though potential in wound care, often exhibit inadequate adhesion and lack essential properties for optimal wound healing, such as being antibacterial, hemostatic, and angiogenic. While various scaffolds containing natural adhesive molecules such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) and tannic acid (TA) have been individually assessed, the comparison of adhesives containing these molecules are scarcely studied. This study addresses these limitations by developing two innovative composite hydrogel adhesives, based on DOPA and TA, which are integrated with novel multi-metal bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs). A comprehensive comparison of their properties was conducted to evaluate their potential in improving wound healing outcomes.</div><div>BGNs were synthesized using sol-gel approach, yielding an amorphous and porous structure. Incorporation of 10 % w/w BGNs with uniform distribution enhanced the mechanical and adhesive properties of both hydrogels, with TA-based dressings demonstrating superior performance. While both dressings demonstrated biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, TA-based adhesive outperformed DOPA-based adhesive in cell viability and antibacterial activity against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em>, while DOPA-based composites showed better <em>in vitro</em> angiogenic and hemostatic capabilities.</div><div>Regarding <em>in vivo</em> investigations, conducted on mice model of full-thickness skin wounds, DOPA- incorporated adhesive dressing which contained 10 % BGN exhibited slightly superior performance in re-epithelialization, collagen formation and blood vessel density, indicating its potential for acute wound healing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 ","pages":"Pages 54-73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141696654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.02.002
Ahsan Riaz Khan , Amol D. Gholap , Navdeep Singh Grewal , Zhang Jun , Mohammad Khalid , Hai-Jun Zhang
The emergence of innovative 3D-printed hybrid scaffolds is transforming the landscape of tissue engineering by effectively addressing various regenerative clinical challenges. These scaffolds, which combine the advantageous properties of metals, polymers, and ceramics, surpass the limitations associated with single-material constructs. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the applications of hybrid scaffolds in cardiology, orthopedics, and neural tissue regeneration, highlighting their role in advancing biomimetics, accelerating wound healing, enabling targeted drug delivery, and facilitating tumor therapy. Critical factors such as biomechanical compatibility, bioactivity, degradation rates, and mechanical integrity are critically evaluated following scaffold integration into host tissues. Additionally, nano-topographical features are explored to assess scaffold performance and cellular interactions. Key architectural parameters such as porosity, pore size, and interconnectivity are analyzed for their biological implications in physiological conditions. Furthermore, the investigation extends to smart scaffolds that incorporate stimuli-responsive mechanisms through 4D printing and shape memory polymers, which mimic the complex and dynamic properties of living tissues in response to various stimuli. The review concludes by highlighting the significance of integrating stimuli-responsive characteristics as a fourth dimension in hybrid scaffolds, thereby enhancing their potential for advanced clinical applications.
{"title":"Advances in smart hybrid scaffolds: A strategic approach for regenerative clinical applications","authors":"Ahsan Riaz Khan , Amol D. Gholap , Navdeep Singh Grewal , Zhang Jun , Mohammad Khalid , Hai-Jun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of innovative 3D-printed hybrid scaffolds is transforming the landscape of tissue engineering by effectively addressing various regenerative clinical challenges. These scaffolds, which combine the advantageous properties of metals, polymers, and ceramics, surpass the limitations associated with single-material constructs. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the applications of hybrid scaffolds in cardiology, orthopedics, and neural tissue regeneration, highlighting their role in advancing biomimetics, accelerating wound healing, enabling targeted drug delivery, and facilitating tumor therapy. Critical factors such as biomechanical compatibility, bioactivity, degradation rates, and mechanical integrity are critically evaluated following scaffold integration into host tissues. Additionally, nano-topographical features are explored to assess scaffold performance and cellular interactions. Key architectural parameters such as porosity, pore size, and interconnectivity are analyzed for their biological implications in physiological conditions. Furthermore, the investigation extends to smart scaffolds that incorporate stimuli-responsive mechanisms through 4D printing and shape memory polymers, which mimic the complex and dynamic properties of living tissues in response to various stimuli. The review concludes by highlighting the significance of integrating stimuli-responsive characteristics as a fourth dimension in hybrid scaffolds, thereby enhancing their potential for advanced clinical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 1","pages":"Pages 85-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143696026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2025.11.002
Chau B. Lam , Toan V. Phan , Sawang Kesdangsakonwut , Padet Tummaruk , Risa Chaisuparat , Supansa Yodmuang , Jae-Yol Lim , Joao N. Ferreira
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare malignancy of the salivary gland (SG) that poses significant treatment challenges. This highlights the need for in vitro cancer modeling platforms towards anti-cancer drug screening applications. Emerging organ-on-a-chip (OoC) microfluidic technologies represent promising new approach methodologies (NAMS) and a real alternative to animal testing. While tissue-specific decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) can recapitulate in vivo-like microenvironments, its application in SG-on-a-chip (SGoC) is still underexplored. This study developed an injectable porcine decellularized submandibular gland (dSMG) hydrogel for bioengineering an SG MEC tissue chip. dSMG was prepared using a chemical and enzymatic decellularization process with 0.1 % or 1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Both treatments effectively removed DNA content while preserving key ECM components, including collagens, glycoproteins, and mucins. Proteomic analysis revealed that 1 % SDS-treated dSMG contained a greater abundance of ECM components involved in matrix assembly and cell-ECM interactions compared to the 0.1 % group. The 1 % SDS-treated dSMG was subsequently digested with a pepsin-based buffer to form hydrogels. At 5 mg/mL, dSMG hydrogel exhibited nanofibrous architecture, thermo-responsive gelation, injectability into microfluidic devices, and minimal batch-to-batch biological variations. In static conditions, dSMG hydrogel significantly enhanced SG cell viability and mitochondria-dependent proliferation compared to Matrigel. Under gravity-driven flow, dSMG hydrogel promoted a ductal phenotype on human SG MEC cells, unlike on Matrigel. Additionally, dSMG hydrogel supported cholinergic-specific signaling and functional activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of dSMG hydrogel as a physiologically relevant matrix for SG cancer modeling towards drug screening applications in SGoC microfluidic systems.
{"title":"Decellularized tissue-specific hydrogels support an engineered salivary gland within a microfluidic platform","authors":"Chau B. Lam , Toan V. Phan , Sawang Kesdangsakonwut , Padet Tummaruk , Risa Chaisuparat , Supansa Yodmuang , Jae-Yol Lim , Joao N. Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engreg.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare malignancy of the salivary gland (SG) that poses significant treatment challenges. This highlights the need for in vitro cancer modeling platforms towards anti-cancer drug screening applications. Emerging organ-on-a-chip (OoC) microfluidic technologies represent promising new approach methodologies (NAMS) and a real alternative to animal testing. While tissue-specific decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) can recapitulate in vivo-like microenvironments, its application in SG-on-a-chip (SGoC) is still underexplored. This study developed an injectable porcine decellularized submandibular gland (dSMG) hydrogel for bioengineering an SG MEC tissue chip. dSMG was prepared using a chemical and enzymatic decellularization process with 0.1 % or 1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Both treatments effectively removed DNA content while preserving key ECM components, including collagens, glycoproteins, and mucins. Proteomic analysis revealed that 1 % SDS-treated dSMG contained a greater abundance of ECM components involved in matrix assembly and cell-ECM interactions compared to the 0.1 % group. The 1 % SDS-treated dSMG was subsequently digested with a pepsin-based buffer to form hydrogels. At 5 mg/mL, dSMG hydrogel exhibited nanofibrous architecture, thermo-responsive gelation, injectability into microfluidic devices, and minimal batch-to-batch biological variations. In static conditions, dSMG hydrogel significantly enhanced SG cell viability and mitochondria-dependent proliferation compared to Matrigel. Under gravity-driven flow, dSMG hydrogel promoted a ductal phenotype on human SG MEC cells, unlike on Matrigel. Additionally, dSMG hydrogel supported cholinergic-specific signaling and functional activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of dSMG hydrogel as a physiologically relevant matrix for SG cancer modeling towards drug screening applications in SGoC microfluidic systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72919,"journal":{"name":"Engineered regeneration","volume":"6 1","pages":"Pages 249-263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}