Search Results (3,042)

Two hemostatic bionanocomposite dressings were developed using natural, semi-natural (or semi-synthetic) and synthetic polymers. The first system consisted of chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (CS/PVA/CMC), while the second was based on CS, PVA, and starch (SR) (CS/PVA/SR). Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and bicyclic monoterpene camphor (CP) ketone were incorporated as bioactive agents in order to enhance antimicrobial and hemostatic performance. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful solvent casting synthesis of the dressings and the interactions between the biopolymers and additives. XRD analysis indicated a predominantly amorphous structure, while SEM images and EDS analysis revealed uniform dispersion of ZnO particles within the polymer matrices without aggregation. Furthermore, the CS/PVA/CMC-1ZnO/CP sample exhibited a water sorption of 12,666 ± 126%, while CS/PVA/SR-1ZnO/CP reached 7013 ± 215%. ZnO incorporation also improved mechanical performance, with CS/PVA/SR-2ZnO/CP displaying the highest tensile strength (39.18 ± 0.2 MPa) and elongation at break (9.54 ± 1.04%). ZnO incorporation also led to a concentration-dependent increase in antibacterial activity, with SR-based dressings achieving near-complete bacterial reduction at higher ZnO loadings. All the dressings demonstrated good biocompatibility, while CS/PVA/SR-1ZnOCP showed the fastest clotting time (420s ± 40), highlighting its potential for hemostatic applications. Full article

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most extensively investigated biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications, owing to its tunable degradation kinetics, established biocompatibility, and regulatory approval. In implantology, PLGA-based systems have emerged as versatile platforms for scaffolds, coatings, and localized drug delivery, aimed at enhancing osseointegration and tissue regeneration. This review provides a focused and up-to-date analysis of PLGA applications in dental and orthopedic implantology, with particular emphasis on advances reported over the past decade. Unlike previous reviews that predominantly address general drug delivery or broad tissue engineering applications, this work establishes a direct correlation between polymer composition (LA:GA ratio), processing strategies, and biological outcomes, including degradation behavior, mechanical performance, and host response. Special attention is given to multifunctional PLGA systems incorporating antibiotics, growth factors, and bioactive nanoparticles, highlighting their role in improving antibacterial efficacy and osteogenesis. Emerging technologies such as nanostructured composites, additive manufacturing, and stimuli-responsive delivery platforms are critically evaluated. Key limitations—including acidic degradation by-products, burst release kinetics, and translational barriers—are discussed in the context of clinical applicability. By integrating physicochemical design with biological performance and recent clinical trends (2024–2025), this review proposes a framework for the rational development of next-generation PLGA-based implant systems. Full article

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose derivative characterized by physicochemical properties (gel formation, water solubility, biodegradability, and biocompatibility). These properties explain their wide use in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and construction. This review evaluates the classification, production processes, and analytical characterization of HPMC, with particular attention to its versatility and sustainability life cycle. The environmental impact of HPMC is analyzed through its energy-intensive production, waste generation, emissions, and end-of-life biodegradability. In comparison with many petroleum-based polymers, HPMC is often considered a greener option and its use as an additive in modern chemical industry is extended. Therefore, the adoption of more sustainable production practices is essential to minimize its ecological footprint. In this sense, greener raw material sourcing, improved production process efficiency, lower emission etherification and purification routes, and broader implementation of life-cycle-based optimization strategies were identified as key priorities to be addressed. Full article

The production of cultivated meat relies on in vitro animal cell growth and requires the use of scaffolds that structurally resemble key features of the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing mechanical support and biochemical cues for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Electrospinning has emerged as a promising technique for manufacturing three-dimensional edible scaffolds because it is robust, versatile, and capable of producing nanofibers with a high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable porosity, and ECM-like fibrous architectures. Natural biopolymers are promising candidates for the fabrication of electrospun scaffolds, combining biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processing compatibility with food-grade requirements. However, the absence of fully food-grade electrospinning systems, coupled with limited scalable green-processing strategies, remains a critical barrier to industrial translation. In this context, this review presents recent advances in the food-grade electrospinning of natural biopolymers focused on cultivated meat production. Furthermore, scientific gaps in the development of fully edible scaffolds are discussed, along with the need for alternatives to animal-derived materials and synthetic carrier polymers, considering sustainability, consumer acceptance, and the translation from laboratory-scale studies to industrial systems. Finally, this review outlines a strategic roadmap to accelerate the transition from proof-of-concept studies toward scalable, regulatory-compliant, and industrially viable electrospinning technologies for cultivated meat production. Full article

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural polyphenol with various biological activities, but its poor stability and premature release in the gastrointestinal tract limit oral application. Herein, a pH-responsive bilayer hydrogel based on sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was developed to enhance the gastrointestinal stability and controlled release of CGA. CGA-loaded SA hydrogels were prepared via Ca²⁺-induced ionotropic gelation, followed by CMC coating to form a bilayer structure. The SA/CMC hydrogels showed a drug loading capacity of 15.2–16.7% and pH-dependent swelling behavior. In vitro release studies revealed that the bilayer hydrogel suppressed CGA release in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), with a cumulative release of approximately 30%, while enabling sustained release in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8), reaching about 70% within 10 h. Release kinetics indicated that CGA release was controlled by Fickian diffusion under acidic conditions and by a diffusion-polymer relaxation mechanism under intestinal conditions. Moreover, encapsulation in the SA/CMC hydrogel improved the thermal, light, and pH stability of CGA while maintaining its antioxidant activity and biocompatibility. These results indicate that SA/CMC bilayer hydrogels provide a promising strategy for stabilized gastrointestinal delivery of chlorogenic acid. Full article

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and wearable technologies, the demand for soft, multifunctional electronic materials has grown substantially. Hydrogels have emerged as a promising platform due to their intrinsic softness, stretchability, and biocompatibility. Among them, cellulose-based conductive hydrogels uniquely integrate the sustainability of natural polymers with tunable electrical functionality, offering significant potential for flexible and biointegrated electronics. This review provides a comprehensive and critical perspective on the recent progress in cellulose-based conductive hydrogels. We systematically summarize key design strategies, including physical and chemical crosslinking and interpenetrating network engineering. More importantly, we present a comparative analysis of distinct conductive mechanisms, including ionic conduction, conductive polymers, metallic nanostructures, and carbon-based fillers, highlighting the inherent trade-offs among electrical conductivity, mechanical robustness, and environmental stability. Emerging applications in flexible electronics, energy storage, bioelectronics, and self-powered systems are discussed through structure–property relationships. Finally, we outline current challenges and future directions, emphasizing multifunctional integration, scalable fabrication, and long-term operational stability, thereby providing a framework for the rational design of next-generation sustainable electronic materials. Full article

The use of bio-based and biodegradable plastic products (BBpPs) ensures the mitigation of environmental effects of fossil-based plastics, especially in humanitarian crises where waste management is challenging. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising biodegradable biopolymers that are biocompatible and do not cause microplastic pollution. However, experimental assessment of PHA biodegradation is challenged by its time- and resource-intensiveness. In this study, a comprehensive computational Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR)-based approach was developed to predict biodegradability of short chain length (scl)-PHA-based formulations consisting of various additives and building blocks. A novel curated dataset for the (scl)-PHA poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), with literature-reported environmental and biodegradation parameters from lab-scale experiments in soil, marine, freshwater and compost systems, was constructed and used to develop and validate the introduced approach. Random forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning (ML) models were optimized and validated with cross-validation and test set predictions. The optimal models reported high accuracy values of the coefficient of determination R², indicating excellent relationships between structure and biodegradation metrics. Further analysis of descriptor variable importance confirmed that biopolymer biodegradability was favorably affected by biodegradation time, while mechanisms, environmental conditions, and additives contributed secondary yet physically consistent effects. The proposed QSAR framework demonstrated a robust and interpretable web-based tool for predicting the environmental fate of PHBV in natural environments and supported the sustainable safe-by-design (SSbD) approach of next-generation biodegradable polymers. Full article

Due to biodegradability, functionalization, and sustained release, polymer-based films are widely used in different industries. This study explores a bioactive emulsion-based film obtained using high-methoxy pectin (HMP), Origanum onites L. essential oil, and a hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris L., prepared using various emulsion recipes. The emulsions obtained were applied to cellulose supports intended for topical applications. Bioactive textiles were analyzed using SEM-EDS elemental mapping, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, biocompatibility assessment, antimicrobial activity assays, and analysis of comfort indices. SEM images of textile supports treated with bioactive emulsions confirmed the creation of a film surface and that the homogeneity of the film increases with increasing amount of glycerin, which acts as a plasticizer. Infrared spectra combined with their second derivatives and PCA indicate the presence of oregano essential oil, thyme extract, and pectin on the surface of the cotton. The biocompatibility evaluation of functionalized cotton supports revealed minimal cytotoxic effects on HaCaT human keratinocytes after 24 h of exposure. The results of the analyses showed that bioactive textile supports also exhibit antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the active emulsions with pectin, oregano essential oil, and hydroalcoholic extract of thyme provide biocompatible and antimicrobial active films by applying on cellulosic supports. Full article

The valorization of agri-food residues represents an attractive strategy within the circular economy for the development of bio-based materials. In this study, a PLA–cellulose biocomposite (PLACEL10) was developed using cellulose extracted from vine pruning residues (Vitis vinifera, Tintilla de Rota). Cellulose was isolated through sequential acid and alkaline treatments, and the extracted material was incorporated into PLA by melt blending to produce injection-molded specimens. FT-IR confirmed the progressive removal of non-cellulosic components during extraction, while SEM revealed a relatively homogeneous dispersion of cellulose within the polymer matrix. Mechanical characterization showed that PLACEL10 exhibited higher stiffness and tensile strength than the processed PLA and BCF10 controls, although with reduced elongation at break. Biocompatibility was evaluated using hFOB 1.19 osteoblasts by MTS assay, showing viability values above 95% and a proliferative response at 72 h. These results suggest that vine-pruning-derived cellulose can act as an effective reinforcement in PLA and support the potential of this agricultural residue as a feedstock for bio-based composites with possible biomedical and packaging applications. Although the current extraction route involves chemical treatments and cannot be considered fully green, the approach provides a promising route for agricultural waste valorization. Full article

Due to their availability and environmental friendliness, alginate polymers are widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The most common type of alginate is derived from seaweed and is used to develop topical dosage forms, among other things. However, variability in the seaweed material can lead to instability in the physicochemical parameters. Biotechnologically produced alginate minimizes this drawback through controlled synthesis. However, unlike algal alginates, the safety profile of such polymers has not been well studied. When developing dosage forms intended for wound surfaces, safety is of primary importance. In this study, we developed enzybiotic compositions based on bacterial alginate as an excipient and a novel recombinant modified endolysin, LysSi3-LK, as an antibacterial agent, and assessed their antibacterial properties and safety profile. The study included an in vitro evaluation of the activity spectrum, as well as the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility, of gel and hydrogel compositions. It was demonstrated that bacterial alginate is acceptable for the encapsulation of endolysin. It exhibited medium cytotoxic effects on the HaCaT cells, which were significantly reduced by the LysSi3-LK addition. The migration of cells was diminished following exposure to the gel and hydrogel formulations. However, an improvement in biocompatibility was observed in the cell proliferation assay. Full article

Nanogrooves provide instructive cues to cells in culture. Several nanofabrication techniques have been developed to create biomimetic substrates, advancing our understanding of cell adhesion. Their integration into nervous system models highlights the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in developing functional tissue constructs for in vitro platforms such as Brain-on-Chip (BoC) and Nervous System-on-Chip (NoC). This study presents a nanofabrication approach that integrates photolithography and microtransfer molding (μTM) to pattern nanogrooves using photocurable polymer NOA81 onto microelectrode array (MEA) plates. The resulting nanogrooves exhibited a pattern periodicity of 976 nm and a ridge width of 232 nm, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We assessed the biocompatibility and functional impact of these modified substrates using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cultures. Neurons cultured on nanogroove-modified MEAs exhibited aligned neural processes due to the anisotropic surface features and expressed vivid spiking behavior and higher burst frequency compared to randomly cultured neuronal networks. In conclusion, the proposed fabrication technique integrates nanogrooves with commercial MEAs using a combination of microtransfer molding and photolithography, resulting in modified culture substrates that enhance spike activity and network organization, aiding in the development of more in vivo-like neural models. Full article

Corneal defects are a major cause of vision loss and require rapid, biocompatible, and effective sealing methods to restore ocular integrity and prevent infection. Current clinical adhesives, such as cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue, are limited by problems such as poor biocompatibility and inadequate stability. This study presents the design and evaluation of a fast-curable polymer bioadhesive hydrogel, a corneal glue formulated for efficient sealing of corneal defects. Hydrogels were synthesized from natural and synthetic polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium alginate (SA), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), optimized for rapid gelation (~45 s), robust adhesion (~15 kPa), and mechanical strength (tensile strength ~0.35 MPa and storage modulus G′ indicating strong elastic behavior). Physicochemical and rheological properties, including swelling behavior and optical transparency (>90% transmittance across 400–700 nm), were characterized, including gelation time, swelling behavior, and mechanical strength. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using human corneal epithelial cells to evaluate cytotoxicity and cell adhesion. Ex vivo studies on human cadaveric corneas with full-thickness defects measured adhesive strength and sealing efficacy through burst pressure (~38 mmHg) and leakage tests, with comparisons to commercial fibrin and cyanoacrylate adhesives. The optimized corneal glue exhibited fast curing, robust adhesion, high water retention with minimal swelling, favorable viscoelastic properties, and excellent cytocompatibility effectively sealing corneal defects in ex vivo models. These results highlight its potential as a promising fast-curable bioadhesive for corneal wound repair and ocular surface restoration. Full article

Chronic skin inflammatory diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis affect millions worldwide, imposing substantial physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Despite advances in topical therapies, conventional formulations suffer from poor skin penetration, rapid clearance, local and systemic side effects, and suboptimal patient adherence. Polymeric nanogels, internally crosslinked three-dimensional polymer networks with dimensions of 10–200 nm, emerged as promising platforms to overcome these limitations. Their unique properties including high water content, tunable porosity, biocompatibility, deformability, and stimulus-responsive behavior enhance skin penetration allowing for targeted therapeutic action. This review examines nanogel synthesis methods optimized for targeting skin inflammatory diseases, including biopolymer-based approaches utilizing chitosan and hyaluronic acid, offering insights into how different methods and advanced architecture provide multifunctional capacities and bioactivities. Translation challenges including manufacturing scalability, long-term safety assessment, and regulatory compliance are critically discussed alongside emerging opportunities in personalized medicine and smart microneedle integrated systems for adaptive therapy. Full article

Ceramics are widely evaluated for their extreme hardness, high-temperature stability, and corrosion resistance, which enable applications in harsh service environments. However, these same properties, high melting points, brittleness, and low thermal shock resistance, make conventional manufacturing of complex ceramic components difficult and expensive. Traditional processes often require costly diamond tooling or energy-intensive sintering and tend to produce only simple geometries, with significant waste material and risk of defects. Additive manufacturing (AM) has recently emerged as a promising route to fabricate intricate, near-net-shape ceramic parts without these drawbacks. By building components layer by layer, AM reduces the need for extensive machining and enables the fabrication of geometrically complex, near-net-shape ceramic structures with reduced material waste, although challenges such as porosity, interlayer defects, and cracking during post-processing remain. Nonetheless, ceramic AM technologies lag behind their metal and polymer counterparts, and significant challenges remain in achieving fully dense parts with reliable mechanical properties. This review provides an in-depth overview of the state of the art in ceramics and ceramic composite additive manufacturing. We detail the most widely used AM processes (stereolithography, binder jetting, material extrusion, powder bed fusion, inkjet printing, and direct energy deposition) and typical feedstock formulations for each technique. We examine the resulting mechanical properties (strength, toughness, hardness, wear resistance) and functional properties (thermal stability, dielectric behavior, biocompatibility) of additively manufactured ceramics, and discuss their current and potential engineering applications in the aerospace, defense, automotive, biomedical, and energy sectors. Persistent challenges, including porosity, shrinkage and cracking during sintering, achieving uniform microstructures, high process costs, and scalability issues, are analyzed, and we highlight promising future directions such as multi-material grading, integration of machine learning for process optimization, and sustainable manufacturing approaches. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in achieving fully dense structures, improving process reliability, and scaling ceramic AM for industrial applications, highlighting the need for further research in process optimization, material design, and multi-material integration. Full article

Iron-based nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide nanostructures (IONPs), have emerged as versatile and clinically relevant platforms for drug delivery and theranostic applications. Among these, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), including magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃), are the most extensively investigated due to their biocompatibility, magnetic responsiveness, and established safety profiles. Their unique superparamagnetic behavior enables external magnetic-field-guided targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, and magnetically triggered hyperthermia, enabling simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Surface functionalization with polymers, silica, lipids, peptides, and biomolecules further improves colloidal stability, circulation time, targeting specificity, and controlled drug release. Core–shell architectures and multifunctional hybrid systems have expanded the therapeutic scope of iron nanoparticles, integrating chemotherapy, gene delivery, photothermal therapy, and Fenton reaction–mediated catalytic therapy. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, challenges remain regarding long-term biosafety, oxidative stress induction, biodistribution, large-scale reproducibility, and regulatory translation. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties, synthesis strategies, surface-engineering approaches, drug-loading mechanisms, and biomedical applications of iron-based nanoparticles, highlighting recent advances in multifunctional and peptide-functionalized systems. Critical considerations for clinical translation and future perspectives in precision nanomedicine are also discussed. Full article