Search Results (106)

Arabidopsis seedlings grown in Petri dishes sealed with PE plastic wrap, PP parafilm, or NF surgical tape showed differences in growth, with PE plastic wrap resulting in a smaller size and fresh weight, followed by PP parafilm, compared to unsealed or NF surgical tape-sealed dishes. To investigate the basis of these phenotypic changes, transcriptome sequencing was performed. The results indicated that seedlings in dishes sealed with PE plastic wrap and PP parafilm exhibited over 1000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 7 days. By 14 days, the number of DEGs had increased to over 2000 for each sealed condition. GO analysis showed that DEGs were commonly enriched in biological processes associated with the response to hypoxia under PE plastic wrap and PP parafilm sealing at both 7 and 14 days, as well as under NF surgical tape at 14 days. While O₂ levels showed no significant differences between sealed and unsealed conditions, CO₂ concentrations were notably lower in plates sealed with PE plastic wrap and PP parafilm. Furthermore, specific genes related to reduced size and delayed growth under sealed conditions were identified. In summary, sealing films negatively affect seedling growth, leading to significant shifts in gene expression profiles. Full article

Microfluidic devices rely on precise fluid control to enable complex operations in diagnostics, chemical synthesis, and biological research. Central to this control are microvalves, which regulate on-chip flow but require flexible membranes for active operation. While the laser cutting of thermoplastics offers a fast, automated method for fabricating rigid microfluidic components, integrating flexible elements like valves and pumps remains a key challenge. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) membranes have been adopted to address this need but are costly and difficult to procure reliably. In this study, we present commercial food-wrap film (FWF) as a low-cost, widely available alternative membrane material. We demonstrate FWF’s compatibility with laser-cut thermoplastic microfluidic devices by successfully fabricating Quake-style valves and peristaltic pumps. FWF valves maintained reliable sealing at 40 psi, maintained stable flow rates of ~1.33 μL/min during peristaltic operation, and sustained over one million continuous actuation cycles without performance degradation. Burst pressure testing confirmed robustness up to 60 psi. Additionally, FWF’s thermal resistance up to 140 °C enabled effective thermal bonding with PMMA layers, simplifying device assembly. These results establish FWF as a viable substitute for TPU membranes, offering an accessible and scalable solution for microfluidic device fabrication, particularly in resource-limited settings where TPU availability is constrained. Full article

This study introduces an innovative annular sealing groove design inspired by the hierarchical structure of octopus suckers, addressing the limitations of conventional seals under extreme conditions in aerospace engineering. Using finite element analysis, eight bionic configurations with varying groove parameters (width, depth, number) were systematically evaluated under cryogenic (−196.25 °C) and high-pressure (2 MPa) scenarios. Results show that the optimized bionic6 configuration (seven grooves, 0.4 mm width, 0.4 mm depth) achieved a 21.71% improvement in average von Mises stress compared to the original design, demonstrating enhanced leakage resistance. Parameter interaction analysis revealed groove number as the most significant factor affecting performance, followed by width, while depth showed minimal influence. The hierarchical groove architecture effectively mimicked the multi-level sealing mechanism of octopus suckers, reducing leakage paths and improving adaptability to irregular surfaces. This work bridges biological inspiration and engineering application, providing a scalable solution for extreme environments. The identified optimal parameters lay a theoretical foundation for designing high-performance seals in aerospace, cryogenic storage, and advanced manufacturing. Full article

Antibacterial filter materials have been effectively utilized for controlling biological contaminants and purifying indoor air, with the market for such materials experiencing continuous expansion. Currently, textile antibacterial testing standards are widely adopted to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of filter materials, yet no dedicated assessment protocols specifically tailored for filtration media have been established. This study aims to investigate the applicability of textile antibacterial testing methods to high-efficiency glass fiber filter materials (filtration efficiency > 99.9%), as well as to explore the factors that affect the rate of bacterial elution from high-efficiency glass fiber filter materials. By referencing the textile antibacterial testing standard (absorption method), significant discrepancies in bacterial recovery counts were observed between the high-efficiency glass fiber materials and the various textile control samples, with the former exhibiting a markedly lower recovery rate (approximately 10%). Pore structure and wettability analyses revealed the underlying causes of these differences. To ensure the accuracy of the antibacterial evaluation results, the effects of oscillation elution parameters (time and intensity) and material incubation conditions (duration, sealing and humidity) on bacterial recovery rates in glass fiber filter materials were systematically investigated to optimize the elution methodology. The results indicate that specimen type, size, elution method, incubation duration (4 h or 24 h), sealing conditions, and environmental humidity (10% or 30%, 60% and 95% RH) collectively influence bacterial recovery efficiency. The highest recovery efficiency (55%) was achieved when the filter materials were incubated in a sealed environment with humidity maintained at ≥60% RH. These findings emphasize the critical need to establish clear and specialized antibacterial performance testing standards for filter materials. The study provides essential guidance for developing material-specific evaluation protocols to ensure a reliable and standardized assessment of antimicrobial efficacy in high-efficiency filtration systems. Full article

Preserving dental pulp vitality is crucial in pediatric and adolescent dentistry to promote long-term oral health and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) enhances pulp healing and dentin formation through advanced pulp capping materials. While calcium hydroxide-based materials laid the foundation for VPT, calcium silicate-based materials like mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and TheraCal offer superior biocompatibility and sealing properties. Recent advancements focus on regenerative strategies that enhance biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, and anti-inflammatory effects. Tissue engineering approaches, including stem cells, growth factors, and peptide-based scaffolds, are being explored to improve pulp regeneration and long-term treatment success. This review highlights recent developments in VPT for pediatric and adolescent patients, emphasizing minimally invasive techniques, clinical challenges, and the potential of emerging biomaterials. Continued research into biomaterial efficacy and regenerative capabilities holds promise for advancing VPT, ensuring more effective and biologically driven treatment strategies for young patients. Full article

Currently, increasing anthropogenic pressure and overexploitation expose soils to various forms of degradation, including contamination, erosion, and sealing. Soil contamination, primarily caused by industrial processes, agricultural practices (such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers), and improper waste disposal, poses significant risks to human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Common contaminants include heavy metals, mineral oils, petroleum-based hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Remediation methods for contaminated soils include physical, physicochemical, chemical or biological approaches. This review aims to specify these methods while comparing their effectiveness and applicability in different contamination scenarios. Biochemical methods, particularly phytoremediation, are emphasized for their sustainability, effectiveness, and suitability in arid and semiarid regions. These methods preserve soil quality and promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and bioenergy production, aligning with sustainability principles and contributing to a circular economy. The integrated phytoremediation–bioenergy approaches reviewed provide sustainable and cost-efficient strategies for environmental decontamination and green development. Special attention is given to the use of lignin in bioremediation. This work contributes to the existing knowledge by outlining priorities for the selection of the most appropriate remediation techniques under diverse environmental conditions, providing a comprehensive overview for future developments. Full article

Background/Objectives: The peri-implant soft tissue seal is crucial for the long-term success of subcrestally placed implants (SPIs). However, conventional biologic width—now referred to as supracrestal tissue attachment (STA)—models, originally developed for natural teeth, fail to account for the three-dimensional nature of peri-implant soft tissue adaptation. This study introduces a novel framework integrating the concepts of the transitional zone (TZ) and subcrestal zone (SZ) to systematically optimize peri-implant soft tissue architecture. Methods: A mathematical model was developed to determine the optimal implant placement depth by incorporating the emergence angle (EA), soft tissue thickness (STT), and peripheral crestal offset (PCO). Additionally, a three-dimensional peri-implant soft tissue analysis (3DSTA) approach utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was implemented to evaluate peri-implant soft tissue adaptation and emergence profile design. Clinical parameters were analyzed to establish guidelines for optimizing SPI placement depth and peri-implant soft tissue stability. Results: This study introduces the concept of self-sustained soft tissue (SSST), a biologically functional structure composed of the TZ and SZ, which enhances peri-implant health and stability. The proposed framework provides clinical guidelines for optimizing SPI placement depth, emergence profile contouring, and peri-implant soft tissue thickness to mitigate the risk of peri-implant mucositis. By shifting from a traditional two-dimensional perspective to a multidimensional analysis, this approach offers an evidence-based foundation for achieving biologically stable and esthetically predictable outcomes. Conclusions: The proposed three-dimensional model advances the understanding of peri-implant soft tissue adaptation by integrating novel anatomical and biomechanical concepts. By redefining peri-implant biologic width through the introduction of TZ and SZ, this study provides a structured framework for optimizing SPI placement and soft tissue management. Future research should focus on validating this model through histological studies and long-term clinical trials to refine its application in clinical practice. Full article

Apical periodontitis is a common inflammatory condition associated with root canal treatment (RCT) failure. The quality of the three-dimensional root canal seal is critical to the success of the treatment. Bioceramic sealants, such as Neosealer Flo, offer biological advantages such as osteoconduction, biocompatibility and sustained calcium ion release, which may improve apical healing. The aim of this study was to compare AH Plus and Neosealer Flo in terms of postoperative pain, extrusion and periapical healing. A single-blind, randomised clinical trial was conducted with 60 patients divided into AH Plus and Neosealer Flo groups. Post-operative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 24 and 48 h and at 7 days. Seal quality and periapical healing were assessed at 6 months using the AAE success criteria by clinical and radiographic evaluation. Neosealer Flo resulted in less postoperative pain at 24 h and 7 days compared to AH Plus. Extrusion did not significantly affect pain or correlate with the type of sealer used. Both materials achieved similar periapical healing rates. Neosealer Flo demonstrated advantages in pain reduction, while both sealants showed comparable efficacy. Full article

Conventionally, root canal treatment is performed when the dental pulp is severely damaged or lost due to dental trauma or bacterial endodontic infections. This treatment involves removing the compromised or infected pulp tissue, disinfecting the root canal system, and sealing it with inert, non-degradable materials. However, contemporary endodontic treatment has shifted from merely obturating the root canal system with inert materials to guiding endodontic tissue regeneration through biological approaches. The ultimate goal of regenerative endodontics is to restore dental pulp tissue with structural organization and functional characteristics akin to the native pulp, leveraging advancements in tissue engineering and biomaterial sciences. Dental pulp tissue engineering commonly employs scaffold-based strategies, utilizing biomaterials as initial platforms for cell and growth factor delivery, which subsequently act as scaffolds for cell proliferation, differentiation and maturation. However, cells possess an intrinsic capacity for self-organization into spheroids and can generate their own extracellular matrix, eliminating the need for external scaffolds. This self-assembling property presents a promising alternative for scaffold-free dental pulp engineering, addressing limitations associated with biomaterial-based approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cell-based, self-assembling and scaffold-free approaches in dental pulp tissue engineering, highlighting their potential advantages and challenges in advancing regenerative endodontics. Full article

Dental implants are crucial in contemporary oral rehabilitation, necessitating optimal integration with the surrounding soft tissues for durable success. The attachment between the implant surface and peri-implant mucosa should establish a secure seal to prevent bacterial infiltration and subsequent tissue inflammation. This concise review examines the histological and biological perspectives of peri-implant soft tissue reactions to zirconium and titanium abutments, shedding light on their respective advantages and limitations. While titanium has been the gold standard, zirconia has gained attention due to its biocompatibility and aesthetic appeal. Histological studies show comparable soft tissue attachment and inflammatory responses between the two materials. Further research is needed to explore surface treatments and optimize outcomes in dental implant rehabilitation. Full article

Biomaterials have assumed a decisive role in modern medicine by enabling significant advancements in medical care practices. These materials are designed to interact with biological systems, offering substantial solutions for various medical needs. In this research, bioceramic materials consisting of a bioactive hydroxyapatite-based matrix with Ti nanoparticles were processed as promising materials. These bioceramics were obtained using mechanical milling, uniaxial pressing, and sintering as powder processing techniques. This study evaluates the effect of Ti additions on the structural, electrochemical, and mechanical properties of the hydroxyapatite ceramic material. Titanium additions were about 1, 2 and 3 wt%. The experimental results demonstrate that the biocomposite’s structure has two hexagonal phases: one corresponding to the hydroxyapatite matrix and the other to the Ti as a reinforced phase. The biomaterials’ microstructure is completely fine and homogeneous. The biomaterial reinforced with 1 wt. % Ti exhibits the best mechanical behavior. In this context, electrochemical tests reveal that bioceramics can achieve stability through an ion adsorption mechanism when exposed to a physiological electrolyte. Bioceramics, particularly those containing 1%Ti, develop their bioactivity through the formation of a high-density hydroxide film during a porous sealing process at potentials around −782.71 mV, with an ionic charge transfer of 0.43 × 10⁻⁹ A/cm². Finally, this biofilm behaves as a capacitor Cc = 0.18 nF/cm², resulting in lower ionic charge transfer resistance (Rct = 1.526 × 106 Ω-cm²) at the interface. This mechanism promotes the material’s biocompatibility for bone integration as an implant material. Full article

Powder-based hemostatic materials have offered unprecedented opportunities for the effective sealing and repair of irregularly shaped wounds and high-pressure, noncompressible arterial bleeding wounds caused by surgeries, traffic accidents, and wartime injuries. However, inadequate adhesion to bleeding wounds and poor hemostasis in biological tissues remains challenging. Herein, we report a self-gelling hemostatic powder based on polyacrylic acid/polyethyleneimine/polyethylene glycol (named PPG) for rapid hemostasis and effective antibacterial ability. When deposited on bleeding wounds, PPG powder can absorb interfacial liquid and rapidly swell into a physically cross-linked hydrogel in situ within 2 s to form a pressure-resistant physical barrier. Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro results indicate that, as an effective sealant, the PPG powder possesses ease of use, excellent hemocompatibility, strong antibacterial abilities, and superior blood clotting abilities. The effective hemostatic sealing capability of the PPG powder is demonstrated in a variety of injury models in rats and rabbits. All of these factors show that, with its superior wound treatment abilities, PPG powder is a profound biomaterial for surgical applications. Full article

Two-dimensional (2D) culture models and animal experiments have been widely used to study the pathogenesis of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and to test new treatment approaches. However, neither of them can reproduce the complexity of human periodontal tissues, making the development of a successful 3D oral mucosal model a necessity. The soft-tissue attachment formed around a tooth or an implant function like a biologic seal, protecting the deeper tissues from bacterial infection. The aim of this review is to explore the advancements made so far in the biofabrication of a junctional epithelium around a tooth-like or an implant insert in vitro. This review focuses on the origin of cells and the variety of extracellular components and biomaterials that have been used for the biofabrication of 3D oral mucosa models. The existing 3D models recapitulate soft-tissue attachment around implant abutments and hydroxyapatite discs. Hereby, the qualitative and quantitative assessments performed for evidencing the soft-tissue attachment are critically reviewed. In perspective, the design of sophisticated 3D models should work together for oral immunology and microbiology biofilms to accurately reproduce periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Full article

With the development of mechanical systems in the industrial era, there is an increasing emphasis on the safety and reliability of mechanical equipment. The theory of artificial self-recovery technology has emerged, aiming to enable mechanical equipment to autonomously prevent and repair faults by simulating biological self-recovery mechanisms, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of industrial production, reducing manual intervention, and promoting the intelligent development of manufacturing. The article mainly explores the application of artificial self-recovery theory in mechanical equipment, elaborating on the achievements in self-recovery technologies such as automatic balancing technology, compensation and self-protection technology for large systems, equipment health assistive technology, and active control technology for sealing devices and hydrostatic bearings, as well as self-repair and self-cleaning technologies. Finally, the paper looks forward to the future development of artificial self-recovery technology, believing that with technological advancements it will play an increasingly important role in the industrial field and promote the development of manufacturing towards self-recovery. Full article

Objective: We reviewed the available literature on patients undergoing aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) with either aortic root preservation (RP) or root replacement (RR). Methods: Original research studies that evaluated short- and mid-term hemostatic properties of RP versus RR groups were identified, from 2000 to 2024. Intraoperative transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs), reoperation for bleeding, strategy of hemostatic sealing of the anastomosis in root repair following the reapproximation of the dissected layers of the aortic wall (with/without biological glue), and operative mortality were the primary endpoints. Postoperative morbidity and overall and reoperation-free survival at one and five years were the secondary endpoints. A sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. Results: Ten studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis, incorporating data from 6850 patients (RP: 4389 patients; RR: 2461 patients). Root preservation demonstrated a lower median transfusion of RBCs (WMD: −1.00; 95% CI: −1.41, −0.59; p < 0.01) and incidence of reoperation for bleeding compared to root replacement (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.77; p < 0.01). The majority of studies did not use biological glue in root repair to avoid the risk of an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm. No difference was found regarding postoperative morbidity, along with mid-term overall and reoperation-free survival. Conclusions: Root preservation without the use of biological glue during aortic repair is associated with enhanced hemostatic traits compared to the root replacement approach. A future well-designed Randomized Controlled Trial should further validate our outcomes. Full article