Search Results (1,198)

The development of safer, more effective, and tumor-specific therapeutic strategies remains a major challenge in oncology. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often cause severe side effects and are limited in their ability to target deep-seated or resistant tumors. In this context, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive option, harnessing low-intensity ultrasound to activate sonosensitizers deep within tissues and generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that selectively induce cancer cell death. Interestingly, SDT can also be combined with other therapies to achieve synergistic effects. However, despite encouraging preclinical results, SDT clinical translation is hindered by the poor aqueous solubility, instability, and low tumor specificity of traditional sonosensitizers. To overcome these limitations, recent studies have focused on employing extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, as natural, biomimetic nanocarriers for sonosensitizer delivery. EVs offer unique advantages, including high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and intrinsic tumor-targeting ability, which make them ideal platforms for improving the therapeutic precision of SDT. Although several delivery strategies have been proposed, a comprehensive and focused overview of approaches specifically designed to enhance SDT performance using EVs is currently lacking. This review summarizes recent advances in integrating EVs with SDT for cancer treatment. It discusses the mechanisms underlying SDT, the engineering strategies developed to enhance exosome functionality, and the synergistic effects achieved through this combination. Furthermore, this review emphasizes that EV-based SDT not only enhances tumor accumulation of the therapeutic nanoplatforms, but also actively remodels the tumor microenvironment by improving oxygen availability, reversing immunosuppressive conditions, and triggering durable antitumor responses. Finally, the review addresses the translational challenges and outlines the critical future directions required to advance this promising therapeutic approach toward clinical application. Full article

The exceptional catalytic efficiency of [FeFe]-hydrogenases has driven intense efforts to reproduce their structure and function in synthetic models. A key structural feature governing the behavior of synthetic H-cluster analogs lies in the identity of the bridging dithiolato ligands that link the iron centers. These ligands play a pivotal role in tuning the electron density of the metal core, thereby dictating the complex’s redox characteristics and catalytic reactivity. In this context, we herein describe the synthesis and application of ferrocenyl bithiophene-2,2′-yl thioketone (1) as a proligand for assembling biomimetic models of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site. The obtained complexes were thoroughly examined using a suite of analytical methods, including NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction, affording comprehensive structural and chemical characterization. Furthermore, their electrochemical behavior toward proton reduction and hydrogen evolution was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry, enabling direct comparison with structurally related analogs. Full article

We presented a biomimetic approach to designing robot-to-human handover of objects in a collaborative assembly task. We developed a human–robot hybrid cell where a human and a robot collaborated with each other to perform the assembly operations of a product in a flexible manufacturing setup. Firstly, we investigated human psychology and biomechanics (kinetics and kinematics) for human-to-robot handover of an object in the human–robot collaborative set-up in three separate experimental conditions: (i) human possessed high trust in the robot, (ii) human possessed moderate trust in the robot, and (iii) human possessed low trust in the robot. The results showed that human psychology was significantly impacted by human trust in the robot, which also impacted the biomechanics of human-to-robot handover, i.e., human hand movement slowed down, the angle between human hand and robot arm increased (formed a braced handover configuration), and human grip forces increased if human trust in the robot decreased, and vice versa. Secondly, being inspired by those empirical results related to human psychology and biomechanics, we proposed a novel robot-to-human object handover mechanism (strategy). According to the novel handover mechanism, the robot varied its handover configurations and motions through kinematic redundancy with the aim of reducing potential impulse forces on the human body through the object during the handover when robot trust in the human was low. We implemented the proposed robot-to-human handover mechanism in the human–robot collaborative assembly task in the hybrid cell. The experimental evaluation results showed significant improvements in human–robot interaction (HRI) in terms of transparency, naturalness, engagement, cooperation, cognitive workload, and human trust in the robot, and in overall performance in terms of handover safety, handover success rate, and assembly efficiency. The results can help design and develop human–robot handover mechanisms for human–robot collaborative tasks in various applications such as industrial manufacturing and manipulation, medical surgery, warehouse, transport, logistics, construction, machine shops, goods delivery, etc. Full article

Over the years, cancer has continued to be a leading global health threat, prompting researchers to explore advanced therapies that go beyond traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Among these advanced therapies, gene therapy and immunotherapy have shown significant promise in treating cancer by either altering genetic makeup or stimulating the immune system. However, their clinical applications face significant obstacles such as poor drug delivery, rapid degradation, and immune system clearance. Hybrid nanocarriers have emerged as a transformative development in modern precision oncology, enabling the co-delivery of gene therapy and immunotherapy agents in a highly targeted manner to address the persistent limitations of traditional cancer treatments. This review focuses on hybrid nanocarrier systems specifically engineered for co-delivery applications and critically evaluates when and how these multifunctional platforms outperform conventional single-modality or non-hybrid formulations. We compare key hybrid architectures in terms of payload compatibility, pharmacokinetics, immune modulation, and translational readiness, and examine the influence of tumor microenvironmental characteristics on their therapeutic performance. Particular emphasis is placed on stimuli-responsive designs, biomimetic surface engineering, and artificial intelligence–assisted optimization as emerging strategies to enhance co-delivery efficacy. By synthesizing current evidence and identifying key scientific and manufacturing gaps, this review aims to provide a practical foundation for advancing hybrid nanocarriers from laboratory development to clinically meaningful, personalized cancer therapies. Full article

The alveolar epithelium plays a critical role in respiratory function, facilitating air exchange and serving as a barrier against inhaled pathogens. Its unique three-dimensional architecture, in which epithelial cells grow on spherical alveolar structures, significantly increases the surface area-to-volume ratio for efficient gas exchange but poses challenges for in vitro reconstruction. Here, we present a biomimetic alveolar model based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres with precisely controlled sizes and composition fabricated via microfluidic technology. These microspheres function as micro-scaffolds for cell adhesion and growth, and an oxygen-permeable honeycomb microwell array facilitates the rapid assembly of cell-laden microspheres into physiologically relevant alveolar-like structures. Using this model, the effects of toxic gas exposure and pathogen infection, and demonstrated its potential use for both basic physiological studies and pathological applications, was investigated. This system recapitulates key features of the alveolar microenvironment and offers a versatile platform for respiratory research and drug screening. Full article

In this work, a numerical tool is presented to simulate the dynamics of insect wing folding by example of the fan folding of the dermapteran hindwing. The scalability of the system is demonstrated by generalising the mechanical behaviour from the small geometry of the wing to a suitable scale for engineering applications, such as deployable structures for space applications. The tool is written in Python and based on the MuJoCo physics engine. Sections of the anal fan are modelled as a bar-and-hinge model with elastic tendons, allowing a high number of design parameters and fast computation. In light of these advantages, the wing folding and unfolding behaviour is investigated with respect to the tendon’s elastic properties and the actuation of the deformation. Bistability is characterised using a single tendon and the entire fan section. Given the upscaled geometry of the analysed section, the required tendon characteristics to transition between the stable states are identified within a reasonable range for technological transfer towards biomimetic structures modelled after the dermapteran hindwing. Full article

The symmetrical relationship between affective semantics and form bionics creates new possibilities for tea packaging. This study proposes a biologically inspired workflow for tea packaging design, effectively integrating natural forms, affective semantics, and sustainability assessment. First, ten natural forms suitable for bionic design were collected. The Affinity Diagram (AD) method was adopted based on evaluations from 20 consumers and tea merchants, yielding nine effective semantic and sustainability evaluation systems. Then, 10 domain experts scored the affective semantics, and the indicator weights were determined via the Precedence Chart (PC) method. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method was used to construct a relationship matrix between natural forms and affective semantics, identifying prioritized natural forms. Three biomimetic tea packaging designs were developed based on the three selected priority forms. Subsequently, the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method calculated the objective weights of sustainability indicators. These weights were combined with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) for comprehensive ranking to determine the optimal packaging scheme. The results show that stylish design (P1) has the highest weight among affective semantics, while low resource consumption (Q1) ranks first in sustainability evaluation indicators. Bamboo joint packaging was selected as the optimal design solution in the comprehensive ranking. This design process provides a methodological framework for tea packaging design, integrates biological bionics with affective semantics, and demonstrates potential for cross-category applications. Full article

Biomimetic scaffolds are required in tissue engineering to provide structural support as well as promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Fibrous scaffolds composed of micro- and nanofibers replicate the architecture of the native extracellular matrix. Electrospinning is widely used for fabricating nanofibers; however, constructing fibrous scaffolds that integrate multiple fiber scales into a single structure is difficult. We addressed this issue by developing a fiber-spinning device using two pairs of counter-facing syringes that simultaneously produce micro- and nanofibers under different processing conditions. Poly(ε-caprolactone) solutions are ejected through needle-type nozzles via centrifugal force, and fiber diameter is controlled by adjusting the polymer concentration and nozzle diameter. We fabricated scaffolds with the proposed device, which exhibited a random three-dimensional fibrous network in which microfibers and nanofibers were homogeneously integrated. C2C12 myoblasts cultured on the composite scaffolds strongly adhered to the fibrous network, remained viable, and extended along the fibers to form multinucleated cells within the structure. The developed system produced composite micro/nanofiber scaffolds with tunable morphology and biocompatibility, providing a platform for fibrous tissue engineering applications. Full article

The integration of biomimetics and artificial intelligence (AI) in architecture is reshaping the foundations of computational design. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research trends and applications that combine AI-driven modeling with biologically inspired principles to optimize architectural forms, material efficiency, and fabrication processes. By examining recent studies from Q1–Q2 journals (2019–2025), the paper identifies five primary “interfaces” through which AI expands the field of biomimetic design: biological pattern recognition, structural optimization, generative morphogenesis, resource management, and adaptive fabrication. The paper highlights the transition from conventional simulation-based design toward iterative, data-driven workflows integrating machine learning (ML), deep generative models, and reinforcement learning. The findings demonstrate that AI not only serves as a generative tool but also as a learning mechanism capable of translating biological intelligence into architectural logic. The paper concludes by proposing a methodological and educational framework for AI-driven biomimetic optimization, emphasizing the emergence of Artificial Intelligence in Architectural Design (AIAD) as a paradigm shift in architectural education and research. This convergence of biology, algorithms, and material systems is defining a new, adaptive approach to sustainable and intelligent architecture. Full article

In major pineapple-producing regions of China, conventional manual harvesting is challenged by high labor intensity and cost. Existing mechanical harvesters, still largely in the research and development stage, often suffer from low efficiency and high susceptibility to fruit damage, failing to meet large-scale production demands. This study focuses on the Tainung 16 pineapple, determining that the tensile force required to separate the fruit stem at the calyx ranges from 100.42 N to 165.38 N. Drawing on the biomimetic principles of manual stem-breaking, we designed a harvesting device featuring a curved fixed baffle and a rotating unit. Using theoretical analysis and ADAMS simulation, a mechanical model of the device–stem interaction was established to simulate the force application, bending, and separation processes. This led to the identification of optimal operational parameters: a forward speed of 1.5 m/s, a harvesting unit rotational speed of 37 r/min, and a motion trajectory parameter of 1.3. Field tests demonstrated an average harvesting success rate of 81.23% with a fruit damage rate as low as 9.35%. The device thus effectively addresses the critical industry challenges of low efficiency and high damage. This work provides a direct technical reference and theoretical foundation for the engineering development, refinement, and standardized field operation of pineapple harvesters, facilitating the transition to mechanized large-scale harvesting. Full article

Biomimetic approaches have gained increasing attention in the development of efficient computational models for sound scene analysis. In this paper, we present a sound-based animal species classification method inspired by the auditory processing mechanisms of the human cochlea. The approach employs gammatone filtering to extract features that capture the distinctive characteristics of animal vocalizations. While gammatone filterbanks themselves are well established in auditory signal processing, their systematic application and evaluation for animal vocalization classification represent the main contribution of this work. Four gammatone-based feature representations are explored and used to train and test an artificial neural network for species classification. The method is evaluated on a dataset comprising vocalizations from 13 animal species with 50 vocalizations per specie and 2.76 seconds per vocalization in average. The evaluations are conducted to study the system parameters in different conditions and system architectures. Although the dataset is limited in scale compared to larger public databases, the results highlight the potential of combining biomimetic cochlear filtering with machine learning to perform reliable and robust species classification through sound. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is associated with gingival recession and dentin exposure. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) reduces DH by occluding dentinal tubules, with conventional toothpaste formulations showing benefits. High-density HAp mouthwashes may enhance bioavailability, but comparative evidence is scarce. This trial assessed the immediate desensitizing efficacy of a conventional HAp toothpaste and a high-density HAp mouthwash after professional oral hygiene. Methods: One hundred participants were randomized 1:1 to Biorepair^® (Coswell S.p.A., Funo, BO, Italy) Total Protection Toothpaste (Control) or Biorepair^® (Coswell S.p.A., Funo, BO, Italy) High-Density Mouthwash (Test). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), post-debridement (T1), and after product use (T2). The primary endpoint was patient-level Schiff Air Index (SAI). Secondary endpoints included tooth-level SAI, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and gingival recession (GR). The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07057141) and followed CONSORT 2025 guidelines. Friedman and Dunn’s tests and regression models were applied. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in hypersensitivity. Patient-level mean SAI decreased from 1.47 to 0.66 in the Control and from 1.48 to 0.45 in the Test group, while VAS declined from 3.66 to 1.57 (Control) and from 4.15 to 1.37 (Test). Post hoc analyses showed significant intragroup reductions between T0/T1 and T2 in both groups, with no significant differences between groups at any timepoint. GR remained stable across the study. Regression analyses identified follow-up time and GR as significant predictors, whereas treatment allocation was not, indicating that the acute advantage of the mouthwash at T2 did not persist once longitudinal trends were considered. Conclusions: Both HAp formulations effectively reduced dentin hypersensitivity 30 s after application. The high-density mouthwash exhibited slightly lower mean values at T2, although these differences were not statistically significant. Full article

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) with defined degrees of polymerization (DP) exhibit distinct bioactivities with promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. However, the specific and sustainable production of COSs remains challenging due to the broad product distribution of wild-type chitosanases and the difficulties in enzyme recovery and reuse. In this study, we employed rational design to engineer a GH46 chitosanase (CsnB) from Bacillus sp. BY01 for chitobiose production. Through homology modeling and molecular docking analysis, 15 mutants were designed by targeting key residues structurally critical for substrate stabilization, product release, and active-site geometry in the substrate-binding subsites. The D78Y mutant exhibited exclusive specificity for chitobiose, demonstrating a specific activity of 102.4 U/mg and yielding chitobiose with a purity exceeding 98%, thereby surpassing the previously reported enzymes for chitobiose production. To address the challenges of enzyme stability, purification costs, and product separation, we developed a ReELP system by integrating elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with a ReverseCatcher/ReverseTag peptide pair. This system enabled one-step purification and co-immobilization of CsnB-D78Y directly from cell lysate onto biomimetic silica nanoparticles, achieving 96.8% immobilization efficiency and 90.7% activity recovery. The immobilized enzyme exhibited enhanced thermal and pH stability, retaining approximately 50% activity after 12 h at 40 °C compared to only 5.7% for the free enzyme. In reusability assays, the immobilized CsnB-D78Y maintained efficient chitobiose production over 5 consecutive cycles. This work provides a green and cost-effective strategy for the specific and sustainable production of chitobiose, offering new insights into enzyme engineering and immobilization for industrial COS production. Full article

This paper proposes a simplified adaptive filtering approach using a Hammerstein function and the spline interpolation based on a Fair cost function for denoising electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The use of linear filters in real-world applications has many limitations. Adaptive nonlinear filtering is a key development in tackling the challenge of discovering the specific characteristics of biomimetic systems for each person in order to eliminate unwanted signals. A biomimetic system refers to a system that mimics certain biological processes or characteristics of the human body, in this case, the individual features of a person’s cardiac signals (ECG). Here, the adaptive nonlinear filter is designed to cope with ECG variations and remove unwanted noise more effectively. The objective of this paper is to explore an individual biomedical filter based on adaptive nonlinear filtering for denoising the corrupted ECG signal. The Hammerstein spline adaptive filter (HSAF) architecture consists of two structural blocks: a nonlinear block connected to a linear one. In order to make a smooth convergence, the Fair cost function is introduced for convergence enhancement. The affine projection algorithm (APA) based on the Fair cost function is used to denoise the contaminated ECG signals, and also provides fast convergence. The MIT-BIH 12-lead database is used as the source of ECG biomedical signals contaminated by random noises modelled by Cauchy distribution. Experimental results show that the estimation error of the proposed HSAF–APA–Fair algorithm, based on the Fair cost function, can be reduced when compared with the conventional least mean square-based algorithm for denoising ECG signals. Full article

The application of bioinspired nanocomposites in orthopedic implants marks a significant innovation in biomedical engineering, aimed at overcoming long-standing limitations of conventional implant materials. Traditional implants frequently suffer from poor osseointegration, mechanical mismatch with bone, and vulnerability to infection. Bioinspired nanocomposites, modeled after the hierarchical structures found in natural tissues such as bone and nacre, offer the potential to enhance mechanical performance, biological compatibility, and implant functionality. This study reviews and synthesizes current advancements in the design, fabrication, and functionalization of bioinspired nanocomposite materials for orthopedic use. Emphasis is placed on the integration of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotubes, and other nanostructured coatings that mimic the extracellular matrix. Methods include comparative evaluations of mechanical properties, surface modifications for biocompatibility, and analyses of antibacterial efficacy through nano-topographical features. Bioinspired nanocomposites have been shown to improve osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby enhancing osseointegration. Nanostructured coatings such as TiO₂ nanotubes increase surface hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance, supporting long-term implant stability. Mechanically, these composites offer high stiffness, superior wear resistance, and improved strength-to-weight ratios. Biomimetic combinations of hydroxyapatite, zirconia, and biopolymers have demonstrated effective load transfer and reduced stress shielding. Additionally, antibacterial functionality has been achieved via nanostructured surfaces that deter bacterial adhesion while remaining cytocompatible with host tissues. The integration of bioinspired nanocomposites into orthopedic implants provides a multifunctional platform for enhancing clinical outcomes. These materials not only replicate the mechanical and biological properties of native bone but also introduce new capabilities such as infection resistance and stimuli-responsive behavior. Despite these advancements, challenges including manufacturing scalability, long-term durability, and regulatory compliance remain. Continued interdisciplinary research is essential for translating these innovations from laboratory to clinical practice. Full article