Search Results (470)

New nano-biomaterials for specific dentistry applications have been developed thanks to contributions from materials science. The present work aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of a composite nanomaterial scaffold in block form for maxillofacial bone regeneration applications. The scaffold was composed of block-shaped elements and consisted of a mixture of nano-hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, and type I collagen of bovine origin. Collagen I molecule is biodegradable, biocompatible, easily available, and a natural bone matrix component. The biomaterial was analyzed using a range of methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemical composition microanalysis, and X-Ray diffractometry (XRD). The wettability was measured. This was carried out by measuring the contact angle of a 0.9% NaCl solution on the surface. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure the phase transformation temperatures. In the SEM and TEM analyses, it was possible to identify the layers of the materials and, with microanalysis, quantify their chemical composition. The XRD spectra showed the presence of nano-hydroxyapatite and ß-TCP. Wettability testing revealed that the material is highly hydrophilic, and BM-MSC culture analyses demonstrated that the biomaterial can promotes cell adhesion and interaction. The higher wettability is due to the higher density of the porous material observed in the SEM analysis. The results of the DSC testing showed that the sample analyzed undergoes endothermic transitions and transformation between 25 and 150 °C. The first phase transformation during heating occurs at 61.1 °C, which is above body temperature. The findings demonstrated that the composite was devoid of any contamination arising from manufacturing processes. It can be concluded that the n-HA/β-TCP and type 1 collagen are free of manufacturing contaminants. They also have high wettability, which increases the spreading of body fluids on the biomaterial’s surface and its interactions with cells and proteins. This makes them suitable for clinical application. Full article

Tissue engineering is entering a new era, one defined not by passive scaffolds but by smart, adaptive biomaterials that can sense, think, and respond to their surroundings. These next-generation materials go beyond simply providing structure; they interact with cells and tissues in real time. Recent advances in mechanically responsive hydrogels and dynamic crosslinking have demonstrated how materials can adjust their stiffness, repair themselves, and transmit mechanical cues that directly influence cell behavior and tissue growth. Meanwhile, in vivo studies are demonstrating how engineered materials can harness the body’s own mechanical forces to activate natural repair programs without relying on growth factors or additional ligands, paving the way for minimally invasive, force-based therapies. The emergence of electroactive and conductive biomaterials has further expanded these capabilities, enabling two-way electrical communication with excitable tissues such as the heart and nerves, supporting more coordinated and mature tissue growth. Meanwhile, programmable bioinks and advanced bioprinting technologies now allow for precise spatial patterning of multiple materials and living cells. These printed constructs can adapt and regenerate after implantation, combining architectural stability with flexibility to respond to biological changes. This review brings together these cross-cutting advances, dynamic chemical design, mechanobiology-guided engineering, bioelectronic integration, and precision bio-fabrication to provide a comprehensive view of the path forward in this field. We discuss key challenges, including scalability, safety compliance, and real-time sensing validation, alongside emerging opportunities such as in situ stimulation, personalized electromechanical sites, and closed loop “living” implants. Taken together, these adaptive biomaterials represent a transformative step toward information-rich, self-aware scaffolds capable of guiding regeneration in patient-specific pathways, blurring the boundary between living tissue and engineered material. Full article

Acute lung injury (ALI) is driven by a complex interplay between immune dysregulation and structural matrix remodeling. Although inflammation, oxidative stress, and disturbances in the coagulation–fibrinolysis system have long been recognized as core pathogenic drivers, growing evidence demonstrates that the extracellular matrix (ECM) functions as an active regulator of lung injury and repair rather than a passive structural scaffold. This review synthesizes current advances in ECM biology and immunopathology to delineate how ECM remodeling influences, and is concurrently shaped by, the inflammatory microenvironment. We outline how biochemical and physical modes of ECM remodeling engage in bidirectional crosstalk with the immune system. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this ECM–immune axis are critically evaluated, including modulation of protease activity, interventions that reprogram cell–matrix interactions, and approaches that restore ECM integrity using stem cells or engineered biomaterials. By redefining ALI as a disease of immune–matrix reciprocity, this review underscores the ECM as both a structural framework and a dynamic immunoregulatory hub, providing conceptual and mechanistic insights that may guide the development of precision therapies for ALI and related pulmonary disorders. Full article

This paper proposes a potential solution to the current issue of developing advanced, biocompatible biomaterials with integrated therapeutic functionality, which would contribute to improving the treatment of skin defects. This study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate hydrogels based on type I collagen, pectin, alginate and myrtle essential oil, in order to obtain biomaterials with potential in skin regeneration applications. Hydrogels incorporating alginate, pectin, type I collagen and Myrtus communis essential oil were prepared via a multistep procedure comprising homogenization, crosslinking and lyophilization. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by physicochemical and structural methods, such as FTIR spectroscopy, to identify interactions between components; micro-computed tomography, to evaluate internal morphology and porosity; antibacterial tests, for evaluating the ability of the hydrogel to prevent infections at the application site; and in vitro cellular tests, such as the XTT test or cytotoxicity tests, such as LDH, essential for evaluating the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. The highest viability value was recorded for sample J4 (99.53 ± 11.88%), indicating an exceptional compatibility with the cells used, almost identical to that of the untreated control. The samples showed encouraging results, supporting their potential for applications in wound treatment and skin regeneration. Full article

Temperature-responsive hydrogels are sophisticated stimuli-responsive biomaterials that undergo rapid, reversible sol–gel phase transitions in response to subtle thermal stimuli, most notably around physiological temperature. This inherent thermosensitivity enables non-invasive, precise spatiotemporal control of material properties and bioactive payload release, rendering them highly promising for advanced biomedical applications. This review critically surveys recent advances in the design, synthesis, and translational potential of thermo-responsive hydrogels, emphasizing nanoscale and hybrid architectures optimized for superior tunability and biological performance. Foundational systems remain dominated by poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), which exhibits a sharp lower critical solution temperature near 32 °C, alongside Pluronic/Poloxamer triblock copolymers and thermosensitive cellulose derivatives. Contemporary developments increasingly exploit biohybrid and nanocomposite strategies that incorporate natural polymers such as chitosan, gelatin, or hyaluronic acid with synthetic thermo-responsive segments, yielding materials with markedly enhanced mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and physiologically relevant transition behavior. Cross-linking methodologies—encompassing covalent chemical approaches, dynamic physical interactions, and radiation-induced polymerization are rigorously assessed for their effects on network topology, swelling/deswelling kinetics, pore structure, and degradation characteristics. Prominent applications include on-demand drug and gene delivery, injectable in situ gelling systems, three-dimensional matrices for cell encapsulation and organoid culture, tissue engineering scaffolds, self-healing wound dressings, and responsive biosensing platforms. The integration of multi-stimuli orthogonality, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence-guided materials discovery is anticipated to deliver fully programmable, patient-specific hydrogels, establishing them as pivotal enabling technologies in precision and regenerative medicine. Full article

Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) or tissue-on-a-chip (ToC) technologies represent a significant advancement in enabling modeling of human organ and tissue physiology for medical study, although further development is required for these technologies to reach widespread adoption. OoC/ToC are three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic platforms that overcome limitations of traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture or animal models, providing an alternative environment for disease study, drug interactions, and tissue regeneration. The design of these systems is complex, requiring advanced fabrication techniques and careful selection of biomaterials with consideration of material toxicity, optical clarity, stability, and flexibility. A key innovation in this field is the multi-organ-on-a-chip (MOC) technology, which links multiple organ systems on a single platform. This enables the study of systemic diseases and the complex communication between organs, which is not possible with single-organ models. Furthermore, OoC/ToC technology holds immense potential for personalized medicine. By using patient-specific cells, these devices can create disease models that reflect an individual’s unique genetic and phenotypic variations, paving the way for tailored therapeutic interventions. The integration of real-time sensors within these devices also facilitates high-throughput screening and accelerates drug discovery. While the development and optimization of these systems is still in its early stages, OoC/ToC technologies have already demonstrated promise in a number of translational research applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of five titanium alloys that have been recently developed for dental implant applications, whose compositions were designed to align with current approaches in the development of novel biomaterials. Priority was given to limiting the harmfulness associated with specific chemical elements present in common conventional alloys and increasing corrosion resistance to improve the biomaterial–tissue cellular interaction. Methods: For this purpose, five types of titanium alloys with original chemical compositions (Ti1–Ti5) were developed. The electrochemical behavior of the alloys was analyzed by evaluating the corrosion resistance in environments that simulate the oral environment, as well as the cellular behavior, by evaluating the viability, growth, and proliferation of human cells on osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts. Detailed analysis of the chemical composition by scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) methods was used. The corrosion rate of the alloys in artificial saliva was tested using the polarization resistance technique (Tafel). Human osteoblasts (hFOB cell line) and human gingival fibroblasts (hFIB-G cell line) were used to measure biocompatibility in vitro. Results: The Ti5 alloy demonstrated the highest cell viability and the lowest corrosion rate (0.114 μm/year) among all tested compositions, with the Ti3 alloy containing Mo and Zr following closely behind. The Ti2 alloy exhibited reduced biocompatibility because of the inclusion of Ni and Fe in its composition. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this study provide useful information on the basic characteristics of titanium alloys with original chemical compositions. The titanium alloys were analyzed in comparison with common conventional alloys (Cp–Ti and Ti6Al4V) as well as alloys such as Ti–Zr, Ti–Nb, and Ti–Nb–Zr–Ta, which are considered to be viable alternatives to conventional materials for making dental implants. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative tool capable of addressing critical challenges and improving outcomes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This paper demonstrates how machine learning and data fusion predict stem cell activity and potency, improve cellular characterization, and optimize therapeutic design. It also highlights important uses of AI in tissue engineering and cell-based therapeutics. By enabling accurate, non-invasive, and quantitative examination of living cells, AI also advances microscopy and imaging, facilitating better decision-making and real-time monitoring. Using search criteria including artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, regenerative medicine, stem cells, and tissue engineering, the review was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 71 articles were screened; 8 non-peer-reviewed sources, 5 conference abstracts, and 4 duplicates were excluded. The final dataset included 7 clinical studies, 6 preclinical investigations, 18 original research articles, and 23 review papers. AI techniques, datasets, performance indicators, and regeneration results were compiled in the extracted data. To summarize, AI speeds up the development of tissue engineering, minimizes trial-and-error experimentation, lowers research expenses, forecasts tissue interactions, and enhances scaffold and biomaterial design. Consequently, AI integration enhances stem cell-based treatments and regenerative approaches, underscoring the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation and ongoing technical development. Full article

Bone fractures are a serious health problem worldwide, and up to 10% of emergency department visits are related to such injuries. The development of effective materials for bone repair remains an urgent need of modern medicine. The aim of this study was to develop new scaffolds based on biopolymers (methyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose) modified with carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO₃, MgCO₃, ZnCO₃, MnCO₃, CuCO₃) for potential applications in bone tissue engineering. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of stable composite structures: characteristic absorption bands of the functional groups of the molecules that make up the scaffold, as well as specific fluctuations in metal-oxygen bonds (Ca–O, Zn–O, Cu–O), were revealed. Stability tests revealed the most stable samples when changing the pH and the ionic strength of the solution. The developed scaffold matrices had a high porosity in the range from 93.3% to 98.0%, and their moisture absorption capacity ranged from 858% to 1402%. Specific gravity measurements ranged from 0.050 g/cm³ to 0.067 g/cm³, indicating optimal material density for potential biomedical applications. Biological evaluation demonstrated different cytotoxic effects depending on the type of nanoparticles. Thus, matrices with minimal toxicity and promising biocompatibility (modified CaCO₃), as well as with significant toxic effects (modified ZnCO₃ and CuCO₃) were found. As a result, it was found that CaCO₃-modified scaffolds have the most favorable combination of structural, physical, and biological properties for potential applications in bone tissue engineering. The developed innovative materials are porous scaffolds in which nanoparticles of carbonates of osteotropic elements are embedded, which presumably contribute to the acceleration of bone tissue regeneration. However, this study provides encouraging preliminary data, and further in-depth biological and functional studies are needed to fully confirm the osteogenic potential and regenerative efficacy of the scaffolds. Full article

The skeletal and immune systems are intricately linked, forming a dynamic interface that regulates both bone homeostasis and immune function. This bidirectional relationship, central to the field of osteoimmunology, highlights how bone and immune cells interact via shared progenitors and signaling pathways. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts not only coordinate bone remodeling but also influence hematopoietic and immune functions within the bone marrow microenvironment. The concept of the “bone immune system” underscores this crosstalk, particularly in pathological and regenerative contexts. Despite progress, contradictory findings complicate our understanding of cytokine activity. Pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-17 are typically associated with bone loss, yet under certain conditions, they paradoxically promote repair by stimulating osteoblast differentiation. Conversely, anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β are generally protective, but their effects vary depending on local context, sometimes even impairing regeneration. These inconsistencies highlight unresolved questions and gaps in mechanistic insight into immune–bone interactions. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has advanced through biomimetic scaffolds, osteogenic cells, and bioactive molecules, offering hope for large defect repair. However, clinical translation remains limited, largely because immune modulation is not fully integrated into scaffold design. Current preclinical models often fail to capture the complexity of immune–skeletal interplay, reducing predictive value. Addressing these gaps requires improved models and systematic evaluation of immunoregulatory biomaterials, paving the way for more effective and personalized regenerative therapies. Full article

The influence of electron beam melting (EBM) scan speed on the corrosion, nano-biotribological, and cellular adhesion properties of Ti-6Al-4V-ELI (extra low interstitials) was systematically investigated. Specimens were fabricated using five different scanning speeds, and tribological performance was assessed via reciprocating dry wear tests, while corrosion behaviour was evaluated through monitoring the open circuit potential and anodic potentiodynamic polarization tests in Ringer’s solution. Human fibroblasts from the FN1 cell line were used to assess cell adhesion. Specimens produced using scanning speeds of 4530 mm·s⁻¹ and 4983 mm·s⁻¹ exhibited increased passive current densities, indicating reduced corrosion protection, although all surfaces maintained the passive film characteristic. Tribological behaviour was strongly dependent on scan speed, with wear rate and penetration depth increasing at higher speeds; notably, an intermediate scan speed produced a surface with minimal wear and penetration depth despite a wide wear track, suggesting enhanced resistance to tribological degradation. Fibroblast cultures demonstrated robust adhesion and spindle-shaped morphology across all samples, with the disk produced using a scanning speed of 4983 mm·s⁻¹ showing the highest surface coverage, highlighting the role of EBM process parameters in modulating surface properties relevant to cell–biomaterial interactions. These findings underscore the critical influence of scan speed on the multifunctional performance of Ti-6Al-4V-ELI for biomedical applications. Full article

The high failure rate of anticancer drugs in clinical trials highlights the need for preclinical models that accurately reproduce the structural, biochemical, and mechanical complexity of human tumors. Conventional two-dimensional cultures and animal models often lack the physiological complexity required to predict clinical outcomes, driving the development of three-dimensional systems that better emulate the tumor microenvironment. Among these, microfluidic-based spheroid models have emerged as powerful tools for cancer research and drug screening. By integrating 3D spheroids with microfluidics, these platforms allow precise control of nutrient flow, oxygen gradients, shear stress, and interstitial pressure, while supporting co-culture with stromal, immune, and endothelial cells. Such systems enable the investigation of drug response, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune interactions under dynamic and physiologically relevant conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in microfluidic spheroid models for cancer, covering both carcinomas and sarcomas, with an emphasis on device design, biomaterial integration, and translational validation. Key challenges remain, including technical complexity, scalability constraints, and the absence of standardized protocols. Overall, the merger of microfluidic technology with 3D spheroid culture provides a promising pathway toward predictive, ethical, and personalized preclinical testing, bridging the gap between in vitro modeling and clinical oncology. Full article

Silk fibroin (SF) has evolved from a traditional biopolymer to a leading regenerative medicine material. Its combination of mechanical strength, biocompatibility, tunable degradation, and molecular adaptability makes SF a unique matrix that is both bioactive and intelligent. Advances in hydrogel engineering have transformed SF from a passive scaffold into a smart, living hydrogel. These systems can instruct cell fate, sense microenvironmental signals, and deliver therapeutic signals as needed. By incorporating stem cells, progenitors, or engineered immune and microbial populations, SF hydrogels now serve as synthetic niches for organoid maturation and as adaptive implants for tissue regeneration. These platforms replicate extracellular matrix complexity and evolve with tissue, showing self-healing, shape-memory, and stimuli-responsive properties. Such features are redefining biomaterial–cell interactions. SF hydrogels are used for wound healing, musculoskeletal repair, neural and cardiac patches, and developing scalable organoid models for disease and drug research. Challenges remain in maintaining long-term cell viability, achieving clinical scalability, and meeting regulatory standards. This review explores how advances in SF engineering, synthetic biology, and organoid science are enabling SF-based smart living hydrogels in bridging the gap between research and clinical use. Full article

The dental pulp is a dynamic connective tissue essential for tooth vitality, sensory function, immune defense, and reparative dentinogenesis. Conventional endodontic procedures, while effective in eradicating infection, often result in a non-functional, devitalized tooth, highlighting the need for biologically based regenerative approaches. The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems has transformed pulp biology and endodontic research by providing physiologically relevant microenvironments that better reproduce the dentino-pulp interface, vascular and neural networks, and immune interactions. This review synthesizes current advances in 3D dental pulp modeling, from scaffold-based and hydrogel systems to spheroids, organoids, bioprinted constructs, and microfluidic “tooth-on-a-chip” platforms. Each system’s composition, biological relevance, and translational potential are critically examined with respect to odontogenic differentiation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and inflammatory response. Applications in disease modeling, biomaterial screening, and regenerative endodontics are highlighted, showing how these models bridge fundamental biology and therapeutic innovation. Finally, we discuss key challenges including vascularization, innervation, standardization, and clinical translation, and propose integrative strategies combining bioprinting, stem-cell engineering, and organ-on-chip technologies to achieve functional pulp regeneration. Overall, 3D pulp models represent a paradigm shift from reductionist cultures to bioinstructive, patient-relevant platforms that accelerate the development of next-generation endodontic therapies. Full article

Plasma surface modification has emerged as a powerful, versatile tool for tailoring the surface properties of biomedical devices and implants without altering the material characteristics in the bulk. This comprehensive review critically examines the current state-of-the-art in plasma-based surface engineering techniques, with a focus on enhancing biocompatibility, bio-functionality, and long-term performance of medical implants. The article systematically explores various plasma processes and their roles in modifying surface chemistry, topography, energy, and wettability. These alterations directly influence protein adsorption, cell adhesion, antibacterial activity, and corrosion resistance, all of which are crucial for successful clinical integration. Special emphasis is placed on the plasma treatment of metallic (e.g., titanium, stainless steel), polymeric (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone), and composite substrates commonly used in dental, orthopedic, and cardiovascular applications. This review also highlights synergistic strategies, such as plasma-assisted grafting of bioactive molecules and nanostructuring, that enable multifunctional surfaces capable of promoting osseointegration, mitigating inflammation, and preventing biofilm formation. Emerging trends such as atmospheric cold plasmas and the integration of plasma technology with additive manufacturing are outlined as promising future directions. By synthesizing insights from surface science, materials engineering, and biomedical research, this review provides a foundational framework to guide future innovations in plasma-treated biomaterials. It aims to inform both academic researchers and medical device developers seeking to optimize implant–tissue interactions and achieve improved clinical outcomes. Full article