Search Results (855)

Chronic wounds are frequently associated with persistent inflammation, motivating the development of biofunctional materials capable of modulating cellular responses. In this proof-of-concept study, electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanomembranes were surface-functionalized by post-electrospinning drop coating with extracts derived from Agave sisalana agroindustrial residue obtained through two distinct routes: a saponin-rich fraction (EDP) and an acid-hydrolyzed sapogenin-enriched fraction (EAH). The study aimed to investigate how the extract phytochemical profile influences cytocompatibility and bioactivity when incorporated onto electrospun platforms. Phytochemical analysis revealed high total saponin content in EDP (33.83 ± 2.93 g/100 g) and significant sapogenin content in EAH (11.56 ± 0.60 g/100 g). SEM and FTIR-ATR analyses confirmed preservation of the fibrous architecture and polymer backbone, indicating predominantly physical surface incorporation. Biological evaluation demonstrated extract-dependent responses: PCL+EDP 5% exhibited marked cytotoxicity, consistent with the known membrane-disruptive properties of glycosylated saponins, whereas PCL+EAH 5% maintained high cell viability and showed anti-inflammatory activity (75% inhibition of phagocytosis; 56% protection against hemolysis) along with enhanced fibroblast migration (100% wound closure at 72 h). These findings highlight the critical role of extract chemical composition in determining the biological performance of surface-functionalized nanofibrous systems and support sapogenin-enriched fractions as safer bioactive modifiers for electrospun biomaterial platforms. Full article

To mitigate the interlayer defects and weak interfacial adhesion inherent in FFF-printed parts, thereby facilitating subsequent supercritical foaming applications, a microwave-assisted interlayer healing strategy is developed for FFF-printed, supercritical CO₂-foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by incorporating aminated helical multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AS-MWCNTs). Owing to their unique helical morphology, AS-MWCNTs exhibit enhanced microwave absorption and localized heating capability, enabling selective thermal activation at interlayer regions within the foamed architecture. Microwave irradiation induces localized softening of the TPU matrix and promotes polymer chain mobility and interdiffusion across layer interfaces, while preserving the cellular morphology and bulk foamed structure. By optimizing AS-MWCNT loading, substantial improvements in interlayer bonding strength, energy absorption, and overall mechanical performance are achieved. This work provides an effective strategy to restore interlayer integrity in supercritical CO₂-foamed, additive manufactured elastomers and offers insights into the design of microwave-responsive, self-healing cellular materials. Full article

Three new Mn(II) complexes with imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives were synthesized and structurally characterized in a solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analyses. The investigated compounds include [Mn(3-Climpy)₂Cl₂(MeOH)₂] (1), [Mn(3-Brimpy)₂Cl₂(MeOH)₂] (2), and a rare double chloro-bridged coordination polymer [Mn(impy)₂Cl₂]_n (3). Spectroscopic studies were used to assess their potential stability in DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium), and encapsulation in Pluronic P-123 micelles improved their solubility in aqueous solution, as well as cellular uptake and selectivity. Biological evaluation revealed negligible cytotoxicity against most cancer and control cell lines, but unexpectedly high activity against pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PANC-1), exceeding that of cisplatin. Complex 2, bearing a bromine substituent in the imidazole ring, showed the strongest effects, correlating with enhanced intracellular accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. Molecular docking and protein binding assays demonstrated moderate affinity toward human serum albumin (HSA) and transferrin, whereas DNA interaction was weak and non-damaging. These results highlight the structure–activity relationship of Mn(II) imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine complexes and support their potential as targeted redox-active agents against pancreatic cancer, with polymeric encapsulation providing an effective strategy to enhance biological performance. Full article

In regenerative medicine, three-dimensional (3D) printing provides precise spatial control over the fabrication of complex, biomimetic tissue constructs, enabling the production of architecturally defined and functionally tailored scaffolds. By enabling precise layer-by-layer deposition of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds, 3D printing overcomes many limitations associated with conventional scaffold fabrication methods. This approach facilitates the development of tailored structures that mimic the mechanical, biological, and structural characteristics of native tissues, thereby enhancing cellular organization, proliferation, and differentiation. Extensive research in tissue engineering has led to the development of 3D-printed scaffolds for the regeneration of vascular, skin, bone, cartilage, and soft tissues. Advances in bioink formulations—including growth factor-loaded systems, decellularized extracellular matrix components, and natural and synthetic polymers—have further improved tissue-specific functionality. Moreover, multimaterial and multiscale printing strategies enable the fabrication of heterogeneous constructs with controlled porosity, mechanical gradients, and spatially regulated biological cues. Although vascularized tissue constructs remain a major challenge for clinical translation, recent bioprinting advancements have significantly accelerated progress in this area. Integration of computer-aided design with patient-specific imaging data has further strengthened the potential of 3D printing for personalized regenerative therapies. Despite these advances, challenges related to scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term functionality persist. Nevertheless, continued progress in printing technologies, biomaterials, and regulatory and standards frameworks is expected to drive the clinical adoption of 3D printing. Ultimately, 3D printing represents a transformative approach in tissue engineering, redefining strategies for functional tissue regeneration and translational regenerative medicine. Full article

There has been much development of composites of calcium phosphate and polymers for use as artificial bone, with other applications still ongoing, and clarification of the in vivo absorption mechanism is considered an important perspective. In order to clarify the absorption mechanism of bioabsorbable materials used for artificial bones and bone grafts, we prepared composites of calcium phosphate and polymers and conducted in vivo experiments in experimental animals using composites as implantation samples. Two typical types of calcium phosphate, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and unsintered hydroxyapatite (uHA), were used as calcium phosphate, and copolymers of poly-dl-lactide-co-glycolide (PDLGA) and poly-l-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) were used as polymers. For samples composed of PDLGA and calcium phosphates, the weight ratios of calcium phosphate were set at 40% and 10% for uHA and 40% for β-TCP (uHA(40), uHA(10) and β-TCP(40), respectively). A composite sample of PLGA and uHA was also prepared with a weight ratio of 10% uHA (uHA(10)/PLGA), intending slow degradation of the polymer matrix compared to PDLGA. The samples were implanted in the metaphysis and diaphysis region of rabbits’ femur for up to 48 weeks. In this study, positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography (PET/CT) was used to continuously evaluate the changes in the samples and the accumulation of cells in the animals, and histological evaluation was performed, focusing on the time of characteristic changes in the PET/CT to confirm the cell types. The results are summarized as follows: (1) the absorption mechanism of the materials used in this study was suggested to be mainly phagocytosis by macrophages; (2) the disappearance rate was faster for β-TCP(40) compared with uHA(40); and (3) uHA(10), having a lower proportion of uHA, is not prone to aggregation and exhibited a similar disappearance result to β-TCP(40). These results suggest that phagocytosis by macrophages is the dominant path in resorption of the bioresorbable materials, and the resorption period varies depending on the type of polymer. It is important to optimize the type and amount of polymers and calcium phosphate in order to achieve a degradation rate of bioresorbable materials that corresponds to the extent of damage in the healing area. Full article

Background: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants from plastic degradation, leading to human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. While emerging evidence suggests potential health effects, comprehensive human-specific data remain limited. Objective: To systematically review evidence on MNP exposure and health impacts across human organ systems. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Embase, Environment Complete, MEDLINE, and Scopus for peer-reviewed English-language studies published between 2020 and 2025 that reported MNP exposure in adult human populations and addressed at least one organ system. Thirty studies met inclusion criteria, and all clinical studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) Results: Clinical studies consistently detected MNPs in human blood, thrombi, feces, and respiratory and reproductive tissues. Higher MNP burdens correlated with increased disease severity across cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. In vitro studies using human-derived cell lines demonstrated that MNPs penetrate cells and disrupt cellular processes, inducing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Toxic effects were size-, polymer-, and concentration-dependent, with smaller particles exhibiting greater cellular uptake and toxicity. Conclusions: Human MNP exposure is widespread and associated with adverse biological effects across multiple organ systems. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish causal relationships and inform risk assessment and regulatory frameworks for plastic-associated contaminants. Other: This research received no external funding. The research protocol was registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID number CRD420261284559). Full article

Amphiphilic copolymers based on polystyrene and polyglycidol combine the chemical inertness of polystyrene with the biocompatibility of polyglycidol, making them attractive materials for polymeric micelles. While comb-like architectures have been explored to control micellization behavior and biological response, a direct comparison between comb-like and coil-comb topologies in polystyrene–polyglycidol copolymers at identical polyglycidol content remains insufficiently investigated. In this work, amphiphilic comb-like and coil-comb polystyrene–polyglycidol copolymers were synthesized via copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne click chemistry by grafting a monoalkyne-terminated polyglycidol precursor onto azide-functionalized random and block styrene copolymers. The copolymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Polymeric micelles were prepared by nanoprecipitation, and their self-assembly in aqueous solution was investigated by critical micelle concentration determination, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Both copolymers formed stable aqueous dispersions and exhibited comparable critical micelle concentrations. At identical polyglycidol content, the random copolymer formed a uniform, monomodal micellar population, whereas the block-based coil-comb architecture led to bimodal size distributions, indicating the coexistence of two distinct micellar populations. The investigated systems showed low cytotoxicity and did not induce significant oxidative stress within the studied concentration range. On isolated rat brain sub-cellular fractions (synaptosomes, mitochondria and microsomes), administered alone, the comb-like and coil-comb polystyrene-polyglycidol copolymers did not reveal statistically significant neurotoxic effects. The results demonstrate that macromolecular architecture plays a key role in governing micellar organization and in vitro biological response in polystyrene–polyglycidol copolymers, highlighting their potential as architecture-controlled polymer-based nanocarriers. Full article

Light-induced membrane fusion has become a pivotal technique for constructing and functionalizing synthetic cells by enabling precise control over membrane merging events. Traditional fusion approaches that rely on chemical, physical, and mechanical stimuli frequently lack both specificity and reversibility, limiting their utility in mimicking dynamic cellular processes. Here, we review advances employing photosensitive molecules and optogenetic tools that facilitate spatiotemporally controlled fusion of lipid and polymer vesicles, enabling dynamic content exchange and membrane remodeling. These approaches have enhanced synthetic cell assembly, molecular transport, and signal transduction, with applications extending to drug delivery and biosensing. Despite challenges in efficiency and biocompatibility, ongoing innovations in photosensitizer design and light activation strategies promise to expand the capabilities of synthetic biology platforms. This work underscores the potential of light-induced fusion to advance the development of intelligent nanomaterials and functional synthetic cellular systems. Full article

Five zinc(II) complexes based on N-[[2-(p-tolylsulfonylamino)-phenyl]-methyleneamino]-4R-benzamides were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ESI-MS, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Crystallographic studies reveal that the complexes have a polymer structure in the solid state. Acylhydrazones and zinc(II) complexes demonstrate effective photoluminescence in solutions and in the solid state. Preliminary studies have shown that the studied complexes can be used as emitters in OLED devices and for the bioimaging of pathogenic processes at the cellular level. Full article

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and the leading cause of death related to skin disease. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of cases of this type of cancer, underscoring the need to develop effective therapeutic strategies to control it. One of the most promising research directions in this field is anticancer immunotherapy, particularly the use of vaccines aimed at enhancing the body’s cellular immunity. Among the modern methods of this type, mRNA-based vaccines are prominent, gaining increasing importance as a potential tool in cancer therapy. Their main advantages include a relatively rapid and flexible production process, low production costs, and the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. Despite their numerous advantages, therapeutic mRNA vaccines also pose a number of scientific and technological challenges. These primarily concern the stability of mRNA molecules and their effective delivery to target cells. In this context, delivery systems such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) play a key role, protecting mRNA from degradation and facilitating its transport into the cell cytoplasm. Alternatively, systems based on biodegradable polymers are also being developed, which can provide controlled mRNA release and additional biocompatibility. However, before therapeutic mRNA vaccines become a routine component of cancer therapy, extensive clinical trials and a thorough understanding of their mechanisms of action are necessary. This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the structure and delivery methods of therapeutic mRNA vaccines, with a particular emphasis on their use in melanoma therapy. The results of clinical trials to date are also presented and the challenges associated with implementing this form of therapy in medical practice are discussed. Full article

The aetiology of invasive candidiasis is undergoing substantial changes; traditionally, these mycoses have been considered to originate from endogenous reservoirs; however, the increasing prevalence of non-Candida albicans species, such as Candida parapsilosis and Candida auris (also named Candidozyma auris), is a cause of concern as they demonstrate significant exogenous transmission. This challenges the long-standing paradigm of endogenous origin in hospital settings. Unlike previous reviews primarily focused on clinical epidemiology, this work adopts a multidisciplinary perspective combining microbiological evidence with biomaterials science. We analyse how surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and polymer composition within the hospital “plastisphere” influence Candida adhesion and the formation of dry surface biofilms (DSBs). In this specific context, in contrast to C. albicans, primarily associated with mucosal colonisation, C. auris and C. parapsilosis exhibit distinctive adaptations that promote survival in healthcare environments, including pronounced cell surface hydrophobicity and the capacity to form dense cellular aggregates, which facilitate prolonged adherence to synthetic polymers used in medical devices. We also explore the biological mechanisms underlying this resilience, with particular emphasis on the development of dry surface biofilms and viable but non-culturable states. These phenotypic traits confer tolerance to desiccation and resistance to conventional disinfectants, raising concerns that standard hygiene and decontamination protocols may be inadequate to prevent transmission. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for designing effective infection control strategies and mitigating the risk of invasive disease caused by these highly persistent species. Full article

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are microbial polyesters that belong to a group of bioplastics with the potential to replace petroleum-derived plastics. Their main drawback is the high production cost, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to conventional plastics. A significant part of these costs arises from the isolation of PHAs from the cellular biomass of producing microorganisms. This review summarizes the main approaches used to recover both scl- and mcl-PHAs from native or dried (lyophilized) biomass, with attention to physical, chemical, and biological methods. Key parameters influencing extraction efficiency, polymer purity, and the final material properties are discussed, including pretreatment steps that often determine the overall outcome. The review also compares traditional halogenated solvent extraction with more environmentally acceptable alternatives and considers how different strategies can be combined to improve recovery. The current literature highlights the need for sustainable and economically acceptable processes that would make large-scale PHA production more feasible. Full article

Polymeric micelles have become a versatile and clinically significant class of nanocarriers for cancer therapy. They effectively solubilize poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs, extend their circulation in the bloodstream, and promote accumulation in tumors. Early studies focused on conventional PEG-based polymeric micelles that utilize passive targeting based on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, with several of these advancing to clinical trials. Active targeting strategies using modified polymer micelles with various targeting ligands have been introduced to enhance cellular uptake and improve tumor specificity. Recently, the field has shifted toward smart polymer micelles that can respond to both internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) stimuli. These stimuli-responsive systems enable controlled drug release, enhance delivery inside cells, and improve therapeutic effectiveness, all while reducing systemic toxicity. This review summarizes recent advancements in polymer design, drug-loading techniques, preparation methods, and targeting strategies for polymeric micelles, highlighting both preclinical progress and systems that have reached clinical stages. The transition from conventional to smart polymer micelles is a significant advancement toward achieving more precise, effective, and personalized cancer nanomedicine. Full article

Traditional flexible polyurethane (PU) foams frequently exhibit limited mechanical support and suboptimal moisture–heat regulation, which can compromise the microenvironmental comfort required for high-quality sleep. In this study, natural luffa fibers (LF) were incorporated as a microstructural modifier to simultaneously enhance the mechanical and moisture–heat regulation performance of PU foams. PU/LF composite foams with varying LF loadings were prepared via in situ polymerization, and their foaming kinetics, cellular morphology evolution, and physicochemical characteristics were systematically investigated. The results indicate that LF functions both as a reinforcing skeleton and as a heterogeneous nucleation site, thereby promoting more uniform bubble formation and controlled open-cell development. At an optimal loading of 4 wt%, the composite foam developed a highly interconnected porous architecture, leading to a 7.9% increase in tensile strength and improvements of 19.4% and 22.6% in moisture absorption and moisture dissipation rates, respectively, effectively alleviating the heat–moisture accumulation typically observed in unmodified PU foams. Ergonomic pillow prototypes fabricated from the optimized composite further exhibited enhanced pressure-relief performance, as evidenced by reduced peak cervical pressure and improved uniformity of contact-area distribution in human–pillow pressure mapping, together with an increased SAG factor, indicating improved load-bearing adaptability under physiological sleep postures. Collectively, these findings elucidate the microstructural regulatory role of biomass-derived luffa fibers within porous polymer matrices and provide a robust material basis for developing high-performance, sustainable, and ergonomically optimized sleep products. Full article

The unique physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have made them versatile tools for biomedical applications, such as imaging, therapy, and drug delivery. The surface modification of GNPs with polymers or biomolecules can enhance their colloidal stability and facilitate internalization into cells. However, the efficient and biocompatible delivery to the central nervous system remains a major challenge, as many existing nanocarriers show poor capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. We developed a method to coat GNPs with linear polyethyleneimine (GNP@PEI) through a chemical reduction bottom-up approach, in which linear PEI hydrochloride acts simultaneously as a reducing and stabilizing agent of colloidal dispersion. This strategy yielded monodisperse spherical GNP@PEI nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50 nm. The physicochemical profile, biocompatibility, and capacity for neural uptake of this potentially brain-targeted nanoplatform were then evaluated. GNP@PEI nanoparticles exhibited high biocompatibility in several primary neural cultures and cell lines, with cellular uptake showing clear cell-type-dependent differences. In vivo studies carried out in a murine model demonstrated that after the intranasal or intraperitoneal administrations of GNP@PEI nanoparticles, detectable levels of gold were found in several organs, including the brain. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of GNP@PEI as a promising nanoplatform for brain-targeted delivery and for advancing the development of therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Full article