Search Results (717)

Scaffolds are widely used in bioengineering, both as 3D native tissue-mimicking models for investigating mechanisms under physiological and pathological conditions and also as implantable agents in regenerative medicine. Histological approaches, mainly formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and frozen sample sectioning, are commonly applied to evaluate cell distribution and tissue-like properties of scaffolds. However, standard histological processing is not always compatible with the materials that scaffolds are made of. Thus, some adaptations to protocols are required to obtain intact sections. In this review we discuss challenges related to the histological processing of scaffolds and solutions to overcome them. We sequentially cover processing steps of the three main histological techniques for sample preparation—cryomicrotomy, FFPE samples microtomy and vibrating microtomy. Furthermore, we highlight the critical considerations in choosing the most appropriate method based on scaffold composition, mechanical properties and the specific research question. The goal of this review is to provide practical guidance on choosing reliable histological evaluation of complex scaffold-based systems in tissue engineering research. Full article

Hydrogel is widely used as a scaffolding material for tissue engineering due to its excellent cytocompatibility and potential for biofunctionalization. However, its poor mechanical property limits its further application. Fabrication of fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite scaffolds has emerged as a solution to overcome this problem. However, existing strategies usually produce nonporous composite scaffolds, where the interfiber pores are completely filled with hydrogel. This design can hinder oxygen and nutrient exchange between seeded cells and the culture medium, thereby limiting cell invasion and colonization within the scaffold. In this study, sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel was exclusively grafted onto the surface of the constituent fibers of the melt electrowritten scaffold while preserving the porous structure. The grafted hydrogel amount and pore size were precisely controlled by adjusting the SA concentration and the crosslinking ratio (SA: CaCl₂). Experimental results demonstrated that the porous composite scaffolds exhibited superior swelling capacity, degradation ratio, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Notably, at an SA concentration of 0.5% and a crosslinking ratio of 2:1, the porous composite scaffold achieved optimal cell adhesion and viability. This study highlights the critical importance of preserving porous structures in composite scaffolds for tissue-engineering applications. Full article

The electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into high-purity Graphene NanoCarbon (GNC) materials provides a compelling path to address climate change while producing economically valuable nanomaterials. This work presents the progress and prospects of new large-scale syntheses of GNC allotropes via the C2CNT (CO₂ to Carbon Nano Technology) process. The C2CNT molten carbonate electrolysis technique enables the formation of Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs), Magnetic CNTs (MCNTs), Carbon Nano-Onions (CNOs), Carbon Nano-Scaffolds (CNSs), and Helical CNTs (HCNTs) directly from atmospheric or industrial CO₂. We discuss the morphology control enabled through variations in electrolyte composition, temperature, current density, and nucleation additives. We present results from scaled operations reaching up to 1000 tons/year CO₂ conversion and propose design approaches to reach megaton scales to support climate mitigation and GNC mass production. The products demonstrate high crystallinity, as evidenced by Raman, XRD, SEM, and TGA analyses, and offer promising applications in electronics, construction, catalysis, and medical sectors. Full article

Marine biomass represents a valuable yet underexploited resource for the development of high-value biomaterials. Recent advances have highlighted the significant potential of marine-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides in biomedical applications, most notably in drug delivery and wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on the extraction, processing and pharmaceutical valorization of these biopolymers, with a focus on their structural and functional properties that allow these materials to be engineered into nanocarriers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart composites. Key fabrication strategies such as ionic gelation, desolvation, and 3D bioprinting are critically examined for their role in drug encapsulation, release modulation, and scaffold design for regenerative therapies. The review also covers preclinical validation, scale-up challenges, and relevant regulatory frameworks, offering a practical roadmap from sustainable sourcing to clinical application. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive biomaterials and biosensor-integrated wound dressings, as well as to the ethical and environmental implications of marine biopolymer sourcing. By integrating materials science, pharmaceutical technology and regulatory insight, this review aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective for researchers and industrial stakeholders seeking sustainable and multifunctional pharmaceutical platforms for precision medicine and regenerative therapeutics. Full article

New stable three-dimensional hydrogels were obtained in an inert gas atmosphere in light in an aqueous dispersion of the main components: cod collagen, methyl methacrylate, polyethylene glycol, RbTe_1.5W_0.5O₆ complex oxide, and modifying additives. The analysis of the new hydrogels’ cytotoxicity using the MTT assay showed that the cytotoxicity of the sample extracts was observed in a number of examples, but was decreased with increasing dilution of the extracts. The decrease in cell viability at high concentrations of the extract is likely caused by a decrease in the number of specific components of the complete culture medium used to produce extracts. It is related to the well-known adsorption of medium proteins by the gel component, high-molecular compounds included in the matrix. The stimulating effect of the substances included in its composition was observed with a significant dilution of the extract, i.e., the proliferative activity of the cells increased. The extract of the hydrogel hydrolysate sample and all its dilutions did not show cytotoxicity in the MTT assay examples. It determines the prospect of its use on the wound surface, since hydrogel destruction occurs under the action of body enzymes. The new hydrogel is a promising material for creating wound coverings or scaffolds. Full article

Since the mid-19th century, researchers have explored the potential of bio-based polymeric materials for diverse applications, with particular promise in medicine. This review provides a focused and detailed examination of natural and synthetic biopolymers relevant to tissue engineering and biomedical applications. It emphasizes the structural diversity, functional characteristics, and processing strategies of major classes of biopolymers, including polysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan, bacterial cellulose) and proteins (e.g., collagen, silk fibroin, albumin), as well as synthetic biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, and polyhydroxybutyrate. The central aim of this manuscript is to elucidate how intrinsic properties—such as molecular weight, crystallinity, water retention, and bioactivity—affect the performance of biopolymers in biomedical contexts, particularly in drug delivery, wound healing, and scaffold-based tissue regeneration. This review also highlights recent advancements in polymer functionalization, composite formation, and fabrication techniques (e.g., electrospinning, bioprinting), which have expanded the application potential of these materials. By offering a comparative analysis of structure–property–function relationships across a diverse range of biopolymers, this review provides a comprehensive reference for selecting and engineering materials tailored to specific biomedical challenges. It also identifies key limitations, such as production scalability and mechanical performance, and suggests future directions for developing clinically viable and environmentally sustainable biomaterial platforms. Full article

Tissue engineering enables autologous reconstruction of human tissues, addressing limitations in tissue availability and immune compatibility. Several tissue engineering techniques, such as self-assembly, rely on or benefit from extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion by fibroblasts to produce biomimetic scaffolds. Models have been developed for use in humans, such as skin and corneas. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, AA) is essential for collagen biosynthesis. However, AA is chemically unstable in culture, with a half-life of 24 h, requiring freshly prepared AA with each change of medium. This study aims to demonstrate the functional equivalence of 2-phospho-L-ascorbate (2PAA), a stable form of AA, for tissue reconstruction. Dermal, vaginal, and bladder stroma were reconstructed by self-assembly using tissue-specific protocols. The tissues were cultured in a medium supplemented with either freshly prepared or frozen AA, or with 2PAA. Biochemical analyses were performed on the tissues to evaluate cell density and tissue composition, including collagen secretion and deposition. Histology and quantitative polarized light microscopy were used to evaluate tissue architecture, and mechanical evaluation was performed both by tensiometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate its macroscopic and cell-scale mechanical properties. The tissues produced by the three ascorbate conditions had similar collagen deposition, architecture, and mechanical properties in each organ-specific stroma. Mechanical characterization revealed tissue-specific differences, with tensile modulus values ranging from 1–5 MPa and AFM-derived apparent stiffness in the 1–2 kPa range, reflecting the nonlinear and scale-dependent behavior of the engineered stroma. The results demonstrate the possibility of substituting AA with 2PAA for tissue engineering. This protocol could significantly reduce the costs associated with tissue production by reducing preparation time and use of materials. This is a crucial factor for any scale-up activity. Full article

7,12-Dimethylbenzo[a]anthracene (DMBA-7,12), a highly toxic and environmentally persistent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), poses significant threats to marine biodiversity and human health due to its bioaccumulation through the food chain. Conventional chromatographic methods, while achieving comparable detection limits, are hindered by the need for expensive instrumentation and prolonged analysis times, rendering them unsuitable for rapid on-site monitoring of DMBA-7,12 in marine environments. Therefore, the development of novel, efficient detection techniques is imperative. In this study, we have successfully developed an electrochemical immunosensor based on a polydopamine (PDA)–chitosan (CTs) composite interface to overcome existing technical limitations. PDA provides a robust scaffold for antibody immobilization due to its strong adhesive properties, while CTs enhances signal amplification and biocompatibility. The synergistic integration of these materials combines the high efficiency of electrochemical detection with the specificity of antigen–antibody recognition, enabling precise qualitative and quantitative analysis of the target analyte through monitoring changes in the electrochemical properties at the electrode surface. By systematically optimizing key experimental parameters, including buffer pH, probe concentration, and antibody loading, we have constructed the first electrochemical immunosensor for detecting DMBA-7,12 in seawater. The sensor achieved a detection limit as low as 0.42 ng/mL. In spiked seawater samples, the recovery rates ranged from 95.53% to 99.44%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ≤ 4.6%, demonstrating excellent accuracy and reliability. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for the in situ rapid monitoring of trace carcinogens in marine environments, potentially advancing the field of marine pollutant detection technologies. Full article

Recent advancements in polymer science have catalyzed a transformative shift in biomedical engineering, particularly through the development of biodegradable and smart polymers. This review explores the evolution, functionality, and application of these materials in areas such as tissue scaffolding, cardiovascular occluders, and controlled drug delivery systems. Emphasis is placed on shape-memory polymers (SMPs), conductive polymers, and polymer-based composites that combine tunable degradation, mechanical strength, and bioactivity. The synergy between natural and synthetic polymers—augmented by nanotechnology and additive manufacturing—enables the creation of intelligent scaffolds and implantable devices tailored for specific clinical needs. Key fabrication methods, including electrospinning, freeze-drying, and emulsion-based techniques, are discussed in relation to pore structure and functionalization strategies. Finally, the review highlights emerging trends, including ionic doping, 3D printing, and multifunctional nanocarriers, outlining their roles in the future of regenerative medicine and personalized therapeutics. Full article

Interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) have demonstrated tremendous potential across various fields, particularly those based on triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures, whose uniquely interwoven lattice architectures have attracted widespread attention. However, current research on the dynamic mechanical properties of such IPC remains limited, and their impact resistance and damage mechanisms are yet to be thoroughly understood. In this study, a novel design of two volume fractions of IPCs based on the TPMS IWP configuration is developed using Python-based parametric modeling, with the Ti6Al4V alloy TPMS scaffolds fabricated via selective laser melting (SLM) and the AlSi12 reinforcing phase through infiltration casting. The influence of Ti alloy volume fraction and strain rate on the dynamic mechanical behavior of the Ti/Al IPC is systematically investigated using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experimental setup. Microscopic characterization validates the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed IPC fabrication method. Results show that the increasing Ti alloy volume fraction significantly affects the dynamic mechanical properties of the IPC, and IPCs with different Ti alloy volume fractions exhibit contrasting mechanical behaviors under increasing strain rates, attributed to the dominance of different constituent phases. This study enhances the understanding of the dynamic behavior of TPMS-based IPCs and offers a promising route for the development of high-performance energy-absorbing materials. Full article

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) magnetic composite, developed via in situ formation of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles embedded within a chloropropyl-modified mesoporous silica layer. This hybrid composite retains the high adsorption capacity of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) while benefiting from the easy magnetic separation enabled by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The mesoporous silica forms a protective porous coating around the magnetic nanoparticles, significantly enhancing its chemical stability and preventing clumping. Beyond protection, the mesoporous silica layer provides a high-surface-area scaffold that promotes the uniform in situ growth of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe). Functionalization of the silica surface with chloride groups enables strong electrostatic interactions between the magnetic component and metal organic framework (MOF), ensuring a homogeneous and stable hybrid structure. The new composite’s capacity to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was systematically investigated. The adsorption data showed a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model for both ions, the maximum adsorption capacities calculated being 214.6 mg g⁻¹ for Pb(II) and 181.6 mg g⁻¹ Cd(II). Furthermore, the kinetic behavior of the adsorption process was accurately described by the pseudo-second-order model. These findings confirm the effectiveness of this composite for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions, demonstrating its potential as an efficient material for environmental remediation. The combination of magnetic recovery, high adsorption capacity, and stability makes this novel composite a promising candidate for heavy metal removal applications in water treatment processes. Full article

Cartilage damage, particularly in the knee joint, presents a significant challenge in regenerative medicine due to its limited capacity for self-repair. Conventional treatments like microfracture surgery, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and osteochondral allografts often fall short, particularly in cases of larger defects or degenerative conditions. This has led to a growing interest in tissue engineering approaches that utilize biomaterial scaffolds to support cartilage regeneration. Among the many materials explored, chitosan—a naturally derived polysaccharide—has gained attention for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural resemblance to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage. Recent advances in scaffold design have focused on modifying chitosan to improve its mechanical properties and enhance its biological performance. These modifications include chemical crosslinking, the incorporation of bioactive molecules, and the development of composite formulations. Such enhancements have allowed chitosan-based scaffolds to better support mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into chondrocytes, paving the way for improved regenerative strategies. This review explores the latest progress in chitosan scaffold fabrication, preclinical findings, and the transition toward clinical applications. It also discusses the challenges that need to be addressed, such as mechanical stability, degradation rates, and the successful translation of research into viable therapeutic solutions. Full article

Recent developments in 3D bioprinting offer innovative alternative solutions to classical treatments for head and neck defects. Soft tissues in an anatomical area as diverse in composition as the head and neck are complex in terms of structure and function. Understanding how cellular interaction underlies functionality has led to the development of bioinks capable of mimicking the natural morphology and roles of different human parts. Moreover, from the multitude of recently developed materials, there are now many options for building scaffolds that potentiate the activity of these cells. The fidelity and accuracy of the utilized techniques ensure maximum precision in terms of model construction. Emerging technologies will allow for improved control of the scaffold, facilitating optimal results in the treatment of various pathologies, without concerns about the availability of donors, immunological response, or any other side effects that traditional treatments withhold. This paper explores the current landscape of bioprinted scaffolds and their applications in the head and neck region, with a focus on the properties and use of natural and synthetic bioinks in the attempt to replicate the biomechanical features of native tissues. Customization capabilities that support anatomical precision and biofunctionality are also addressed. Moreover, regulatory requirements, as well as current challenges related to biocompatibility, immune response, and vascularization, are critically discussed in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathway to clinical application. Full article

Batteries are used as energy storage devices in various equipment. Today, research is focused on solid-state batteries (SSBs), replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid separator. The solid separators provide electrolyte stability, no leakage, and provide mechanical strength to the battery. Separators are mostly manufactured by either traditional processes or 3D printing technologies. These processes involve making a slurry of plastic, active and conductive material and usually adding a plasticizer when making thin films or filaments for 3D printing. This study investigates the additive manufacturing of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) by employing fused deposition modeling (FDM) with recyclable, bio-derived polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. Precise control of macro-porosity is achieved by systematically varying key process parameters, including raster orientation, infill percentage, and interlayer adhesion conditions, thereby enabling the formation of tunable, interconnected pore networks within the polymer matrix. Following 3D printing, these engineered porous frameworks are infiltrated with lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆), which functions as the active ionic conductor. A tailored thermal sintering protocol is then applied to promote solid-phase fusion of the embedded salt throughout the macro-porous PLA scaffold, resulting in a mechanically robust and ionically conductive composite separator. The electrochemical ionic conductivity and structural integrity of the sintered SSEs are characterized through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and standardized mechanical testing to assess their suitability for integration into advanced solid-state battery architectures. The solid-state separator achieved an average ionic conductivity of 2.529 × 10⁻⁵ S·cm⁻¹. The integrated FDM-sintering process enhances ion exchange at the electrode–electrolyte interface, minimizes material waste, and supports cost-efficient, fully recyclable component fabrication. Full article

Advancements in load-bearing tissue repair increasingly demand biomaterials that not only support structural integrity but also interact dynamically with the physiological environment. This review examines the latest progress in smart biomaterials designed for skeletal reconstruction, with emphasis on mechanoresponsive scaffolds, bioactive composites, and integrated microsensors for real-time monitoring. We explore material formulations that enhance osseointegration, resist micromotion-induced loosening, and modulate inflammatory responses at the bone–implant interface. Additionally, we assess novel fabrication methods—such as additive manufacturing and gradient-based material deposition—for tailoring stiffness, porosity, and degradation profiles to match host biomechanics. Special attention is given to sensor-augmented platforms capable of detecting mechanical strain, biofilm formation, and early-stage implant failure. Together, these technologies promise a new class of bioresponsive, diagnostic-capable constructs that extend beyond static support to become active agents in regenerative healing and post-operative monitoring. This multidisciplinary review integrates insights from materials science, mechanobiology, and device engineering to inform the future of implantable systems in skeletal tissue repair. Full article