Search Results (2,164)

Background/Objectives: The growing prevalence of obesity necessitates innovative gut-targeted material strategies to modulate diet-associated metabolic dysfunction. This study investigates a spray-dried konjac glucomannan–montmorillonite (KGM-MMT) hybrid designed to integrate fermentable polysaccharide properties with luminal lipid-adsorptive clay functions within a single micro-engineered formulation. Methods: In HFD-fed mice treated for 42 days with 2% w/w KGM-MMT, cumulative body weight gain was attenuated by 7.6%, with an AUC of 5094 ± 52.95, compared to 5513 ± 81.35 in HFD controls (p < 0.0001). Results: Serum IL-6 concentrations were reduced by 97% (p = 0.0002), while blood glucose decreased by 46% (p < 0.0001); these effects were greater than those observed with MMT (24%, p = 0.0271) and KGM (16%, ns). Gut microbiota profiling demonstrated a significant 6.2-log₂-fold increase in Lactobacillaceae (p = 0.023) and a 2.4-log₂-fold increase in Enterococcaceae (p = 0.015) following KGM-MMT treatment. Functional shifts inferred from 16S rRNA gene-based prediction indicated a 1.9-fold increase in short-chain fatty acid-related pathways and a 5.4-fold increase in bile acid deconjugation pathways. Conclusions: Although the KGM-MMT hybrid did not consistently outperform its individual components across all endpoints, it consolidated complementary KGM- and MMT-associated effects within a single dosage form. These findings support spray-dried KGM-MMT as a gut-targeted biomaterial strategy that integrates multiple luminal and microbiota-associated functions within a single formulation. Future studies should define dose–response relationships, validate microbiota-derived functional predictions using higher-resolution approaches, and assess durability and safety under longer-term exposure. Full article

Bone tissue engineering requires biomaterials capable of simultaneously supporting regeneration and preventing infection. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been widely used due to its autologous origin and growth factor release, but its rapid resorption limits its clinical applications. Albumin-PRF (Alb-PRF) membranes were developed to improve stability, and their combination with carbonated nanostructured hydroxyapatite (nCHA) may further reinforce osteoconductive properties. In this proof-of-concept study, we fabricated Alb-PRF, Alb-nCHA-PRF, and Alb-nCHA-PRF + doxycycline (DOX) membranes and characterized their physicochemical, antimicrobial, and biological performance in vitro. Membrane stability was monitored for up to 14 days; DOX incorporation and release were evaluated by autofluorescence and spectrophotometry; antimicrobial activity was assessed against E. faecalis and S. aureus; and MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were used to test cytocompatibility, proliferation, mineralization, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The release of 27 cytokines and growth factors was quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Alb-PRF exhibited morphological integrity and an enhanced trophic secretome, and supported proliferation and late mineralization. nCHA incorporation reduced cell proliferation and secretome output, while DOX conferred sustained antibacterial activity and enhanced early ALP expression even with attenuated cytokine release, positively impacting mineralization, when compared to nCHA alone. These preliminary results provide preliminary feasibility evidence that Alb-PRF can be engineered as a multifunctional scaffold combining antimicrobial and regenerative functions, though some trade-offs indicate the need for dose optimization and validation with in vivo models. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is primarily caused by the loss or malfunction of insulin-producing β-cells, and although current therapies improve glycemic control, they do not restore physiologic insulin secretion. Advances in stem cell biology and organoid engineering have led to the development of pancreatic organoids and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived β-cells as promising platforms for disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. Pancreatic organoids generated from ductal, acinar, or progenitor populations can recapitulate key anatomical and functional features of native pancreatic tissue, enabling studies of development, injury, and regeneration. In parallel, improvements in iPSC differentiation protocols have produced β-like cells capable of insulin secretion in response to glucose, although achieving full functional maturity remains a challenge. Bioengineering strategies, including biomaterial scaffolds, microfluidic platforms, endothelial co-culture systems, three-dimensional bioprinting, and CRISPR-based genome editing, have enhanced the stability, vascular compatibility, and functional performance of both organoid and iPSC-derived systems. Despite these advances, variability in differentiation efficiency, limited β-cell maturity, and poor long-term survival continue to hinder clinical translation. Together, pancreatic organoids and iPSC-derived β-cells represent complementary platforms that advance fundamental research and support the development of β-cell replacement therapies, with ongoing integration of bioengineering approaches expected to accelerate progress toward reproducible, scalable, and clinically relevant β-cell regeneration. Full article

The reconstruction of complex orbitomaxillary defects requires biomaterials that can simultaneously provide structural stability, biocompatibility, and accurate restoration of facial volume and contour. While rigid polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) offer reliable mechanical support, they do not adequately replicate the viscoelastic behavior of soft tissues. This report presents a translational revision case employing a personalized hybrid biomaterial approach that combines a 3D-printed PEEK implant for structural orbital floor support with a patient-specific polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) implant for malar volumetric augmentation. Reconstruction was planned using CT segmentation and contralateral mirroring. Patient-specific implants were subsequently designed using CAD/CAM techniques, combining a rigid PEEK implant for structural orbital support with a flexible PDMS implant for malar volumetric augmentation with complementary mechanical properties. Revision surgery included the removal of inadequately positioned titanium hardware, the release of incarcerated extraocular muscles, and the restoration of orbital anatomy and facial symmetry. Postoperative imaging demonstrated stable implant positioning and sustained orbitomaxillary stability. Despite successful anatomical reconstruction, residual functional sequelae, including strabismus related to the severity of the initial orbital trauma, persisted and were addressed separately in a staged manner, resulting in satisfactory ocular alignment and resolution of diplopia in primary gaze. This case underscores the complementary functional roles of rigid and elastic polymers and highlights the translational potential of PDMS as a permanent, patient-specific implant material for volumetric and contour restoration in craniofacial reconstruction. Full article

Bone marrow(BM) is the primary site of hematopoiesis, supporting the self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Its function depends on a highly complex microenvironment composed of stromal cells, vascular networks, extracellular matrix components, and dynamic biophysical signals. Traditional two-dimensional culture systems and animal models fail to adequately recapitulate the spatial architecture and dynamic regulatory processes of the human bone marrow niche, thereby limiting in-depth investigations into hematopoietic regulatory mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and drug-induced bone marrow toxicity. In recent years, advances in microphysiological systems (MPS) have provided novel engineering approaches for the in vitro reconstruction of the bone marrow microenvironment. This review systematically summarizes current construction strategies for bone marrow MPS, including three-dimensional self-organized bone marrow organoids and microfluidic bone marrow-on-a-chip platforms. Particular attention is given to the roles of key cellular components, biomaterial scaffolds, vascularized architectures, and dynamic perfusion systems in biomimetic bone marrow engineering. In addition, we discuss strategies for constructing more complex models, such as vascular niches, vascularized bone tissue constructs, and bone metastasis models. Bone marrow MPS more faithfully recapitulate the hematopoietic microenvironment and provide a physiologically relevant in vitro platform for hematopoietic research, disease modeling, and drug evaluation, thereby supporting future advances in precision and regenerative medicine. Full article

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare and has stimulated intense research into alternative antimicrobial strategies. Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials due to their high water content, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to function as multifunctional platforms for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. This review analyzes recent advances in antibacterial hydrogel systems through a conceptual framework based on three complementary pillars: biological antibacterial agents, inorganic functional components, and structural material engineering. Biological strategies, particularly bacteriophage-based approaches, provide highly specific antibacterial activity capable of targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens and disrupting bacterial biofilms. Inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles contribute additional functionalities including drug adsorption, modulation of the ionic microenvironment, and osteoconductive behavior relevant for bone-related infections. Structural design strategies based on electrospinning enable the fabrication of fibrous architectures that enhance mechanical stability, regulate therapeutic release, and mimic extracellular matrix organization. The integration of these three pillars within multifunctional hydrogel platforms offers promising opportunities for developing advanced antibacterial biomaterials capable of addressing infection control while supporting tissue regeneration. Full article

Multilayer zirconias have recently been introduced as dental biomaterials to combine improved translucency with sufficient mechanical reliability by implementing yttria-driven gradients in phase composition. Such materials can be considered functionally graded ceramics, where local phase stabilization influences strength and crack resistance. However, manufacturer-specific gradient profiles and their structure–property relationships remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated two commercially available multilayer zirconias with distinct gradient concepts: IPS e.max^® ZirCAD Prime (continuous gradient) and KATANA™ Zirconia YML (stepwise gradient). Ten equidistant sections along the blank height were analyzed using quantitative X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement to quantify zirconia phase fractions and estimate local Y₂O₃ content. Mechanical behavior was evaluated by biaxial flexural strength testing (ball-on-three-balls method) and fracture toughness testing using the chevron-notched beam technique. Both materials exhibited pronounced yttria- and phase-dependent gradients consistent with their reported layer designs. Regions with increased yttria content showed higher t″ fractions and reduced fracture toughness and strength, whereas deeper regions displayed increased mechanical performance associated with higher fractions of transformable tetragonal phase. These findings emphasize that multilayer zirconias exhibit spatially dependent mechanical properties, which should be considered in biomaterial selection and restoration design, particularly when balancing aesthetic demands and fracture resistance. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the prevalent cardiovascular diseases, which is caused by obstruction of one or more coronary arteries, leading to cardiac tissue ischemia and death. One of the main consequences of MI is heart failure, which is defined as dysfunction of the heart muscle to pump blood into peripheral organs. Cardiac patches have drawn a lot of interest as a potentially effective way to restore damaged cardiac tissue and enhance its functionality. They are polymer-based scaffolds designed to be implanted on the heart surface, and they have shown a significant therapeutic effect in the treatment of MI by improving cardiac function and providing mechanical support for the infarction site by the delivery of various bioactive substances or cells. Several biomaterials with specific mechanical and chemical characteristics have been widely used as a scaffold in the process of fabricating cardiac patches. In this study, we focus on the latest developments in the manufacturing of synthetic-polymer-based cardiac patches used to treat heart failure induced by myocardial infarction. We describe the mechanical and chemical characteristics of several synthetic polymers and highlight the main benefits and drawbacks of each type. An overview of the major challenges and the future development directions in the field of cardiac patches is also highlighted. Full article

Tissue engineering integrates concepts from medicine, biology, and engineering to create living constructs capable of repairing, replacing, or supporting damaged tissues. This multidisciplinary field relies on the interplay between biomaterials, cellular sources, and bioactive signaling to achieve functional tissue regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in scaffold design, highlighting natural, synthetic, and hybrid materials, as well as innovative fabrication techniques such as electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, and smart biomaterials. It discusses the role of stem cells and growth factors in directing regeneration and examines a wide range of clinical applications, including skin regeneration, cartilage repair, bone tissue engineering, dental and periodontal regeneration, nerve repair, cardiac tissue engineering, liver tissue models, and ophthalmic applications. Current challenges, such as immune responses, limited vascularization, scalability, and regulatory barriers, are addressed alongside emerging strategies aimed at improving clinical translation. By integrating diverse tissue types and engineering approaches within a unified framework, this review offers a broad yet detailed perspective on the current state and future directions of regenerative medicine. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication by delivering proteins and RNAs, with their molecular cargo often reflecting the biological context of their source. Perinatal tissues are promising sources of EV-related biomaterials with potential dermatologic applications. In this study, we compared EV-related molecular cargo from two umbilical cord-associated sources, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC)-derived EVs and cord blood plasma (CBP), to investigate whether these materials exhibit distinct functional effects on melanogenesis. UCMSC-derived EVs were isolated from conditioned culture medium and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and canonical EV marker detection, while cord blood samples were processed to obtain plasma following centrifugation and filtration, containing EVs together with soluble plasma components. Functional assays in the murine melanocyte cell line B16F10 demonstrated that UCMSC-derived EVs suppressed melanin production, whereas CBP treatment enhanced melanogenesis. Integrative omics analyses combining microRNAs (miRNAs) microarray profiling and proteomic characterization revealed distinct molecular signatures between UCMSC-derived EVs and CBP samples. Functional validation using miRNA mimic assays showed that selected miRNAs, including miR-6862-5p, miR-3622b-5p, miR-7847-3p, miR-6774-5p, and miR-4685-5p, reduced melanin production, whereas others, including miR-203a-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-139-5p, and miR-15b-5p, increased melanin levels. Pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) (QIAGEN Inc.) associated these miRNA subsets with signaling pathways involved in melanogenesis. Together, these findings indicate that UCMSC-derived EVs and CBP exhibit opposite functional effects on melanogenesis and possess distinct miRNA and protein cargo profiles, providing potential molecular targets for modulating pigmentation and supporting the development of EV-related therapeutic strategies for pigmentation disorders. Full article

Background: In this study, type B gelatin was extracted from Oreochromis niloticus scales under hydrothermal conditions at 60 °C to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-assisted pretreatment on its structural, physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties. Methods: Gelatin obtained with and without ultrasound pretreatment was systematically characterized through molecular weight analysis, proteomic profiling, size determination, surface morphology, proximate composition, thermal behavior, and gelation-related functional properties in order to assess the influence of the extraction method on gelation performance. Results: Ultrasound pretreatment slightly increased gelatin yield from 1.46 to 1.70%, indicating enhanced collagen solubilization. Proteomic analysis confirmed the predominance of fibrillar collagen proteins in both samples, although differences in protein distribution were observed. Furthermore, weight-average molecular weight analysis revealed a reduction from 212.3 ± 11.8 to 170.9 ± 13.2 kDa in the ultrasound-treated sample, suggesting partial fragmentation of collagen chains induced by cavitation effects. Structural modifications were also reflected in increased porosity and surface changes, contributing to improved colloidal stability. However, these changes significantly affect the functional behavior of the gelatin. Ultrasound-treated sample exhibited limited gel-forming capacity and failed to form stable gels at the evaluated concentration, despite complete dissolution. In contrast, gelatin extracted without ultrasound treatment retained higher-molecular-weight fractions and formed stable gels at both 5 and 10% (w/w). Thermal and spectroscopic analyses suggested that the fundamental collagen structure was preserved in both samples, although differences were observed in thermal degradation behavior. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of controlling ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions to balance collagen recovery with the preservation of molecular integrity required for gelation, providing insights for the development of sustainable fish-derived biomaterials for pharmaceuticals and biomedical applications. Full article

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a structurally robust, biologically compatible, and highly adaptable biomaterial with significant potential for next-generation wound-care technologies. Its nanofibrillar, extracellular-matrix-like architecture provides exceptional moisture retention, mechanical stability, and conformability, enabling BC to function as an active scaffold rather than a traditional dressing. Advances in chemical modification, composite engineering, and bioactive functionalization, including antimicrobial metals, chitosan, biosurfactants, enzymes, and growth factors, have expanded BC’s therapeutic capabilities. Emerging smart BC dressings integrate biosensors, stimuli-responsive drug release, and 3D-printed architectures tailored to patient-specific wound geometries. Parallel developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming BC production by optimizing bioprocessing, guiding genetic engineering, reducing culture media costs, and enabling real-time quality control, thereby improving scalability and industrial feasibility. These combined innovations position BC as a multifunctional, immunologically instructive, and digitally integrated platform for advanced regenerative wound care. This review reframes BC within the contemporary pathophysiology of chronic wounds, emphasizing its roles in immunomodulation, macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, mechanotransduction, and the disruption of mixed bacterial–fungal biofilms that characterize diabetic foot ulcers and other non-healing wounds. BC hydrogels typically contain >90–99% water and exhibit tensile strengths exceeding 200 MPa, enabling robust mechanical performance in wound environments. Advances in BC composites have demonstrated antimicrobial reductions of 3–5 log units against common chronic-wound pathogens. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of airborne solid particles and liquid droplets originating from various environmental sources, and it has been implicated in the initiation, development, and progression of pulmonary inflammation and respiratory diseases. However, the underlying associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Adenophora divaricate Franch. & Sav. (AD) is a medicinal herb classified within the Campanulaceae family and genus Adenophora, with a broad geographic distribution across East Asia, including Korea, Asia, and Russia. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of AD on PM-induced lung inflammation in both PM-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and PM-exposed mice. Considering that the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway plays a role in PM-induced inflammatory responses, we focused on determining whether AD exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of this signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of AD were evaluated using PM-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and PM-exposed mice. PM was administered intranasally to mice for 7 days, whereas AD or dexamethasone was orally administered for the same duration. AD treatment significantly attenuated pulmonary inflammation, as evidenced by reduced inflammatory cell counts and decreased cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, AD decreased oxidative stress marker (ROS and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) while increasing glutathione content, leading to suppression of TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome expression. Histopathological analysis revealed a marked alleviation of inflammatory responses in lung tissue, characterized by diminished inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced alveolar wall thickening. Collectively, these findings suggest ROS-mediated TXNIP serves as a key regulatory factor, and AD may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for pulmonary inflammation. Full article

Hemostatic biomaterial agents are widely used during surgery and trauma care to control bleeding, yet their effects on wound healing remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated the impact of oxidized non-regenerated cellulose (ONRC), oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), and a gelatin-based hemostat (GELA) on wound healing at 14 and 30 days in a mouse model. Full-thickness wounds were created in C57BL/6J mice (n = 192) and compared to sham controls. Tissue samples were analyzed histologically, supported by immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and α-SMA and qPCR for VEGF, TGF-β, and FGF-2. Histology demonstrated preserved tissue architecture across groups with progressive resorption of cellulose-based materials, whereas GELA showed localized fibrous structures and enhanced extracellular matrix formation. At day 14, no significant differences were observed in proliferation, contraction, VEGF, or FGF-2 expression; however, TGF-β was significantly reduced in the ORC group. By day 30, GELA significantly increased epidermal proliferation, while contraction markers were elevated in both GELA and ORC. VEGF expression was reduced in GELA and ORC, whereas ONRC showed increased TGF-β expression. FGF-2 remained unchanged across groups. All investigated hemostatic materials were well tolerated during the early postoperative phase (up to day 14), indicating short-term biocompatibility within the scope of this model. In contrast, material-specific differences in cellular activity and growth factor expression became apparent during the later remodeling phase (day 30). These findings suggest differential effects on cellular and molecular aspects of tissue remodeling; however, no conclusions can be drawn regarding overall healing quality or clinical safety, as no quantitative macroscopic or functional outcome measures were assessed. Full article

Fractures are becoming a bigger and bigger global health problem, with an estimated 178 million new cases each year and 455 million people living with disabilities caused by fractures. Donor site morbidity, the risk of immune rejection, and limited functional integration all make current grafting techniques less effective. Biomaterials that come from nature, like collagen, gelatin, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid (HA), and silk fibroin, have become promising scaffolds because they are bioactive, mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), and can be broken down by enzymes. Crosslinking and composite reinforcement can greatly change how well they work. For example, collagen scaffolds that are highly crosslinked with glutaraldehyde keep up to 51.9% of their tensile strength after being exposed to enzymes, while non-crosslinked scaffolds only keep 12% of their strength. Chitosan–hydroxyapatite matrices, on the other hand, can reach compressive strengths of 2–12 MPa, which is close to the strength of cancellous bone. Additive manufacturing and 4D printing allow for precise control of structures and the ability to change their shape over time, which helps with vascularization and mechanical adaptation. Injectable and in situ-forming hydrogels show clinically important results, such as filling 85% of osteochondral defects in rabbits, improving left ventricular ejection fraction by up to 9% in large-animal cardiac models, and speeding up healing by 25–40% in chronic wounds. Even with these improvements, it is still hard to get batch consistency, a standardized way to test mechanical properties, and production that meets GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards and can be scaled up. Full article