Search Results (199)

Tissue-engineered scaffolds, particularly composite scaffolds composed of polymers combined with ceramics, bioactive glasses, or nanomaterials, play a vital role in regenerative medicine by providing structural and biological support for tissue repair. As scaffold designs grow increasingly complex, the need for non-invasive imaging modalities capable of monitoring scaffold integration, degradation, and tissue regeneration in real-time has become critical. This review summarizes current non-invasive imaging techniques used to evaluate tissue-engineered constructs, including optical methods such as near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); X-ray-based approaches like computed tomography (CT); and ultrasound-based modalities. It discusses the unique advantages and limitations of each modality. Finally, the review identifies major challenges—including limited imaging depth, resolution trade-offs, and regulatory hurdles—and proposes future directions to enhance translational readiness and clinical adoption of imaging-guided tissue engineering (TE). Emerging prospects such as multimodal platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) assisted image analysis hold promise for improving precision, scalability, and clinical relevance in scaffold monitoring. 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

In the rapidly evolving field of biomedical engineering, hydrogels have emerged as highly versatile biomaterials that bridge biology and technology through their high water content, exceptional biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties. This review provides an integrated overview of both natural and synthetic hydrogels, examining their structural properties, fabrication methods, and broad biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, wound healing, and regenerative medicine. Natural hydrogels derived from sources such as alginate, gelatin, and chitosan are highlighted for their biodegradability and biocompatibility, though often limited by poor mechanical strength and batch variability. Conversely, synthetic hydrogels offer precise control over physical and chemical characteristics via advanced polymer chemistry, enabling customization for specific biomedical functions, yet may present challenges related to bioactivity and degradability. The review also explores intelligent hydrogel systems with stimuli-responsive and bioactive functionalities, emphasizing their role in next-generation healthcare solutions. In modern medicine, temperature-, pH-, enzyme-, light-, electric field-, magnetic field-, and glucose-responsive hydrogels are among the most promising “smart materials”. Their ability to respond to biological signals makes them uniquely suited for next-generation therapeutics, from responsive drug systems to adaptive tissue scaffolds. Key challenges such as scalability, clinical translation, and regulatory approval are discussed, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and continued innovation. Overall, this review fosters a comprehensive understanding of hydrogel technologies and their transformative potential in enhancing patient care through advanced, adaptable, and responsive biomaterial systems. 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

Enzymes, as nature’s precision biocatalysts, hold transformative potential across industrial, environmental, and biomedical sectors. However, their instability, solvent sensitivity, and limited reusability in their free form necessitate advanced immobilization strategies to enhance their robustness and scalability. This review critically examines cutting-edge advancements in enzyme immobilization, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), novel nanomaterials, and dynamic carrier systems to overcome the traditional limitations of mass transfer, enzyme leakage, and cost inefficiency. Key innovations such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), magnetic nanoparticles, self-healing hydrogels, and 3D-printed scaffolds are highlighted for their ability to optimize enzyme orientation, stability, and catalytic efficiency under extreme conditions. Moreover, AI-driven predictive modeling and machine learning emerge as pivotal tools for rationalizing nanomaterial synthesis, multi-enzyme cascade design, and toxicity assessment, while microfluidic systems enable precise biocatalyst fabrication. This review also explores emerging carrier-free strategies, including cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) and DNA-directed immobilization, which minimize diffusion barriers and enhance substrate affinity. Despite progress, challenges persist in regards to eco-friendly nanomaterial production, industrial scalability, and real-world application viability. Future directions emphasize sustainable hybrid material design, AI-aided lifecycle assessments, and interdisciplinary synergies between synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and data analytics. By connecting laboratory innovation with industrial needs, this work provides a forward-thinking framework to harness immobilized enzymes for achieving global sustainability goals, particularly in bioremediation, bioenergy, and precision medicine. Full article

This study presents a novel approach to fabricating magnetic sponge-like composites by melting various types of steel onto three-dimensional (3D) carbonized spongin scaffolds under extreme biomimetic conditions. Spongin, a renewable marine biopolymer with high thermal stability, was carbonized at 1200 °C to form a turbostratic graphite matrix capable of withstanding the high-temperature steel melting process (1450–1600 °C). The interaction between molten steel vapors and the carbonized scaffolds resulted in the formation of nanostructured iron oxide (primarily hematite) coatings, which impart magnetic properties to the resulting composites. Detailed characterization using SEM-EDX, HRTEM, FT-IR, and XRD confirmed the homogeneous distribution of iron oxides on and within the carbonized fibrous matrix. Electrochemical measurements further demonstrated the electrocatalytic potential of the composite, particularly the sample modified with stainless steel 316L—for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), offering promising perspectives for green hydrogen production. This work highlights the potential of extreme biomimetics to create functional, scalable, and sustainable materials for applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, and energy technologies. Full article

Retinal degenerative processes such as age-related macular degeneration are at the center of many ongoing research studies, as their impact on the general population is significant, with severe visual impairment and even irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Currently, there are few efficient treatments available to stop or limit its progression. In the present paper, a molecular hybridization approach was employed to develop novel compounds that address this issue. By adding either 2-butenal or a β-ionone-derived residue to the hydrazone-catechol-thiazole scaffold, two compounds were designed and synthesized: 5a and 5b. After being characterized by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, and proving potent antioxidant activity in the in vitro assays, the cytotoxicity evaluation using the ARPE-19, BJ, and A549 cell lines revealed a surprisingly low-dose effect of 5a and the unexpected cytotoxic activity of 5b, despite its β-ionone moiety, known for its significant therapeutic properties. Full article

Adjuvant chemotherapy is a critical regime in cancer treatment. The magnetic targeted drug delivery system (MTDDS) can selectively aggregate chemotherapy agents at the target areas, which has attracted great attention due to its safety, high efficiency, and minimal side effects on the human body. It would be ideal to establish a tissue engineering scaffold that can not only reconstruct the defect from the surgical tumor removal, but also serve as a magnetic station to attract MTDDS to the local site to enhance the targeted drug delivery. The current study constructed polycaprolactone magnetic tissue engineering scaffolds with various micrometer-sized magnets. The degradation properties of the scaffolds were assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF), and primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the scaffolds to osteoblast differentiations. The scaffolds were further examined by implantation to an air pouch model on the back of BALB/c mice. The in vitro data suggested that up to 40% of micron-sized magnetite can be used to formulate porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with comparable biocompatibility to the PCL-alone scaffold. A mouse study revealed that the intro-peritoneal injected fluorescence-magnetic particles were collectedly enriched in the mouse air pouch tissues containing the 20% magnetic/PCL scaffolds. Histological assessment and the real-time PCR results of the air pouches confirmed the benign biocompatibility of the implanted magnetic scaffolds. Full article

The printing of composite magnetic filaments using additive manufacturing techniques has emerged as a promising approach for biomedical applications, particularly in bone tissue engineering and magnetic hyperthermia treatments. This study focuses on the synthesis of nanocomposite ferromagnetic filaments and the fabrication of bone tissue scaffolds with time-dependent properties. Three classes of polylactic acid-based biocompatible polymers—EasyFil, Tough and Premium—were combined with magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) at concentrations of 10 wt% and 20 wt%. Extruded filaments were evaluated for microstructural integrity, printed dog-bone-shaped specimens were tested for elongation and mechanical properties, and cylindrical scaffolds were analyzed for magnetic hyperthermia performance. The tensile strength of EasyFil polylactic acid decreased from 1834 MPa (0 wt% Fe₃O₄) to 1130 MPa (−38%) at 20 wt% Fe₃O₄, while Premium polylactic acid showed a more moderate reduction from 1800 MPa to 1567 MPa (−13%). The elongation at break was reduced across all samples, with the highest decrease observed in EasyFil polylactic acid (from 42% to 26%, −38%). Magnetic hyperthermia performance, measured by the specific absorption rate, demonstrated that the 20 wt% Fe₃O₄ scaffolds achieved specific absorption rate values of 2–7.5 W/g, depending on polymer type. Our results show that by carefully selecting the right thermoplastic material, we can balance both mechanical integrity and thermal efficiency. Among the tested materials, Tough polylactic acid composites demonstrated the most promising potential for magnetic hyperthermia applications, providing optimal heating performance without significantly compromising scaffold strength. These findings offer critical insights into designing magnetic scaffolds optimized for tissue regeneration and hyperthermia-based therapies. Full article

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus species, represents a significant health hazard due to its widespread contamination of agricultural products. The urgent need for sensitive and sustainable detection methods has driven the development of diverse analytical approaches, most of which heavily rely on organic solvents, posing environmental challenges for routine food safety analysis. Here, we introduce a supramolecular platform leveraging acyclic cucurbit[n]uril (acCB) as a host molecule for environmentally sustainable AFB1 detection. Screening various acCB derivatives identified acCB6 as a superior host capable of forming a stable 1:1 complex with AFB1 in an aqueous solution, exhibiting a high binding affinity. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy confirmed that AFB1 was deeply encapsulated within the host cavity, with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments and molecular dynamics simulations further substantiating the stability of the interaction, driven by enthalpic and entropic contributions. This supramolecular host was incorporated into a scaffold-assembly-based bioluminescent enzyme immunoassay (SA-BLEIA), providing a green detection platform that rivals the performance of traditional organic solvent-based assays. Our findings highlight the potential of supramolecular chemistry as a foundation for eco-friendly mycotoxin detection and offer valuable insights into designing environmentally sustainable analytical methods. Full article

(1) Background: This review study will delve into the potential of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) as adaptable carriers for targeted drug delivery in different therapeutic areas. Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin that has attracted interest in drug delivery applications because of its high biocompatibility and biodegradability. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by following a careful systematized protocol for searching databases like PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. (3) Results: Chitosan NPs are good drug delivery vehicles, notably for cancer. Studies reveal that doxorubicin-loaded chitosan NPs dramatically enhance toxicity to tumor cells compared to free medicines, yielding tumor suppression rates of up to 60%. Researchers found that chemotherapeutics had an 85% encapsulation efficiency (EE), lowering systemic toxicity. Magnetic and pH-responsive chitosan NPs boost drug accumulation by 63% and apoptosis by 54%. Chitosan also boosts medication retention in the lungs by 2.3×, per pulmonary delivery trials. Chitosan NPs also boost ocular medication bioavailability by 3× and improve nasal absorption by 30%, crossing the blood–brain barrier. For bone regeneration, chitosan scaffolds enhance bone mineral density by 46%, facilitating osteogenesis and healing. (4) Conclusions: NPs made of chitosan provide a solid foundation for improving drug delivery systems; yet there are still issues with material variability, scalability, and meeting regulatory requirements that need fixing. Research into combination treatments, ways to increase their specificity, and ways to optimize these NPs offers promising prospects for the creation of novel therapeutic approaches with the potential to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Background: The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) underscores the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. Methods: This study integrates cultivation optimization, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fingerprinting, and principal component analysis (PCA) to explore microbial secondary metabolites as potential anti-TB agents. Results: Using the combined approach, 11 bioactive compounds were isolated and identified, all exhibiting anti-Mycobacterium bovis BCG activity. Notable findings include borrelidin, a potent threonyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor with broad biological activities, and L-O-Lac-L-Val-D-O-Hiv-D-Val, a peptide isolated for the first time from a plant endophyte, demonstrating broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Additionally, elaiophylin and polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PTMs) displayed significant bactericidal effects, with elaiophylin achieving complete BCG inhibition at 72 h and PTMs marking their first reported anti-TB activity. The study also identified bafilomycins as potent scaffolds for anti-TB drug development, showcasing rapid bactericidal activity at low MIC values. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the value of microbial metabolites as a reservoir of bioactive compounds and provide new avenues for developing next-generation anti-TB therapies. Full article

The direct ink writing (DIW) process has been successfully used to prepare SiC-based composites from preceramic polymers due to the porous light weight, lower sintering temperature, and tailored design. However, it still presents challenges in improving the mechanical properties of composites and endowing them with multifunctionality. In this study, we present a 3D-printing strategy for preparing a graphene/SiC_p/SiC composite using the DIW process. A polycarbosilane (PCS)-based slurry containing graphene/SiC_p composite powder was developed and 3D-printed into scaffolds with a lattice structure, which were then pyrolyzed at 1500 °C to obtain a graphene/SiC_p/SiC composite. The weight loss, viscosity, and printability of the graphene/SiC_p/PCS slurry were evaluated, and it was determined that the slurry after 4 h of magnetic stirring was suitable for the DIW process. When heat-treated at above 800 °C in an N₂ atmosphere, PCS was first reacted with SiC_xO_y, which was further transformed into β-SiC and pyrocarbon. The 3D-printed lattice structure achieved porosity and low density, while the SiC_p reduced defects caused by large shrinkage during pyrolysis of PCS. Meanwhile, GNPs provided the composites with better conductivity and lower density. The density was as low as 1.08 g/cm³, the conductivity reached 670 S·m⁻¹, and the compressive strength was 4.3 MPa. Thus, a lightweight and porous SiC-based composite with high conductivity and strength can be prepared. Full article

Many tissues exhibit structural anisotropy, which imparts orientation-specific properties and functions. However, recapitulating the cellular patterns found in anisotropic tissues presents a remarkable challenge, particularly when using soft and wet hydrogels. Herein, we develop self-assembled anisotropic magnetic Fe₃O₄ micropatterns on polyethylene glycol hydrogels utilizing dipole–dipole interactions. Under the influence of a static magnetic field, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles align into highly ordered structures with a height of 400–600 nm and a width of 8–10 μm. Furthermore, our layer-by-layer assembly technique enables the creation of oriented micropatterns with varying densities and heights, which can be further manipulated to form three-dimensional structures by adjusting the angle of the magnetic field. These anisotropic magnetic Fe₃O₄ micropatterns can be applied to various substrates, including treated glass slides, standard glass slides, silicon wafers, and polydimethylsiloxane. The patterned Fe₃O₄ scaffolds, modified with gold coating, effectively enhance cellular adhesion, orientation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells, which is crucial for effective tissue repair. Overall, this study presents an efficient strategy for constructing anisotropic Fe₃O₄ micropattern hydrogels, providing a bioactive platform that significantly enhances cellular functions. Full article

Hyperthermia is nowadays intensively investigated as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy against different types of cancer and resistant infections. In particular, the remote generation of localized hyperthermia by magnetic field through iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offers good thermal conductivity in a controlled area. The incorporation of these IONPs in 3D-printed scaffolds designed for bone tissue regeneration has been scarcely addressed in the literature. This strategy would add the potential of magnetic-mediated hyperthermia against remnant cancer or resistant infections in the damaged tissue area to these personalized bone-related scaffolds. The present work proposes two methodologies to obtain 3D-printed bone-related scaffolds with magnetic properties: 1-Direct 3D printing with IONPs-embedded polylactic acid (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA), resulting in a uniform distribution of IONPs; and 2-Drop coating on 3D-printed PLA/HA scaffolds, resulting in the IONPs being concentrated on the scaffold surface. Physicochemical/mechanical characterizations were performed to confirm the IONPs’ distributions and viability assays were carried out to validate the absence of cytotoxicity. Hyperthermia tests (314 kHz) were carried out, including the simulation/validation of the experimental equipment, to establish optimal distances from the planar coil. Temperature–time/distance curves were obtained and parametrized (R² > 0.96) for both methodologies in relation to the contribution of IONPs (0.20–1.00 mg), their distribution in the scaffold (uniform/concentrated), the electric-current intensity, and the distance. The results validated both methodologies to obtain personalized 3D-printed PLA/HA scaffolds with magnetic properties, reaching the required moderate/ablative hyperthermia levels. Full article