Search Results (644)

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for orthopedic and craniofacial implants due to its favorable mechanical properties and fatigue resistance; however, its inherent chemical inertness limits effective osseointegration. In this study, femtosecond laser surface modification is explored as a strategy to enhance the bioactivity of PEEK. Based on a previously performed parametric study, controlled micro- and nanoscale surface textures were fabricated using femtosecond laser processing, enabling precise tuning of surface roughness and wettability without the need for additional chemical treatment. The modified surfaces were systematically characterized in terms of morphology, composition, and topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3D profilometry, and water contact angle measurements. Four optimized femtosecond laser-generated surface architectures were selected for the present investigation and comprehensively characterized, followed by in vitro evaluation of dental pulp stem cell adhesion, morphology, and proliferation. The results indicate that laser-induced micro/nanostructuring enhances the surface properties of PEEK, while supporting cellular attachment and favorable cell–surface interaction. Differences in the biological response were observed among the optimized laser-textured surfaces. These findings highlight the feasibility of femtosecond laser texturing as a clean, reproducible, and scalable approach for the development of next-generation, personalized orthopedic implants. Full article

The development of next-generation organotypic platforms and disease models has proven crucial for the progress toward personalized therapeutic solutions in cancer. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a nutrient-rich cell culture supplement that contains essential factors for cell growth. However, in addition to ethical and environmental concerns, the manufacturing of tumor models requires a more standardized and controlled environment. This has led to the commercialization of several alternatives for the substitution of FBS, in the form of both animal-based and synthetic products. We here test the use of two alternatives for the culture of glioblastoma cells in the fabrication of organotypic tumor models, in combination with an insightful review of the existing literature, which allows for the elucidation of the most relevant challenges and potential solutions. We assess metabolic activity and cell proliferation in both 2D and 3D culture systems to determine the influence of serum on cell attachment and growth. The 3D culture systems are fabricated by photopolymerization of gelatin methacrylamide to achieve hydrogels that closely mimic the native tissue’s extracellular environment. We aim to advance our understanding of the role of culture media in these models and provide practical guidance to optimize experimental design and enhance reproducibility, thereby facilitating their broader adoption by the research community. These studies are key for the biofabrication of next-generation organoids and other advanced in vitro tumor models. Full article

Cold plasma (CP) has emerged as a multifunctional surface engineering technology capable of enabling precise, non-thermal modification of material interfaces, while additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed modern fabrication through a layer-by-layer model of personalized therapies. This review discusses potential interactions between cold plasma technologies and additive manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. CP has been investigated for surface modifications before and after manufacturing processes in several material science applications. Through controlled surface activation and plasma-induced chemistry, CP-assisted processes can enhance interlayer adhesion, surface wettability, antimicrobial activity, and bioactivity of AM-fabricated models, by generating reactive species and introducing functional groups into the surfaces of materials. The review also discusses engineering and regulatory challenges associated with plasma technologies in AM. Overall, CP represents a versatile surface modification technology whose interaction with materials used in AM deserves further investigation. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) food printing enables personalized fabrication but requires materials with suitable printing properties. This study developed high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) stabilized by co-assembled whey protein isolate (WPI) with κ-carrageenan (κ-CA) in a binary system and with both κ-CA and curdlan gum (CG) in a ternary system. The aim was to clarify the distinct roles of anionic and neutral polysaccharides in regulating emulsion printability. Incorporation of 1.2% κ-CA and 1.6% CG optimized the three-phase contact angles of the binary and ternary particles to 78.84 ± 0.87° and 86.22 ± 0.74°, respectively. The ternary system exhibited significantly greater oil-phase wettability (p < 0.05). Rheological and textural analyses showed that κ-CA concentration primarily governed yield stress and self-supporting capacity in the ternary system, with an optimum at 1.2%. In contrast, CG incorporation was essential for improving thixotropic recovery and printing accuracy, with an optimum at 1.6%. The optimized ternary HIPPEs exhibited excellent 3D printing accuracy with a food-grade oil phase and surpassed the binary system in structural integrity and shape fidelity. These findings clarify the distinct yet complementary roles of anionic and neutral polysaccharides in modulating HIPPEs printability and provide a rational material-design strategy for developing high-performance food 3D-printing system. Full article

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and successful evaluation of a wristband developed for alerting users in critical situations. The target group is single people, especially the elderly, but also people with various disabilities. A low-cost wristband, which, when these people fall, immediately triggers a Wi-Fi-connected alert system on the gadgets of the staff or the person belonging to them. The system is implemented as a wearable forearm sleeve that integrates multiple sensors and electronic components, capable of sending instant alerts to family members or caregivers via the Blynk application. Full article

With the development of quantum computing, classical cryptosystems (RSA, ECDSA) that ensure the security of distributed ledgers face an existential threat. This paper examines protocols for protecting personal data (PD) in blockchain, taking into account the “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” strategy. We propose and formalize a family of protocols designed for storing and exchanging personal data in blockchain systems. The article describes in detail approaches to software implementations of smart contracts for the Ethereum (using ECIES (Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme) and Keccak-256) and Hyperledger Fabric 2.5 (integrating NIST post-quantum standards: ML-KEM (Module-Lattice-Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism) and ML-DSA (Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm)) platforms based on the developed protocols. For all developed protocols, a Threat Agent Model (TAM) is presented, threat scenarios are examined, and resilience to typical attack scenarios is demonstrated. A comparative analysis of computational efficiency and overhead is conducted. The results show that using lattice cryptography provides high performance, but the 50-fold increase in signature size makes direct implementation of PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography) in Layer 1 public networks economically unfeasible. A hybrid model and the use of Layer 2 to ensure quantum resistance are proposed. Full article

This research aims to analyze audiovisual productions related to the development of tourism at the Armero ruins and the visitor experience in the area. The methodology used is qualitative and was carried out in two phases. This research began in August 2023 with interviews with visitors to Armero and a content analysis of YouTube videos that recount the Armero tragedy. The impact on collective memory and the sense of belonging among visitors is highlighted. The visitors’ personal productions show that the experience in Armero becomes an emotional journey, where history is tangled with the hope of rebuilding the social fabric and honoring the memory of the thousands who lost their lives. This research reveals a range of emotions: from awe at the natural beauty to respect and sadness when remembering the tragedy that buried this prosperous Colombian city in 1985. In conclusion, the importance of preserving historical memory is evident, so that tragedies like Armero’s are not forgotten and can promote reflection on natural risk management and community resilience. Full article

Magnesium alloys are considered to be the third generation of biomaterials used in biomedical applications to promote bone tissue regeneration. Due to their Young’s modulus being similar to that of human bone and their release of magnesium ions that are antimicrobial and osteoinductive, these biomaterials not only promote bone regeneration, minimize the effects of stress shielding and reduce the risk of infection, but also their exceptional biocompatibility and bioresorbability eliminate the need for a second surgery to remove the implant. However, because magnesium has poor corrosion resistance, without different coatings and surface treatments, the implant can be compromised before the bone is fully healed. With additive manufacturing (AM) as a revolutionary technology, the one-size-fits-all approach can be replaced by fully personalized medicine, in which complex shapes can be created, designed, and processed with unique parameters for each patient. However, 3D printing of Mg-based devices remains particularly challenging due to magnesium’s high chemical reactivity, combustion risk, and low vaporization temperature, challenges that are further compounded when alloying elements are introduced. This review addresses this gap by critically examining the properties, corrosion behavior, and bio-medical performance of Mg and its alloys, with a focused analysis of selective laser melting (SLM) and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) as key fabrication methods. The influence of processing parameters, microstructural defects, and alloy composition on the final properties of AM-fabricated Mg components is systematically discussed, alongside current limitations and prospective strategies toward their clinical translation. Full article

This article discusses advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based strategies for the design and personalization of three-dimensionally (3D) fabricated hand exoskeletons, with a focus on adaptive, data-driven methodologies. It highlights the crucial role of intelligent personalization in improving user comfort, functional performance, and rehabilitation outcomes, particularly in medical and care settings. The proposed approach integrates biomechanical modeling, high-resolution 3D scanning, and machine learning (ML) algorithms to create exoskeleton systems tailored to the unique anatomical and motor characteristics of individual users. This article presents both a theoretical framework and practical implementation of AI-based adaptation, addressing key challenges such as precise anatomical fit, ergonomic optimization, and real-time responsiveness. Specific emphasis is placed on AI-based feedback mechanisms that enable continuous, dynamic adjustment of control parameters during device operation. Case studies illustrate the effectiveness of these techniques in improving performance and rehabilitation progress for individual users. By combining intelligent modeling, adaptive control, and additive manufacturing, this research advances the field of wearable robotics and points the way to more accessible, efficient, and fully personalized assistive technologies. Full article

The regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex remains a significant challenge in regenerative endodontics. While conventional therapeutic approaches are effective in eliminating infection and preserving dental structure, they fail to restore the biological functionality of the pulp tissue. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing and biopolymer-based bioprinting have opened unprecedented opportunities in dental tissue engineering, enabling the fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds with precisely controlled structural and bioactive properties. This review synthesizes current advances in bioprinting technologies, the diversity of biomaterials and bioinks employed, and the various stem cell sources utilized in pulp regeneration. It further examines how the three-dimensional microenvironment modulates cell viability, odontogenic differentiation, and the promotion of angiogenesis and neurogenesis, emphasizing the role of scaffold composition, mechanical properties, and internal architecture in influencing regenerative outcomes. Additionally, persistent challenges are discussed, including the optimization of bioink formulations, the achievement of functional vascular integration, and long-term validation of regenerated tissues, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary strategies to facilitate clinical translation. By integrating recent evidence, this review establishes a conceptual framework for the development of personalized and predictable approaches to dentin-pulp complex reconstruction. Full article

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the need for advanced therapeutic platforms capable of improving the efficacy, stability, and targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents. Electrospun nanofibers have emerged as highly promising materials for biomedical applications due to their large surface area, high porosity, tunable morphology, and ability to incorporate a broad range of bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design, fabrication, and biomedical applications of electrospun bioactive nanofibers functionalized with antimicrobial drugs. It presents the main nanofiber fabrication techniques, with particular emphasis on electrospinning and the influence of solution, process, and environmental parameters on fiber morphology and drug-loading efficiency. Natural, synthetic, and hybrid polymer systems commonly employed in electrospun antimicrobial nanofibers are analyzed in relation to their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and therapeutic performance. In addition, the review highlights different drug incorporation strategies, including encapsulation, immobilization, and surface coating, as well as the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based antimicrobial systems and their role in overcoming analytical, biopharmaceutical, and drug-delivery limitations are also examined. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges related to scalability, reproducibility, stability, and clinical translation of electrospun nanofibers. Finally, future perspectives focusing on multifunctional, stimuli-responsive, and personalized antimicrobial nanofiber systems are discussed as promising directions for combating bacterial infections and reducing the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

The increasing demand of digital technologies and their integration with wearable health devices provides an efficient trigger for next-generation wearable healthcare devices for long-term physiological monitoring. The advancement of energy harvesting mechanism, nanomaterial-based sensor fabrication and their integration with digital technologies have emerged as a promising solution for transforming future of digital health. This study provides a comprehensive summary and framework for wearable self-powered electronic devices, enabling continuous, battery-free health monitoring and advancing the development of sustainable, next-generation digital healthcare systems. This review paper presents a broad and detailed overview of current technologies and sensors advancement in developing low-power wearable, self-powered electronic devices suitable for healthcare applications. The importance and reliable use of key energy harvesting approaches including triboelectric, piezoelectric, thermoelectric, and photovoltaic approaches are systematically presented which focused on development of energy efficient wearable devices. This review further examines the low-power circuit design strategies for flexible electronics focusing personalized healthcare monitoring. Current challenges and limitations related to advanced manufacturing of wearable health devices focusing on large-scale deployment are also analyzed. Finally, the key future research directions are outlined for advancing a next-generation intelligent digital health system. Full article

Indispensable roles in personalized health monitoring and human–machine interaction are played by flexible humidity sensors. However, high costs and complex vacuum processes are often involved in current fabrication methods, thereby restricting their broader applications. In this work, a high-performance flexible capacitive humidity sensor is presented, wherein a ternary composite of graphene oxide, PEDOT:PSS, and MXene (GO-PEDOT:PSS-MXene) is loaded onto a laser-induced graphene (LIG) interdigitated electrode. A pronounced synergistic effect among the three components is systematically exploited by this multidimensional architecture to significantly optimize the overall sensing performance. Within a relative humidity range extending from 11% to 97%, a remarkable measurement sensitivity of 18,643.02 μF/%RH is recorded. Furthermore, a characteristic negative capacitive response is consistently induced by moisture-driven microstructural swelling, by which the internal interlayer spacing is increased. The continuous monitoring of human respiratory rhythms and precise non-contact spatial sensing is successfully enabled by rapid response and recovery times of 31.7 s and 11.2 s, respectively. Uniquely, a vacuum-free, synergistic multidimensional architecture is successfully utilized to achieve an ultrahigh sensitivity. Practically, a highly scalable and low-cost paradigm is established by this research for the mass deployment of future wearable electronic systems across diverse monitoring scenarios. Full article

Hormones regulate numerous physiological processes and are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Accurate hormone quantification is crucial for the diagnosis and monitoring of endocrine and metabolic disorders. Electrochemical biosensors have recently emerged as promising platforms for hormone detection, offering simplicity, rapid response, cost-effectiveness, and high sensitivity compared to conventional techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. This review summarizes the advances in electrochemical biosensors for detecting clinically relevant hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, parathyroid hormone, prolactin, and insulin, since 2010. Particular attention has been paid to developments in electrode modification strategies, including nanomaterials, redox enzymes, and novel recognition elements, which significantly improve the sensitivity and selectivity. These advances enable hormone detection at lower concentrations in various biological and environmental matrices. Despite these promising developments, challenges related to sensor stability, fabrication costs, and regeneration procedures limit their large-scale commercialization. Future research should focus on improving robustness, optimizing immobilization strategies, and integrating innovative materials to enhance the analytical performance. Continued collaboration among researchers, engineers, and healthcare professionals is essential. With ongoing technological progress, electrochemical biosensors are expected to play an important role in clinical diagnosis, point-of-care testing, and personalized medicine. Full article

Effective wound management remains a critical challenge in modern medicine, requiring a delicate balance among infection control, hemostasis, and tissue regeneration. Biopolymer-based hydrogels have emerged as leading candidates for medical use due to their biocompatibility, moisture-retention capabilities, and structural similarity to the natural ECM. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the transition from passive dressings to intelligent, multifunctional hydrogel scaffolds. We first examine the biological mechanisms of wound healing and the fundamental roles of hydrogels in maintaining an optimal microenvironment. Central to this discussion is the integration of conductive materials (including conductive polymers, carbon-based nanomaterials, and metal nanoparticles), which empower hydrogels with bio-sensing and electromechanical stimulation capabilities. Furthermore, we explore how 3D printing technologies enable the fabrication of personalized, high-precision scaffolds. The review also discusses the emerging role of integrated monitoring systems and machine learning algorithms in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. By synthesizing current research, this review identifies critical engineering hurdles and outlines the future trajectory toward automated, closed-loop wound-care systems in clinical practice. Ultimately, while these advanced electronic scaffolds offer revolutionary therapeutic paradigms, this review underscores that balancing electroconductivity with chronic cytocompatibility, refining multi-modal biosensor calibration, and navigating complex regulatory evaluation pathways remain critical prerequisites. Overcoming these fundamental translational bottlenecks is essential to realizing the next generation of automated clinical wound care. Full article