Search Results (90)

Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products. Full article

Hydrogels have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials in cardiac surgery, offering promising solutions for myocardial regeneration, adhesion prevention, valve engineering, and localized drug and gene delivery. Their high water content, biocompatibility, and mechanical tunability enable close emulation of the cardiac extracellular matrix, supporting cellular viability and integration under dynamic physiological conditions. In myocardial repair, injectable and patch-forming hydrogels have been shown to be effective in reducing infarct size, promoting angiogenesis, and preserving contractile function. Hydrogel coatings and films have been designed as adhesion barriers to minimize pericardial adhesions after cardiotomy and improve reoperative safety. In heart valve and patch engineering, hydrogels contribute to scaffold design by providing bio-instructive, mechanically resilient, and printable matrices that are compatible with 3D fabrication. Furthermore, hydrogels serve as localized delivery platforms for small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, enabling sustained or stimuli-responsive release while minimizing systemic toxicity. Despite these advances, challenges such as mechanical durability, immune compatibility, and translational scalability persist. Ongoing innovations in smart polymer chemistry, hybrid composite design, and patient-specific manufacturing are addressing these limitations. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective on the application of hydrogels in cardiac surgery. The relevant literature was identified through a narrative search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Taken together, hydrogels offer a uniquely versatile and clinically translatable platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges of cardiac surgery. Hydrogels are poised to redefine clinical strategies in cardiac surgery by enabling tailored, bioresponsive, and functionally integrated therapies. Full article

The cryopreservation of three-dimensional (3D) biofabricated constructs is a key enabler for their clinical application in regenerative medicine. Unlike two-dimensional (2D) cultures, 3D systems such as encapsulated cell spheroids, molded hydrogels, and bioprinted tissues present specific challenges related to cryoprotectant (CPA) diffusion, thermal gradients, and ice formation during freezing and thawing. This review examines the current strategies for preserving 3D constructs, focusing on the role of biomaterials as cryoprotective matrices. Natural polymers (e.g., hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan), protein-based scaffolds (e.g., silk fibroin, sericin), and synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) are evaluated for their ability to support cell viability, structural integrity, and CPA transport. Special attention is given to cryoprotectant systems that are free of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and to the influence of hydrogel architecture on freezing outcomes. We have compared the efficacy and limitations of slow freezing and vitrification protocols and review innovative approaches such as temperature-controlled cryoprinting, nano-warming, and hybrid scaffolds with improved cryocompatibility. Additionally, we address the regulatory and manufacturing challenges associated with developing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant cryopreservation workflows. Overall, this review provides an integrated perspective on material-based strategies for 3D cryopreservation and identifies future directions to enable the long-term storage and clinical translation of engineered tissues. Full article

The efficient oral delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides poses a tremendous challenge due to their inherent instability, large molecular size, and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Several nanocarrier systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles, have been explored to overcome these problems. Liposomes and other lipid-based nanocarriers show excellent biocompatibility and the ability to encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs; however, they often suffer from poor structural stability, premature leakage of the loaded drugs, and poor encapsulation efficiency for macromolecular peptides and proteins. On the other hand, polymeric nanoparticles are more stable and allow better control over drug release; nevertheless, they usually lack the necessary biocompatibility and cellular uptake efficiency. Recently, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) have emerged as an advanced solution combining the structural stability of polymers and the biocompatibility and surface functionalities of lipids to enhance the controlled release, stability, and bioavailability of protein and peptide drugs. In this review, an attempt was made to set a clear definition of the LPHNs and extend the concept and area, so to our knowledge, this is the first review that highlights six categories of the LPHNs based on their anatomy. Moreover, this review offers a detailed analysis of LPHN preparation methods, including conventional and nonconventional one-step and two-step processes, nanoprecipitation, microfluidic mixing, and emulsification methods. Moreover, the material attributes and critical process parameters affecting the output of the preparation methods were illustrated with supporting examples to enable researchers to select the suitable preparation method, excipients, and parameters to be manipulated to get the LPHNs with the predetermined quality. The number of reviews focusing on the formulation of peptide/protein pharmaceutics usually focus on a specific drug like insulin. To our knowledge, this is the first review that generally discusses LPHN-based delivery of biopharmaceuticals. by discussing representative examples of previous reports comparing them to a variety of nanocarrier systems to show the potentiality of the LPHNs to deliver peptides and proteins. Moreover, some ideas and suggestions were proposed by the authors to tackle some of the shortcomings highlighted in these studies. By presenting this comprehensive overview of LPHN preparation strategies and critically analyzing literature studies on this topic and pointing out their strong and weak points, this review has shown the gaps and enlightened avenues for future research. Full article

This review comprehensively explores natural polymer-based materials, focusing on their characteristics, applications, and innovations across different sectors, including medicine, the environment, energy, textiles, and construction. With increasing concern about resource depletion and pollution, biomaterials offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived products. The review highlights polysaccharide-based and protein-based biomaterials, as well as others, such as polyisoprene, rosin, and hyaluronic acid. Emphasis is laid on their compositions and attractive characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. Moreover, the review deeply discusses the ability of natural polymers to form hydrogels, aerogels, films, nanocomposites, etc., enhanced by additives for innovative applications. Future development trends of biomaterials in biomedicine, sustainable materials, environmental biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing are also explored. Their growing potential in these sectors is driven by research advances in emerging technologies such as 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology, and hybrid material innovation, which are proven to enhance the performance, functionality, and scalability of biopolymers. The review suggests several strategies, including improvement in processing techniques and material engineering to overcome limitations associated with biomaterials, thereby reinforcing their suitability and role in a circular and sustainable economy. Full article

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and chronic infections are associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Issues with conventional treatments and vaccines mean there is a need for new therapeutic vaccines, which must elicit a strong and sustainable immune response. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity of dual-antigen vaccines containing hybrid surface (hy-LHBs) and core (HBc) antigens, combined with a carboxyl-vinyl polymer (CVP) as a mucoadhesive excipient, following intranasal administration in mice. Methods: Mice were intranasally administered a mixed vaccine (10 µg of hy-LHBs and 2.5 or 10 µg of HBc) with or without a CVP excipient, and they were assessed for their immune response (levels of IgGs or IgA antibodies in an ELISA, IFN-γ level in splenocytes in an ELISpot assay, and cytokine/chemokine levels in a BioPlex assay). A protein stability assay was also conducted for vaccine formulations with and without excipients. Results: Significantly enhanced IgG production was noted targeting hy-LHBs and (less markedly) HBc at 10 µg/antigen, but only a non-significant elevation was noted with the vaccine containing 2.5 µg HBc. The BioPlex assay showed a significant increase in IL-2 (#00-07, 0B), IL-12(p40)(#00), eotaxin (#00), MIP1α (#00, #00-07, 0B), and MCP-1 (#00-07, 0B) in mice that received treatment compared to those of untreated mice. The endpoint titers of IgG1 and IgG2a were measured, which were higher with CVP excipients than without. From the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, a higher IgG1 response was induced by CVPs to hy-LHBs and a higher IgG2a response was induced to HBc. Th2-dominant phenotype to hy-LHBs was induced with CVP#00 in an ELISpot assay. The highest anti-hy-LHBs antibody titer was noted with the conventional CVP#00 excipient. Consistent with these results, a higher amount of neutralizing antibodies of HBV was induced with CVP#00 treatment and followed by #00-03 and #14-00. Conclusions: We consider that the addition of CVP excipients to vaccine formulation enhances immunogenicity and HBV antigen stability for intranasal vaccines. This effect was seen for both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, indicating the potential of CVPs as excipients in intranasal HBV vaccines. Full article

Edaravone is one of the treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to the incapacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, as well as its short life span and poor stability, which is ultimately caused by its tautomerism in physiological condions. This work presents an overview about the use of several nanoformulations based on polymeric, protein, lipidic, or hybrid structure as suitable and stable drug delivery systems for encapsulating edaravone. We also evaluated the functionalization of nanoparticles with pegylated chains using the polyethylene glycol or tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and the possibility of preparing polymeric nanoparticles at different pH (7.4, 9, and 11). Edaravone was sucessfully encapsulated in polymeric, lipid–polymer hybrid, and lipidic nanoparticles. The use of higher pH values in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles has led to a decrease in nanoparticle size and an increase in the percentage of encapsulation efficiency. However, the resulting nanoformulations are not stable. Only polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles showed good stability over 80 days of storage, mainly at 4 °C. Overall, the nanoformulations tested did not show cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line except the nanostructured lipid carrier formulations that showed some cytotoxicity possibly due to lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, this work shows that edaravone can be encapsulated in different nanocarriers that could act as an interesting alternative for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Full article

Hybrid hydrogels from protein–polymer conjugates are biomaterials formed via the chemical bonding of a protein molecule with a polymer molecule. Protein–polymer conjugates offer a variety of biological properties by combining the mechanical strength of polymers and the bioactive functionality of proteins. These properties allow these conjugates to be used as biocompatible components in biomedical applications. Protein–polymer conjugation is a vital bioengineering strategy in many fields, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cancer therapy. Protein–polymer conjugations aim to create materials with new and unique properties by combining the properties of different molecular components. There are various ways of creating protein–polymer conjugates. PEGylation is one of the most common conjugation techniques where a protein is conjugated with Polyethylene Glycol. However, some limitations of PEGylation (like polydispersity and low biodegradability) have prompted researchers to devise novel synthesis techniques like PEGylation, where synthetic polypeptides are used as the polymer component. This review will illustrate the properties of protein–polymer conjugates, their synthesis methods, and their various biomedical applications. Full article

Fibroin, a protein extracted from silk, offers advantageous properties such as non-immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and ease of surface modification, which have been widely utilized for a variety of biomedical applications. However, in vivo studies have revealed critical challenges, including rapid enzymatic degradation and limited stability. To widen the scope of this natural biomacromolecule, the grafting of polymers onto the protein surface has been advanced as a platform to enhance protein stability and develop smart conjugates. This review article brings into focus applications of fibroin-hybrid systems prepared using chemical modification of the protein with polymers and inorganic compounds. A selection of recent preclinical evaluations of these hybrids is included to highlight the significance of this approach. Full article

This paper reports the development of a highly crosslinked hyper-branched polyglycerol (HPG) polymer bound to elastin-like proteins (ELPs) to create a membrane that undergoes a distinct closed-to-open permeation transition at 32 °C. The crosslinked HPG forms a robust, mesoporous structure (150–300 nm pores), suitable for selective filtration. The membranes were characterized by FTIR, UV–visible spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM, revealing their structural and morphological properties. Incorporating a synthetic polypeptide introduced thermo-responsive behavior, with the membrane transitioning from impermeable to permeable above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 32 °C. Permeation studies using crystal violet (CV) demonstrated selective transport, where CV permeated only above 32 °C, while water permeated at all temperatures. This hybrid HPG-ELP membrane system, acting as a molecular switch, offers potential for applications in drug delivery, bioseparations, and smart filtration systems, where permeability can be controlled by temperature. Full article

Molecular assembly is promising in the construction of advanced materials, obtaining structures with specific functions. In-depth investigation of the relationships between the formation, dynamics, structure, and functionality of the specific molecular assemblies is one of the greatest challenges in nanotechnology and chemistry, which is essential in the rational design and development of functional materials for a variety of applications. Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has been used as a versatile tool for investigating and elucidating the structures of individual molecular assemblies with its nanometric resolution, multicolor ability, and minimal invasiveness, which are also complementary to conventional optical or electronic techniques that provide the direct observation. In this review, we will provide an overview of the representative studies that utilize SRM to probe molecular assemblies, mainly focusing on the imaging of biomolecular assemblies (lipid-based, peptide-based, protein-based, and DNA-based), organic–inorganic hybrid assemblies, and polymer assemblies. This review will provide guidelines for the evaluation of the dynamics of molecular assemblies, assembly and disassembly processes with distinct dynamic behaviors, and multicomponent assembly through the application of these advanced imaging techniques. We believe that this review will inspire new ideas and propel the development of structural analyses of molecular assemblies to promote the exploitation of new-generation functional materials. Full article

Background/Objectives: The development of polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLNs) is a promising area of research, as it can help increase the stability of cationic lipid carriers. Hybrid PLNs are core–shell nanoparticle structures that combine the advantages of both polymer nanoparticles and liposomes, especially in terms of their physical stability and biocompatibility. Natural polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) can be used as a matrix for the PLNs’ preparation. Methods: In this study, we first obtained stable cationic hybrid PLNs using a cationic liposome (CL) composed of a polycationic lipid 2X3 (1,26-bis(cholest-5-en-3β-yloxycarbonylamino)-7,11,16,20-tetraazahexacosane tetrahydrochloride), helper lipid DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine), and the hydrophobic polymer mcl-PHA, which was produced by the soil bacterium Pseudomonas helmantisensis P1. Results: The new polymer-lipid carriers effectively encapsulated and delivered model mRNA-eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein mRNA) to BHK-21 cells. We then evaluated the role of mcl-PHA in increasing the stability of cationic PLNs in ionic solutions using dynamic light scattering data, electrophoretic mobility, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Conclusions: The results showed that increasing the concentration of PBS (phosphate buffered saline) led to a decrease in the stability of the CLs. At high concentrations of PBS, the CLs aggregate. In contrast, the presence of isotonic PBS did not result in the aggregation of PLNs, and the particles remained stable for 120 h when stored at +4 °C. The obtained results show that PLNs hold promise for further in vivo studies on nucleic acid delivery. Full article

Most chemotherapeutic agents are poorly soluble in water, have low selectivity, and cannot reach the tumor in the desired therapeutic concentration. On the other hand, sensitive hydrophilic therapeutics like nucleic acids and proteins suffer from poor bioavailability and cell internalization. To solve this problem, new types of controlled release systems based on nano-sized self-assemblies of cyclodextrins able to control the speed, timing, and location of therapeutic release are being developed. Cyclodextrins are macrocyclic oligosaccharides characterized by a high synthetic plasticity and potential for derivatization. Introduction of new hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic domains and/or formation of nano-assemblies with therapeutic load extends the use of CDs beyond the tried-and-tested CD-drug host–guest inclusion complexes. The recent advances in nano drug delivery have indicated the benefits of the hybrid amphiphilic CD nanosystems over individual CD and polymer components. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in the design of CDs self-assemblies and their use for delivery of a wide range of therapeutic molecules. It aims to offer a valuable insight into the many roles of CDs within this class of drug nanocarriers as well as current challenges and future perspectives. Full article

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of polyimide (PI-2) films incorporated with spirulina powder for potential biomedical applications. The synthesis of PI-2 was achieved through a two-step polycondensation reaction using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvent. The incorporation of spirulina was systematically varied to investigate its effects on the structural and surface properties of the hybrid materials. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a tightly bound interface between spirulina and the PI-2 matrix, indicating effective dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion. Profilometry and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the homogeneous integration of spirulina within the polymer matrix, with resulting variations in surface roughness and chemistry. Contact angle measurements demonstrated altered wettability characteristics, with increased hydrophilicity observed with spirulina incorporation. Furthermore, blood component interaction studies indicated the variations in adhesion behavior observed for red blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins. Water uptake studies revealed enhanced absorption capacity in PI-2 films loaded with spirulina, highlighting their potential suitability for applications requiring controlled hydration. Overall, this comprehensive characterization elucidates the potential of PI-2/spirulina hybrid materials for diverse biomedical applications, offering tunable properties that can be tailored to specific requirements. Full article

Block copolymer (BCP) surfaces permit an exquisite level of nanoscale control in biomolecular assemblies solely based on self-assembly. Owing to this, BCP-based biomolecular assembly represents a much-needed, new paradigm for creating nanobiosensors and nanobiomaterials without the need for costly and time-consuming fabrication steps. Research endeavors in the BCP nanobiotechnology field have led to stimulating results that can promote our current understanding of biomolecular interactions at a solid interface to the never-explored size regimes comparable to individual biomolecules. Encouraging research outcomes have also been reported for the stability and activity of biomolecules bound on BCP thin film surfaces. A wide range of single and multicomponent biomolecules and BCP systems has been assessed to substantiate the potential utility in practical applications as next-generation nanobiosensors, nanobiodevices, and biomaterials. To this end, this Review highlights pioneering research efforts made in the BCP nanobiotechnology area. The discussions will be focused on those works particularly pertaining to nanoscale surface assembly of functional biomolecules, biomolecular interaction properties unique to nanoscale polymer interfaces, functionality of nanoscale surface-bound biomolecules, and specific examples in biosensing. Systems involving the incorporation of biomolecules as one of the blocks in BCPs, i.e., DNA–BCP hybrids, protein–BCP conjugates, and isolated BCP micelles of bioligand carriers used in drug delivery, are outside of the scope of this Review. Looking ahead, there awaits plenty of exciting research opportunities to advance the research field of BCP nanobiotechnology by capitalizing on the fundamental groundwork laid so far for the biomolecular interactions on BCP surfaces. In order to better guide the path forward, key fundamental questions yet to be addressed by the field are identified. In addition, future research directions of BCP nanobiotechnology are contemplated in the concluding section of this Review. Full article