Search Results (444)

Cell population and vascular vessel distribution analysis in membrane-based scaffolds for tissue engineering is crucial. Biomimetic nanostructured membranes of methyl methacrylate/hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate/hydroxyethyl acrylate (MMA)1-co-(HEMA)1/(MA)3-co-(HEA)2 loaded with 5% wt SiO2-nanoparticles (Si-M) were doped with zinc (Zn-M) or doxycycline (Dox-M). Critical bone defects were effectuated on six New Zealand-bred rabbit skulls and then they were covered with the membrane-based scaffolds. After six weeks, bone cell population in terms of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, fibroblasts, and M1 and M2 macrophages and vasculature was determined. The areas of interest were the space above (over) and below (under) the membrane, apart from the interior (inner) compartment. All membranes showed that vasculature and most cell types were more abundant under the membrane than in the inner or above regions. Quantitatively, osteoblast density increased by approximately 35% in Zn-M and 25% in Si-M compared with Dox-M. Osteoclast counts decreased by about 78% in Dox-M, indicating strong inhibition of bone resorption. Vascular structures were nearly twofold more frequent under the membranes, particularly in Si-M, while fibroblast presence remained moderate and evenly distributed. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was higher in Zn-M, reflecting a transient pro-inflammatory state, whereas Dox-M favored an anti-inflammatory, pro-regenerative profile. These results indicate that the biomimetic electrospun membranes functioned as architectural templates that provided favorable microenvironments for cell colonization, angiogenesis, and early bone regeneration in a preclinical in vivo model. Zn-M membranes appear suitable for early osteogenic stimulation, while Dox-M membranes may be advantageous in clinical contexts requiring modulation of inflammation and osteoclastic activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin wounds interrupt the natural anatomy and function of the skin. The body passes through four physiological phases to repair wounds after injury. Since the fibers are more closely related to the extracellular matrix structure, they can be used as scaffolds to accelerate wound closure. Shikonin is a botanical herbal remedy used as an anti-inflammatory agent and for its wound-healing characteristics. Cresols are known for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which promote their utilization as a disinfectant in soap. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate shikonin and cresol-loaded nanofibers for a dual wound-healing and antibacterial wound dressing in vitro. Methods: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the drug-loaded nanofibers against diverse Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition assays. Results: Scanning electron microscopy images showed successful formulation of shikonin/cresol fibers with an average diameter of 772 ± 152 nm. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading for the dual drug-loaded fibers were 44 ± 1% and 25 ± 1 µg/mg, respectively, for shikonin, and 38 ± 1% and 21 ± 0.5 µg/mg, respectively, for cresol, with a full release of both drugs achieved after 180 min. The combination of both compounds exhibited a safe concentration of ≤6 µg/mL, with cell viability of >50% in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) after 24 h. The MIC results indicated that the combination was efficient as an antibacterial agent against Gram-positive bacteria at a safe concentration. The shikonin/cresol-loaded fibrous system showed an inhibition zone close to that of the control drugs, suggesting that the drugs have retained their antibacterial activity after electrospinning. Conclusions: This dual drug-loaded fiber system showed a high potential as an antibacterial wound dressing for skin infection injuries. However, in vivo studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy in an animal model of the dual drug-loaded fiber system. Full article

The development of advanced wound dressings that integrate favorable physico-mechanical properties with the ability to support physiological healing processes remains a critical challenge in biomaterials science. An ideal dressing should modulate the wound microenvironment, prevent infection, maintain hydration, and possess adequate strength and elasticity. This study aimed to fabricate and characterize electrospun chitosan (CS)-based 3D scaffolds dual-reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) to enhance material properties and biological performance. HNTs were incorporated to improve electrospinnability and provide mechanical reinforcement, while CeONPs were added for their redox-modulating and anti-inflammatory activities. Composite mats were fabricated via non-capillary electrospinning. The individual and synergistic effects of HNTs and CeONPs were systematically evaluated using physico-chemical methods (SEM, EDX, WAXS, TGA, mechanical testing) and biological assays (in vitro cytocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells, in vivo biocompatibility, and wound healing efficacy in a rat model). Scaffolds containing only HNTs exhibited defect-free nanofibers with an average diameter of 151 nm, whereas the dual-filler (CS-PEO-HNT-CeONP) composites showed less uniform fibers with a rough surface and a larger average diameter of 233 nm. The dual-filler system demonstrated significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with a Young’s modulus nearly double that of pure CS mats (881 MPa vs. 455 MPa), attributed to strong interfacial interactions. In vivo, the CS-PEO-HNT-CeONP scaffolds degraded more slowly, promoted earlier formation of a connective tissue capsule, and elicited a reduced inflammatory response compared to single-filler systems. Although epithelialization was temporarily delayed, the dual-filler composite ultimately facilitated superior tissue regeneration, characterized by a more organized, native-like collagen architecture. The synergistic combination of HNTs and CeONPs within a CS matrix yields a highly promising scaffold for wound management, offering a unique blend of tailored biodegradability, enhanced mechanical strength, and the ability to guide healing towards a regenerative rather than a fibrotic outcome, particularly for burns and traumatic injuries. Full article

Epithelial tissues form protective barriers throughout the body, covering external surfaces and lining internal cavities. Nanofibrous scaffolds have emerged as leading platforms in tissue engineering because of their ability to mimic the nanoscale fibrillar architecture of the native extracellular matrix. Thus, they support the optimal microstructure and cellular functions that facilitate the generation of epithelial tissues. This review focuses on the pivotal role of nanofibrous scaffolds in the development of physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for various types of epithelial cells. Nanofiber proper ties, including diameter, alignment, and surface chemistry, can be tailored to modulate epithelial cell attachment and growth on scaffolds. Fabrication techniques and optimized scaffold properties for culturing epithelial cells from various epithelial tissues on nanofibrous scaffolds have been examined. The key 3D culture methodologies and coculture systems that incorporate fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, which are essential for achieving functional differentiation into an epithelium, are elucidated. Finally, the current challenges in this field and potential future directions, including the integration of scaffolds into organ-on-a-chip systems, development of “smart” bioactive materials, and pursuit of personalized medicine through patient-derived cells, are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this work, expanded electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber mats incorporating tetracycline-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were fabricated for antimicrobial wound dressing applications. Methods: MSNs with high surface area were synthesized and efficiently loaded with tetracycline, achieving sustained drug release. These nanoparticles were then embedded into both conventional (2D) and gas-expanded (3D) electrospun PVA mats. Results: The gas-foaming process significantly enhanced the mat’s thickness, promoting improved nanoparticle loading and diffusion properties. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the structural integrity, thermal stability, and successful drug incorporation within the hybrid scaffolds. Antimicrobial tests against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated excellent bactericidal effects, with superior inhibition observed in 3D mats due to their higher drug loading capacity and faster drug release related to the expanded structure. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of combining electrospinning, gas expansion, and nanocarriers to engineer advanced, drug-loaded fibrous scaffolds for wound healing. Full article

The rational design of multifunctional electrocatalysts requires synergistic integration of conductive scaffolds with redox-active components. Here, a hierarchical core–shell NiCo₂S₄ grown/anchored on Co₉S₈-loaded carbon nanofibers (NCS/CS/CNFs) was synthesized via an electrospinning and hydrothermal approach and systematically characterized. FESEM/TEM confirmed a core-shell nanofiber structure with a NiCo₂S₄ shell thickness of ~30–70 nm, increasing the fiber diameter to ~290 ± 30 nm, while BET analysis revealed a surface area of 24.84 m² g⁻¹ and pore volume of 0.042 cm³ g⁻¹, surpassing CS/CNFs (6.12 m² g⁻¹) and NCS (4.85 m² g⁻¹). XRD confirmed crystalline NiCo₂S₄ and Co₉S₈ phases, while XPS identified mixed Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺ and Co²⁺/Co³⁺ states with strong Ni-S/Co-S bonding, indicating enhanced electron delocalization. Electrochemical measurements in 1 M KOH demonstrated outstanding OER activity, with NCS/CS/CNFs requiring only 324 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm⁻², a Tafel slope of 125.7 mV dec⁻¹, and low charge-transfer resistance (0.33 Ω cm²). They also achieved a high areal capacitance of 1412.5 μF cm⁻² and maintained a stable current density for >5 h. For methanol oxidation, the composite delivered 150 mA cm⁻² at 0.1 M methanol, ~1.6 times that of CS and 1.3 times that of NCS, while maintaining stability for 18,000 s. This bifunctional activity underscores the synergy between conductive CNFs and hierarchical sulfides, offering a scalable route to durable electrocatalysts for water splitting and direct methanol fuel cells. Full article

Wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge due to antibiotic-resistant pathogens, persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired tissue regeneration. Conventional therapies are often inadequate, necessitating alternative strategies. Plant bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-angiogenic properties that directly address these challenges in wound healing therapy. However, their poor solubility, instability, and rapid degradation at the wound site limit clinical translation. Biomaterial-based scaffolds such as hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, lyophilized dressings, and 3D-bioprinted constructs have emerged as promising delivery platforms to enhance bioavailability, stability, and sustained release of bioactive compounds while providing structural support for cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue repair. This review was conducted through a structured literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published between 1998 and 2025, with keywords including wound healing, phytochemicals, plant bioactive compounds, scaffolds, hydrogels, electrospinning, and 3D bioprinting. The findings highlight how incorporation of plant bioactive compounds onto scaffolds can combat resistant microbial infections, mitigate oxidative stress, promote angiogenesis, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Despite these promising outcomes, further optimization of scaffold design, standardization of bioactive formulations, and translational studies are needed to bridge laboratory research with clinical applications for next generation wound healing therapies. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), owing to its excellent photocatalytic performance and environmental friendliness, holds great potential in the remediation of water pollution. In this study, we introduce a green and facile strategy to fabricate TiO₂-based hybrid aerogels, in which the peptide FQFQFIFK first self-assembles into peptide nanofibers (PNFs), followed by in situ biomineralization of TiO₂ on the PNFs. The TiO₂-loaded PNFs are then combined with graphene oxide (GO) via π–π interactions and integrated with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to construct a stable three-dimensional (3D) porous framework. The resulting GO/MCC/PNFs-TiO₂ aerogels exhibit high porosity, low density, and good mechanical stability. Photocatalytic experiments show that the aerogels efficiently degrade various organic dyes (methylene blue, rhodamine B, crystal violet, and Orange II) and antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline) under visible-light irradiation, achieving final degradation efficiencies higher than 90%. The excellent performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the ordered interface provided by the PNF template, the stabilization and uniform dispersion facilitated by GO, and the mechanically robust 3D scaffold constructed by MCC. This work provides an efficient and sustainable strategy for designing functional hybrid aerogels and lays a foundation for their application in water treatment and environmental remediation. Full article

Neural tissue injuries, including spinal cord damage and neurodegenerative diseases, pose a major clinical challenge due to the central nervous system’s limited regenerative capacity. Current treatments focus on stabilization and symptom management rather than functional restoration. Tissue engineering offers new therapeutic perspectives, particularly through the combination of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Electrospun fibers mimic the neural extracellular matrix, providing topographical and mechanical cues that enhance MSC adhesion, viability, and neural differentiation. MSCs are multipotent stem cells with robust paracrine and immunomodulatory activity, capable of supporting regeneration and, under proper stimuli, acquiring neural-like phenotypes. This systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 method, analyzes 77 selected articles from the last ten years to assess the potential of electrospun biopolymer scaffolds for MSC-mediated neural repair. We critically examine the scaffold’s composition (synthetic and natural polymers), fiber architecture (alignment and diameter), structural and mechanical properties (porosity and stiffness), and biofunctionalization strategies. The influence of MSC tissue sources (bone marrow, adipose, and dental pulp) on neural differentiation outcomes is also discussed. The results of a literature search show both in vitro and in vivo enhanced neural marker expression, neurite extension, and functional recovery when MSCs are seeded onto optimized electrospun scaffolds. Therefore, integrating stem cell therapy with advanced biomaterials offers a promising route to bridge the gap between neural injury and functional regeneration. Full article

Hernia repair is among the most frequent procedures in general surgery, traditionally performed with synthetic meshes such as polypropylene. While effective in reducing recurrence, these materials are biologically inert and often trigger chronic inflammation, fibrosis, pain, and impaired abdominal wall function, with a significant impact on long-term quality of life. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, and relevant preclinical, clinical, and review articles were synthesized within a narrative review framework. Recent advances in tissue engineering propose a shift from passive reinforcement to regenerative strategies based on biomimetic scaffolds, nanomaterials, and nanocomposites that replicate the extracellular matrix, enhance cell integration, and provide controlled drug delivery. Nanotechnology enables localized release of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-angiogenic agents, while electrospun nanofibers and composite scaffolds improve strength and elasticity. In parallel, 3D printing allows for patient-specific implants with tailored architecture and regenerative potential. Although preclinical studies show encouraging results, clinical translation remains limited by cost, regulatory constraints, and long-term safety uncertainties. Overall, these innovations highlight a transition toward personalized and regenerative hernia repair, aiming to improve durability, function, and patient quality of life. Full article

Skin repair is essential in the treatment of burns and wounds. After an injury, the concept of tissue engineering emerges to restore skin function and facilitate wound healing. This field often involves the use of biodegradable and biocompatible materials as a primary scaffold for tissue regeneration. In this study, a PHB/Collagen wound dressing mat loaded with the antimicrobial peptide LL37 was developed via electrospinning. The polymer solutions were prepared by dissolving polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymer extracted from Cereibacter sphaeroides, commercial PHB, and marine collagen in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The resulting nanofibers were characterized using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), and an Optical Tensiometer. Antibacterial activity assessments were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Degradability studies were carried out in DMEM medium, cytotoxicity tests were performed on the L929 fibroblast cell line, and the wound healing effect was investigated on the HS2 keratinocyte cell line. To evaluate the properties of the designed material under in vitro conditions, the morphology of cells on the nanofiber was examined using an inverted light microscope. The findings demonstrated that the nanofibers were biocompatible in vitro and exhibited no toxic effects. And, compared to the control groups, the 5.56 nmol LL37-loaded PHB/Collagen nanofibers significantly enhanced wound closure by 15–30% and effectively reduced the viability of S. aureus and E. coli by 20–25% and approximately 80–85%, respectively. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of LL37-loaded PHB/Collagen nanofibers for use in wound healing applications. Full article

Sodium alginate (SA) has the advantages of good biocompatibility, water absorption, oxygen permeability, non-toxicity, and film-forming properties. SA is compounded with other materials to formulate a spinning solution. Subsequently, electrospinning is employed to fabricate nanofiber membranes. These membranes undergo cross-linking modification or hydrogel composite functionalization, yielding nanofiber composites exhibiting essential properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and antimicrobial activity. Consequently, these functionalized composites are widely utilized in tissue engineering, regenerative engineering, biological scaffolds, and drug delivery systems, among other biomedical applications. This work reviews the sources, characteristics, and electrospinning preparation methods of SA, with a focus on the application and research status of SA composite nanofibers in tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, drug delivery, and other fields. It can be concluded that SA electrospun nanofibers have great development potential and application prospects in biomedicine, which could better meet the increasingly complex and diverse needs of tissue or wound healing. At the same time, the future development trend of SA composite nanofibers was prospected in order to provide some theoretical reference for the development of biomedical textiles and to promote its development in the direction of being green, safe, and efficient. Full article

Cellulose nanofibers and pectin are promising candidates for polysaccharide-based gel carriers. However, their integration into a structurally modified hybrid gel system has not been extensively investigated. In this study, hybrid cryogels with a pH-responsive release profile favoring small intestinal delivery were prepared by freeze-drying various ratios of anionic nanofibrillar cellulose (aNFC) and amidated pectin (AP). Under acidic conditions, carboxylate protonation reduced intermolecular electrostatic repulsion, promoting the formation of the aNFC/AP hybrid gel network. Increasing the AP content enhanced the mechanical strength of the hydrogels and resulted in larger pore sizes after freeze-drying. The hybrid cryogels prolonged the release of a model drug for up to 20–30 min at pH 3.0, while exhibiting rapid release within 1–2 min when the pH exceeded 6.5, due to gel network collapse. The release behavior was governed by both the porous morphology and the crosslinking density of the cryogel scaffolds. These findings demonstrate that aNFC/AP hybrid cryogels possess a well-defined pH-responsive functional window (pH 6.5–7.0) and hold strong potential as oral drug delivery systems targeting the small intestine. Full article

In a world where the negative consequences of natural resources’ overexploitation for the environment are increasingly evident, repurposing waste to obtain high-value goods becomes essential. This study proposes the isolation of cellulose nanofibers from the bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane that results as a by-product during the fermentation of Kombucha tea by chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or citric acid, followed by mechanical fibrillation via high-speed homogenization and microfluidization. Treatments with NaOH, NaClO, and H₂O₂ were effective in the purification of Kombucha-derived BC, while H₂SO₄ and citric acid exhibited a rather weak cleaning action, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Besides their cleaning effect, the applied chemical pretreatments had an important effect on the degree of fibrillation attained, as indicated by the scanning electron microscopy images. This study proposes simple and effective routes to obtain bacterial cellulose nanofibers from an inexpensive and abundant source, commonly regarded as a waste material, which can be further applied in medical and packaging applications as reinforcing agents, adsorbent materials, or scaffolds. Full article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a devastating neurological condition characterized by loss of sensory, motor and autonomic function. Despite decades of research, no FDA-approved regenerative therapies currently exist to restore lost function following SCI. Schwann cells (SCs) support axon regeneration, remyelination, and neuroprotection after SCI, with their therapeutic potential validated in clinical trials demonstrating safe and feasible transplantation in humans. Although SC transplantation has shown promising results, challenges remain, including modest graft survival, limited host integration, and restricted migration that collectively contribute to constrain efficacy. To address these limitations, biomaterial scaffolds have been explored as synergistic platforms to enhance SC delivery and function. When combined with natural or synthetic biomaterials such as hydrogels, nanofiber scaffolds, or ECM-mimetic matrices, SCs demonstrate improved survival, retention, spatial distribution, and regenerative activity. The intrinsic regenerative properties of SCs, first demonstrated in models of peripheral nerve injury, make them particularly well-suited for neural repair of the central nervous system (CNS) compared to other cell types and their effectiveness can be enhanced synergistically when combined with biomaterials. These constructs not only provide structural support but also modulate the lesion microenvironment, enhance axon growth and improve SC integration with host tissue. Combinatorial approaches incorporating biomaterials with SCs are emerging as next-generation strategies to optimize repair for clinical translation. This review focuses on current progress in SC-based therapies combined with biomaterials, highlighting key preclinical advances, clinical translation efforts, and the path forward toward effective regenerative interventions for SCI. Full article