Search Results (380)

The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymer fibers and nonwoven mats due to their eco-friendly characteristics and potential to reduce plastic pollution. This review highlights how mechanical properties influence the performance and suitability of biodegradable polymer fibers across diverse applications. This covers synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as well as natural polymers including chitosan, collagen, cellulose, alginate, silk fibroin, and starch-based polymers. A range of fiber production methods is discussed, including electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, spunbonding, melt blowing, melt spinning, and wet spinning, with attention to how each technique influences tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. The review also addresses advances in composite fibers, nanoparticle incorporation, crosslinking methods, and post-processing strategies that improve mechanical behavior. In addition, mechanical testing techniques such as tensile test machine, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis are examined to show how fabrication parameters influence fiber performance. This review examines the mechanical performance of biodegradable polymer fibers and fibrous mats, emphasizing their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials in applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical implants, wound dressings, packaging, and filtration. Full article

Cervical cancer represents a significant global health challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be a promising, minimally invasive alternative to standard treatments. However, the clinical efficacy of PDT is sometimes limited by the low solubility and aggregation of photosensitizers, their non-selective distribution in the body, hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and limited light penetration. Recent advances in nanoparticle and nanocomposite platforms have addressed these challenges by integrating multiple functional components into a single delivery system. By encapsulating or conjugating photosensitizers in biodegradable matrices, such as mesoporous silica, organometallic structures and core–shell construct nanocarriers increase stability in water and extend circulation time, enabling both passive and active targeting through ligand decoration. Up-conversion and dual-wavelength responsive cores facilitate deep light conversion in tissues, while simultaneous delivery of hypoxia-modulating agents alleviates oxygen deprivation to sustain reactive oxygen species generation. Controllable “motor-cargo” constructs and surface modifications improve intratumoral diffusion, while aggregation-induced emission dyes and plasmonic elements support real-time imaging and quantitative monitoring of therapeutic response. Together, these multifunctional nanosystems have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity in vitro and significant tumor suppression in vivo in mouse models of cervical cancer. Combining targeted delivery, controlled release, hypoxia mitigation, and image guidance, engineered nanoparticles provide a versatile and powerful platform to overcome the current limitations of PDT and pave the way toward more effective, patient-specific treatments for cervical malignancies. Our review of the literature summarizes studies on nanoparticles and nanocomposites used in PDT monotherapy for cervical cancer, published between 2023 and July 2025. Full article

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

Machine learning is reshaping gel-based additive manufacturing by enabling accelerated material design and predictive process optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in applying machine learning across gel formulation development, printability prediction, and real-time process control. The integration of algorithms such as neural networks, random forests, and support vector machines allows accurate modeling of gel properties, including rheology, elasticity, swelling, and viscoelasticity, from compositional and processing data. Advances in data-driven formulation and closed-loop robotics are moving gel printing from trial and error toward autonomous and efficient material discovery. Despite these advances, challenges remain regarding data sparsity, model robustness, and integration with commercial printing systems. The review results highlight the value of open-source datasets, standardized protocols, and robust validation practices to ensure reproducibility and reliability in both research and clinical environments. Looking ahead, combining multimodal sensing, generative design, and automated experimentation will further accelerate discoveries and enable new possibilities in tissue engineering, biomedical devices, soft robotics, and sustainable materials manufacturing. Full article

Thyroid hormones (thyroxine, T₄, and triiodothyronine, T₃) are indispensable for sustaining vertebrate life, and their deficiency gives rise to a wide range of symptoms characteristic of hypothyroidism, affecting 5–10% of the world’s population. The precursor for thyroid hormone synthesis is thyroglobulin (Tg), a large iodoglycoprotein consisting of upstream regions I-II-III (responsible for synthesis of most T₄) and the C-terminal CholinEsterase-Like (ChEL) domain (responsible for synthesis of most T₃, which can also be generated extrathyroidally by T₄ deiodination). Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, we engineered a knock-in of secretory ChEL into the endogenous TG locus. Secretory ChEL acquires Golgi-type glycans and is properly delivered to the thyroid follicle lumen, where T₃ is first formed. Homozygous knock-in mice are capable of thyroidal T₃ synthesis but largely incompetent for T₄ synthesis such that T₄-to-T₃ conversion contributes little. Instead, T₃ production is regulated thyroidally by thyrotropin (TSH). Compared to cog/cog mice with conventional hypothyroidism (low serum T₄ and T₃), the body size of ChEL-knock-in mice is larger; although, these animals with profound T₄ deficiency did exhibit a marked elevation of serum TSH and a large goiter, despite normal circulating T₃ levels. ChEL knock-in mice exhibited a normal expression of hepatic markers of thyroid hormone action but impaired locomotor activities and increased anxiety-like behavior, highlighting tissue-specific differences in T₃ versus T₄ action, reflecting key considerations in patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Full article

Plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) are bioactive nanovesicles secreted by plant cells, emerging as a novel therapeutic tool for tissue repair and regeneration due to their low immunogenicity, intrinsic bioactivity, and potential as drug delivery carriers. This review examines PDVLNs’ biogenesis mechanisms, isolation techniques, and compositional diversity, emphasizing their roles in promoting essential regenerative processes—cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, immune modulation, and angiogenesis. We explore their therapeutic applications across multiple tissue types, including skin, bone, neural, liver, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and dental tissues, using both natural and engineered PDVLNs in various disease models. Compared to mammalian exosomes, PDVLNs offer advantages such as reduced immune rejection and ethical concerns, enhancing their sustainability and appeal for regenerative medicine. However, challenges in clinical translation, including scalability, standardization, and safety remain. This paper consolidates current knowledge on PDVLNs, highlighting their versatility and providing insights into engineering strategies to optimize efficacy, ultimately outlining future research directions to advance their clinical potential. Plant vesicle-like nanoparticles (PDVLNs) may become a new avenue for the treatment of tissue injury, promoting tissue repair and regeneration through their intrinsic bioactivity or as drug delivery carriers. In addition, PDVLNs can be engineered and modified to achieve better results. Full article

Since the mid-19th century, researchers have explored the potential of bio-based polymeric materials for diverse applications, with particular promise in medicine. This review provides a focused and detailed examination of natural and synthetic biopolymers relevant to tissue engineering and biomedical applications. It emphasizes the structural diversity, functional characteristics, and processing strategies of major classes of biopolymers, including polysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan, bacterial cellulose) and proteins (e.g., collagen, silk fibroin, albumin), as well as synthetic biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, and polyhydroxybutyrate. The central aim of this manuscript is to elucidate how intrinsic properties—such as molecular weight, crystallinity, water retention, and bioactivity—affect the performance of biopolymers in biomedical contexts, particularly in drug delivery, wound healing, and scaffold-based tissue regeneration. This review also highlights recent advancements in polymer functionalization, composite formation, and fabrication techniques (e.g., electrospinning, bioprinting), which have expanded the application potential of these materials. By offering a comparative analysis of structure–property–function relationships across a diverse range of biopolymers, this review provides a comprehensive reference for selecting and engineering materials tailored to specific biomedical challenges. It also identifies key limitations, such as production scalability and mechanical performance, and suggests future directions for developing clinically viable and environmentally sustainable biomaterial platforms. Full article

The One Health paradigm—recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment—promotes the development of sustainable technologies that enhance human health while minimizing ecological impact. In this context, bio-based hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of biomaterials for advanced medical applications. Produced through biotechnological methods such as genetic engineering and microbial fermentation, these hydrogels are composed of renewable and biocompatible materials, including recombinant collagen, elastin, silk fibroin, bacterial cellulose, xanthan gum, and hyaluronic acid. Their high water content, structural tunability, and biodegradability make them ideal candidates for various biomedical applications such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, and the design of extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking scaffolds. By offering controlled mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and the potential for minimally invasive administration, sustainable hydrogels represent a strategic innovation for regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions. This review discusses the characteristics and medical applications of these hydrogels, highlighting their role in advancing sustainable healthcare solutions within the One Health framework. Full article

Tracheal reconstruction remains a formidable clinical challenge, particularly for long-segment defects that are not amenable to standard surgical resection or primary anastomosis. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy for restoring the tracheal structure and function through the integration of biomaterials, stem cells, and bioactive molecules. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in tissue-engineered tracheal grafts, particularly in scaffold design, cellular sources, fabrication technologies, and early clinical experience. Innovations in biomaterial science, three-dimensional printing, and scaffold-free fabrication approaches have broadened the prospects for patient-specific airway reconstruction. However, persistent challenges, including incomplete epithelial regeneration and mechanical instability, have hindered its clinical translation. Future efforts should focus on the design of modular biomimetic scaffolds, the enhancement of immunomodulatory strategies, and preclinical validation using robust large animal models. Sustained interdisciplinary collaboration among surgical, engineering, and biological fields is crucial for advancing tissue-engineered tracheal grafts for routine clinical applications. Within this context, biomimetic approaches, including three-dimensional bioprinting, hybrid materials, and scaffold-free constructs, are gaining prominence as strategies to replicate the trachea’s native architecture and improve graft integration. Full article

The covalent conjugation of pharmaceutical compounds to polymeric carriers represents an effective strategy for enhancing drug properties, including improved bioavailability, targeted delivery, and sustained release, while reducing systemic toxicity and adverse effects. By exploiting the physicochemical characteristics of biopolymers—particularly molecular charge and weight—we engineered a polymeric platform for glucocorticoid delivery with precisely controlled parameters including particle size, surface charge, targeting capability, and release kinetics. This study reports a linker-free synthesis of hyaluronic acid-dexamethasone (HA-DEX) conjugates through Steglich esterification, catalyzed by 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), which facilitates the acylation of sterically hindered alcohols. The reaction specifically couples carboxyl groups of hyaluronic acid with the C21 hydroxyl group of dexamethasone. Incorporation of hydrophobic dexamethasone moieties induced self-assembly into nanoparticles featuring a hydrophobic core and negatively charged hydrophilic shell (−20 to −25 mV ζ-potential). In vitro characterization revealed pH-dependent release profiles, with 80–90% dexamethasone liberated in mildly acidic phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) versus 50–60% in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) over 35 days, demonstrating both sustained release and inflammation-responsive behavior. The conjugates exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity in a human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced inflammation model. These findings position HA-DEX conjugates as promising candidates for targeted glucocorticoid delivery to specific anatomical sites including ocular, articular, and tympanic tissues, where their combination of CD44-targeting capability, enhanced permeability and retention effects, and stimulus-responsive release can optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing off-target effects. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

Due to its sarcoma-derived origin and the associated carcinogenic risks, as well as its lack of tissue-specific extracellular matrix biochemical cues, the use of the injectable gel scaffold Matrigel is generally restricted to research applications. Therefore, the development of new fully synthetic injectable gel scaffolds that exhibit performance comparable to Matrigel is a high priority. In this study, we developed a novel fully synthetic injectable gel scaffold by combining a biodegradable PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer, clay nanoparticle LAPONITE®, and L-arginine-loaded metal–organic frameworks (NU-1000) at the nano level. An aqueous solution of the developed hybrid scaffold (PLGA-PEG-PLGA/LAPONITE®/L-Arg@NU-1000) exhibited rapid sol–gel transition at body temperature following simple injection and formed a continuous bulk-sized gel, demonstrating good injectability. Long-term sustained slow release of L-arginine from the resultant gels can be achieved because NU-1000 is a suitable reservoir for L-arginine. PLGA-PEG-PLGA/LAPONITE®/L-Arg@NU-1000 hybrid gels exhibited good compatibility with and promoted the growth of human skeletal muscle satellite cells. Importantly, in vivo experiments using skeletal muscle injury model mice demonstrated that the tissue regeneration efficiency of PLGA-PEG-PLGA/LAPONITE®/L-Arg@NU-1000 gels is higher than that of Matrigel. Specifically, we judged the higher tissue regeneration efficacy of our gels by histological analysis, including MYH3 immunofluorescent staining, H&E staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Taken together, these data suggest that novel hybrid hydrogels could serve as injectable hydrogel scaffolds for in vivo tissue engineering and ultimately replace Matrigel. Full article

The growing prevalence of bacterial infections and the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have driven the need for innovative antimicrobial coatings for medical implants and biomaterials. However, implant surface properties, such as roughness, chemistry, and reactivity, critically influence biological interactions and must be engineered to ensure biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and sustained antibacterial activity. This review evaluates three principal categories of antimicrobial agents utilized in surface functionalization: metal/metaloxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemical compounds. Metal/metaloxide-based coatings, especially those incorporating silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO), offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy through mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and bacterial membrane disruption, with a reduced risk of resistance development. Antibiotic-based coatings enable localized drug delivery but often face limitations related to burst release, cytotoxicity, and diminishing effectiveness against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. In contrast, phytochemical-derived coatings—using bioactive plant compounds such as curcumin, eugenol, and quercetin—present a promising, biocompatible, and sustainable alternative. These agents not only exhibit antimicrobial properties but also provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteogenic benefits, making them multifunctional tools for implant surface modification. The integration of these antimicrobial strategies aims to reduce bacterial adhesion, inhibit biofilm formation, and enhance tissue regeneration. By leveraging the synergistic effects of metal/metaloxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemicals, next-generation implant coatings hold the potential to significantly improve infection control and clinical outcomes in implant-based therapies. Full article

Bone repair and regeneration following an injury still present challenges worldwide. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds made from various materials are used for bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. Polymers, minerals and nanotechnology are now being used in combination to achieve specific goals for BTE, including the delivery of antimicrobials through the scaffolds to prevent post-surgical infection. While several materials are utilised for BTE, natural polymers present a unique set of materials that can be manipulated to formulate scaffolds for BTE applications. They have been found to demonstrate higher biocompatibility, biodegradability and lower toxicity. Some even naturally mimic the bone microarchitecture, providing inherent structural support for BTE. Natural polymers may be simply classified as those from plant and animal sources. From both sources, there are different types of proteins, polysaccharides and other specialised materials that are already in use for research in BTE. Interestingly, these have the potential to revolutionise the field of BTE with a sustainable approach. In this review, we first discuss the different natural polymers used in BTE from plant sources, followed by animal sources. We then explore novel materials that are aimed at sustainable approaches, focusing on innovation from the last decade. In these sections, we outline studies of these materials with different types of bone cells, including bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are the progenitors of bone. We finally outline the limitations, conclusions and future directions from our perspective in this dynamic field of polymers in BTE. With this review, we hope to bring together the updated existing knowledge and the potential future of innovation and sustainability in natural polymers for biomimetic BTE applications for fellow scientists, researchers and surgeons in the field. Full article

The implantation of bone substitutes is frequently accompanied by inflammation. To reduce the inflammatory response and enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, scaffolds are often loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, cellulose and cellulose/hydroxyapatite (1:1 by weight) scaffolds were developed. Structural analysis using SEM and micro-computed tomography revealed that the morphology of the scaffolds met the requirements for bone tissue engineering. The scaffolds were initially loaded with dexamethasone sodium phosphate; however, the drug was released very rapidly. To prolong its release, cationic groups were introduced into the cellulose macromolecules by amination with 2-chloro-N,N-diethylethylamine hydrochloride in an alkaline medium. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate was then immobilised on aminated cellulose and aminated cellulose/HAp scaffolds at concentrations of 157 mg/g and 87 mg/g, respectively. Due to ionic interactions between the cationic groups in the scaffolds and the anionic groups of the drug molecules, drug release was effectively prolonged. After 24 h, only about 6–7% of the drug had been released, with complete release occurring after 170 h. The cationic groups in the scaffold framework facilitated the adsorption and sustained release of dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Full article