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FEASST is an open-source Monte Carlo software package for particle-based simulations. This software, which was released in 2017, has been used to study phase equilibrium, self-assembly, aggregation or gelation in biological materials, colloids, polymers, ionic liquids, and adsorption in porous networks. We highlight some of the unique features available in FEASST, such as flat-histogram grand canonical ensemble, Gibbs ensemble, and Mayer-sampling simulations with support for anisotropic models and parallelization with flat-histogram and prefetching. We also discuss how the challenges of supporting a variety of Monte Carlo algorithms were overcome by an object-oriented design. This also allows others to extend classes, which improves software interoperability, as inspired by LAMMPS classes and user packages. This article describes version 0.25.1 with benchmarks, compilation instructions, and introductory tutorials for running, restarting, and testing simulations, user guidelines, software design strategies, alternative interfaces, and the test-driven development strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of implants placed in alveolar sockets treated by means of alveolar ridge preservation after 10 years of follow-up. Method and materials: Eleven patients treated with 11 implants placed after alveolar ridge preservation using bovine-derived xenograft particles and collagen membrane were selected. Full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, probing depth at four sites per implant, and radiographic marginal bone level at mesial and distal aspects for each implant were recorded at baseline and after 10 years of follow-up. The primary outcome was the radiographic marginal bone loss. The marginal bone loss was considered as the difference between marginal bone level at baseline and after 10 years of observation time. Results: After 10 years of follow-up, full-mouth plaque score increased significantly (P < .05), while no statistically significant differences were found in the change in full-mouth bleeding score (P = .05). At the 10-year observation period, a significant increase in probing depth was observed at all sites (P < .05), except at the mesial aspects (P = .05). Radiographic marginal bone loss was 1.1 ± 0.1 mm and 1.0 ± 0.1 mm at mesial and distal sites, respectively. Conclusion: Whitin the limitations of the present study, implants placed in post-extraction sockets treated with alveolar ridge preservation yielded stable clinical and radiographic results after 10 years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paradigm of medicine is mostly designed to block or prevent pathological events. Once the disease-led tissue damage occurs, the limited endogenous regeneration may lead to depletion or loss of function for cells in the tissues. Cell therapy is rapidly evolving and influencing the field of medicine, where in some instances attempts to address cell loss in the body. Due to their biological function, engineerability, and their responsiveness to stimuli, cells are ideal candidates for therapeutic applications in many cases. Such promise is yet to be fully obtained as delivery of cells that functionally integrate with the desired tissues upon transplantation is still a topic of scientific research and development. Main known impediments for cell therapy include mechanical insults, cell viability, host's immune response, and lack of required nutrients for the transplanted cells. These challenges could be divided into three different steps: 1) Prior to, 2) during the and 3) after the transplantation procedure. In this review, we attempt to briefly summarize published approaches employing biomaterials to mitigate the above technical challenges. Biomaterials are offering an engineerable platform that could be tuned for different classes of cell transplantation to potentially enhance and lengthen the pharmacodynamics of cell therapies.

Cardiovascular organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices are composed of engineered or native functional tissues that are cultured under controlled microenvironments inside microchips. These systems employ microfabrication and tissue engineering techniques to recapitulate human physiology. This review focuses on human OoC systems to model cardiovascular diseases, to perform drug screening, and to advance personalized medicine. We also address the challenges in the generation of organ chips that can revolutionize the large-scale application of these systems for drug development and personalized therapy.

An emerging cellular engineering method creates synthetic polymer matrices inside cells. By contrast with classical genetic, enzymatic, or radioactive techniques, this materials-based approach introduces non-natural polymers inside cells, thus modifying cellular states and functionalities. Here, we cover various materials and chemistries that have been exploited to create intracellular polymer matrices. In addition, we discuss emergent cellular properties due to the intracellular polymerization, including nonreplicating but active metabolism, maintenance of membrane integrity, and resistance to environmental stressors. We also discuss past work and future opportunities for developing and applying synthetic cells that contain intracellular polymers. The materials-based approach will usher in new applications of synthetic cells for broad biotechnological applications.

Over the past two decades Biomedical Engineering has emerged as a major discipline that bridges societal needs of human health care with the development of novel technologies. Every medical institution is now equipped at varying degrees of sophistication with the ability to monitor human health in both non-invasive and invasive modes. The multiple scales at which human physiology can be interrogated provide a profound perspective on health and disease. We are at the nexus of creating avatars (herein defined as an extension of digital twins) of human patho/physiology to serve as paradigms for interrogation and potential intervention. Motivated by the emergence of these new capabilities, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, the Departments of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and Bioengineering at University of California at San Diego sponsored an interdisciplinary workshop to define the grand challenges that face biomedical engineering and the mechanisms to address these challenges. The Workshop identified five grand challenges with cross-cutting themes and provided a roadmap for new technologies, identified new training needs, and defined the types of interdisciplinary teams needed for addressing these challenges. The themes presented in this paper include: 1) accumedicine through creation of avatars of cells, tissues, organs and whole human; 2) development of smart and responsive devices for human function augmentation; 3) exocortical technologies to understand brain function and treat neuropathologies; 4) the development of approaches to harness the human immune system for health and wellness; and 5) new strategies to engineer genomes and cells.

Dental-derived stem cells (DSCs) are attractive cell sources due to their easy access, superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity. They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals, which provide biophysical and biochemical cues to regulate the fate of residing cells. However, the direct transplantation of DSCs suffers from poor proliferation and differentiation toward functional cells and low survival rates due to local inflammation. Recently, elegant advances in the design of novel biomaterials have been made to give promise to the use of biomimetic biomaterials to regulate various cell behaviors, including proliferation, differentiation and migration. Biomaterials could be tailored with multiple functionalities, e.g., stimuli-responsiveness. There is an emerging need to summarize recent advances in engineered biomaterials-mediated delivery and therapy of DSCs and their potential applications. Herein, we outlined the design of biomaterials for supporting DSCs and the host response to the transplantation.

Purpose: To evaluate the incorporation of liquid platelet-rich fibrin in different collagen matrices in vitro. Materials and Methods: Collagen matrices with liquid platelet-rich fibrin were used and divided into the following test groups (n = 5): Mucoderm (MD), Mucograft (MG), and Fibro-Gide (FG). After incubating the collagen matrices in liquid plateletrich fibrin, histologicl and fluid absorption capacity analysis were performed. Intergroup comparisons of cell count, blood plasma penetration area, and fluid absorption capacity were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Intragroup comparisons of fluid absorption capacity were made using the independent t test with a 5% significance level. Results: Descriptive qualitative analysis showed total incorporation of liquid platelet-rich fibrin in the FG group, while the MG and MD groups showed only partial and shallow incorporation, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference among the three groups regarding inflammatory cell infiltration (P = .000), with the FG group presenting the highest number of cells in the matrices (577.15 ± 54.88). The FG group showed an area of total blood plasma penetration into the matrix, followed by the MG group with partial penetration, and the MD group with minor penetration area (P = .000). Considering the fluid absorption capacity analysis, only groups FG and MG were statistically different when comparing the liquid platelet-rich fibrin absorption coefficient (P = .017), with higher absorption in group FG (14.30 ± 3.35). Conclusions: The FG collagen matrix showed a good capacity for liquid platelet-rich fibrin incorporation in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features of the extracellular matrix, along with biochemical factors, have a momentous impress in making genes on and/or off. The interaction of cells and the extracellular matrix is mediated by integrins. Therefore, these molecules have pivotal roles in regulating cell behaviors. Integrins include a group of molecules with a variety of characteristics that can affect different molecular cascades. Considering the importance of these molecules in tissue regeneration after injury, it is necessary to know well the integrins involved in the process of connecting cells to the extracellular matrix in each tissue.With the increase in life expectancy, bone tissue engineering has received more attention from researchers. Integrins are critical components in osteoblast differentiation, survival, and bone mechanotransduction. During osteogenic differentiation in stem cells, specific integrins facilitate multiple signaling pathways through their cytoplasmic domain, leading to the induction of osteogenic differentiation. Also, due to the importance of using biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, efforts have been made to design and use biomaterials with maximum interaction with integrins. Notably, the use of RGD peptide or fibronectin for surface modification is a well-established and commonly employed approach to manipulate integrin activity.This review article looks into integrins’ role in bone development and regeneration. It then goes on to explore the complex mechanisms by which integrins contribute to these processes. In addition, this review discusses the use of natural and synthetic biomaterials that target integrins to promote bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis have become important human health problems, requiring a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of related diseases and the development of more effective treatments. Bone organoids are three-dimensional tissue masses that are useful for drug screening, regenerative medicine, and disease modeling because they may mimic the structure and physiological activities of organs. Here, we describe various potential methods for culturing bone-related organoids from different stem cells, detailing the construction processes and highlighting the main applications of these bone organoid models. The application of bone organoids in different skeletal diseases is highlighted, and current and promising bone organoids for drug screening and regenerative medicine as well as the latest technological advancements in bone organoids are discussed, while the future development of bone organoids is discussed. Looking forward, it will provide a reference for constructing bone organoids with more complete structures and functions and applying them to biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological particles, as a fraction of organic particles, potentially play a crucial role in ice nucleation processes. However, the contributions and relationships of biological components and organic matter (OM) to atmospheric ice nucleation remain largely unexplored. Here, total ice nucleating particles (INPs), heat‐resistant INPs, lysozyme‐resistant INPs, nanoscale INPs (<0.22 μm), and heat‐resistant nanoscale INPs in precipitation collected at the summit of Mt. Lu, China, were determined using droplet freezing assays coupled with corresponding pretreatments. Heat‐sensitive INPs and lysozyme‐sensitive INPs were considered as biological INPs and bacterial INPs, respectively. Microorganisms and OM molecules in precipitation were identified by high‐throughput sequencing technology and ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry, respectively. Results revealed a predominant biological (heat‐sensitive) composition (78.8% and 93.2%) of total and nanoscale INPs at temperatures above −15°C. Specifically, bacterial (lysozyme‐sensitive) INPs accounted for 36.1% of the biological INPs at temperatures above −15°C. A notable correlation between sulfur‐containing organic compounds, mainly proteinaceous and lignin‐like substances, and INPs was uncovered, with a co‐occurrence network linking these compounds to Gram‐positive bacteria and Agaricomycetes. This study underscored the possible significance of sulfur‐containing organic compounds in the ice nucleation capacity of biological INPs, further shedding light on the ice nucleation mechanisms and potential sources of biological INPs. Plain Language Summary: Ice nucleating particles (INPs) are particles that facilitate the freezing of water at temperatures above the homogenous freezing point, impacting cloud formation and precipitation processes in the atmosphere. This study identified different types of INPs, microbes, and organic matter in precipitation sampled from Mt. Lu in southeastern China and investigated the connections among them. The findings suggested that a significant portion of INPs were of biological origin. Sulfur‐containing organic compounds likely played an important role in ice nucleation, which may originate from certain microbial taxa. This study helps us understand the role of microbes and organic molecules in ice formation, which has broader implications in areas such as preserving biological materials at low temperatures or facilitating artificial snow production. Key Points: Biological materials predominated among the ice nucleating particles (INPs) identified in precipitationSulfur‐containing organic compounds, associated with specific microbial taxa, likely acted as efficient INPs in precipitationThis study provides a preliminary understanding of the connections among INPs, organic matter, and microorganisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastic is an emerging candidate for replacing traditional fossil‐based plastics due to its fewer carbon emissions, ease of recycling, and high degradability. Current research has shown that bioplastics benefit many applications, such as packaging, kitchenware, drug delivery, and sensors. However, high electrical resistance and poor stability of bioplastic are barriers to electronic components in robotic, bionic, and exoskeleton applications. Here, we introduce a novel bioplastic application as a strain sensor to estimate elbow angles for controlling exoskeletons. This study utilized extracted agar from red algae as the matrix, incorporating various concentrations of carbon nanotube (CNT) as a filler. The results were remarkable, with the increase in filler concentration not only improving strain from 0.8 to 1.1 but also stress from 35.2 to 45.8 kPa, surpassing commercial plastic by approximately two times. The optimized sensors have a response time of 0.16 s, a recovery time of 0.25 s, and stability over 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the CNT‐bioplastic sensor is seamlessly integrated with the exoskeleton. Our work is a significant step toward using bioplastic in electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen derived from freshwater fish scales is a potential material for hemostatic and wound healing. 3D printing method is an environmentally friendly technique to geometrically‐controlled samples and is widely applied to prepare collagen‐based materials. This work aims to compare the advantages of preparation methods for hemostatic materials based on collagen, in which, the traditional method, solution will be compared with the modern method, 3D printing. Collagen in gel form was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and was first time modified with ginsenoside Rb1 and Camellia chrysantha polyphenols. The characteristics of biomaterial samples, including functional groups, morphology, and element composition of samples have been assessed using infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray, field emission scanning electron microscopy. The swelling degree and hemostatic ability of biomaterial samples prepared according to two methods would be tested. The antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory tests, and in vivo test on mice were carried out on these biomaterials. The findings confirmed that the 3D printing method with direct ink writing technique is more suitable for the preparation of hemostatic collagen‐based membrane than the solution method. The time to hemostasis when using collagen‐based membrane was found to be 104.0 ± 16.7 s. Moreover, the collagen‐based biomaterials also have anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activity. This opens potential applications of the biomaterials from fish scale collagen in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles containing bioactive molecules including proteins, nucleic acids and lipids that mediate intercellular and interorgan communications, holding promise as potential therapeutics for multiple diseases. Adipose tissue (AT) serves as a dynamically distributed energy storage organ throughout the body, whose accumulation leads to obesity, a condition characterized by infiltration with abundant immune cells. Emerging evidence has illustrated that EVs secreted by AT are the novel class of adipokines that regulate the homeostasis between AT and peripheral organs. However, most of the studies focused on the investigations of EVs derived from adipocytes or adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), the summarization of functions in cellular and inter-organ crosstalk of EVs directly derived from adipose tissue (AT-EVs) are still limited. Here, we provide a systemic summary on the key components and functions of EVs derived from healthy adipose tissue, showing their significance on the tissue recovery and metabolic homeostasis regulation. Also, we discuss the harmful influences of EVs derived from obese adipose tissue on the distal organs. Furthermore, we elucidate the potential applications and constraints of EVs from healthy patients lipoaspirates as therapeutic agents, highlighting the potential of AT-EVs as a valuable biological material with broad prospects for future clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, researchers have shown increasing interest in incorporating bioactive substances with therapeutic properties into fiber‐structured mat biomaterials, which are favored as tissue scaffolds for wound healing applications. In this study, curcumin (Cur)‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) composite mats were produced using the electrospinning method and followed by the freeze‐drying method. Scanning electron microscope images proved the homogeneous structure of the composite mats, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the Cur‐loaded composite mats were successfully produced. The antibacterial activity of Cur‐loaded PVA/CS composite mats was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the results showed that the antibacterial activity of the composite mats increased with the addition of Cur. Furthermore, the antioxidant test, release kinetics tests, and in vitro biocompatibility studies such as cytotoxicity, staining, and scratch assay of Cur‐loaded PVA/CS composite mats were carried out. The results showed that adding Cur enhanced the bioactivity of PVA10/CS10 composite mats. Further, the biocompatibility findings indicated that 10Cur‐PVA10/CS10 exhibited the highest viability value throughout all incubation periods compared with the other samples. Moreover, the highest rate of scratch closure on the 10Cur‐PVA/10/CS10 composite mats was observed at the end of 24 h compared with the other composite mats. These findings indicate that the Cur‐loaded PVA10/CS10 composite mats significantly positively impact cell migration and wound healing, making them a promising candidate as transdermal composite mats for tissue engineering and wound care applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is currently one of the most used techniques for obtaining various types of nanofibers. In the era of sustainable development, it is essential to utilize environmentally friendly raw materials and solvents. This review summarizes the current state of the art in biopolymer electrospinning using deep eutectic solvents. To date, there have not been too many studies on the simultaneous application of these mixtures and biopolymers in the electrospinning process. Nevertheless, the use of natural origin raw materials and the replacement of conventional organic solvents with deep eutectic solvents appear promising in this technique due to many attractive properties of both the mixtures and biopolymers. This article aims to inspire scientists to further research in this direction, related to the development of electrospinning techniques aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers with ammonium or phosphonium salts have been known to possess antimicrobial activity. Herein, synthesis of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride‐co‐acrylonitrile) (P(VBC‐co‐AN)) is reported via a free radical polymerization by employing AIBN as initiator. The copolymer was then quaternized using triethylamine, triphenylphosphine, and tributylphosphine. The triphenylphosphonium salt was selected for further modification, on which the polyacrylonitrile chains were reacted with two different amines: tris (2‐aminoethylamine) and diethylenetriamine. The copolymerization, quaternization, and amination reactions were confirmed by spectroscopic and morphologic analysis besides the thermal features. The water uptake of modified polymers was investigated, where tributylphosphonium salt (KH4) showed the highest water uptake capacity (41 g/g). The antimicrobial assay findings demonstrated that all the evaluated copolymers displayed a wide range of antimicrobial activity against different multidrug resistant human pathogens, for example polymer coded KH4 containing tributylphosphonium salt showed the highest growth inhibition rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis populations, recorded 87% and 72%; respectively. The anti‐inflammatory activity revealed that all the quaternized copolymers have a protection effect of human erythrocyte membrane against lysis. Antioxidant results revealed that all quaternized copolymers displayed 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities. Among the studied copolymers, aminated copolymer coded (KH6) exhibited the highest scavenging activity, with IC50 ~ 120 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant advances have been made in materials for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, bioimaging, cancer treatment, etc. In the past few decades, nanostructure-mediated therapeutic strategies have been developed to improve drug delivery, targeted therapy, and diagnosis, maximizing therapeutic effectiveness while reducing systemic toxicity and side effects by exploiting the complicated interactions between the materials and the cell and tissue microenvironments. This review briefly introduces the differences between the cells and tissues of tumour or normal cells. We summarize recent advances in tumour microenvironment-mediated therapeutic strategies using nanostructured materials. We then comprehensively discuss strategies for fabricating nanostructures with cancer cell-specific cytotoxicity by precisely controlling their composition, particle size, shape, structure, surface functionalization, and external energy stimulation. Finally, we present perspectives on the challenges and future opportunities of nanotechnology-based toxicity strategies in tumour therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalo is presented as a series of multimodal vision large language models (V‐LLMs) designed for materials science applications, integrating visual and linguistic data for enhanced understanding. A key innovation of Cephalo is its advanced dataset generation method. Cephalo is trained on integrated image and text data from thousands of scientific papers and science‐focused Wikipedia data demonstrates it can interpret complex visual scenes, generate precise language descriptions, and answer queries about images effectively. The combination of a vision encoder with an autoregressive transformer supports multimodal natural language understanding, which can be coupled with other generative methods to create an image‐to‐text‐to‐3D pipeline. To develop more capable models from smaller ones, both mixture‐of‐expert methods and model merging are reported. The models are examined in diverse use cases that incorporate biological materials, fracture and engineering analysis, protein biophysics, and bio‐inspired design based on insect behavior. Generative applications include bio‐inspired designs, including pollen‐inspired architected materials, as well as the synthesis of bio‐inspired material microstructures from a photograph of a solar eclipse. Additional model fine‐tuning with a series of molecular dynamics results demonstrate Cephalo's enhanced capabilities to accurately predict statistical features of stress and atomic energy distributions, as well as crack dynamics and damage in materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using lichen extracts offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Known for their medicinal properties, lichens can effectively reduce and stabilise metallic salts, providing an eco-friendly approach to producing nanomaterials with potential antimicrobial applications. In this study, the lichen Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca was utilised in the green synthesis of nanoparticles, successfully creating lichen-derived silver-zinc oxide (Ag–ZnO), silver-strontium oxide (Ag–SrO), and silver-nickel oxide (Ag–NiO) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed that the characteristic light absorption of the NCs occurred within the range of 300–400 nm for each synthesis, and dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles were below 100 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the constituent elements. Imaging with field-emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles had spherical shapes with dimensions measuring below 50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesised nanocomposite materials revealed the presence of Ag–ZnO (22 nm), Ag–SrO (48 nm), and Ag–NiO (21 nm) nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups in the nanoparticles, confirming their compositions, while thermogravimetric analysis determined the thermal decomposition temperatures of the NCs. The antibacterial efficacy of these materials was assessed, with Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 11.0 mm) and Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 10.0 mm) showing significant effectiveness against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, Ag–SrO (inhibition zone 6.5 mm) exhibited comparatively lower antibacterial activity. Additionally, the study highlighted the antifungal properties of Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 19.0 mm) and Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 8.5 mm) nanomaterials. This research advances the understanding of lichen-based nanotechnology and its potential for developing sustainable antimicrobial solutions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher olefins (HO) are a category of unsaturated hydrocarbons widely used in industry applications to make products essential for daily human life. Establishing safe exposure limits requires a solid data matrix that facilitates understanding of their toxicological profile. This in turn allows for data to be read across to other members of the category, which are structurally similar and have predictable physico-chemical properties. Five independent subchronic oral toxicity studies were conducted in Wistar rats with Oct-1-ene, Nonene, branched, Octadec-1-ene, Octadecene and hydrocarbon C12-30, olefin-rich, ethylene polymn. by product, at doses ranging from 20 to 1000 mg/kg bw. These HO were selected considering gut absorption, carbon chain length, double-bond position and carbon backbone structural variations. Generally, limited and non-adverse toxicity effects were observed at the end of the treatment for short carbon chain HO. For instance, alpha 2u-globulin nephropathy in the male rats and liver hypertrophy. No clear trend in systemic toxicity was linked to the double-bond position. Key factors for hazard assessment include absorption, carbon chain length, and branching, with Nonene, branched, identified as the worst-case substance. Taken together, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of each HO in these subchronic studies was set at the highest dose tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of drug‐resistant bacteria and the limitations of traditional antibacterial methods, photocatalytic inhibition has received widespread attention as a novel antibacterial method. In this paper, poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) composite oxygenated carbon nitride (PBF‐OCN) were prepared by in situ free radical polymerization using 1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and OCN. The results showed that the light absorption ability and electron hole separation rate of PBF‐OCN were greatly improved compared with that of OCN, and the rate constant for photocatalytic removal MB of PBF‐OCN‐1 was about 1.39 times of that OCN. The growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be significantly inhibited by PBF‐OCN under visible light, among which, the inhibition of PBF‐OCN‐3 was the most excellent, with the diameter of the circle of inhibition reaching 20.69 mm for E. coli, and 21.30 mm for S. aureus, and the inhibition rate against E. coli calculated by plate counting method reached 97.0%. The minimum inhibitory concentration for E. coli and S. aureus was 0.0625 mg/mL, respectively, and the possible inhibition mechanism of the samples was explored. The good synergistic antibacterial effect of PBF‐OCN is expected to be applied in water treatment, antibacterial devices, packaging materials, and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates a novel, single‐step, and low‐energy ultrasonic approach to fabricate lightweight, high‐performance flax fiber‐reinforced composites enhanced by nanotitanium dioxide coating and fly ash hollow cenospheres. This innovative approach leads to a remarkable 23% weight reduction compared with conventional composites, making it ideal for the applications demanding both lightweight and superior mechanical properties. Through dynamic mechanical testing, it is found that the composites' viscoelastic behavior, including storage modulus and damping factor, is significantly influenced by both frequency and temperature. By applying time–temperature superposition principles, the composite's dynamic properties are comprehensively characterized across a wider frequency range. A modified fractional calculus Huet–Sayegh model accurately captures the observed viscoelastic behavior. The combined effect of nanotitanium dioxide coating, which strengthens the fiber–matrix interface, and the inclusion of rigid fly ash hollow cenospheres results in significant improvements in both storage modulus (10% increase at room temperature) and peak loss factor (80% increase) compared with uncoated flax fiber‐reinforced composites. The nanocoating and cenospheres' rigid shells contribute to enhanced stiffness, while the cenospheres' hollow structure provides efficient energy dissipation mechanisms, leading to an improved damping performance. This ultrasonic approach offers a promising and sustainable method for synthesizing natural fiber nanocomposites with superior viscoelastic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation Analysis of the omics data with the help of machine learning (ML) methods is limited by small sample sizes and a large number of variables. One possible approach to deal with such data is using algorithms for feature selection and reducing the dataset to include only those variables that are related to the studied phenomena. Existing simulators of the omics data were mostly developed with the goal of improving the methods for generations of high-quality data, that correspond with the highest possible fidelity to the real level of molecular markers in the biological materials. The current study aims to simulate the data on a higher level of generalization. Such datasets can then be used to perform tests of the feature selection and ML algorithms on systems that have structures mimicking those of real data, but where the ground truth may be implanted by design. They can also be used to generate contrast variables with the desired correlation structure for the feature selection. Results We proposed the algorithm for the reconstruction of the omic dataset that, with high fidelity, preserves the correlation structure of the original data with a reduced number of parameters. It is based on the hierarchical clustering of variables and uses principal components of the clusters. It reproduces well topological descriptors of the correlation structure. The correlation structure of the principal components of the clusters then is used to obtain datasets with correlation structures similar to the original data but not correlated with the original variables. Availability and implementation The code and data is available at: https://github.com/p100mma/hcrs_omics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the efficacy of guided bone regeneration (GBR) for the treatment of peri‐implant dehiscence defects using a synthetic bone substitute (SBS) or a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) as a bone substitute.Patients with expected dehiscence defects following implant placement were randomized to use either SBS or DBBM together with a bioabsorbable collagen membrane over dehiscenced implant surfaces aimed for GBR. The changes in the bone defect size were measured before the GBR procedure and 6 months after implant placement at the re‐entry surgery. Secondary outcomes included peri‐implant health outcomes, implant cumulative survival rates, bone level changes, and patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) at prosthesis delivery and 1‐year follow‐up.Of the 49 included patients, 24 were treated with SBS and 25 with DBBM. In the SBS group, the defect height (DH) at implant insertion was 5.1 ± 2.6 mm and was reduced at re‐entry to 1.3 ± 2.0 mm (74.5%). In the DBBM group, the respective changes in DH were 4.1 ± 1.7 mm and 1.5 ± 1.9 mm (63.4%). These differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.216). The complete defect resolution rate was also comparable in both groups without statistical difference (62.5% of patients (15/24) vs. 44% of patients (11/25)). Overall, the marginal bone levels remained stable during the 1‐year follow‐up in both groups.The SBS is noninferior to DBBM for simultaneous GBR to implant placement at implant sites with buccal dehiscences in terms of defect resolution and evaluated secondary outcomes (KCT0008393 − this clinical trial was not registered before participant recruitment and randomization). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional chemotherapy drugs for cervical cancer often cause significant toxic side effects and drug resistance problems, highlighting the urgent need for more innovative and effective treatment strategies. Magnesium alloy is known to be degradable and biocompatible. The release of degradation products Mg2+, OH−, and H2 from magnesium alloy can alter the tumor microenvironment, providing potential anti-tumor properties. We explored the innovative use of magnesium alloy biomaterials in the treatment of cervical cancer, investigating how various concentrations of Mg2+ on the proliferation and cell death of cervical cancer cells. The results revealed that varying concentrations of Mg2+ significantly inhibited cervical cancer by arresting the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis in SiHa cells, effectively reducing tumor cell proliferation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 20 mM Mg2+ group had the smallest tumor volume, exhibiting a potent inhibitory effect on the biological characteristics of cervical cancer. This enhances the therapeutic potential of this biomaterial as a local anti-tumor therapy and lays a theoretical foundation for the potential application of magnesium in the treatment of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion To accommodate a wider range of medical device sizes, a larger in vitro flow loop thrombogenicity test system using 9.5 ‐mm inner diameter (ID) tubing was developed and evaluated based on our previously established 6.4 ‐mm ID tubing system.Four cardiopulmonary bypass roller pumps were used concurrently to drive four flow loops during testing. To ensure that each pump produced a consistent thrombogenic response for the same material under the same test conditions, a novel dynamic roller occlusion setting method was applied. Five materials with varying thrombogenic potentials were tested: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, 3D‐printed nylon, latex, and nitrile rubber (BUNA). Day‐old bovine blood was heparinized to a donor‐specific concentration and recirculated through the flow loops containing test materials at 20 rpm for 1 h at room temperature. Material thrombogenicity was characterized by measuring the thrombus surface coverage, thrombus weight, and platelet (PLT) count reduction.The larger tubing system can differentiate thrombogenic materials (latex, BUNA) from the thromboresistant PTFE material. Additionally, silicone and the 3D‐printed nylon exhibited an intermediate thrombogenic response with significantly less thrombus surface coverage and PLT count reduction than latex and BUNA but more thrombus surface coverage than PTFE (p < 0.05).The 9.5 ‐mm ID test system can effectively differentiate materials of varying thrombogenic potentials when appropriate pump occlusion settings and donor‐specific anticoagulation are used. This system is being assessed in an interlaboratory study to develop standardized best practices for performing in vitro dynamic thrombogenicity testing of medical devices and materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major portion of spinal cord injury (SCI) cases occur in the cervical region, where essential components of the respiratory neural circuitry are located. Phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs) housed at cervical spinal cord level C3–C5 directly innervate the diaphragm, and SCI-induced damage to these cells severely impairs respiratory function. In this study, we tested a biomaterial-based approach aimed at preserving this critical phrenic motor circuitry after cervical SCI by locally delivering hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF is a potent mitogen that promotes survival, proliferation, migration, repair, and regeneration of a number of different cell and tissue types in response to injury. We developed a hydrogel-based HGF delivery system that can be injected into the intrathecal space for local delivery of high levels of HGF without damaging the spinal cord. Implantation of HGF hydrogel after unilateral C5 contusion-type SCI in rats preserved diaphragm function, as assessed by in vivo recordings of both compound muscle action potentials and inspiratory electromyography amplitudes. HGF hydrogel also preserved PhMN innervation of the diaphragm, as assessed by both retrograde PhMN tracing and detailed neuromuscular junction morphological analysis. Furthermore, HGF hydrogel significantly decreased lesion size and degeneration of cervical motor neuron cell bodies, as well as reduced levels surrounding the injury site of scar-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan molecules that limit axon growth capacity. Our findings demonstrate that local biomaterial-based delivery of HGF hydrogel to injured cervical spinal cord is an effective strategy for preserving respiratory circuitry and diaphragm function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandibular reconstruction for large bone defects is performed with consideration of patients' specific morphology and sufficient strength. Metal additive manufacturing techniques have been used to develop biomaterials for mandibular reconstruction. Titanium artificial mandibles with a lattice structure have been proposed, and the optimal conditions for their strength to withstand mechanical stress around the mandible have been reported. This study investigated the biocompatibility of a titanium artificial bone with a lattice structure fabricated under optimal conditions. The samples were fabricated using metal additive manufacturing. Body diagonals with nodes (BDN) were selected as suitable lattice structures. Dode medium (DM) was selected for comparison. The samples were implanted into rabbit tibial defects and resected with the surrounding bone at two and four weeks. Specimens were evaluated radiographically, histologically, and histomorphometrically. Radiopacity in each lattice structure was observed at two and four weeks. Histological evaluation showed trabecular bone-like tissue inside the BDN compared to the DM at four weeks. No significant differences were noted in the bone volume inside the structures. This study demonstrated the in vivo compatibility of artificial metallic bones with a BDN structure under mechanical stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows the creation of customized designs for various medical devices, such as implants, casts, and splints. Amongst other AM technologies, fused filament fabrication (FFF) facilitates the production of intricate geometries that are often unattainable through conventional methods like subtractive manufacturing. This study aimed to develop a methodology for substituting a pathological talus bone with a personalized one created using additive manufacturing. The process involved generating a numerical parametric solid model of the specific anatomical region using computed tomography (CT) scans of the corresponding healthy organ from the patient. The healthy talus served as a mirrored template to replace the defective one. Structural simulation of the model through finite element analysis (FEA) helped compare and select different materials to identify the most suitable one for the replacement bone. The implant was then produced using FFF technology. The developed procedure yielded commendable results. The models maintained high geometric accuracy, while significantly reducing the computational time. PEEK emerged as the optimal material for bone replacement among the considered options and several specimens of talus were successfully printed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a growing demand for biomaterials has been observed, particularly for applications in bone regenerative medicine. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to develop innovative materials and strategies for repairing and regenerating bone defects and injuries. Polysaccharides, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability as well as bioactivity, have emerged as promising candidates for scaffolds or composite systems in BTE. Polymers combined with bioactive ceramics can support osteointegration. Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics can be a broad choice as an inorganic phase that stimulates the formation of new apatite layers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of composite systems based on selected polysaccharides used in bone tissue engineering, highlighting their synthesis, properties and applications. Moreover, the applicability of the produced biocomposites has been analyzed, as well as new trends in modifying biomaterials and endowing them with new functionalizations. The effects of these composites on the mechanical properties, biocompatibility and osteoconductivity were critically analyzed. This article summarizes the latest manufacturing methods as well as new developments in polysaccharide-based biomaterials for bone and cartilage regeneration applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to heightened environmental awareness, various industries, including the civil and automotive sector, are contemplating a shift towards the utilization of more sustainable materials. For adhesive bonding, this necessitates the exploration of materials derived from renewable sources, commonly denoted as bio-adhesives. This study focuses on a bio-adhesive L-joint, which is a commonly employed configuration in the automotive sector for creating bonded structural components with significant bending stiffness. In this investigation, the behavior of joints composed of pine wood and bio-based adhesives was studied. Two distinct configurations were studied, differing solely in the fiber orientation of the wood. The research combined experimental testing and finite element modeling to analyze the strength of the joints and determine their failure mode when subjected to tensile loading conditions. The findings indicate that the configuration of the joint plays a crucial role in its overall performance, with one of the solutions demonstrating higher strength. Additionally, a good degree of agreement was observed between the experimental and numerical analyses for one of the configurations, while the consideration of the maximum principal stress failure predictor (MPSFP) proved to accurately predict the location for crack propagation in both configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) biocomposites has been extensively studied for bone repair applications due to the synergistic properties of the involved materials. In this study, we aimed to develop HAp/PEEK biocomposites using high-energy ball milling, with HAp concentrations (20%, 40%, and 60% w/v) in PEEK, to evaluate their physicochemical, mechanical, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties for potential applications in Tissue Engineering (TE). The biocomposites were characterized by structure, morphology, apparent porosity, diametral compression strength, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity. The study results demonstrated that the HAp/PEEK biocomposites were successfully synthesized. The C2 biocomposite, containing 40% HAp, stood out due to the optimal distribution of HAp particles in the PEEK matrix, resulting in higher compression strength (246 MPa) and a homogeneous microstructure. It exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, with no cytotoxicity observed. These properties make the C2 biocomposite promising for regenerative medicine applications, combining mechanical strength, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The high porosity of tissue engineering scaffolds is advantageous as they provide a high degree of infiltration of nutrients, enable cell penetration, and support vascularisation. However, the mechanical strength is also critical for providing structural support to the defect site throughout the regeneration process. In this study, we aimed to establish a relationship between internal phase volume and emulsion-templated scaffolds' physical, morphological and mechanical characteristics. Methods: In this work, tetra methacrylate functionalised polycaprolactone (4PCLMA) polymers were synthesised via ring-opening polymerisation followed by methacrylation. 4PCLMA-based emulsion templated matrices with 60%, 75% and 82% internal phase volumes were fabricated (P60, P75, and P82). These scaffolds' densities, porosities, average pore and window sizes, degree of interconnectivity values, and mechanical properties were investigated. Results: Increasing internal phase volume reduced the density of the foams by almost two-fold. No direct correlation was observed between average pore size and internal phase volume. Both the average window sizes and the degree of interconnectivity values increase with increasing internal phase volume. Compression modulus values are calculated as 0.46±0.04 MPa, 0.23±0.02 MPa and 0.14±0.01 MPa for P60, P75, and P82, respectively. Increasing internal phase volume from 60% to 82% caused a more than 2-fold reduction in the stiffness of the emulsion-templated matrices. Conclusions: Accordingly, by reporting on this experimental framework, we established a relationship between internal phase volume and the physical, morphological and mechanical characteristics of 4PCMA-based scaffolds to precisely engineer these characteristics for specific tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The restrictions on face-to-face care for exposure to biological material during the COVID-19 pandemic required alternatives to maintain outpatient assistance. This study evaluated the impact of telemedicine on care and outcome indicators of a reference service for exposure to biological material during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This pre- and post-study compared the effectiveness of telemedicine in the Hospital Correia Picanço in Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil) before (August 2018 to January 2019 [P1]) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (August 2020 to January 2021 [P2]). Individuals above 18 years old exposed to biological material who sought the service during P1 or P2 were included in the study. Results: A total of 4,494 cases were assessed (1,997 in P1 and 2,497 in P2), mostly because of sexual exposure (62.3%). The mean age was 32.2 ± 9.2 years, most individuals were male (64.9%), originated from Recife (56.6%), and the education level was up to 12 years (53.7%). P2 presented 43% more attendances and shorter intervals between the exposure and first attendance (51%), first testing (28%), and discharge (10%) than P1 (p < 0.05), and cases had no difference in discharge rate (p = 0.339). Cases of sexual exposure had the highest dropout rate in both periods. Conclusion: Telemedicine maintained similar outcomes to face-to-face care and improved the indicators, increasing the mean monthly attendance and reducing the time between exposure and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles are among the most widely researched and used for nanotechnology-derived structures due to their extraordinary inherent optical properties, chemical stability, catalytic activity, and high conductivity. These idiosyncratic properties can be attributed to their unique physico-chemical characteristics, such as ultrafine sizes, high surface area, diverse shapes, and strong localized surface plasmon resonance. These distinctive features can be tailored using various physical, chemical, and biological synthesis methods. Various physical techniques are viable for producing silver nanoparticles on a large scale, but they suffer from drawbacks such as high-power consumption, expensive set-up, and limited control over nanoparticle size distribution. Chemical methods provide benefits like high yield, consistent shape and size distribution, and cost efficiency, but the residual toxicity of the chemicals involved hinders their biological applications. Biological synthesis approaches effectively overcome the limitations of both physical and chemical methods by eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals, requiring less energy, enabling diverse nanoparticle morphologies, and offering eco-friendliness and exceptional biocompatibility. The novel and promising properties of nanosilver-based biomaterials have been demonstrated to be suitable for a wide range of pharmacological and therapeutic biomedical applications. Their extensive application in wound healing, dentistry, cardiovascular disease treatment, nerve tissue engineering, cancer treatment, and biosensing can be attributed to their inherent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, antithrombotic properties, potential for nerve regeneration, photothermal conversion efficiency and sensitivity, respectively. This review discusses the different methods employed for synthesising silver nanoparticles and focuses on using nanosilverbased biomaterials for various biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several abdominal-located cancers develop metastasis within the peritoneum, what is called peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), constituting a clinical challenge in their therapeutical management, often leading to poor prognoses. Current multidisciplinary strategies, including cytoreductive surgery (CRS), hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC), demonstrate efficacy but have limitations. In response, alternative strategies are explored in the drug delivery field for intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Controlled drug delivery offers a promising avenue, maintaining localized drug concentrations for optimal PC management. Drug delivery systems (DDS), including hydrogels, implants, nanoparticles, and hybrid systems, show potential for sustained and region-specific drug release. The present review aims to offer an overview of the advances and current designs of DDS for PC chemotherapy administration, focusing on their composition, main characteristics, and principal experimental outcomes, highlighting the importance of biomaterial rationale design and in vitro/vivo models for their testing. Moreover, since clinical data for human subjects are scarce, we offer a critical discussion of the gap between bench and bedside in DDS translation, emphasizing the need for further research. [Display omitted] • Emphasis on the chemical and structural properties of drug delivery systems (DDS) for intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPEC). • Analysis of key findings and clinical potential from testing DDS formulations on in vitro and in vivo cancer models. • Overview of the patent landscape and clinical trials, identifying development constraints to bridge the translational gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI, a novel hybrid bio-composite scaffold with potential application in dental tissue engineering, was prepared by freeze drying technique. The scaffold was characterized using FT-IR and SEM methods. The effects of PANI on the physicochemical properties of the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS scaffold were investigated, including changes in swelling ratio, mechanical behavior, density, porosity, biodegradation, and biomineralization. Compared to the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS scaffold, adding PANI decreased the pore size, porosity, swelling ratio, and biodegradation, while increasing the mechanical strength and biomineralization. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and adhesion of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) on the scaffolds were investigated by MTT assay and SEM. The Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI scaffold promoted hDPSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation compared to the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS scaffold. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, and qRT-PCR results revealed that Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI triggered osteoblast/odontoblast differentiation in hDPSCs through the up-regulation of osteogenic marker genes BGLAP, RUNX2, and SPARC. The significance of this study lies in developing a novel scaffold that synergistically combines the beneficial properties of Fe-Ca-SAPO-34, chitosan, and PANI to create an optimized microenvironment for dental tissue regeneration. These findings highlight the potential of the Fe-Ca-SAPO-34/CS/PANI scaffold as a promising biomaterial for dental tissue engineering applications, paving the way for future research and clinical translation in regenerative dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with a rate-type theory of thermoviscoelasticity in which the second gradient of the displacement and the second temperature gradient are added to the classical set of independent constitutive variables. Viscoelasticity and related phenomena are of great importance in the study of biological materials. An adequate modeling of rubber-like materials and of biological soft tissues requires the use of the theory of viscoelasticity. Introduction of the concept of thermal displacement and the theory of multipolar continua allows us to show that Green-Naghdi thermomechanics can be used to derive a second gradient theory. The basic equations of the theory are established and the boundary conditions associated to nonsimple materials are investigated. The stress tensor and hyperstress tensor are shown to depend on the first and second temperature gradients. For rigid heat conductors we find that the temperature satisfies a fourth order equation. The boundary-initial-value problems are formulated. A uniqueness result in the dynamic theory of thermoviscoelastic materials is presented. We establish an existence result and prove the analyticity of the solutions. As a consequence, the exponential decay of the solutions and their impossibility of localization are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report on the Pithecellobium dulce tree is provided in this review. The main characteristics of the tree, its chemical composition, traditional applications and future application in the bioenergy area are addressed. Pithecellobium dulce is a leguminous tree characterized by being fast growing, nitrogen fixing and largely available. In addition, it is distinguished by growing in different types of soils from acid to alkaline and with little water. This review could serve as a scientific basis to promote and carry out new research work focused on individual and comprehensive use for various bioenergetic processes, from the different parts that make up the P. dulce tree such as its leaves, pods, branches, flowers, fruit and seeds. Among the bioenergetic processes that could be developed are the production of bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, heterogeneous catalysts, biochar, activated carbon and nanoparticles, among other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aims at providing a novel approach to producing high-performance antioxidant material. Indeed, quercetin molecules incorporated into collagen/chitosan/SiO2 composite through direct interactions have been reported for the first time. Such internal linking has been found as the primary reason for improving the stability of the entire system and enhancing the permanent existence of strongly active biomaterials. Consequently, in vitro antioxidant tests revealed that the obtained materials (denoted as CS/Col/SiO2/Q) provide outstanding antioxidant activity. Thus the CS/Col/SiO2/Q sample exhibits cytotoxicity to HepG2, MKN7, and MCF-7 cancer cells. These results demonstrate that the obtained composite turns out to be very promising as a bioactive material for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA), affecting around 240 million people globally is a major threat. Currently, available drugs only treat the symptoms of OA; they cannot reverse the disease's progression. The delivery of drugs to afflicted joints is challenging because of poor vasculature of articular cartilage results in their less bioavailability and quick elimination from the joints. Recently approved drugs such as KGN and IL-1 receptor antagonists also encounter challenges because of inadequate formulations. Therefore, microspheres could be a potential player for the intervention of OA owing to its excellent physicochemical properties. This review primarily focuses on microspheres of distinct biomaterials acting as cargo for drugs and biologicals via different delivery routes in the effective management of OA. Microspheres can improve the efficacy of therapeutics by targeting strategies at specific body locations. This review also highlights clinical trials conducted in the last few decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the goals of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is restoring primary living tissue function by manufacturing a 3D microenvironment. One of the main challenges is protecting implanted non-autologous cells or tissues from the host immune system. Cell encapsulation has emerged as a promising technique for this purpose. It involves entrapping cells in biocompatible and semi-permeable microcarriers made from natural or synthetic polymers that regulate the release of cellular secretions. In recent years, droplet-based microfluidic systems have emerged as powerful tools for cell encapsulation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These systems offer precise control over droplet size, composition, and functionality, allowing for creating of microenvironments that closely mimic native tissue. Droplet-based microfluidic systems have extensive applications in biotechnology, medical diagnosis, and drug discovery. This review summarises the recent developments in droplet-based microfluidic systems and cell encapsulation techniques, as well as their applications, advantages, and challenges in biology and medicine. The integration of these technologies has the potential to revolutionise tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by providing a precise and controlled microenvironment for cell growth and differentiation. By overcoming the immune system's challenges and enabling the release of cellular secretions, these technologies hold great promise for the future of regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials (NMs) have become one of the most attractive new materials because of their excellent performance and application in the fields of chemistry, agriculture and medicine. However, high prices and potential pollution also limit widespread application of NMs. To prepare cheaper and widely applicable NMs, biological materials, especially plant materials, are being tested for their feasibility as the host of carbon NMs (CNMs) or the carrier of metal NMs (MNMs). This review analyzes the performance and practical applications of current plant-based NMs (PB-NMs) by meta-analysis. The results show that the particle size of PB-NMs is significantly smaller than traditional NMs. Plants improve the production, and hence potential application of NMs, resulting in not only economic advantages but also environmental suitability. At the same time, CNMs below 20 nm have significant protection and promotory effects on plants compared with larger size NMs (above 20 nm) NMs also show contrasting effects on different parts and growth stages of plants. Based on these results, plants can be used as raw materials to produce efficient, environmentally friendly and low toxicity NMs. The applicability of new nanomaterials, including their environmental effects, physicochemical properties and economic advantages, can also be preliminarily confirmed through meta-analysis. Abstract Figure Difference between PB-NMs and non PB-NMs in properties and phytotoxicity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural processes, from cosmochemistry to human homeostasis, can be traced by means of the mass-dependent fractionation of K isotopes because the 39K/41K ratio is characterized by a wide range of variations (ca. 3‰). The measurement of the 39K/41K ratio is traditionally achieved by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (MC-ICPMS), but is significantly impeded by large isobaric argide interferences on K isotopes. A new generation of MC-ICPMS equipped with a collision/reaction cell allows the quantitative elimination of argide interferences using H2 as a reaction gas. We report on a set of high-precision K isotopic data obtained with the recently released ThermoScientific Neoma MC-ICPMS/MS equipped with a prefiltering system consisting of a double-Wien filter and a collision/reaction cell. In the low-resolution mode, the mass resolving power is ca. 2200, resulting in a K sensitivity of ca. 1000 V ppm-1 for 39K in dry mode with an Apex Omega desolvator. This large mass revolving power allows the observation of yet undetected interferences on the high-mass shoulders of 39K and 41K. The interference is ca. 25 mV on 39K and 1 mV on 41K in the low-resolution mode, similar in K and blank HNO3 (0.05 M) solutions, increases when N2 is added in the desolvator and decreases when He is added as a collision gas. The presence of these interferences, which contribute modestly < 0.02% of the K signal, is probably the result of the formation of complex organic compounds in the collision/reaction cell. However, blank subtraction is a critical step to achieve steady and accurate analysis of the 39K/41K ratio. The overall stability of the analysis of the 39K/41K ratio is greatly improved by using a continuous-flow microFAST Isotope autosampler. A survey on the potential effects of sample-standard mismatches reveals significant offsets for matrix elements (Ca, Mg and Na), no offset for acid molarity. Regarding the effect of sample-standard concentration mismatch, we show that the amplitude of the offset is session-dependent, such that no general correction could be applied. We use the autosampler adjustable injection flow rate to correct for a concentration mismatch up to ± 30% to recover expected K isotope composition within the ± 0.05‰ uncertainty. In these conditions, short-term external precision and long-term reproducibility are 0.07‰ (2SD, n = 500) and 0.08‰ (2SD, n = 66), respectively. For validation of the overall method, we finally purified K using a single step chemical separation by ion exchange chromatography, and measured the K isotope composition of geological and biological reference materials, for which we found values similar to the literature. Our study shows that the Neoma MC-ICPMS/MS with continuous flow injection is a robust instrumentation that will contribute to expediting high-precision K isotopic measurements for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Brain disorders represent an ever-increasing health challenge worldwide. While conventional drug therapies are less effective due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, infusion-based methods of drug delivery to the brain represent a promising option. Since these methods are mechanically controlled and involve multiple physical phases ranging from the neural and molecular scales to the brain scale, highly efficient and precise delivery procedures can significantly benefit from a comprehensive understanding of drug-brain and device-brain interactions. Behind these interactions are principles of biophysics and biomechanics that can be described and captured using mathematical models. Although biomechanics and biophysics have received considerable attention, a comprehensive mechanistic model for modeling infusion-based drug delivery in the brain has yet to be developed. Therefore, this article reviews the state-of-the-art mechanistic studies that can support the development of next-generation models for infusion-based brain drug delivery from the perspective of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and mathematical modeling. The supporting techniques and database are also summarized to provide further insights. Finally, the challenges are highlighted and perspectives on future research directions are provided. Despite the immense potential of infusion-based drug delivery methods for bypassing the blood-brain barrier and efficiently delivering drugs to the brain, achieving optimal drug distribution remains a significant challenge. This is primarily due to our limited understanding of the complex interactions between drugs and the brain that are governed by principles of biophysics and biomechanics, and can be described using mathematical models. This article provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art mechanistic studies that can help to unravel the mechanism of drug transport in the brain across the scales, which underpins the development of next-generation models for infusion-based brain drug delivery. More broadly, this review will serve as a starting point for developing more effective treatments for brain diseases and mechanistic models that can be used to study other soft tissue and biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alveolar bone augmentation is a complex process influenced by a multitude of factors. The materials applied in augmentation procedures must be confirmed as non-toxic, and their physicochemical properties should allow proper bone reconstruction. The specifics of oral surgical procedures require the use of regenerative biomaterials with antimicrobial properties. This study focuses on the physicochemical characteristics of chosen nanosized biomaterials, as well as their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties. Methods: nanosized hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite (abbreviated as nHAp and nFAp) pellets were manufactured using a microwave hydrothermal synthesis method. The impact on Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains activity and adherence to apatites was tested. Cytotoxic evaluation was performed based on the differentiation process of MC3T3 cells. The effectiveness of MC3T3 differentiation was confirmed by Alizarin Red staining. Results: Contact with both biomaterials caused a reduction in the mean microbial count of S. mutans and C. albicans strains, as observed. Studied biomaterials demonstrated enhanced proliferation of MC3T3 cells, with the exception of the 1:1 nFAp concentration. Conclusions: Both biomaterials enhance the proliferation of fibroblasts and limit the activity of specific oral pathogens in vitro. The research clearly demonstrates the advantage of nFAp over nHAp, with a notable reduction in microbial count of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans over time. The lowest microbial count reduction was observed in the case of L. rhamnosus. Further research is required in order to fully understand the specifics of nHAp and nFAp antimicrobial action. However, the results were found to be more favourable for nFAp biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the numerous studies on biocompatibility with nano‐biomaterials, the biological effects of strontium‐substituted HA nanoparticles (nSrHA) need to be better understood. So, we conducted an embryotoxicity test using zebrafish (Danio rerio) according to the OECD 236 guideline, a model that represents a viable alternative that bridges the gap between in vitro and mammalian models. Zebrafish embryos were exposed for 120 h to microspheres containing nSrHA nanoparticles with low and high crystallinity, synthesized at temperatures of 5°C (nSrHA5) and 90°C (nSrHA90). We evaluated lethality, developmental parameters, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The larval behavior was assessed at 168 hpf to determine if the biomaterials affected motor responses and anxiety‐like behavior. The results showed that the survival rate decreased significantly for the nSrHA5 group (low crystalline particles), and an increase in ROS was also observed in this group. However, none of the biomaterials caused morphological changes indicative of toxicity during larval development. Additionally, the behavioral tests did not reveal any alterations in all experimental groups, indicating the absence of neurotoxic effects from exposure to the tested biomaterials. These findings provide valuable insights into the biosafety of modified HA‐based nanostructured biomaterials, making them a promising strategy for bone tissue repair. As the use of hydroxyapatite‐based biomaterials continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure rigorous control over the quality, reliability, and traceability of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation, storing biological material in liquid nitrogen (LN, −196 °C), offers a valuable option for the long-term conservation of non-orthodox seeds and vegetatively propagated species in the sector of agrobiodiversity and wild flora. Although the large-scale cryobanking of germplasm collections has been increasing worldwide, the wide application of cryopreservation protocols in wild flora is hampered by difficulties in vitro propagation and a lack of universal cryopreservation protocols, among others. This study established a systematic approach to developing an in vitro culture and droplet-vitrification cryopreservation procedure for shoot tips of Scrophularia kakudensis. The standard procedure includes a two-step preculture with 10% sucrose for 31 h and with 17.5% sucrose for 16 h, osmoprotection with loading solution C4-35% (17.5% glycerol + 17.5% sucrose, w/v) for 30 min, cryoprotection with A3-80% (33.3% glycerol + 13.3% dimethyl sulfoxide + 13.3% ethylene glycol + 20.1% sucrose, w/v) at 0 °C for 60 min, and cooling and rewarming using aluminum foil strips. After unloading, a three-step regrowth procedure starting with an ammonium-free medium with growth regulators was essential for developing normal plantlets from cryopreserved shoot tips. Liquid overlay on the gelled medium two weeks after inoculation resulted in vigorous growth during subcultures. Moreover, liquid overlay increased LN regeneration by up to 80%, i.e., 23% higher than no liquid overlay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]