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Highlights A novel dental fiber post from glass fiber‐reinforced polybenzoxazine (PBZ) composites was developed in this work. The essential properties, that is, chemical characteristics, thermal and biological properties of the PBZ composites were investigated for various glass fiber loadings (10.5, 23.7, 41.2 and 65.1 vol%). Finite element analysis (FEA) was also utilized to observe mechanical behaviors of the tooth model repaired with PBZ composite posts compared to a natural tooth model. The findings reveal that for the fiber‐reinforced PBZ composites not only their thermal properties were significantly improved, but they also showed enhanced cytocompatibility; we found a coefficient of thermal expansion of 12.8 ppm/°C and cell viability of 91.55 for the 65.1 vol% glass fiber‐reinforced PBZ composite. Moreover, samples reinforced with higher glass fiber loadings effectively resulted in the reduction of stress distribution in dentin observed from FEA suggesting protection againt root fractures. Restoration using the PBZ composite post showed the same stress patterns in the dentin‐composite resin‐post interface of the repaired tooth as in the natural tooth model. The results revealed that the glass fiber‐reinforced PBZ composites possess good thermal properties and mechanical behaviors which renders them suitable candidates for biocompatible dental materials. The glass fiber/polybenzoxazine (GF/PBZ) composites had nontoxic properties as evidenced through cell viability, growth and morphology studies. The thermal expansion of the GF/PBZ composite was similar to that of dentin, promoting adaptation at the dentin‐post interface. Mechanical behaviors evaluated by FEA of tooth model restored with GF/PBZ composite post were similar to those restored with commercial glass fiber post. The biocompatible GF/PBZ composite with good thermal and mechanical properties is a promising new candidate material as dental fiber post. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to apply the break-even point concept to express the dynamics of bone formation and resorption around implants. Methods: Published data on new bone and parent bone densities around implants from one human and three dog studies were selected and used for analysis. The break-even point (BEP) of the bone density (BD) was assessed. The BEP is the point at which, in a graph, the lines representing the formation of new bone and resorption of old bone intersect. BEP is expressed in time (x; days) of occurrence and percentage of bone (y; %) at which the break-even point occurs and illustrates the grade of bone modeling. The sooner the occurrence, the faster the bone formation in relation to the resorption of the old bone. Results: In the marrow and cortical compartments, BEP of bone density occurred after 7.9 days (BD% 24.5%) and >30 days, respectively. Different surfaces presented similar BEP, ranging between 9.7 and 11.2 days (BD% 19.1–22.5%). BEP at implants installed in the human maxilla occurred after 29–30.4 days (BD% 28.3–29.6%). Conclusion: The present study showed that the parameters used to express the break-even point can provide information on the influence of the model used, surface characteristics, and bone quality on bone modeling/remodeling around implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise pollution negatively impacts people’s mental and physiological health. Unfortunately, not only is noise present in hospital environments, but its level frequently exceeds recommended thresholds. The efficacy of passive acoustic absorbers in reducing indoor noise in these scenarios has been well-documented. Conversely, given their inorganic composition and their origin in the petrochemical industry, most of these materials present a risk to human health. Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in research on eco-friendly, low-toxicity, and biocompatible materials. This work outlines a methodology for fabricating recycled acoustic panels from plastic bottles and PET felt composites. This study encompasses three key objectives: (i) a comprehensive biocompatibility assessment of the panels, (ii) an evaluation of their thermal and acoustic properties, and (iii) their applicability in several case studies to evaluate potential acoustic enhancements. Specifically, antifungal resistance tests, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission assessment, and cell viability experiments were conducted successfully. Additionally, experimental procedures were performed to determine the thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of the proposed material, along with its sound absorption coefficients in diffuse field conditions. Finally, the potential benefits of using this biomaterial in healthcare environments to reduce noise and improve acoustic comfort were demonstrated.

Abdominal adhesions are still among the most common postsurgical peritoneal inflammation-related complications. Adhesion-related disorders are still highly costly and prevalent due to advances in surgical techniques, treatment methods, and various drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Poly (D,L -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) Nanofiber + Melatonin on the abdominal adhesion model in rats. For this purpose, PLGA-PEG6000 Nanofiber + Melatonin matrix was fabricated and implanted in an experimental abdominal adhesion model in rats. Our study consisted of an in vitro and an in vivo part. The degradation and release profile of the matrix and Melatonin (Mel) embedded matrix was performed in vitro. In vivo, the procedure was carried out with 18 Wistar male rats. Rats were divided into three groups as follows: Sham, Matrix, and Mel + Matrix, respectively. Consequent to degradation and release profiling in vitro, an experimental adhesion model was created and fabricated pure matrix (2 × 2 cm2), and matrix (2 × 2 cm2, 0.25 mg melatonin/per matrix embedded) was applied to injury area in related groups. Intra-abdominal adhesion scores were determined on post-op 21st day, under general anesthesia. Following, cecum, peritoneal tissue, and adhesive bands were harvested. Macroscopic analysis (severity of adhesion formation), Hematoxlyn&Eosin and Masson's Trichrome staining (for the examination of the levels of infiltration of inflammatory cells, fibrosis, and neovascularization) were performed for the evaluation of the effects of Mel embedded and pure matrix Our results indicated that PLGA-PEG6000 Nanofiber + Melatonin matrix was degraded completely in rats abdominal cavity and significantly reduced adhesion formation compared to other groups macroscopically (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the histopathological analysis indicated that the fabricated matrix reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis, and neovascularization levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vivo solid phase microextraction (in vivo SPME) has been regarded as a promising high-throughput sample preparation technique for bioanalysis fields in recent years due to its simplicity, great sensitivity and low invasiveness. Therefore, as the key driving force of the development of this technique, many important advances have been also made in biocompatible coating materials. In view of this, this review here focused on various types of materials that are currently popular as in vivo SPME coating for both the targeted and untargeted analysis in living system. The main performance of each exemplary material and its current application as an in vivo SPME extraction phase were summarized in detail. As was shown, the development and the improvement of coating materials make in vivo SPME display a great potential for the targeted and untargeted screening of small molecules in living organisms. Finally, it was emphasized that the implementation of in vivo SPME in the fields of bioanalysis should be more concerned as long as suitable coating materials are available.

In this study, a novel nanohybrid composite was fabricated via the incorporation of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles into the integrated surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and black cumin seeds (BC). The nanohybrid composite was prepared by a simple co-precipitation method and characterized by several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The characterization analysis revealed that the rGO-BC surface was decorated with the MnFe2O4. The strong chemical interaction (via electrostatic and H-bonding) between the integrated surface of rGO-BC and MnFe2O4 nanoparticles has been reported. The prepared composite was highly porous with a heterogeneous surface. The average size of the prepared composite was reported in the ranges of 2.6–7.0 nm. The specific surface area of the prepared composite was calculated to be 50.3 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.061 cc/g and a half pore width of 8.4 Å. As well, many functional sites on the nanohybrid composite surface were also found. This results in the excellent adsorption properties of nanohybrid composite and the effectual elimination of methylene blue dye from water. The nanohybrid was tested for various linear isotherms, such as Langmuir and Freundlich, for the adsorption of methylene blue dye. The Freundlich isotherm was the well-fitted model, proving the adsorption is multilayer. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of nanohybrid composite for methylene blue was reported to be 74.627 mg/g at 27 °C. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order recommended surface interaction between the dye and nanohybrid composite. The interaction between methylene blue and the nanohybrid composite was also confirmed from the FTIR spectrum of the methylene blue-loaded adsorbent. The rate-determining step for the present study was intraparticle diffusion. Temperature-dependent studies of methylene blue adsorption were also carried out to estimate adsorption's free energy, enthalpy, and entropy. The methylene blue adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. A comparison study revealed that the present materials could be successfully prepared and used for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Composite materials based on aluminum alloy D16 and titanium alloy Ti–10Nb–3Mo with titanium and titanium nitride surface layers and on a multilayer composition consisting of alternating titanium and titanium nitride layers for biomedical and tribological purposes are synthesized by high vacuum magnetron sputtering with a direct current in inert and reactive media. The structure and phase composition are studied using SEM, AES, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning probe microscopy. The rate of formation of a surface layer of pure titanium on a substrate made of alloy D16 is 185 nm/min, and the kinetic rate of the synthesis of a surface layer of titanium is considerably slowed down in a reactive medium and is no more than 70 nm/min owing to nitrogen poisoning of the target. The intermediate layer formed as a result of the synthesis of a titanium layer on an aluminum alloy substrate has a thickness of about 600 nm, which is substantially greater than the thickness of the intermediate layer when titanium is deposited on a titanium alloy substrate. The nitrogen concentration observed during the formation of titanium nitride on a titanium sublayer is higher than that observed during the formation of the nitride on a substrate with the same deposition parameters. The intensity of the reflections of the TiN phase in the X-ray diffraction patterns are weakly expressed with all variants of the used Ar/N2 ratios of working gases during sputtering. The presence of a titanium sublayer makes it possible to obtain a greater thickness of the titanium nitride layer and the surface layer saturated with nitrogen to a greater extent up to 38 wt % in comparison with the case of layer deposition without the sublayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prototype of a cruciate ligament (ACL) prosthesis from a lamb tendon is created. In order to manufacture this product, a raw material processing technology is developed, including a mechanical and chemical-physical method and exposure to a supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide with a nonionic surfactant Tween 80 for decellurization, that is, destruction of cells and extraction of their components with immunogenic properties, as well as the removal of residues of toxic substances after treatments, while maintaining the physical and mechanical properties. Histological studies are carried out for the remainder of the cellular elements and measurements of the strength properties of the material and it is shown that the cells are removed and the physical and mechanical properties do not deteriorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the moment, the field of biomedical materials science is actively developing, which aims at creating new functional materials. A developing direction in biomedical materials science is that towards the treatment of diseases associated with bone tissue disorders, using biodegradable composite materials based on polymer and calcium phosphate materials. We developed a material based on polyvinyl alcohol cryogel, mineralized with calcium phosphate. A material based on cryogel of polyvinyl alcohol mineralized with calcium phosphate was developed. The composites were obtained by the method of cyclic freezing–thawing, and the synthesis of calcium phosphates was carried out in situ with heating, stirring, and exposure to microwave radiation. The phase composition, as well as the composition of functional groups, was determined by IR spectroscopy and X-ray phase analysis. Monocytes isolated from human blood showed higher viability compared to the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel nanohybrid composite was fabricated via the incorporation of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles into the integrated surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and black cumin seeds (BC). The nanohybrid composite was prepared by a simple co-precipitation method and characterized by several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The characterization analysis revealed that the rGO-BC surface was decorated with the MnFe2O4. The strong chemical interaction (via electrostatic and H-bonding) between the integrated surface of rGO-BC and MnFe2O4 nanoparticles has been reported. The prepared composite was highly porous with a heterogeneous surface. The average size of the prepared composite was reported in the ranges of 2.6–7.0 nm. The specific surface area of the prepared composite was calculated to be 50.3 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.061 cc/g and a half pore width of 8.4 Å. As well, many functional sites on the nanohybrid composite surface were also found. This results in the excellent adsorption properties of nanohybrid composite and the effectual elimination of methylene blue dye from water. The nanohybrid was tested for various linear isotherms, such as Langmuir and Freundlich, for the adsorption of methylene blue dye. The Freundlich isotherm was the well-fitted model, proving the adsorption is multilayer. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of nanohybrid composite for methylene blue was reported to be 74.627 mg/g at 27 °C. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order recommended surface interaction between the dye and nanohybrid composite. The interaction between methylene blue and the nanohybrid composite was also confirmed from the FTIR spectrum of the methylene blue-loaded adsorbent. The rate-determining step for the present study was intraparticle diffusion. Temperature-dependent studies of methylene blue adsorption were also carried out to estimate adsorption’s free energy, enthalpy, and entropy. The methylene blue adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. A comparison study revealed that the present materials could be successfully prepared and used for wastewater treatment.

Internal root resorption (IRR) is a resorptive defect of the root's internal aspect, and its pathogenesis occurs because of the activity of odontoclasts. If left untreated, IRR will eventually cause necrosis of the pulp tissue apical to the resorptive lesion, leading to periapical pathologies and resistance failure of the tooth. Treatment of this kind of pathology encompasses many options ranging from conventional root canal treatment to endodontic surgery. The most recent innovation for the treatment of IRR is revascularization. The present review aims to discuss revascularization as a treatment option for IRR. An extensive search for recent available data regarding this kind of treatment and potential suggestions for the future have been made. Revascularization of teeth with IRR has promising results and should be considered a choice for treating IIR cases as an alternative to conventional root canal treatment.

The paper shows the relevance of studying the mechanical properties of biological tissues and biocompatible materials for solving the problems of general and reconstructive surgery, transplantology, manual therapy, virtual simulation of surgical operations, robotic surgery, etc. The authors present basic information about biological tissue as an object of research and give a brief overview of the devices used for studying the mechanical characteristics of biological tissues. An experimental system for testing deformations of biological tissues and biocompatible materials during compression is described. The system is developed using modern hardware and software, as well as effective technical solutions. The results of the practical use of the developed device are presented and the obtained dependences of the mechanical stress of biological tissue samples on their deformation under pressure are analyzed. The system has high metrological characteristics and low cost, and allows performing all the necessary functions for measuring, processing and visualizing the data. The measurements obtained with this system can help form the recommendations for doctors on choosing the optimal operation mode of medical devices and instruments in each specific case. In addition, the measured data can be used to create mathematical models of biological tissues and biocompatible materials in order to further carry out virtual experiments. In further studies, the authors plan to create the mathematical models of biological tissues based on the finite element method and using the actual values characterizing the tissue, obtained with the developed system.

The suspension system used for lower limb prosthesis is the most important part of the assembly design, due to its main goal of providing the permanent contact with the stump. The paper has analysed the theoretical aspect of providing the contact force by using the mechatronic system comprising a network of dry air inflated cells. The FEM study computed the Von Misses and the displacement values for the lateral surface of the cell, made of biocompatible material, whose elastic properties have been set as user material. Consequently, the contact force with the stump is depending on the friction coefficient of the material the cell is made of. Meantime, the influence of humidity is analysed too. The experimental set-up has pointed out the values of the contact force measured with the force transducer, as well as the contact distance after deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Porous titanium is used for the reconstruction of large bone defects due to its excellent mechanical strength. The quality of osseointegration of implants placed in bone reconstructed with porous titanium is unknown. The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate the osseointegration of implants at sites reconstructed using porous titanium. Material and Methods: Hollow porous titanium (Ti) (outer-diameter 6 mm, inner-diameter 2 mm, length 4 mm, 85% porosity) and similar-sized porous hydroxyapatite (porous HA: 75% porosity) samples were prepared and implanted in 6 New Zealand white rabbit femurs. Four weeks later, an implant bed was created to receive a Ti implant (diameter 2 mm, length 4 mm). An implant placed at a pristine bone site served as the control. Four weeks later, histological and histomorphometric evaluations of the test and control sites were conducted. Results: Osseointegration was observed in all groups. There was no significant difference in the bone formation ratio and bone-implant contact (BIC) ratio across all groups for the whole area. At the cancellous bone area of the bone defect, superior bone formation ratio and BIC ratio were observed with porous Ti and porous HA compared to the control (bone formation ratio: control 1.8 [SD 3]%, HA 23 [SD 3]%, Ti 23.6 [SD 5]%; BIC ratio: control 5.4 [SD 5.3]%, HA 28.9 [SD 10.7]%, Ti 41.6 [SD 14]%). Porous Ti demonstrated good osteoconduction and osseointegration abilities, similar to porous HA. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of implant treatment after preliminary bone reconstruction using a titanium biomaterial. Porous titanium is a suitable material for bone reconstruction before implant treatment in load-bearing areas that allow subsequent prosthetic treatment.

At the moment, the field of biomedical materials science is actively developing, which aims at creating new functional materials. A developing direction in biomedical materials science is that towards the treatment of diseases associated with bone tissue disorders, using biodegradable composite materials based on polymer and calcium phosphate materials. We developed a material based on polyvinyl alcohol cryogel, mineralized with calcium phosphate. A material based on cryogel of polyvinyl alcohol mineralized with calcium phosphate was developed. The composites were obtained by the method of cyclic freezing–thawing, and the synthesis of calcium phosphates was carried out in situ with heating, stirring, and exposure to microwave radiation. The phase composition, as well as the composition of functional groups, was determined by IR spectroscopy and X-ray phase analysis. Monocytes isolated from human blood showed higher viability compared to the controls.

In order to restore facial and oral deformities, we need to use a strength, esthetically acceptable and biocompatible material. Heat cure acrylic resin as we used in our study(clear acrylic) for restoring facial deformities as it is the material that occupy these requirements. To increase the properties of acrylic resin we added salinized poly propylene fibers and hydroxyapatite macro fillers in 120 acrylic samples divided in control group and two experimental groups before and after artificial aging (100hr and 200hr). Hardness, impact and flexural strength are tested in this study. The results showed a none significant change in hardness after addition of fibers and fillers but a significant increase in hardness after artificial aging. A significant increase in impact strength after addition, significant decrease in impact strength after artificial aging .A significant increase in flexural strength after addition of fibers and fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the stable dispersion of 1D van der Waals crystal Mo 6 S 3 I 6 in aqueous media, the tri-block copolymer (Poloxamer) is used as dispersant. The head group of Poloxamer, hydrophobic polypropylene oxide parts can be adsorbed to Mo 6 S 3 I 6 surface by hydrophobic interaction and the tail group with hydrophilic polyethylene oxide exposed to the outside of the Mo 6 S 3 I 6 is soluble in water and can form sufficient steric hindrance, resulting in stable aqueous dispersion in nm scale. The excellent biocompatibility of aqueous dispersed nm scale 1D Mo 6 S 3 I 6 was demonstrated by effective proliferation of C2C12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regeneration of cardiac tissue is a multidisciplinary research field aiming to improve the health condition of the post-heart attack patient. Indeed, myocardial tissue has a poor ability to self-regenerate after severe damage. The scientific efforts focused on the research of a biomaterial able to adapt to heart tissue, thus guaranteeing the in situ release of active substances or growth promoters. Many types of hydrogels were proposed for this purpose, showing several limitations. The aim of this study was to suggest a new usage for glyceryl monooleate-based lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) as a biocompatible and inert material for a myocardial application. The main advantages of LLCs are mainly related to their easy in situ injection as lamellar phase and their instant in situ transition in the cubic phase. In vivo studies proved the biocompatibility and the inertia of LLCs after their application on the myocardial tissue of mice. In detail, the cardiac activity was monitored through 28 days, and no significant alterations were recorded in the heart anatomy and functionality. Moreover, gross anatomy showed the ability of LLCs to be bio-degraded in a suitable time frame. Overall, these results permitted us to suppose a potential use of LLCs as materials for cardiac drug delivery.

During cancer genesis, the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the human brain undergoes important transformations, starting to resemble embryonic brain cell milieu with a much denser structure. However, the stiffness of the tumor ECM does not preclude cancer cells from migration. The importance of the ECM role in normal brain tissue as well as in tumor homeostasis has engaged much effort in trials to implement ECM as a target and an instrument in the treatment of brain cancers. This review provides a detailed analysis of both experimental and applied approaches in combined therapy for gliomas in adults. In general, matrix materials for glioma treatment should have properties facilitating the simplest delivery into the body. Hence, to deliver an artificial implant directly into the operation cavity it should be packed into a gel form, while for bloodstream injections matrix needs to be in the form of polymer micelles, nanoparticles, etc. Furthermore, the delivered material should mimic biomechanical properties of the native tissue, support vital functions, and slow down or stop the proliferation of surrounding cells for a prolonged period. The authors propose a two-step approach aimed, on the one hand, at elimination of remaining cancer cells and on the other hand, at restoring normal brain tissue. Thereby, the first bioartificial matrix to be applied should have relatively low elastic modulus should be loaded with anticancer drugs, while the second material with a higher elastic modulus for neurite outgrowth support should contain specific factors stimulating neuroregeneration.

The development of surgery in the field of bone tissue reconstruction provides a stable demand for new materials for implants. Of particular interest are materials based on hydroxyapatite, which are close in chemical composition to the elemental composition and structure of bone and have similar biologically active properties. In this work, the regularities of the formation of new composite materials based on a zinc-modified hydroxyapatite framework coated with a copolymer of lactide and glycolide were revealed for the first time. The aim of this work was to obtain porous composite materials based on zinc-modified hydroxyapatite and a copolymer of lactide and glycolide with properties suitable for use as a material for bone implants. The phase and elemental composition of the composites was studied by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray spectral microanalysis. Regularities have been established between the surface properties and the composition of materials, as well as their biocompatibility, determined using monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood. The antibacterial activity of the materials against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was determined.

A biodegradable poly-lactic acid (PLA) microneedle array composed of needles with a maximum length of 3 mm and an aspect ratio of up to approximately 18 was fabricated by drawing lithography. In the proposed fabrication method, the melted polymer is stretched twice. The approximate length is set in the first stretch, and the tip is sharpened in the second stretch. In the first stretch, by changing the thickness of the PLA sheet, PLA pillars with various lengths are fabricated. By defining the initial length of the needle, it is possible to set a wide range of aspect ratios and lengths. In the second stretch, it is possible to control the final aspect ratio and length of the needle, as well as the shape of its tip by changing the temperature and stretch speed of the PLA pillars. Finally, it was confirmed that the needle can pierce the surface of artificial skin and porcine skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering aims to restore lost, damaged, diseased or defective tissues in the human body using engineered or regenerated products. The advancement of tissue engineering has given a promising opportunity for better clinical practice in treating dental patients especially in the fields of endodontic, bone and periodontal tissue as well as whole tooth regeneration. In this review, we briefly summarise the possible selection criteria of scaffolds for potential tissue engineering applications in dentistry. Biochemical and physical properties, as well as scaffolding approaches involved in the selection of an ideal scaffold for dental tissue engineering, are also discussed in this review. This review also discussed major applications of tissue engineering in the dentistry field, which can create a paradigm for future studies of tissue regeneration by using selected cells and scaffolds as an alternative treatment in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General surgical procedures are subject to low-light conditions or a narrow angle of view, and such limitations in light limit visibility and complicate the given surgical procedure. Conventional lighted surgical tools rely on an external light source, which may be oriented into a cavity or mounted on a surgical instrument such as retractor, endoscopes, or suction tubes. However, such conventional lighted instruments do not provide adequate lighting during various surgical procedures. Here, we present a soft, miniaturized magnetic-enabled wireless surgical lighting patty. Specifically, the proposed surgical lighting patty that can be temporarily implanted into a cavity or surgical corridor provides lighting to the surgical subject and manages fluids in a surgical field. The surgical lighting patty is a multilayer patty, two outer layers of the lighted surgical patty and the center lighted layer. A reed switch in the central layer can activate the power supply in response to a magnet to emit the light from the light source. The result allows a dramatically simplified wireless operation. Moreover, it can provide various wavelengths of light to a surgical field for purposes such as illuminating the surgeon's field of vision, exciting dyes, and sterilizing surgical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gel electrolyte is fabricated by saturating polyampholyte in simulated body fluid. • PA-SBF gel electrolyte exhibit conductivity above 1.7 mS/cm at 35 °C. • PA-SBF exhibits flexibility, stretchability, and self-healing property. • PA-SBF demonstrates biocompatibility (cell viability above 80%). • Flexible high-performance EDLCs could be fabricated with PA-SBF. As implantable electronic medical devices (IEMDs) develop, biocompatible polymer materials with body-friendly non-toxic nature are receiving great amount of attention. Polyampholyte hydrogels have mechanical flexibility and self-healing properties, as well as biocompatibility; thus, it can be applied in various implantable medical devices and wearable devices. In this study, the possibility of using a polyampholyte hydrogel saturated with simulated body fluid (PA-SBF) as the gel polymer electrolytes for energy storage devices and capacitive circuit elements of IEMDs is investigated. At the normal body temperature (35 °C), the PA-SBF exhibited high ionic conductivity of 17.6 mS cm−1 with negligible electron leakage. The supercapacitor fabricated with the PA-SBF gel electrolyte sandwiched between carbon-based electrodes showed an excellent areal capacitance of 219.6 mF cm−2 with a maximum potential window of 1.6 V. The self-healing properties and cytotoxicity of the PA-SBF gel electrolytes were examined as well. With high performance, flexibility, and self-healing property, the biocompatible PA-SBF gel electrolyte can be considered as a promising candidate for the electrolyte of electrochemical devices, energy sources and capacitive circuit elements of future IEMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterial-based wound dressings have been extensively studied for the treatment of both minor and life-threatening tissue injuries. These wound dressings must possess several crucial characteristics, such as tissue compatibility, non-toxicity, appropriate biodegradability to facilitate wound healing, effective antibacterial activity to prevent infection, and adequate physical and mechanical strength to withstand repetitive dynamic forces that could potentially disrupt the healing process. Nevertheless, the development of nanostructured wound dressings that incorporate various functional micro- and nanomaterials in distinct architectures, each serving specific purposes, presents significant challenges. In this study, we successfully developed a novel multifunctional wound dressing based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibrous membranes produced by solution-blow spinning (SBS) and electrospinning. The PLA-based membranes underwent surface modifications aimed at tailoring their properties for utilization as effective wound dressing platforms. Initially, beta-chitin whiskers were deposited onto the membrane surface through filtration, imparting hydrophilic character. Afterward, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated onto the beta-chitin layer using a spray deposition method, resulting in platforms with antimicrobial properties against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated the biocompatibility of the membranes with the neonatal human dermal fibroblast (HDFn) cell line. Moreover, bilayer membranes exhibited a high surface area and porosity (> 80%), remarkable stability in aqueous media, and favorable mechanical properties, making them promising candidates for application as multifunctional wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in medical imaging, virtual surgical planning (VSP), and three-dimensional (3D) printing have potentially changed how today’s craniomaxillofacial surgeons use patient information for customized treatments. Over the years, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has emerged as the biomaterial of choice to reconstruct craniofacial defects. With advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) systems, prospects for the point-of-care (POC) 3D printing of PEEK patient-specific implants (PSIs) have emerged. Consequently, investigating the clinical reliability of POC-manufactured PEEK implants has become a necessary endeavor. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a quantitative assessment of POC-manufactured, 3D-printed PEEK PSIs for cranial reconstruction through characterization of the geometrical, morphological, and biomechanical aspects of the in-hospital 3D-printed PEEK cranial implants. The study results revealed that the printed customized cranial implants had high dimensional accuracy and repeatability, displaying clinically acceptable morphologic similarity concerning fit and contours continuity. From a biomechanical standpoint, it was noticed that the tested implants had variable peak load values with discrete fracture patterns and failed at a mean (SD) peak load of 798.38 ± 211.45 N. In conclusion, the results of this preclinical study are in line with cranial implant expectations; however, specific attributes have scope for further improvements.

The application of various materials in biomedical procedures has recently experienced rapid growth. One of the areas is the treatment of many of different types of bone-related diseases and disorders by using biodegradable polymer-ceramic composites. We have developed a material based on cryogel polyvinyl alcohol, mineralized with calcium phosphate. Composites were obtained by cyclic freezing-thawing, the synthesis of calcium phosphates was carried out in situ under the influence of microwave radiation with heating and stirring. The components of the composites were determined using the methods of IR-spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalyzer, as well as their morphology and surface properties. The biological compatibility of the material was investigated in vivo for a Wistar rat. The assessment of the quality of bone formation between the cryogel-based implant and the damaged bone was carried out by computed tomography. An improvement in the consolidation of the bone defect is observed in the bone with the composite in comparison with the control bone.

Defect‐specific bone regeneration using 3‐dimensional (3D) printing of block bone has been developed. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is biocompatible polymer that can be used as 3D scaffold. The aim of this study is to assess the biocompatibility and osteogenic efficacy of 3D printed PCL scaffold and to evaluate the effectiveness of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) addition in PCL scaffold. In this work, four circular defects (diameter: 8 mm) in rabbit calvarium were randomly assigned to (1) negative control (control), (2) PCL block (PCL), (3) PCL mixed with 10 wt% β‐TCP (PCL/β‐TCP), and (4) PCL/β‐TCP plus collagen membrane (PCL/β‐TCP + M). Animals were euthanized at 2 (n = 5) and 8 weeks (n = 5). Results indicated that in micro‐CT, PCL/β‐TCP + M showed the highest total augmented volume and new bone volume at 8 weeks, but there was no significant difference among four groups. Histomorphometrically, PCL, PCL/β‐TCP, and PCL/β‐TCP + M showed the significantly higher total augmented area compared to the control. PCL/β‐TCP + M showed the highest new bone area but not statistically higher than the control. New bone formation deep inside the scaffold was observed only in β‐TCP added scaffold. PCL showed high biocompatibility with great volume maintenance. Addition of β‐TCP to PCL seemed to increase hydrophilicity and osteoconductivity. Developments in 3D‐printed PCL material are expected. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1254–1263, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]