Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiaoming Zhao, Hongyun Ma, Hao Han, Liuyang Zhang, Jing Tian, Bo Lei, Yingang Zhang
Summary: With the aging population, spinal degeneration seriously affects the quality of life for middle-aged and elderly patients. Injectable biomaterials have gained attention as a minimally invasive and precise repair option for irregular defects. However, the design and functional control of bioactive injectable biomaterials for efficient spinal degeneration treatment remains a challenge.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Weifeng Li, Pinghui Zhou, Bomin Yan, Meiyao Qi, Yedan Chen, Lijun Shang, Jianzhong Guan, Li Zhang, Yingji Mao
Summary: In this study, a light-sensitive injectable polysaccharide composite hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties was developed, which can promote cell proliferation, prevent inflammation, and promote intervertebral disc regeneration. The injection of this hydrogel further inhibited the local inflammatory response and reduced extracellular matrix degradation by inducing macrophage M2 polarization. This study proposes an attractive approach for intervertebral disc regeneration.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hao Han, Xiaoming Zhao, Hongyun Ma, Yingang Zhang, Bo Lei
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) affects millions of people worldwide and poses a significant socioeconomic burden. Current treatments only provide symptomatic relief and fail to prevent the progression of IVDD, creating a clinical need for more effective therapies. Hydrogels, with their biocompatibility and elasticity, show promise for intervertebral disc repair and regeneration. This review summarizes the latest research on bioactive factor-released injectable hydrogels for disc repair and regeneration, focusing on the delivery of bioactive factors and the optimal timing for treatment. Future studies in this area could potentially lead to precision medicine approaches for IVDD.
Review
Polymer Science
Rong Ji, Zhizhong Hao, Hao Wang, Xingfan Li, Linyan Duan, Fangxia Guan, Shanshan Ma, Rie Kakehashi, Yuji Yamashita
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological injury that can be treated using injectable hydrogels as delivery systems. This article summarizes the types of injectable hydrogels, discusses their application in SCI treatment, and explores their mechanisms and potential benefits when combined with other therapies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joey Hui Min Wong, Rebekah Pei Ting Tan, Jun Jie Chang, Benjamin Qi Yu Chan, Xinxin Zhao, Jayce Jian Wei Cheng, Yong Yu, Yi Jian Boo, Qianyu Lin, Valerie Ow, Xinyi Su, Jason Y. C. Lim, Xian Jun Loh, Kun Xue
Summary: Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels with excellent antifatigue properties and shape stability through tuning their mechanical properties and utilizing hybrid crosslinking. These hydrogels show high stability, sustained release properties, and >90% recovery during cyclic compression tests.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Huitong Luo, Zetao Wang, Zhichao He, Zemin Ling, Hao Wang, Jiayi Zhu, Jingjun Nie, Dafu Chen, Qi Feng, Xiaodong Cao
Summary: In this study, a self-antioxidant hydrogel (HA/CS) was developed for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The hydrogel effectively inhibited inflammatory cytokine expression and improved degradation in an inflammation-simulated environment. In a puncture-induced IVDD rat model, the HA/CS hydrogel significantly ameliorated degeneration.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Cosimo Ligorio, Judith A. Hoyland, Alberto Saiani
Summary: Low back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration is a major contributor to global disability. Current treatments are limited, and alternative strategies using soft biomaterials as injectable carriers for disc repair are being explored.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yukun Du, Jianyi Li, Xiaojie Tang, Yingying Liu, Guoshuai Bian, Jianzhuang Shi, Yixin Zhang, Baomeng Zhao, Hongri Zhao, Kunyan Sui, Yongming Xi
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a thermosensitive injectable celecoxib-loaded chitosan hydrogel and demonstrated its good biocompatibility and repair effect in vitro and in vivo experiments.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marzieh Mohammadi, Malihe Karimi, Bizhan Malaekeh-Nikouei, Mohammad Torkashvand, Mona Alibolandi
Summary: Injectable in situ forming hydrogels are efficient local drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. They can provide sustained release of chemotherapeutics and potentially prevent post-surgical cancer recurrence. Various materials and crosslinking chemistry can be used to fabricate hybrid hydrogels with different characteristics, such as stimuli-sensitive platforms or multifunctional systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qian Chen, Juehan Wang, Qinghong Xia, Lei Wu, Fei Chen, Li Li, Ce Zhu, Miaomiao He, Yulin Jiang, Yong Huang, Hong Ding, Ruibang Wu, Li Zhang, Yueming Song, Liming Liu
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common musculoskeletal disease and its treatment remains challenging. This study explores the role of a VEGF inhibitor in treating IDD and finds it effective in ameliorating disc degeneration. Injectable hydrogels show potential as a therapeutic option.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xiulin Cheng, Panjing Yin, Ting Li, Lincong Luo, Yang Yang, Ling Wang, Weiwei Su, Yilin Wang, Yanbing Li, Yanfang Wang, Yaobin Wu, Wenhua Huang
Summary: This study explored a transplantation strategy using a composite hydrogel encapsulating GCMS as a carrier for ARPE-19 cells. The results showed that GCMS induced cell aggregation and maintained cell viability, while the hydrogel provided an aggregated protective shell. This novel platform has significant potential for alternative injectable and highly aggregated RPE cell transplantation strategy design.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiacheng Liu, Chengcheng Du, Wei Huang, Yiting Lei
Summary: Injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels have gained attention for their minimally invasive nature and adaptive behavior. By responding to various stimuli, these advanced hydrogels have revolutionary applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and disease treatment. The integration of natural and synthetic materials is a rational strategy for developing ideal injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jeffrey Luo, Anjani Darai, Thanapat Pongkulapa, Brian Conley, Letao Yang, Inbo Han, Ki-Bum Lee
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of back pain and can lead to more serious conditions such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Traditional growth factor therapies have limited effectiveness in completely regenerating degenerated discs, thus there is a need for bioscaffolds. A new injectable bioorthogonal hydrogel, called BIOGEL, was developed using tetrazine-norbornene bioorthogonal ligation combined with gelatin. This BIOGEL showed promising results in promoting tissue repair and functional recovery in rat models of IVD degeneration.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Masahiro Inoue, Isma Liza Mohd Isa, Sumihisa Orita, Miyako Suzuki-Narita, Kazuhide Inage, Yasuhiro Shiga, Masaki Norimoto, Tomotaka Umimura, Takayuki Sakai, Yawara Eguchi, Atsuya Watanabe, Yasuchika Aoki, Abhay Pandit, Seiji Ohtori
Summary: The study demonstrated that injectable HA hydrogel effectively maintained disc height and tissue hydration, promoted structural repair, and attenuated inflammation and innervation in rabbits with induced lumbar disc injury, thus preventing further degeneration of the discs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Evan S. Feura, Sara E. Maloney, Ivie L. Conlon, Christopher A. Broberg, Feichen Yang, Mark H. Schoenfisch
Summary: A series of injectable polysaccharide hydrogels were prepared using oxidized dextran and diethylenetriamine-modified carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or hyaluronic acid (HA). The rheological evaluation showed that CMC-based hydrogels have higher storage moduli than HA-based hydrogels. The incorporation of N-diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide (NO) donors into the hydrogels reduced their storage moduli and increased the rate of degradation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Daniel Francis, A. John Blacker, Nikil Kapur, Stephen P. Marsden
Summary: The new modular photochemical continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) design utilizes light-source units developed for the fReactor CSTR platform, making it suitable for both homogeneous and multiphasic reactions. By using slurries as input feeds, the system intensifies photochemical brominations, and its modular nature facilitates the integration of downstream reaction steps.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Matthew P. Culbert, James P. Warren, Andrew R. Dixon, Hazel L. Fermor, Paul A. Beales, Ruth K. Wilcox
Summary: Back pain can affect health and mobility, and nucleus augmentation aims to restore the intervertebral disc to its healthy state through minimally invasive methods. Injectable hydrogels are commonly used materials for nucleus augmentation, and the mechanical properties and biological compatibility of these materials are important factors to consider in their development.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hamish R. Stephen, Sarah Boyall, Christiane Schotten, Richard A. Bourne, Nikil Kapur, Charlotte E. Willans
Summary: Due to the heterogeneous nature of electrochemical reactions, mass transport plays a crucial role in reaction and reactor development. Experimental studies and computational fluid dynamics have been used to investigate the impact of different flow channel geometries on mass transfer in a continuous electrochemical reactor. The results show that the channel shape has a modest effect on the mass transfer coefficient, while the polarity switching of the reaction solution during flow has the greatest impact.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuheng Zhang, Ouassef Nahi, Li Chen, Zabeada Aslam, Nikil Kapur, Yi-Yeoun Kim, Fiona C. Meldrum
Summary: Remarkable control can be achieved over the chemical composition and structure of crystalline calcium carbonate by driving a pseudomorphic transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate thin films using heat. This has relevance to both synthetic and biological systems.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Marcos Arribas Perez, Paul A. Beales
Summary: Membrane fusion is a way to increase the complexity of model membrane systems. In this study, silica nanoparticles were used to fuse liquid-disordered DOPC giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and liquid-ordered DPPC:cholesterol (7:3) GUVs. After fusion, GUVs displayed large membrane domains, indicating lipid redistribution between phase domains. Real-time confocal microscopy revealed the dynamics of asymmetric membrane domain formation in hemifused GUVs and the modulation of the inner membrane leaflet phase state by the DOPC-rich liquid-disordered domains in the outer monolayer.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adam D. Clayton, Edward O. Pyzer-Knapp, Mark Purdie, Martin F. Jones, Alexandre Barthelme, John Pavey, Nikil Kapur, Thomas W. Chamberlain, A. John Blacker, Richard A. Bourne
Summary: The optimization of multistep chemical syntheses is crucial for rapid development of new pharmaceuticals. A continuous flow platform was developed to automate the optimization of telescoped reactions. By integrating Bayesian optimization techniques, an 81% overall yield was achieved in just 14 hours, and a favorable competing pathway for the desired product was identified.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter M. Pittaway, Ghadir Ghasemi, Stephen T. Knox, Olivier J. Cayre, Nikil Kapur, Nicholas J. Warren
Summary: Miniaturised continuous-flow reactors provide a safe and cost-effective method for the synthesis of high-value chemical products. In this study, a miniature continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) cascade was used for continuous-flow RAFT polymerisation, which showed high performance and close resemblance to the theoretical CSTR cascade. The reactor's performance was evaluated for different polymerisation processes, and it was found that the residence time distribution (RTD) plays a crucial role in determining the properties of the resulting polymers.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
James Daglish, A. John Blacker, Gregory de Boer, Alex Crampton, David R. J. Hose, Anna R. Parsons, Nikil Kapur
Summary: The problems of extracting products efficiently from reaction workups, such as emulsions and rag layer formation, can cause manufacturing inefficiencies. An image processing methodology has been developed to automatically track the interface between liquid-liquid phases and measure the separation rate quantitatively. The algorithm has been successfully applied to 29 cases and demonstrated its robustness in different liquid mixtures.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rashmi Seneviratne, Georgina Coates, Zexi Xu, Caitlin E. Cornell, Rebecca F. Thompson, Amin Sadeghpour, Daniel P. Maskell, Lars J. C. Jeuken, Michael Rappolt, Paul A. Beales
Summary: In this study, the detailed structural information about hybrid vesicles composed of phospholipids and block-copolymers was obtained using small angle X-ray scattering and cryo-electron tomography. The findings reveal that hybrid vesicles with different ratios of lipids and polymers have different membrane thicknesses, indicating the homogeneous mixing of lipids and polymers. This research is important for understanding the structural properties of hybrid membranes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katarzyna A. Maltby, Krishna Sharma, Marc A. S. Short, Sannia Farooque, Rosalie Hamill, A. John Blacker, Nikil Kapur, Charlotte E. Willans, Bao N. Nguyen
Summary: A theoretical framework has been established to predict, rationalize, and adapt water-accelerated reactions into sustainable flow processes. The study reveals the complex and varied nature of these reactions and their potential impact on the sustainability of chemical manufacturing processes. By calculating the rate acceleration of known water-accelerated reactions, computational estimations are provided, which correlate with experimental data. Furthermore, through in-depth study and analysis, a multiphase flow process with superior green metrics has been developed.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
William A. Davis A. Birch, Ines B. Moura, Duncan J. Ewin, Mark H. Wilcox, Anthony M. Buckley, Peter R. Culmer, Nikil Kapur
Summary: This paper presents a scalable Mini Gut (MiGut) platform that closely mimics the physiology of the colon, while maintaining in vivo reflectiveness. MiGut has shown excellent repeatability and consistency in a demanding 9-week study, and it has the capability to run multiple models simultaneously for more detailed exploration of microbiome-xenobiotic interactions.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
James P. Warren, Matthew P. Culbert, Danielle E. Miles, Steven Maude, Ruth K. Wilcox, Paul A. Beales
Summary: Self-assembling peptides are a versatile biomaterial that can form self-supporting hydrogels. Balancing attractive and repulsive forces through peptide charge and hydrogen bonding is crucial for successful hydrogel formation. A net peptide charge of +/-2 and modulating hydrogen bonding can optimize the assembly and viscoelastic properties of the hydrogel. These findings demonstrate the potential of controlling self-assembly mechanisms to create structures with desired properties.
Article
Tropical Medicine
Anna Littlejohns, Helen Please, Racheal Musasizi, Stuart Murdoch, Gorret Nampiina, Ian Waters, William Davis Birch, Gregory de Boer, Nikil Kapur, Tumwesigye Ambrozi, Ninsiima Carol, Nakigudde Noel, Jiten Parmar, Peter Culmer, Tom Lawton, Edith Namulema
Summary: This article reviewed the use of the LeVe CPAP system for respiratory support in COVID-19 patients at Mengo Hospital in Uganda. The study found that the LeVe CPAP system was the most commonly used CPAP device at the hospital during the pandemic, providing critical respiratory support to patients when no alternative devices were available.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johanna M. Galloway, Zabeada P. Aslam, Stephen R. Yeandel, Alexander Kulak, Martha A. Ilett, Yi-Yeoun Kim, Angela Bejarano-Villafuerte, Boaz Pokroy, Rik M. Drummond-Brydson, Colin L. Freeman, John H. Harding, Nikil Kapur, Fiona C. Meldrum
Summary: The cylindrical pores of track-etched membranes provide a suitable environment for studying confinement-induced effects on crystallization. By varying the pore diameter and utilizing anisotropic morphologies, crystal orientation can be directed. However, the inability to visualize individual crystals within the pores has limited the understanding of underlying mechanisms. In this study, we investigate the crystallization of calcium sulfate within track-etched membranes and discover that different forms of gypsum, bassanite, and anhydrite form in pores of different sizes. We coat the membranes with an amorphous titania layer to create electron transparent nanotubes, allowing visualization of evolutionary pathways of crystals within the pores, revealing multiple nucleation events and early determination of orientation. The transformation of bassanite to gypsum within the pores is also studied using experiments and calculations, providing important insights into confinement effects on crystallization relevant to natural mineral formation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christiane Schotten, Jamie Manson, Thomas W. Chamberlain, Richard A. Bourne, Bao N. Nguyen, Nik Kapur, Charlotte E. Willans
Summary: This article describes the development of an integrated multistep flow platform that combines high-throughput electrochemical synthesis of metal catalysts and catalysis screening. The platform allows for automated ligand/catalysis screening and continuous monitoring of reactions using online analysis. This technology facilitates the development of more sustainable base-metal catalysts in manufacturing processes.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)