Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guocheng Ding, Jianing Du, Xiaoqing Hu, Yingfang Ao
Summary: This review aims to summarize and compare the application of mesenchymal stem cells from different sources for meniscal repair and regeneration. Although mesenchymal stem cells have shown specific advantages in meniscus repair, their cartilage-forming properties are yet to be systematically compared across different sources.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yun-Feng Zhou, Di Zhang, Wan-Ting Yan, Kai Lian, Zheng-Zheng Zhang
Summary: This article reviews the therapeutic potential of multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) in repairing meniscal injuries and discusses the avenues for utilizing these cells. The current progress on biomaterial implants is also reviewed.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jasmijn Korpershoek, Margot Rikkers, Tommy S. de Windt, Marianna A. Tryfonidou, Daniel B. F. Saris, Lucienne A. Vonk
Summary: This study isolated meniscus progenitor cells by differential adhesion to fibronectin and demonstrated their multipotency. FN-prog from the outer zone formed more colonies and had a higher proliferation rate compared to inner zone FN-prog. These findings suggest that FN-prog may be a promising cell type for meniscus tissue-engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiaoyu Wang, Yangfan Ding, Haiyan Li, Xiumei Mo, Jinglei Wu
Summary: The meniscus is crucial for knee joint stability, but is prone to damage. Electrospinning is an effective method for producing nanofibrous scaffolds that mimic the native extracellular matrix, showing promise for engineered meniscus construction.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART B-APPLIED BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yanbing Gao, Xiaobo Zhang, Haiyu Zhou
Summary: Biomimetic hydrogels have great potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for tissue repair and regeneration. They can tune mechanical and biological properties, provide three-dimensional network structures, and imitate normal tissue microenvironments to integrate cells, scaffolds, and bioactive substances. However, further research is needed for the biomedical and clinical trial applications of biomimetic hydrogels.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
David A. Hart, Norimasa Nakamura, Nigel G. Shrive
Summary: Regenerating musculoskeletal tissues faces challenges such as the heterogeneity of biological and biomechanical environments, declining anabolic factors with age, and unfavorable conditions in injured tissues. Despite the obstacles, progress has been made in repairing and regenerating MSK tissues.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Nicholas Pasic, Hunter Storaci, Roberto Guzman, Malcolm Debaun, Masahiro Maruyama, Kimberly Hall, Brett P. Salazar, Jason L. Dragoo
Summary: This study evaluated the biomechanical characteristics of all-inside meniscus root repair and compared it with the previously described transtibial technique. The results showed that all-inside meniscus root repair can reduce pressure and achieve similar results as the intact meniscus.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jongkil Kim, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study demonstrates the profound effects of gelation pH on cellular activity, collagen fibril structure, and mechanical properties of collagen gels. Acidic and basic gelation pH resulted in cell death, while neutral pH showed a relatively high cell viability. Physiologic gelation pH displayed the greatest collagen deposition, and collagen fibril structure was affected by gelation pH. The gelation pH also influenced the equilibrium modulus of the gels.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Qiu, Xiang-Ju Liu, Bei-An You, Na Ren, Hong Liu
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Stem cell-based therapies, although promising, face challenges such as low transplantation efficiency. Nanomaterials play a crucial role in improving cardiac repair and regeneration through regulating stem cell differentiation. This study discusses the current status, limitations, and recent advances in nanomaterials used in cardiac therapy, as well as the potential clinical applications and future research directions.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yachen Peng, Meng Lu, Zhongsheng Zhou, Chenyu Wang, Enbo Liu, Yanbo Zhang, Tong Liu, Jianlin Zuo
Summary: Meniscal injuries often result in joint pain and dysfunction without effective treatment options. Biopolymer scaffolds have shown promise in meniscal injury repair by acting as templates for tissue repair and providing structural support. Biomaterials offer advantages such as biocompatibility, bioactivity, and customizable mechanical properties. This study summarizes the preparation, composition, and properties of meniscal biopolymer scaffolds, and reviews the current research status and future prospects for various biomaterials.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thiago Domingues Stocco, Mayara Cristina Moreira Silva, Marcus Alexandre Finzi Corat, Gabriely Goncalves Lima, Anderson Oliveira Lobo
Summary: This study presents a new biofabrication strategy for developing biomimetic meniscus scaffolds. The use of bioprinted cell-laden hydrogel reinforced by aligned nanofiber sheets improved the structural integrity, shape fidelity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds. Importantly, the introduction of nanofiber mats did not negatively affect cell viability. This bioengineering approach offers a promising strategy for tissue engineering of the knee meniscus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Wenli Dai, Tong Wu, Xi Leng, Wenqiang Yan, Xiaoqing Hu, Yingfang Ao
Summary: This review discusses the relationship between meniscal injuries, cartilage degeneration, and the development of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. It also examines the progress in using biomechanical and biochemical stimuli for meniscal tissue engineering, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and strategies for meniscal regeneration.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Yiting Lou, Huiming Wang, Guanchen Ye, Yongzheng Li, Chao Liu, Mengfei Yu, Binbin Ying
Summary: This review discusses the important role of periosteum in bone defect repair and regeneration, as well as the need for developing tissue-engineered periosteum (TEP). The construction strategies for TEP are explored from the perspectives of materials, mechanical properties, cell-based strategies, and combination with growth factors. Current challenges and future perspectives for TEP development are also discussed.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Shuai Chang, Shaobo Wang, Zhongjun Liu, Xing Wang
Summary: Bone defects are a pressing issue in orthopedic clinics, attracting attention from the biomedical community and society. Stimulus-responsive hydrogels, as a smart biomaterial, have advantages in sensing external stimuli and providing cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation for precise bone defect repair.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuai Chen, Carmen J. Gil, Liqun Ning, Linqi Jin, Lilanni Perez, Gabriella Kabboul, Martin L. Tomov, Vahid Serpooshan
Summary: This article discusses the significance of Adhesive Tissue Engineering Scaffolds (ATESs), reviewing their key characteristics and requirements, exploring mechanisms of action for securing the scaffold onto tissue, and presenting strategies for assessing adhesive properties. Current applications and future prospects of advanced ATES systems in regenerative medicine therapies are highlighted, along with key challenges in various fields of tissue engineering.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Zhao, Tao Liu, Jia Meng, Zhetai Hu, Xuanyu Lu, Shihu Hu, Zhiguo Yuan, Min Zheng
Summary: The significance of residual ammonium concentration to the mainstream PN/A biofilm system was systematically investigated. The study found that a residual NH4+ concentration of -50 mg N/L was essential to stable nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) suppression, while a lower concentration of -5 mg N/L caused NOB proliferation. High NH4+ concentration promoted the activity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and reduced oxygen penetration depth. These findings provide important knowledge for process control and expand the understanding of microbial interactions in mainstream PN/A biofilm systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xi Lu, Zhiyao Wang, Haoran Duan, Ziping Wu, Shihu Hu, Liu Ye, Zhiguo Yuan, Min Zheng
Summary: The study investigated the production and pathways of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) during acidic sludge digestion. It was found that a significant amount of total nitrogen (TN) was lost, with 40% emitted as NO and 8% as N2O. Batch assays revealed that nitrite reduction and endogenous microbial activities played a role in this process.
Article
Microbiology
Simon J. J. McIlroy, Andy O. O. Leu, Xueqin Zhang, Rhys Newell, Ben J. J. Woodcroft, Zhiguo Yuan, Shihu Hu, Gene W. W. Tyson
Summary: In this study, a bio-reactor dominated by 'Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens' was characterized using meta-omics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Unexpectedly, two morphotypes of 'Ca. M. nitroreducens', coccobacilli microcolonies and planktonic rods, were found to stably co-exist. Genomically identical but distinct in gene expression profiles for carbon metabolism, motility, and cell division were observed in these morphotypes. Additionally, a third phenotype that stored carbon as polyhydroxyalkanoates was observed in some coccobacilli 'Ca. M. nitroreducens'. The phenotypic variation of 'Ca. M. nitroreducens' likely aids their survival and dispersal in sub-optimal environmental conditions.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jamin C. Wood, Zhiguo Yuan, Bernardino Virdis
Summary: A circular carbon economy can decouple production from fossil fuels, but strategies are needed to maximize decarbonization in the short term. Electrochemical processes offer opportunities to link renewable electricity with chemical production, but currently only a few chemical products have reached commercialization stages. By using commercialized electro-chemical products, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, as feedstocks, higher overall energy efficiencies can be achieved in producing other platform chemicals. This approach is being recognized in the industry, with several companies leading the way.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yizhu Kuang, Hesamoddin Rabiee, Lei Ge, Thomas E. Rufford, Zhiguo Yuan, John Bell, Hao Wang
Summary: This paper provides an overview of recent strategies for highly concentrated formic acid/formate products in electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Novel electrolyzers and design of planar and gas diffusion electrodes are introduced as engineering strategies to improve the concentration of formic acid/formate and reduce the cost of downstream separations. The existing technological challenges are highlighted, and recommendations for further research are provided.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiguo Yuan, Eberhard Morgenroth
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yu Wei, Xing Yun, Yanjun Guan, Shunze Cao, Xiangling Li, Yu Wang, Haoye Meng, Yujie Liu, Qi Quan, Min Wei
Summary: This study developed a biodegradable polycaprolactone scaffold with Wnt3a protein delivery to improve tendon healing in a rat model of Achilles tendon defect. The results showed that the Wnt3a scaffold promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages, increased their recruitment and proportion, and improved tendon function and mechanical properties. This work highlights the beneficial role of local delivery of biological factors in directing inflammatory responses toward regenerative strategies in tendon healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tao Liu, Shihu Hu, Zhiguo Yuan, Jianhua Guo
Summary: The spatial distribution of microorganisms in a methane-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) was experimentally revealed in this study, showing the dominance of anammox bacteria, nitrite/nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) bacteria, and n-DAMO archaea in different layers of the biofilm. It was found that microorganisms in the outer layer preferred substrates from wastewater, while those in the inner layer utilized substrates from the biofilm substratum. This study provides insights into microbial stratification in biofilm systems and potential applications of methane-based MBfRs in sewage treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhetai Hu, Shihu Hu, Liu Ye, Haoran Duan, Ziping Wu, Pei-Ying Hong, Zhiguo Yuan, Min Zheng
Summary: This study presents a new technology roadmap for wastewater management, focusing on resource recovery rather than pollutant removal. A novel use of FeCl3 in an integrated anaerobic wastewater treatment and anammox process was developed, showing stable suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria and excess sludge reduction. Experimental assessments using a laboratory-scale system demonstrated good effluent quality, with potential for phosphorus recovery and bioenergy production. The system was found to have low energy consumption and a net energy production of about 0.11 kWh/m3-wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengying Xie, Yue Zheng, Xueqin Zhang, Jun Xia, Nova Maulani, Zhiguo Yuan, Chen Cai, Shihu Hu
Summary: A study found that a member of the archaeal family Methanoperedenaceae, known as Candidatus 'Methanoperedens nitroreducens', can use formate as an alternative electron donor. Experimental results showed that this archaeon can oxidize formate and reduce nitrate in the absence or presence of methane. The genes involved in formate metabolism were identified in the genome of Ca. 'M. nitroreducens', and their expression levels increased when formate was consumed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mayra Rodriguez, Guangtao Fu, David Butler, Zhiguo Yuan, Lauren Cook
Summary: This study presents a top-down method to quantify resilience performance in combined sewer systems (CSS) by expanding the existing Global Resilience Analysis. It establishes a link between threats and impacts through continuous and long-term simulation, and introduces eight new metrics to assess CSO discharge impacts. A case study in Fehraltorf, Switzerland demonstrates that green infrastructure enhances CSS resilience, with green roofs being the most effective type and the downstream outfall displaying the highest resilience enhancement. This approach provides a standardized approach for resilience assessment and informs the development of strategies for CSO discharge reduction and CSS resilience enhancement.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhetai Hu, Lanqing Li, Xiaotong Cen, Min Zheng, Shihu Hu, Xiuheng Wang, Yarong Song, Kangning Xu, Zhiguo Yuan
Summary: Integrated urban water management is an effective approach for managing urban water resources, which utilizes integrated technological solutions to achieve system-wide benefits. Research has shown that the process of producing iron salts can improve wastewater treatment in urban water systems and simultaneously recover high-quality bioenergy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xueqin Zhang, Georgina H. Joyce, Andy O. Leu, Jing Zhao, Hesamoddin Rabiee, Bernardino Virdis, Gene W. Tyson, Zhiguo Yuan, Simon J. Mcilroy, Shihu Hu
Summary: Anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) use multi-heme c-type cytochromes (MHCs) to mediate the reduction of metals and electrodes. Experimental evidence supports the involvement of these cytochromes in extracellular electron transfer (EET) from ANME to different electron sinks.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaotong Cen, Haoran Duan, Zhetai Hu, Xin Huang, Jiaying Li, Zhiguo Yuan, Min Zheng
Summary: The study shows that dosing magnesium hydroxide in sewer systems has various benefits on downstream treatment processes, including increasing sewage pH, reducing sulfide and methane concentrations, and increasing alkalinity and volatile fatty acids concentration in sewer effluent. Dosing magnesium hydroxide can also improve ammonium oxidation and NOx reduction rates in cases with limited alkalinity and carbon sources availability, without detrimental effects on anaerobic sludge digesters. Furthermore, the use of magnesium hydroxide dosing can potentially reduce downstream chemical demand and costs for carbon sources, pH adjustment, and sludge dewatering.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kefeng Zhang, Veljko Prodanovic, Hengke Zhao, Min Zheng, Shihu Hu, Pei-Ying Hong, Zhiguo Yuan, Ana Deletic
Summary: This study investigated the performance of vegetated biofiltration systems (VBS) in treating nitrogen-rich wastewater. The results showed that VBS was able to effectively treat nitrogen through traditional denitrification and the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process. The type of carbon source and retention time had significant impacts on nitrogen removal, while dissolved oxygen levels did not. Microbial analysis revealed differences between different carbon sources and the presence of a suspected anammox genus in the system.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
