Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhuo Li, Haixing Wang, Kunyu Zhang, Boguang Yang, Xian Xie, Zhengmeng Yang, Lingchi Kong, Peng Shi, Yuan Zhang, Yi-Ping Ho, Zhi-Yong Zhang, Gang Li, Liming Bian
Summary: The research assembled a biomimetic hyaluronic acid nanocomposite hydrogel with bisphosphonates (BPs), and demonstrated its expedited release of BPs in an acidic environment. The in vitro studies showed that the hydrogel inhibits mature osteoclastic differentiation, while promoting the initial differentiation of primary macrophages to preosteoclasts. In vivo evaluation confirmed the hydrogel's ability to enhance in situ bone regeneration.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Karen E. Martin, Pranav P. Kalelkar, Maria M. Coronel, Hannah S. Theriault, Rebecca S. Schneider, Andres J. Garcia
Summary: The use of fetal bovine serum in cell culture can trigger a strong immune response, overshadowing the immunomodulatory effects of biomaterial-released cells. Caution should be taken when interpreting immunological and tissue repair outcomes in pre-clinical models involving cells and biomaterial constructs that have been exposed to xenogeneic serum components.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yaping Wang, Jingrong Wang, Rui Gao, Xiang Liu, Zujian Feng, Chuangnian Zhang, Pingsheng Huang, Anjie Dong, Deling Kong, Weiwei Wang
Summary: A synthetic fibrous glycopeptide hydrogel was developed and composited with 3D-printed PCL/nHA scaffold for cranial bone regeneration, showing significant promotion of stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation as well as enhanced interaction between macrophages and stem cells. The composite scaffold exhibited superior efficacy in bone regeneration and osseointegration, creating a reparative microenvironment similar to normal cranium with increased anti-inflammatory macrophages and osteoblasts.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jie Meng, Francesco Boschetto, Shinichi Yagi, Elia Marin, Tetsuya Adachi, Xuefei Chen, Giuseppe Pezzotti, Shinichi Sakurai, Hideki Yamane, Huaizhong Xu
Summary: A high-precision poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffold fabricated by melt electrowriting (MEW) as a bone substitute was investigated. However, the fragility and low bioactivity of the scaffold hinder its clinical application. Therefore, a biomimetic reinforced composite scaffold combining the MEW PLLA lattice with a gelatin/genipin/bioglass hydrogel is proposed. The composite scaffold shows excellent interconnectivity, high storage modulus, and improved osteoinduction/conduction capability.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
He Wang, Bo Hu, Hong Li, Ge Feng, Shengyuan Pan, Ziqi Chen, Bo Li, Jinlin Song
Summary: In this study, hydroxyapatite nanofibers (HANFs) were incorporated into GelMA hydrogel to improve its mechanical properties and bone regenerative ability. The results showed that a certain amount of mineralized nanofibers significantly improved the biocompatibility and bone repair effect of the composite hydrogel, but increasing the amount of nanofibers did not lead to further improvement in performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shijia Tang, Lin Wang, Yunyang Zhang, Feimin Zhang
Summary: Repairing bone defects caused by trauma or diseases is a primary focus of prosthodontics. Researchers developed a novel biomimetic hydrogel by combining methacrylated alginate and 4-arm poly (ethylene glycol)-acrylate (4A-PEGAcr). The hydrogel was then incorporated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and biomineralized to promote bone tissue regeneration. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the hydrogel had excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic activities.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hang Zhou, Kexiao Yu, Haitao Jiang, Rui Deng, Lei Chu, Youde Cao, Yuanyi Zheng, Weizhong Lu, Zhongliang Deng, Bing Liang
Summary: The study successfully synthesized injectable PMM hydrogels that can accelerate bone regeneration and form porous scaffolds, significantly promoting bone cell proliferation, differentiation, and deposition by controlling Mg2+ release. Micro-CT imaging and histological analysis demonstrated that PMM hydrogels effectively stimulated in situ bone regeneration in rat calvarial defects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiawei Li, Huiming Jiang, Zhongyang Lv, Ziying Sun, Chaoqun Cheng, Guihua Tan, Maochun Wang, Anlong Liu, Heng Sun, Hu Guo, Fufei Chen, Zizheng Liu, Yuxiang Fei, Yuan Liu, Rui Wu, Xingquan Xu, Wenjin Yan, Qing Jiang, Dongquan Shi
Summary: This study proposed a new strategy for cartilage regeneration by hyalinizing fibrocartilage through stabilizing the cytoskeleton. The use of docetaxel was found to inhibit cartilage fibrosis and promote the regeneration of hyaline cartilage.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Binbin He, Jie Wang, Mengtian Xie, Miaoyi Xu, Yahan Zhang, Huijie Hao, Xiaoli Xing, William Lu, Quanhong Han, Wenguang Liu
Summary: In this study, a biomimetic epithelium/stroma bilayer implant for corneal regeneration is proposed by 3D printing technology. The printed PEGDA-GelMA hydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties and support cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. The bi-layer cells-laden corneal scaffold shows efficient sealing of corneal defects and promotes re-epithelialization and stromal regeneration in a rabbit keratoplasty model.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruixue Li, Yang Sun, Zhengwei Cai, Yang Li, Jian Sun, Wei Bi, Fei Yang, Qianrong Zhou, Tingjun Ye, Youcheng Yu
Summary: A novel peptide hydrogel (HA-c-CGRP) was constructed in this study, which sustained release highly bioactive CGRP and promoted BMSCs proliferation and osteoblast differentiation. The cocrosslinking HA-c-CGRP hydrogel accelerated new bone formation process with the highly bioactive peptide, showing promising prospect for healing defected bone tissue.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mingxin Li, Ping Song, Wenzhao Wang, Yang Xu, Jun Li, Lina Wu, Xingyu Gui, Zhimou Zeng, Zhigang Zhou, Ming Liu, Qingquan Kong, Yujiang Fan, Xingdong Zhang, Changchun Zhou, Lei Liu
Summary: In this study, we developed cell-laden porous hydrogel scaffolds with gradient nano-hydroxyapatite for osteochondral tissue regeneration. The scaffold possessed interconnected pores and a nano-hydroxyapatite gradient, promoting cell proliferation and differentiation for integrated repair of osteochondral lesions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kaiyu Liang, Chenchen Zhao, Chenxin Song, Lan Zhao, Pengcheng Qiu, Shengyu Wang, Jinjin Zhu, Zhe Gong, Zhaoming Liu, Ruikang Tang, Xiangqian Fang, Yueqi Zhao
Summary: The combination of biomimetic hydrogels and nano-HAP is a promising way to solve critical-sized bone defects. In this study, bone-like nano-HAP was in situ mineralized in hydrogels through cross-linking periosteum-decellularized extracellular matrix and calcium phosphate oligomers. The resulting biomimetic osteogenic hydrogel demonstrated acceleration of osteogenesis and achieved large sized bone defect regeneration and remodeling.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Haniyeh Najafi, Mahboobeh Jafari, Ghazal Farahavar, Samira Sadat Abolmaali, Negar Azarpira, Sedigheh Borandeh, Raheleh Ravanfar
Summary: Self-assembled peptide hydrogels, as a new generation of biomaterials, show excellent properties for hard tissue repair and regeneration, with potential applications in mimicking extracellular matrix and enhancing tissue regeneration compared to conventional methods.
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zehui Fang, Mengxi Guo, Qingli Zhou, Quanli Li, Hai Ming Wong, Chris Ying Cao
Summary: This study proposed an innovative strategy to regenerate enamel-like tissue using biomimetic enamel matrix proteins on etched enamel surface, producing prismatic structures with similar mechanical properties to natural enamel. Analysis through XRD and FTIR confirmed the regenerated crystal as hydroxyapatite. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the binding energy between mLRAP and NAA were primarily electrostatic forces and Van der Walls. These results present a promising approach for inducing crystal growth of enamel-like hydroxyapatite for biomimetic reproduction of materials with complex hierarchical microstructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiahang Wu, Taijun Chen, Yingying Wang, Jiafan Bai, Chenwen Lao, Minyue Luo, Mingxia Chen, Wenzhen Peng, Wei Zhi, Jie Weng, Jianxin Wang
Summary: This study aimed to promote tissue regeneration by designing a biomimetic hydrogel with piezoelectric and antibacterial properties through the incorporation of piezoelectric materials and silver nanowires. The results showed enhanced repair effect of osteochondral defects, indicating the potential application of bionics principle- and piezoelectric effect-based osteochondral tissue engineering.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Catharina Husteden, Yazmin A. Brito Barrera, Sophia Tegtmeyer, Joao Borges, Julia Giselbrecht, Matthias Menzel, Andreas Langner, Joao F. Mano, Christian E. H. Schmelzer, Christian Woelk, Thomas Groth
Summary: This article presents a gene-activated surface coating strategy for designing smart biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. The thin-film coating is made of polyelectrolyte multilayers composed of collagen I and chondroitin sulfate, and further functionalized with DNA/lipid-nanoparticles. The successful formation of the thin-film, fibrillar structuring of collagen, and homogeneous embedding of lipoplexes is demonstrated. Culturing mesenchymal stem cells on the functionalized multilayer shows excellent attachment, growth, and uptake of cargo like fluorescence-labelled DNA from lipoplexes. Furthermore, the functionalization of the multilayer induces osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joao Rocha Maia, Rita Sobreiro-Almeida, Franck Cleymand, Joao F. Mano
Summary: Three-dimensional printing has emerged as a promising method for biofabrication of tissue engineering constructs, aiming to create tissue/organ replacements for precision medicine. By using human-sourced biomaterials with optimal rheological properties, the best possible scaffolds can be created, enhancing clinical outcomes. This paper provides an overview of current efforts in achieving necessary ink properties for biofabrication and discusses crosslinking strategies. It also explores the state-of-the-art of using human-sourced inks and presents future perspectives on the field.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Micaela Nave, Francisco J. P. Costa, Catia G. Alves, Rita Lima-Sousa, Bruna L. Melo, Ilidio J. Correia, Duarte de Melo-Diogo
Summary: Near infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanosystems were developed for cancer chemo-photodynamic/photothermal therapy. These nanosystems can produce reactive oxygen species and/or temperature increase, damaging cancer cells and triggering drug release. The combination of these nanosystems with NIR light showed enhanced outcome in vitro studies, completely ablating breast cancer cells.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. S. Silva-Barroso, Catia S. D. Cabral, Paula Ferreira, Andre F. Moreira, Ilidio J. Correiaa
Summary: Bone is a vital tissue in the human body that serves various functions including protection of organs, support and locomotion, maintenance of homeostasis, and hematopoiesis. However, bone defects caused by traumas, diseases, and aging can hinder its self-regeneration capacity. To address this issue, researchers have developed 3D scaffolds using rapid prototyping techniques and composite materials with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. In this study, a new 3D scaffold was created by layer-by-layer deposition of a mixture of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), sodium alginate (SA), and lignin (LG). The incorporation of LG enhanced the mechanical strength of the scaffold and maintained its ability to support osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and bioactivity. These findings highlight the potential of LG in the development of 3D scaffolds for bone regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francisco J. P. Costa, Micaela Nave, Rita Lima-Sousa, Catia G. Alves, Bruna L. Melo, Ilidio J. Correia, Duarte de Melo-Diogo
Summary: Nano-sized materials have been extensively studied in the field of biomedicine for their ability to encapsulate drugs for targeted delivery to cancer cells. However, there are obstacles in systemically administering these nanomaterials that impede their ability to target tumors. Researchers have begun developing technologies to directly deliver nanoparticles into tumor tissue, with Thiol-Maleimide hydrogels emerging as a promising option due to their ability to incorporate high doses of nanoparticles in a compact 3D structure. This study focused on producing a Thiol-Maleimide hydrogel using natural polymers for chemo-photothermal therapy in breast cancer, and the results showed its potential in reducing cancer cell viability through the combined action of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sara A. Cunha, Sandra Borges, Sara Baptista-Silva, Tania Ribeiro, Patricia Oliveira-Silva, Manuela Pintado, Patricia Batista
Summary: Nowadays, there is a growing interest in new trend-driven biomolecules to improve health and wellbeing. Astaxanthin, obtained from natural sources like microalgae, has shown promising benefits in mental health and illness, primarily due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may attenuate symptoms of various brain disorders.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Andreia Granja, Rita Lima-Sousa, Catia G. Alves, Duarte de Melo-Diogo, Claudia Nunes, Celia T. Sousa, Ilidio J. Correia, Salette Reis
Summary: Photothermal therapy has emerged as a new promising strategy for cancer management, either alone or combined with other therapies. Nanoparticles have been proposed for multimodal therapy in order to improve treatment performance and reduce side effects. This study presents a novel multifunctional nanosystem for dual photothermal therapy and chemotherapy of breast cancer, using solid lipid nanoparticles co-loaded with gold nanorods and mitoxantrone and functionalized with folic acid. The results show that the developed nanosystem is an efficient vehicle for breast cancer multimodal therapy.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Katia R. Amaral, A. Sofia Silva, Lucia F. Santos, Edgar J. Castanheira, Maria C. Mendes, Dora C. S. Costa, Joao M. M. Rodrigues, Joana Marto, Joao F. Mano
Summary: By combining the optimized physical adhesion mechanism between bees' leg hairs and pollen grains and the adhesion properties of natural mussels in wet environments, a natural-derived micropatterned hydrogel patch of methacrylated laminarin with improved adhesiveness and enriched drug content is proposed for wound healing applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Lucia F. Santos, Ana S. Silva, Joao F. Mano
Summary: The goal of tissue engineering (TE) is to fabricate biological substitutes for repairing, replacing, or enhancing tissue and organ functions. However, TE faces challenges including the lack of suitable biomaterials with desired properties and the inability to create complex vascularized tissues. The emergence of magnetic force-based TE (Mag-TE) has revolutionized the field by utilizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for tissue engineering and real-time monitoring. This review discusses the recent studies on the applications of MNPs in TE, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Patricia Batista, Manuela Pintado, Patricia Oliveira-Silva
Summary: Mental disorders are increasing worldwide, leading to the development of multidisciplinary research groups that combine knowledge from different areas to promote prevention strategies. Excessive antipsychotic consumption is a public health problem, and innovative strategies are needed. Oral films, as a recent delivery system, offer advantages for mental health treatment and prevention, but regulatory guidelines are necessary to ensure their quality and safety. This review provides a critical overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the implementation of oral films in the treatment of mental disorders.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Gois, Patricia Batista, Magnolia Araujo, Patricia Oliveira-Silva
Summary: This study investigates the perception of Portuguese and Brazilian populations regarding probiotic and Kombucha consumption, as well as the impact on emotion regulation. The results show no significant differences in the consumption of probiotics and Kombucha between the Portuguese and Brazilian samples. However, there is a significant association between probiotic consumption patterns in both samples. No statistically significant relationship was found between probiotic and Kombucha consumption and emotion regulation.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Patricia Batista, Joao Neves-Amado, Anabela Pereira, Joao Amado
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review on the use of the FANTASTIC Lifestyle questionnaire, revealing its wide application in assessing different dimensions of lifestyles among various populations. The findings highlight the significance of using this questionnaire in designing intervention strategies and promoting health literacy.
HEALTH PROMOTION PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Patricia Alves, Ana Filipa Simao, Mariana F. P. Graca, Marcos J. Mariz, Ilidio J. Correia, Paula Ferreira
Summary: Bone infections are a major health issue and conventional treatment methods have drawbacks. This study developed injectable hydrogel scaffolds for bone regeneration without invasive procedures. The hydrogels showed favorable chemical properties, antibacterial performance, biocompatibility, and are suitable for bone regeneration applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pedro Rodrigues Ribeiro, Patricia Batista, Francisco Mendes-Palma, Manuela Pintado, Patricia Oliveira-Silva
Summary: This study examines consumer knowledge and involvement in sustainability goals, revealing that consumers prioritize budget, quality, comfort, and functionality over sustainability when purchasing textiles. They are cautious about clothing rental or sharing, but willing to extend product lifespans and are concerned about responsible disposal. They value the social and informational attributes of textile products and demand brand transparency.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniela Patricio, Joana Santiago, Joao F. Mano, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: This article provides an overview of organoid technology and its applications in healthcare and research, with a focus on male reproductive system organoids and other biomaterials. The article also discusses current applications and highlights the research gaps, challenges, and opportunities in the field.
WIRES MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2023)