- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1647024
- Nov 5, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Junyang Zhang + 8 more
Cellulose, as a natural material, serves as an excellent raw material for creating antimicrobial biological materials due to its unique nanostructure for cell scaffolds, customizable mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The cellulose hydrogel offers exceptional structural adjustability and functional design options, thanks to the abundance of hydroxyl groups on its surface, making it suitable for various applications in tissue engineering, biomedicine carriers, wound dressings, and more. Despite its potential in stomatology, the research progress in this area remains unclear. This review focuses on the performance criteria for ideal cellulose-based hydrogels, including self-healing, adhesion, antibacterial properties, and drug delivery. It also covers preparation methods, repair mechanisms, and applications in biomimetic remineralization for hard tooth tissues, periodontitis, dental body repair, alveolar bone repair, and more. Persistent challenges—including scalable manufacturing processes, cost-effective production of functionalized variants, long-term biological safety assurances, antimicrobial resistance management, and ecological sustainability require resolution. Concurrently, establishing standardized regulatory protocols for clinical translation warrants prioritized efforts. By aligning material innovations with unresolved clinical demands in dental care, this review positions cellulose hydrogels as foundational components for personalized stomatological interventions, accelerating the transition toward precision-oriented dental therapeutics.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1694117
- Nov 3, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Jie Zhang + 5 more
Metal matrix composites have shown great application potential in biomedical materials due to their excellent integrated properties. The deformation behaviours of metal matrix composites during fabricating and service are complicated. In this study, bicrystals processed by accumulative roll-bonding (ARB) were used as a representative case, and the deformation behaviours were investigated using crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM). The used three bicrystals were {112}<111>−{112}<111> (C-C), {112}<111>−{123}<634> (C-S), and {112}<111>−{001}<110> (C-RoCube), and the initial misorientation angles at the interfaces were 0°, 19.4°, and 35.3°, respectively. Pole figures, crystal rotation angles, and misorientation angles were used to characterize the texture evolution, and through-thickness shear strain γ RD − ND and shear strain on slip systems were adopted to present the plastic deformation. The deformation behaviours in C-S were similar to C-C, due to the small difference in crystal orientations, while the comparison between C-C and C-RoCube shows distinct differences. The texture transition between C and RoCube was observed, and this textural transition altered the activated slip systems. The influence of interfaces on the deformation behaviours of neighbouring regions was strongly dependent on the interfacial misorientation angles.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1685690
- Oct 29, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Xinggang Shen + 8 more
The influence of scale effect on the deformation parameters of the Duncan–Chang E–μ model (hereinafter abbreviated as D–C E–μ M) for coarse-grained soils remains challenging to quantify. These parameters play a critical role in predicting deformations in earth-rock dams, which in turn directly affect the safety and durability of such structures. Therefore, mitigating the impact of the scale effect on the deformation parameters of the D–C E–μ M is essential for the safe design of earth-rock dam projects. Previous studies suggest that variations in the maximum particle diameter d max and the gradation structure are the primary factors contributing to the scale effect. In this study, the influence of scale effect on the mechanical behavior of coarse-grained soils is systematically investigated. Using a continuous gradation equation, 21 sets of specimens with different gradations were prepared by controlling d max and the gradation area S. A series of triaxial consolidated-drained tests were conducted to analyze the effects of d max and S on the deformation parameters of the D–C E–μ M. The experimental results indicate that parameters G , K , F , and Rf decrease as the gradation area S increases. In contrast, parameters n and D first increase and then decrease with increasing S , eventually stabilizing beyond a certain threshold. Empirical relationships between each model parameter and S were established. With increasing d max , the parameters R f , lgK , n , F , and D increase, whereas G decreases. All parameters exhibit logarithmic relationships with d max . Based on the similar gradation method, an empirical formula is proposed to predict the deformation parameters of the D–C E–μ M under the influence of scale effect. The applicability of this formula to various types of coarse-grained soils is validated using test data from existing literature. Finally, a method is presented for predicting in situ deformation parameters of the D–C E–μ M based on scaled laboratory test results using the similar gradation approach.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1707971
- Oct 29, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Rong Lu + 2 more
Materials genome research has been rapidly evolved, aiming at the development of future pavement materials. It has been gradually applied to studying the properties of asphalt and asphalt mixtures. In this study, the prediction of the road properties of asphalt mixtures using asphalt binders subjected to multiple aging and regeneration cycles was systematically explored using various experimental tests. Additionally, various characterizations were carried out to analyse the variation law of road properties of the asphalt mixtures after three aging-regeneration cycles. Finally, a Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation (GA-BP) neural network was adopted to establish a prediction model for the performance of asphalt mixtures based on asphalt binders subjected to multiple aging-regeneration cycles. Results showed that the penetration finally recovered to 80.7%, and the softening point ultimately reached 115% of that before aging. However, the road properties of the asphalt mixtures after the implementation of three aging-regeneration cycles presented a differentiated evolution. In terms of high-temperature performance, the dynamic stability reached 183.8% and the penetration strength rose to 150% with the increase times of regeneration. Regarding the low-temperature performance, although the flexural-tensile strength increased to 121%, the fracture energy and tensile strength gradually decreased, both remaining above 68% of those of unaged mixtures after the third regeneration. The material showed favorable water stability; specifically, its residual stability and freeze-thaw splitting strength ratio finally stabilized at over 90% and maintained this level. In terms of dynamic viscoelasticity, although three aging-regeneration cycles altered the viscoelastic balance of the mixture, the dynamic response characteristics similar to those of new mixtures were not eliminated. According to the grey correlation analysis of the performance of asphalt mixtures and asphalt, penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, visco-toughness, and toughness, relatively high grey correlation degrees with the asphalt mixtures were shown. The established GA-BP neural network can effectively build a robust model for predicting the road properties of asphalt mixtures subjected to multiple aging-regeneration cycles, with small relative errors. Our work provides a valuable reference for systematically studying the materials genome of asphalt and asphalt mixtures.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1686963
- Oct 29, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Zhanpeng Du + 8 more
Energy shortage is a significant challenge faced by humanity, and energy conservation and carbon reduction are a common choice for global sustainable development. Among them, improving the lightweight level of carrier tools is a key way to promote global energy conservation and carbon reduction. Low-ductility light alloys have been gradually applied in the lightweight design of carrier tools due to their characteristics of high strength and low density. However, due to the large differences in physical properties such as melting points between low-ductility light alloys and high-strength steels, it is difficult to achieve effective connection of multi-material vehicle bodies, which limits the further promotion and application of low-ductility light alloy materials. As a cold joining technology, the riveting process has become an important means to support the mass application of low-ductility light alloy materials. In traditional riveting processes, solid rivets improve the uniformity of deformation by optimizing geometric and process parameters; blind rivets enhance the practicality of single-sided operation by regulating mandrel tension and deformation rate to suppress brittle fracture. New processes are constantly innovated: for example, self-piercing riveting without pre-opening reduces damage to the base material; pre-holed self-piercing riveting improves the bearing capacity of multi-layer dissimilar materials; adhesive-riveted hybrid joining has the advantages of strong bearing capacity and reliable connection; friction self-piercing riveting realizes the dual strengthening of “mechanical interlocking - solid-state joining” by softening materials through frictional heat; electromagnetic riveting improves the uniform deformation of materials through high strain rate dynamic loading. However, due to the low elongation and high sensitivity of low-ductility light alloy materials, the joints are prone to process-induced damage such as macroscopic cracks, which affect the forming quality and mechanical properties of the joints. Thus, it is necessary to deepen mechanism research, promote process optimization, expand the path of performance improvement in various environments, and promote the high-quality development of lightweight carrier tools.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1653364
- Oct 28, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Katharina Held + 7 more
Cobalt-chromium alloys are widely used in orthopedic implants due to their excellent toughness, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. However, cobalt ions released as consequence of corrosion or wear, trigger cytokine secretion and promote inflammation and pain in periprosthetic tissues. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a family of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ permeable channels involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Because of their permeability and modulation by divalent cations, we studied how TRP channels’ activity is influenced by cobalt ions. We used primary human synovial fibroblasts and through qPCR we found relevant expression of TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPM4 and TRPM7 mRNA in synovial fibroblasts. Next, we exposed synovial fibroblasts to cobalt ions and/or selective pharmacology of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels. We observed that TRPV2 and TRPV4 are sensitized by cobalt exposure, increasing intracellular calcium in synovial fibroblasts. Furthermore, exposure to TRPV2 and TRPV4 antagonists inhibited the basal long-term intracellular calcium increase, and reduced the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a, and VEGF-a triggered by cobalt exposure. However, the sole activation of TRPV2 and TRPV4 did not trigger secretion or expression of these cytokines. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that metal ions released from orthopedic implants, can modulate the function of TRP channels and may contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrosis and inflammation associated with biomedical implants. Notably, we propose a molecular mechanism in which TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels are potentially involved in mediating inflammatory and fibrotic responses in peri-implant tissues. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the regulatory role of cytosolic calcium in the development of adverse local tissue reactions.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1681616
- Oct 28, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Qiang Yi + 4 more
This study systematically investigates the effects of two types of organic montmorillonite (OMMT-F and OMMT-C) on the physical and high-temperature properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt to clarify the underlying modification mechanism. Through a combination of physical tests, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) analysis, Fluorescence Microscopy (FM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), the results show that while OMMT content below 3% does not significantly impact flexibility, a 5% content of OMMT-F reduces penetration and ductility more severely than OMMT-C. Both OMMT types enhance high-temperature performance, as evidenced by an increased softening point and rutting factor, with FM revealing that OMMT promotes asphaltene agglomeration and AFM identifying a reinforcing honeycomb structure on the asphalt surface. FTIR analysis confirms that this modification is primarily a physical process. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive microscopic-level comparison of OMMT types, offering valuable insights for optimizing SBS modified asphalt and presenting significant research value and practical implications for pavement engineering.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1666793
- Oct 28, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Fattma A Ali + 10 more
A novel hydrogel-based material was synthesized using gallium nitrate, a tetratopic pyridine-carboxylate ligand (H 4 TBAPy), oxidized pectin, and chitosan (Gallium-MOF/Hydrogel). This composite material incorporates a metal–organic framework (MOF) network within a biopolymeric hydrogel matrix. The structure was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, carbon/hydrogen/nitrogen/oxygen elemental analysis (CHNO EA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and EDX mapping, confirming the formation of a nanoscale MOF-hydrogel system with high surface area and uniform morphology. The antimicrobial activity of the material was evaluated against clinically relevant fungal species and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, showing superior minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values compared to two standard antibiotics. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays on against skin (A-431), breast (MCF-7), and bone cancer (MG-63) cancer cells revealed strong anticancer effects, likely due to the bioactive nature of the Ga-MOF core and synergistic interactions with pectin and chitosan. The obtained results highlight the potential of this Ga-based hydrogel as a multifunctional platform for biomedical applications.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1692324
- Oct 28, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Han You + 4 more
Introduction DCO4 steel sheets with a finite thickness are the subject of this study. Methods Material mechanical properties were determined through tensile and shear tests, while fracture characteristics along the thickness direction were analyzed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation of fracture surfaces was combined with these tests to clarify the influence of holes on the mechanical behavior of the steel sheet. Subsequently, a finite element simulation of the tensile test on steel plates was performed in ABAQUS, with plate thicknesses ranging from 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm and central hole diameters from 2 mm to 6 mm, corresponding to width-to-diameter ratios of 0.2–0.6. Results The influence of hole shape on the stress concentration factor (SCF) was quantified. Relationships between sheet thickness, diameter-to-width ratio, and SCF were established. The results demonstrate that for a given diameter-to-width ratio, an optimal sheet thickness exists where the SCF stabilizes. Conclusion These findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the engineering design of perforated DCO4 thin steel sheet components.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fmats.2025.1692206
- Oct 27, 2025
- Frontiers in Materials
- Youyou Zhang + 6 more
Soft grippers, with their high flexibility and environmental adaptability, have shown promising applications in industrial automation, medical assistance, and underwater operations. This study provides a detailed analysis of various actuation methods, such as fluid pressure, mechanical force, electric fields, magnetic fields, and thermal fields, discussing their principles, applications, and limitations. Additionally, the applications of materials such as hydrogels, elastic polymers, shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, magnetic materials, and liquid metals in soft grippers are summarized, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. On this basis, a comprehensive analysis and outlook on the performance of soft grippers, the challenges they currently face, and their future development directions have been conducted. This article aims to provide comprehensive theoretical insights for the design and application of soft grippers, thus advancing the field.