Regenerative Applications Research Articles

Antimicrobial Phenolic Materials: From Assembly to Function.

Infectious diseases pose considerable challenges to public health, particularly with the rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens that globally cause high mortality rates. These pathogens can persist on surfaces and spread in public and healthcare settings. Advances have been made in developing antimicrobial materials to reduce the transmission of pathogens, including materials composed of naturally sourced polyphenols and their derivatives, which exhibit antimicrobial potency, broad-spectrum activity, and a lower likelihood of promoting resistance. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the fabrication of antimicrobial phenolic biomaterials, where natural phenolic compounds act as active antimicrobial agents or encapsulate other antimicrobial agents (e.g., metal ions, antimicrobial peptides, natural biopolymers). Various forms of phenolic biomaterials synthesized through these two strategies, including antimicrobial particles, capsules, hydrogels, and coatings, are summarized, with a focus on their application in wound healing, bone repair and regeneration, oral health, and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. The potential of these advanced phenolic biomaterials provides a promising therapeutic approach for combating antimicrobial-resistant infections and reducing microbial transmission.

Antimicrobial Phenolic Materials: From Assembly to Function

AbstractInfectious diseases pose considerable challenges to public health, particularly with the rise of multidrug‐resistant pathogens that globally cause high mortality rates. These pathogens can persist on surfaces and spread in public and healthcare settings. Advances have been made in developing antimicrobial materials to reduce the transmission of pathogens, including materials composed of naturally sourced polyphenols and their derivatives, which exhibit antimicrobial potency, broad‐spectrum activity, and a lower likelihood of promoting resistance. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the fabrication of antimicrobial phenolic biomaterials, where natural phenolic compounds act as active antimicrobial agents or encapsulate other antimicrobial agents (e.g., metal ions, antimicrobial peptides, natural biopolymers). Various forms of phenolic biomaterials synthesized through these two strategies, including antimicrobial particles, capsules, hydrogels, and coatings, are summarized, with a focus on their application in wound healing, bone repair and regeneration, oral health, and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. The potential of these advanced phenolic biomaterials provides a promising therapeutic approach for combating antimicrobial‐resistant infections and reducing microbial transmission.

The Role of Bioactive Glasses in Modern Dentistry: From Remineralization to Regeneration

Aim: This review explores the potential of bioactive glasses in dentistry, focusing on their applications in dental restorations, implants, and tissue regeneration. The aim is to assess the challenges and opportunities in their use, as well as the future directions for enhancing their performance. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted to analyze the properties, applications, and limitations of bioactive glasses in dental materials. Studies on the composition, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and long-term in vivo performance were included. Methods to enhance the mechanical strength of bioactive glasses, such as the formation of composites and advanced nano structuring, were also explored. Results: Bioactive glasses have shown great promise in promoting remineralization, supporting tissue regeneration, and bonding with hard tissues. However, challenges such as mechanical brittleness, high costs, and limited long-term stability have been identified. Research on enhancing mechanical strength through composites, as well as developing more cost-effective production methods, is ongoing. Conclusion: Bioactive glasses offer significant potential for improving dental treatments and advancing regenerative medicine. Future research should focus on enhancing their mechanical properties, developing personalized bioactive materials, and exploring their integration with stem cell therapies and growth factors. With continued development, bioactive glasses could revolutionize dental restorations, implants, and oral tissue regeneration, providing innovative solutions for oral healthcare.

Enhanced Bone Orthopedic Dental Implants: Integrating Reduced Graphene Oxide with Chitosan and Hydroxyapatite

This study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan (CH) and hydroxyapatite (HA)-based bone orthopedic implants (BOIs) incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for wound healing and dental bone tissue regeneration applications. CH-HA–rGO composites were synthesized and characterized to assess their physicochemical, morphological, thermal, mechanical and bioactivity properties. Compressive strength and elongation at break were measured to evaluate mechanical properties. The morphology of the BOI was examined to confirm the pore structure. Bioactivity was assessed via calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) content analysis, while biodegradation and biocompatibility were tested using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays on MG63 osteoblast cells. Fish waste was utilized in the preparation of BOI to explore its potential as a sustainable resource. The CH–HA–rGO BOI demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, including a compressive strength of 48.34 ± 0.74 MPa and an elongation at a break of 41.82 ± 0.24%. The implant displayed a well-developed pore structure and enhanced bioactivity with a high Ca/P content. Biocompatibility studies revealed significant cell viability of MG63 cells on the BOI, confirming its potential for biological applications. The CH–HA–rGO BOI showed superior mechanical strength, biocompatibility and bone mineralization potential, indicating its suitability for implant applications in large animals. The innovative use of fish waste in BOI preparation further highlights its sustainability and potential for tissue regeneration studies.

Evaluation and optimization of physical, mechanical, and biological characteristics of 3D printed Whitlockite/calcium silicate composite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration using response surface methodology.

Calcium phosphate-based bioscaffolds are used for bone tissue regeneration because of their physical and chemical resemblance to human bone. Calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and silicon are important components of human bone. The successful biomimicking of human bone characteristics involves incorporating all the human bone elements into the scaffold material. In this work, Mg-Whitlockite (WH) and Calcium Silicate (CS) were selected as matrix and reinforcement respectively, because of their desirable elemental composition and regenerative properties. The magnesium in WH increases mineralization in bone, and the silicon ions in CS support vascularization. The Mg-WH was synthesized using the wet chemical method, and powder characterization tests were performed. Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to design the experiments with a combination of material compositions, infill ratios (IFs), and sintering temperatures (STs). The WH/CS bioceramic composite is 3D printed in three different compositions: 100/0, 75/25, and 50/50 wt%, with IFs of 50%, 75%, and 100%. The physical and mechanical characterization study of printed samples is conducted and the result is optimized using RSM. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is used to establish the relationship between input parameters and responses. The optimized input parameters were the WH/CS composition of 50/50 wt%, IF of 50%, and ST of 1150 °C, which bring out the best possible combination of physical and mechanical characteristics. The RSM optimized response was a density of 2.27 g cm-3, porosity of 36.74%, wettability of 45.79%, shrinkage of 25.13%, compressive strength of 12 MPa, and compressive modulus of 208.49 MPa with 92% desirability. The biological characterization studies were conducted for the scaffold samples prepared with optimized input parameters. The biological studies confirmed the capabilities of the WH/CS composite scaffolds in bone regenerative applications.

Induced mesenchymal stem cells generated from periodontal ligament fibroblast for regenerative therapy

Bone fractures and bone loss represent significant global health challenges, with their incidence rising due to an aging population. Despite autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard for treatment, challenges such as limited bone availability, immune reactions, and the risk of infectious disease transmission have driven the search for alternative cell-based therapies for bone regeneration. Stem cells derived from oral tissues and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential in both preclinical and clinical studies for bone tissue regeneration. However, their limited differentiation capacity and wound healing abilities necessitate the exploration of alternative cell sources. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a safe, nonviral and mRNA-based approach from human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF), an easily accessible cell source. These iPSCs were subsequently differentiated into MSCs, referred to as induced MSCs (iMSCs). The resulting iMSCs were homogeneous, highly proliferative, and possessed anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting their potential as a superior alternative to traditional MSCs for regenerative therapy. These iMSCs demonstrated trilineage differentiation potential, giving rise to osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. The iMSC-derived osteocytes (iOSTs) were homogeneous, patient-specific and showed excellent attachment and growth on commercial collagen-based membranes, highlighting their suitability for bone tissue regeneration applications. Given their promising characteristics compared to traditional MSCs, PDLF-derived iMSCs are strong candidates for future clinical studies in bone regeneration and other regenerative dental therapies.

Bioprinted hydrogels in bone regeneration: a bibliometric analysis

BackgroundThe application of bioprinted hydrogels in the field of bone regeneration is garnering increasing attention. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research status, hotspots and research directions in this field through bibliometric methods, and to predict the development trend of this field.MethodsA search was conducted on 27 December 2024, for papers published on the Web of Science from 2010 to 2025. We used the bibliometrix package in the software program R to analyze the retrieved data and VOSviewer and CiteSpace to visualize hotspots and research trends in bioprinted hydrogels for bone regeneration.ResultsWe identified and reviewed 684 articles published in this field between 2010 and 2025. A total of 811 institutions and 1,166 researchers from 41 countries/regions contributed to these publications. Among them, China led in terms of the number of articles published, single-country publications (SCP), and multi-country publications (MCP). Our bibliometric-based visualization analysis revealed that the mechanical properties and osteogenic differentiation capacity of biomaterials have been a focal research topic over the past decade, while emerging research has also concentrated on the in vitro fabrication of stem cells for bone regeneration and osteogenic differentiation, particularly the precise application of in situ stem cell-loaded bioprinted organoids.ConclusionThis study provides an in-depth analysis of the research trajectory in the application of bioprinted hydrogels for bone regeneration. The number of research papers in this field is increasing annually, and the main research hotspots include bone regeneration, 3D printing, scaffolds, and hydrogels. Future research directions may focus on gelatin, additive manufacturing, and growth factors. Additionally, international collaboration is essential to enhance the effectiveness of bioprinted hydrogels in bone regeneration applications.

Collagen as a biomaterial for skin wound healing: From structural characteristics to the production of devices for tissue engineering.

Collagen is an abundant component in the human body and plays a fundamental role in the integrity and function of various tissues, including skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. This natural polymer also contributes to physiological balance and individual health. Within this context, this article reviews the structure of collagen, describing intrinsic characteristics that range from its molecular composition to its organization into bundles. Additionally, the review highlights some of the applications of collagen in tissue engineering, particularly its mimicry of the skin's extracellular matrix. For this review, searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences. The inclusion criteria were established based on the relevance of the studies for the objectives of the review and methodological quality. After selection of the articles, a critical analysis of their content was conducted and the information was synthesized and presented concisely. Analysis of the properties of collagen revealed its key importance for the design of bioactive materials in regenerative applications. However, challenges such as the need for improvement of the integration of implanted materials and a better understanding of the underlying biological processes remain.

Demystifying the Potential of Polymeric Lipids as Substitute in Regenerative Applications: A Review

ABSTRACTThe objective of a regenerative medicine is to repair, restore, and regenerate tissues and organs that occurred due to injury or a defect or disease. Additionally, the purpose of regenerative medicine is to reverse the aging process of the body by utilizing the body's innate healing ability. There is still a significant venture that needs to be directed for advancement in the arena of regenerative medicine, which makes use of products derived from cell therapy as well as for biomedical. Stem cells and growth factors are the primary components of regenerative medicine; hence, novel drug delivering systems are now being studied to augment the transport of active pharmaceuticals. Lipid‐based complexed with therapeutics is suited for site‐specific and controlled drug release. Lipids are biocompatible and available from various sources in various molecular weights that self‐assemble into various forms with hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. By enhancing plasma membrane fluidity, excipients such non‐ionic surfactants, fatty acids, and glycerides increase permeability. Liposomes, nanoparticles, nano‐emulsions, and micelles are nano‐lipid carriers that can improve bioavailability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic medicines. The lipoidal‐polymeric carriers had emerged as promising drug delivering systems for a multifaceted application due to cytocompatibility, ecofriendly, and ability to encapsulate a variety of drugs. Further, utilizing cell treatment products as well as biomedical or tissue engineering, regenerative medicine is a rapidly developing discipline. Furthermore, similar vein, delivery technologies that are combined with stem cells promote engraftment, differentiation, and cell survival. Hence the colloidal Lipid‐based carrier has impending as versatile drug delivering systems for multifaceted applications. Therefore, the objective is of the review is to offer an abridged information on the significance of Lipid‐based regenerative medicine as delivering technology in the process of offering cells with a confined ecosystem that facilitates them to thrive and distinguish in an effective manner.

Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs), Stem Cells From Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHEDSCs), and Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs) Isolation, Characterization and the Effectiveness of Allantoin as Bioactive Molecule for Dental Regeneration.

Dental stem cells are valuable tools in regenerative medicine due to their pluripotency and self-renewal properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of allantoin (Al) on Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDSCs), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) regarding cytotoxicity, proliferation, wound healing, and osteogenic differentiation. Human dental stem cells were isolated from three dental tissues using the explant culture method and cultured in DMEM-F12 medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics. The cytotoxicity and proliferation of allantoin were assessed using the XTT cell viability assay at concentrations ranging from 0,25 to 5 mg/mL. Wound healing was evaluated through a scratch assay at 1 mg/mL, and osteogenic differentiation was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining at 0,5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL. Al exhibited no cytotoxic effects across the tested concentrations. It enhanced cell proliferation, particularly in SHEDSCs at 5 mg/mL. DPSCs also showed significant improvement in wound healing in the scratch assay. At 1 mg/mL, Al inhibited osteogenic differentiation in DPSCs and PDLSCs, as indicated by reduced mineralization. Al shows potential as a non-cytotoxic agent for enhancing the proliferation of dental stem cells, especially SHEDSCs. However, its limited effect on wound healing of SHEDSCs and PDLSCs and inhibition of osteogenic differentiation at higher concentrations suggest that further optimization is required for its application in bone regeneration. Evaluation of the effects of plant-based therapeutic compounds on various types of dental stem cells may have the potential to increase the success of stem cell-based therapies in clinical applications in regenerative dentistry.

Peptide platform for 3D-printed Ti implants with synergistic antibacterial and osteogenic functions to enhance osseointegration.

Bone defects caused by trauma, infection, or tumors present a major clinical challenge. Titanium (Ti) implants are widely used due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility; however, their high elastic modulus, low surface bioactivity, and susceptibility to infection hinder osseointegration and increase failure rates. There is an increasing demand for implants that can resist bacterial infection while promoting osseointegration. In this study, we developed a peptide platform to engineer a multifunctional 3D-printed Ti implant (3DTi) modified with a fusion peptide composed of minTBP-1 (targeting peptide), KR-12 (antibacterial peptide), and GFOGER (adhesion peptide), termed 3DTi-NFP. This design enables specific targeting, localized delivery, prevention of peptide release into circulation, and functional integrity through linker retention. In both in vitro and in vivo infected bone defect models, 3DTi-NFP implants demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and achieved over 90% bactericidal efficiency against S. aureus and E. coli. The implants reduced bacterial colonization while enhancing adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), significantly upregulating osteogenic genes and protein expression. Transcriptome sequencing further explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of 3DTi-NFP, revealing activation of the focal adhesion and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways-key contributors to cell adhesion, matrix formation, and new bone formation. Overall, this study provides a promising strategy to improve the long-term success of Ti-based implants, with significant potential for tissue regeneration and clinical applications.

Effect of short-term gravitational changes on the human minor salivary gland stem cell characteristics.

Human minor salivary gland stem cells (huMSGSCs) are promising in regenerative medicine. Their multipotent capabilities enable tissue regeneration and offer treatment potential for various diseases. The effects of hypergravity (HyperG) and microgravity (MicroG) on stemness and therapeutic potential are not well explored. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of short-term HyperG and MicroG exposure on huMSGSC stemness and differentiation potential for treating salivary gland dysfunction. huMSGSCs were exposed to 1G, MicroG, and HyperG. Cell morphology, proliferation, sphere formation, and differentiation potential were analyzed. Stem cell and tight junction markers were evaluated using flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. huMSGSCs showed fibroblast-like morphology and robust proliferation up to passage 10. Differentiation into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes was successful, despite enhanced lineage-specific marker expression. HyperG significantly increased proliferation at 48 and 72 hours, MicroG-exposed cells formed more numerous and smaller spheres, and HyperG-exposed cells produced larger spheres. HyperG elevated stem cell marker (CD90, LGR5, SOX2) expression levels, and the expression of tight junction protein expressions (ZO-1, ZO-2) was higher under HyperG treatment. Short-term HyperG and MicroG exposure differentially influenced huMSGSC stemness and differentiation potential. HyperG enhanced proliferation, stem cell marker expression, and differentiation capacity. These findings suggest the potential of optimizing huMSGSCs for regenerative therapies that target salivary gland dysfunction and other tissue regeneration applications.

Silicate-substituted bovine-derived hydroxyapatite as a bone substitute in regenerative dentistry.

Hydroxyapatite, renowned for its biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties, plays a fundamental role in bone regeneration owing to its resemblance to natural bone mineral, thus offering considerable potential for advancing tissue engineering strategies. In this article, the innovative integration of silicon ions into biogenic (bovine-derived) hydroxyapatite (SiBHA) via a tailored sol-gel process is reported. The resultant SiBHA scaffolds exhibited an interconnected microporous structure with a total porosity of 70% and pore dimensions ranging from 120 to 650 µm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies validated the effective incorporation of silicon ions into the BHA lattice, with energy-dispersive X-ray and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry further confirming a Ca/P molar ratio for SiBHA between 1.63 and 1.74. Moreover, SiBHA scaffolds demonstrated commendable chemical and thermal stability. Of note, SiBHA scaffolds were found to display significantly enhanced mechanical properties, including compressive strength and Young's modulus, compared to the control BHA scaffolds. In vitro assessments highlighted the capacity of SiBHA scaffolds to foster cell viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of Saos-2 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in osteonectin expression, a key bone matrix protein, after 14 days of incubation under osteogenic conditions. These findings highlight the biocompatibility and therapeutic potential of SiBHA scaffolds, suggesting their suitability as biomaterials for dental bone regeneration applications.

Incorporating Bone-Derived ECM into Macroporous Microribbon Scaffolds Accelerates Bone Regeneration.

Tissue-derived extracellular matrix (tdECM) hydrogels serve as effective scaffolds for tissue regeneration by promoting a regenerative immune response. While most tdECM hydrogels are nanoporous and tailored for soft tissue, macroporosity is crucial for bone regeneration. Yet, there's a shortage of macroporous ECM-based hydrogels for this purpose. The study aims to address this gap by developing a co-spinning technique to integrate bone-derived ECM (bECM) into gelatin-based, macroporous microribbon (µRB) scaffolds. The effect of varying doses of bECM on scaffold properties was characterized. In vitro studies revealed 15% bECM as optimal for promoting MSC osteogenesis and macrophage (Mφ) polarization. When implanted in a mouse critical-sized cranial bone defect model, 15% bECM with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) microparticles significantly accelerated bone regeneration and vascularization, filling over 55% of the void by week 2. Increasing bECM to 25% enhanced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and decreased M1 Mφ polarization but reduced overall bone formation and vascularization. The findings demonstrate co-spun gelatin/bECM hydrogels as promising macroporous scaffolds for robust endogenous bone regeneration, without the need for exogenous cells or growth factors. While this study focused on bone regeneration, this platform holds the potential for incorporating various tdECM into macroporous scaffolds for diverse tissue regeneration applications.

Effects of Chemical Pretreatments of Wood Cellulose Nanofibrils on Protein Adsorption and Biological Outcomes.

Wood-based nanocellulose is emerging as a promising nanomaterial in the field of tissue engineering due to its unique properties and versatile applications. Previously, we used TEMPO-mediated oxidation (TO) and carboxymethylation (CM) as chemical pretreatments prior to mechanical fibrillation of wood-based cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to produce scaffolds with different surface chemistries. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of these chemical pretreatments on serum protein adsorption on 2D and 3D configurations of TO-CNF and CM-CNF and then to investigate their effects on cell adhesion, spreading, inflammatory mediator production in vitro, and the development of foreign body reaction (FBR) in vivo. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the surface chemistry played a key role in determining the proteomic profile and significantly influenced the behavior of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2). The surface of TO-CNF 2D samples showed the highest protein adsorption followed by TO-CNF 3D samples. CM-CNF 2D samples adsorbed a higher number of proteins than their 3D counterparts. None of the CNF scaffolds showed toxicity in vitro or in vivo. However, carboxymethylation pretreatment negatively affected the adhesion, morphology, and spreading of both cell types. Although the CNF materials displayed clear differences in surface chemistry and proteomic profiles, both triggered the same foreign body response after being subcutaneously implanted in rats for 90 days. This observation highlights that the degradation rate of CNF scaffolds plays a central role in maintaining the foreign body response in vivo. It is imperative to comprehend the impact of chemical pretreatments of CNFs on protein adsorption and their interaction with diverse host cell types prior to the investigation of potential modifications. This knowledge is indispensable for the advancement of CNFs in regenerative applications within tissue engineering.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Strontium–Quercetin Complex and Its In Vitro and In Vivo Potential for Application in Bone Regeneration

Synthesis and Characterization of a Strontium–Quercetin Complex and Its In Vitro and In Vivo Potential for Application in Bone Regeneration

A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles on corticospinal tract regeneration from 2004 to 2024

ObjectiveHere, bibliometric and visual analytical techniques were employed to assess the key features of the 100 most cited publications concerning corticospinal tract (CST) regeneration.MethodsResearch was conducted within the Web of Science Core Collection to pinpoint the 100 most cited publications on CST regeneration. From these, comprehensive data encompassing titles, authorship, key terms, publication venues, release timelines, geographic origins, and institutional affiliations were extracted, followed by an in-depth bibliometric examination.ResultsThe 100 most cited publications were all published between 2004 and 2024. These seminal papers amassed an aggregate of 18,321 citations, with individual citation counts ranging from 83 to 871 and a median of 136 citations per paper. Schwab M. E., stood out as the most prominent contributor, with significant authorship in 9 of the 100 papers. The United States dominated the geographical distribution, accounting for 49 of the articles. With 17 publications, the University of California System led the institutional rankings. A thorough keyword analysis revealed pivotal themes in the field, encompassing the optic nerve, gene expression, CST integrity and regeneration, diffusion tensor imaging, myelin-associated glycoproteins, inhibitors of neurite outgrowth, and methods of electrical and intracortical microstimulation.ConclusionThis investigation provides a bibliometric analysis of CST regeneration, underscoring the significant contribution of the United States to this field. Our findings unveiled the dynamics and trends within the field of CST regeneration, providing a scientific foundation for advancing clinical applications. Building on this analysis, the clinical application of CST regeneration should be optimized through interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling the exploration and validation of a variety of therapeutic approaches, including the use of neurotrophic factors, stem cell therapies, biomaterials, and electrical stimulation. Concurrently, additional clinical trials are necessary to test the safety and efficacy of these therapeutic methods and develop assessment tools for monitoring the recovery of patients. Furthermore, rehabilitation strategies should be refined, and professional education and training should be provided to enhance the understanding of CST regeneration treatments among both medical professionals and patients. The implementation of these strategies promises to enhance therapeutic outcomes and the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Public Value in Historic Environment Regeneration in China: A Public Perception Perspective on Spatial Form, Urban Governance, and People’s Experience (2000–2020)

This study, grounded in the theory of public value, explores how spatial form, urban governance, and people’s experiences influence the realization of public value in the regeneration of historic environments (HER) in China. Addressing the current dilemma faced by historic districts between “destructive construction” and “frozen preservation”, this research proposes that integrating public value into the HER process is crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. This study reviews key theories of public value and critically evaluates their application in historic environment regeneration. From a public perception perspective, this study constructs a hexagon public value model encompassing intrinsic, instrumental, and institutional values, analyzed through the dimensions of spatial form, urban governance, and people’s experiences. Through an empirical analysis of five case studies in China (Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley, Shanghai Tianzifang Alley, Guangzhou Enning Road, Beijing Nanluogu Alley, and Taiyuan Zhonglou Street), this research employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the interactions between these factors. The results reveal that spatial form has a significant positive impact on intrinsic value, while urban governance and people’s experiences have significant positive impacts on intrinsic, instrumental, and institutional values. The methodology combines bottom-up (based on grounded theory analysis of online user reviews) and top-down (literature review) approaches, ensuring the authenticity and theoretical depth of the questionnaire. The findings offer in-depth understanding and practical guidance for future HER work, contributing to bridging the knowledge gap in this field and providing a reference for urban managers and planners to balance preservation, development, and public interests in historic environment regeneration.

Enhancing Bioactivity of Titanium-Based Materials Through Chitosan Based Coating and Calcitriol Functionalization.

Titanium (Ti)-based materials are favored for hard tissue applications, yet their bioinertness limits their success. This study hypothesizes that functionalizing Ti materials with chitosan nano/microspheres and calcitriol (VD) will enhance their bioactivity by improving cellular activities and mineralization. To test this, chitosan particles were applied uniformly onto Ti surfaces using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at 20V for 3 minutes. VD was then loaded onto the coated surfaces, and the release profile of VD was monitored. Human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB) were cultured on the VD-loaded Ti surfaces. Cellular activities such as proliferation, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteogenic gene expression (runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type 1 (Col I), osteocalcin ( OCn), osteopontin (OP)), and mineralization were assessed. Von Kossa staining was performed to analyze mineralization, and the expression of cell adhesion proteins (N-cadherin (NC), integrin alpha V (IaV), integrin beta 3, (Ib3)) was measured. The results showed that approximately 50% of the VD released over 50 hours. The chitosan coating increased surface roughness three-fold, and this, combined with VD release, resulted in reduced cell proliferation but increased ALP activity, suggesting enhanced differentiation. VD-functionalized Ti surfaces showed statistically significant differences in osteogenic gene expressions, particularly on rougher surfaces. Additionally, the expression of cell adhesion proteins (NC, IaV, Ib3) was upregulated on VD-containing coated surfaces. Von Kossa analysis revealed that surface roughness significantly enhanced mineralization, particularly on VD-free surfaces by day 7, while mineralization on VD-containing bare surfaces started on day 14. These findings demonstrate that VD-loaded chitosan coatings significantly enhance the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Ti-based materials, highlighting their potential for applications in bone regeneration.

Cellular Behaviors of Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Pyrolytically Stripped Carbon Nanofiber's Surface.

There has been limited exploration of carbon nanofiber as a scaffold for cellular attachment and proliferation. In this work, commercially available, pyrolytically stripped carbon nanofiber (cCNF) is deposited over electrospun nanofiber mats, polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), to immobilize them and investigate whether the 3D cCNF layer's surface augments cell proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (nHDF). Spectral characterizations, such as XRD and Raman, show that cCNF exhibited crystalline structure with a high graphitization degree. cCNF layers are modified to have an irregular or planar surface by simple agitation (s-cCNF) or probe sonication (p-cCNF) of the solution. The in vitro cell line studies revealed that p-cCNF is better than s-cCNF in providing a platform that supports a homogenous spread of the fibroblasts all over the nanofiber's surface. The p-cCNF-deposited PCL mat (p-cCNF@PCL) demonstrated cellular growth, similar to that of the neat PCL mat. However, the p-cCNF@PCL mat exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties by reducing the E. coli numbers, ≈16 times greater than the PCL mat. It is concluded that the immobilized, pyrolytically stripped carbon nanofiber's surface has the potential to accommodate cellular growth and inhibit bacterial colonies, suggesting the biomaterial scaffold is promising for in vivo and clinical applications of skin tissue regeneration.