Biomedical Engineering Research Articles

Electroconductive Nanocellulose, a Versatile Hydrogel Platform: From Preparation to Biomedical Engineering Applications.

Nanocelluloses have garnered significant attention recently in the attempt to create sustainable, improved functional materials. Nanocellulose possesses wide varieties, including rod-shaped crystalline cellulose nanocrystals and elongated cellulose nanofibers, also known as microfibrillated cellulose. In recent times, nanocellulose has sparked research into a wide range of biomedical applications, which vary from developing 3D printed hydrogel to preparing structures with tunable characteristics. Owing to its multifunctional properties, different categories of nanocellulose, such as cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers, and bacterial nanocellulose, as well as their unique properties are discussed here. Here, different methods of nanocellulose-based hydrogel preparation are covered, which include 3D printing and crosslinking methods. Subsequently, advanced nanocellulose-hydrogels addressing conductivity, shape memory, adhesion, and structural color are highlighted. Finally, the application of nanocellulose-based hydrogel in biomedical applications is explored here. In summary, numerous perspectives on novel approaches based on nanocellulose-based research are presented here.

Nanomedicine and clinical diagnostics part I: applications in conventional imaging (MRI, X-ray/CT, and ultrasound).

Integrating nanotechnologies in diagnostic imaging presents a promising step forward compared to traditional methods, which carry certain limitations. Conventional imaging routes, such as X-ray/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, derive significant advantages from nanoparticles (NPs), which allow researchers and clinicians to overcome some of the limitations of traditional imaging agents. In this literature review, we explore recent advancements in nanomaterials being applied in conventional diagnostic imaging techniques by exploring relevant reviews and original research papers (e.g. experimental models and theoretical model studies) in the literature. Collectively, there are numerous nanomaterials currently being examined for use in conventional imaging modalities, and each imaging technique has unique NPs with properties that can be manipulated to answer an array of clinical questions specific to that imaging modality. There are still challenges to consider, including getting regulatory approval for clinical research and routine use about long-term biocompatibility, which collectively emphasize the need for continued research to facilitate the integration of nanotechnology into routine clinical practice. Most importantly, there is a continued need for strong, collaborative efforts between researchers, biomedical engineers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders, which are necessary to bridge the persistent gap between translational ideas and implementation in clinical settings.

Dual-use research assessment in emerging medical biotechnology: An ethical perspective from China.

Emerging medical biotechnology, with its dual-use nature, presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for human society. As we benefit from technological innovation, it is crucial for Chinese academics and policymakers to effectively identify and address potential risks. However, the current framework for evaluating dual-use research faces multiple challenges, including difficulties in identifying dual-use issues, a lack of consideration for broader impacts in assessments, and a lack of consensus on balancing benefits and risks. Furthermore, inadequacies in the review mechanism, such as uneven progress among institutions, insufficient review capabilities, and lacking specialized knowledge among assessment personnel, hamper the effectiveness of evaluation efforts. This article aims to explore these challenges and propose practical recommendations for strengthening the evaluation and governance mechanisms of dual-use research. By effectively mitigating the risks associated with dual-use research, it facilitates the promotion of responsible scientific progress in emerging medical biotechnologies in China and internationally.

Comparison of etchants for corrosion-resistant stainless steels in medical engineering

Abstract Corrosion-resistant stainless steels are widely used in medical engineering. Today, additive manufacturing techniques are also used for this purpose, in particular for implant steels. Additively processed materials sometimes react differently to etching than conventionally processed ones. The use of etchants for contrasting the microstructure must therefore be adapted. Chemical etching using V2A etchant, Murakami, and anhydrous Kalling solutions, as well as electrochemical etching using nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, and oxalic acid were performed. Etched samples made of conventionally processed X2CrNi-Mo17-12-2 were compared to samples manufactured using selective laser melting and sintering, and the optimal contrast was developed in each case. It can be shown that the different etchants reveal different microstructural constituents and that etchants must therefore be selected as a function of the application.

Numerical treatments for peristaltic transport of Johnson‐Segalman nanofluid through a vertical divergence irregular channel in the presence of inclined magnetic field and double‐diffusive

AbstractThis paper presents a computational study for the peristaltic pumping within vertical irregular divergence channels filled with magnetic Johnson—Segalman nanofluid. Various configurations of the outer boundaries are considered, namely, square wave, multi‐sinusoidal wave, trapezoidal wave, and triangular wave. An inclined magnetic field together with nanoparticles and mass concentrations is considered. Influences of the Dufour and Soret numbers are examined, and the cases of low Reynolds number and long wavelength are applied. All the computations are obtained numerically using Mathematica symbolical software (ND‐Solve), and the obtained results are presented in terms of the axial velocity , heat transfer rate , nanoparticle fraction profile , concentration profile , temperature profile , extra stress tensor , pressure gradient , pressure rise , and stream function . The major outcomes revealed that the square wave shape gives higher pressure gradients near the inlet and outlet parts while the multi‐sinusoidal wave gives periodic behaviors of . Also, the maximizing in thermophoresis parameter is better to obtain a higher rate of heat transfer while the increase in thermo‐diffusion and diffusion thermo effects causes a reduction in the rate of heat transfer. The discipline of biological and medical engineering, particularly for nanofluid peristaltic pumps, can benefit from the practical uses of such a model, which can be used to simulate the small vessel transport of particles in hemodynamics.

Omnidirectional and Multi‐Material In Situ 3D Printing Using Acoustic Levitation

AbstractAdditive manufacturing is critical in modern production with advanced applications across various domains. However, achieving omnidirectional printing that can adapt to varying substrate geometries is still a challenge. Moreover, multi‐material in situ printing without cross‐contamination presents another hurdle. In this study, an acoustophoretic 3D fabrication system capable of omnidirectional and multi‐material in situ 3D printing is reported using acoustic levitation. This system harnesses a phased array of transducers (PAT) to finely tune the ultrasonic field, generating acoustophoretic forces that levitate and transport objects in mid‐air. It allows omnidirectional in situ printing of materials onto complex substrates with diverse orientations in a contactless and voxel‐by‐voxel manner. It is capable of manipulating a broad spectrum of materials, including liquids with zero‐shear viscosities from 1 to 5,000,000 mPa·s, as well as solids. AcoustoFab has successfully printed structural, conductive, and biological materials in varying directions on complex substrates. Additionally, the contactless approach enables in situ printing safely on a delicate surface, as demonstrated by printing on a human hand. The flexibility and versatility of this approach demonstrate promising applications in areas ranging from biomedical engineering to industrial manufacturing.

Shape Memory Behavior of Polyacrylamide/Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite Aerogel

ABSTRACTThe development of lightweight, stimuli‐responsive materials remains a significant challenge in materials science. Shape memory aerogels represent a promising category of smart materials, yet their widespread application has been limited by performance constraints. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels enhanced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and transformed into aerogels through freeze‐drying. The obtained aerogels were characterized using mercury intrusion porosimetry, weighing method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the aerogels possessed high porosity (over 80%), low density (0.098 g cm−3), high specific surface area (152 m2 g−1), and an average pore diameter of 1280 nm. Electrical conductivity analysis demonstrated an electrical percolation threshold at 2.5 wt.% of MWCNTs. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis indicated a 400% increase in the Young's modulus in the presence of nanoparticles. The mentioned aerogel exhibited shape memory behavior under direct thermal stimulation, and the results also showed that the shape recovery ratio and shape recovery speed of the nanocomposite aerogel were 14% and 74% higher than those of the PAAm aerogel, respectively. The enhancements in mechanical and shape memory properties, combined with inherent lightweight nature, suggest promising applications across various technical fields, from aerospace to biomedical engineering.

The legal regime of a human embryo created in vitro

The article is dedicated to the study of the legal regime of a human embryo created in vitro, considering national and international legal approaches, as well as ethical and bioethical aspects. The aim of the work is to develop a comprehensive approach to regulating the legal status of embryos in Ukrainian law, which meets the modern challenges ofbiomedical technologies and international standards. The subject of the study is the legal norms concerning the use, storage, and destruction of embryos created in vitro, as well as the ethical limitations influencing their legal status.A comparative legal method was applied in the study, allowing the analysis of the approaches of different legal systems (including European continental, Anglo-Saxon, and international) to the definition of the legal status of an embryo. The methodology also includes the analysis of bioethical norms related to law enforcement in the field of reproductive technologies. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the formation of new proposals for improving Ukraine's national legislation and ensuring a balance between legal and ethical requirements. The relevance of the topic is due to the rapid development of biomedical technologies and the increasing need for their proper legal regulation.The main results of the study are the formulation of recommendations for improving national legislation in the field of legal regulation of embryos created in vitro. In particular, it is proposed to define clear time limits for embryo storage, the conditions for their use in scientific research, and the establishment of a balance between patients' rights and ethical restrictions. Additionally, recommendations for protecting the rights of participants in the reproductive technology process, including medical and research institutions, were developed.The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using the results to improve law enforcement in the field of reproductive technologies and to protect the rights of participants in the reproductive process. The proposed recommendations can be implemented in national legislation to increase its effectiveness and ensure compliance with modern international standards.

From viral assembly to host interaction: AFM's contributions to virology.

Viruses represent a diverse pool of obligate parasites that infect virtually every known organism, as such, their study is incredibly valuable for a range of fields including public health, medicine, agriculture, and ecology, and the development of biomedical technologies. Having evolved over millions of years, each virus has a unique and often complicated biology, that must be characterized on a case-by-case basis, even between strains of the same taxon. Owing to its nanoscale spatial resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) represents a powerful tool for exploring virus biology, including structural features, kinetics of binding to host cell ligands, virion self-assembly, and budding behaviors. Through the availability of numerous chemistries and advances in imaging modes, AFM is able to explore the complex web of host-virus interactions and life-cycle at a single virus level, exploring features at the level of individual bonds and molecules. Due to the wide array of techniques developed and data analysis approaches available, AFM can provide information that cannot be furnished by other modalities, especially at a single virus level. Here, we highlight the unique methods and information that can be obtained through the use of AFM, demonstrating both its utility and versatility in the study of viruses. As the technology continues to rapidly evolve, AFM is likely to remain an integral part of research, providing unique and important insight into many aspects of virology.

Advances in polysaccharide-based materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications: A comprehensive review.

Polysaccharides, the most abundant biopolymers in nature, have attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians due to its practicality in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. These biomaterials have high bioavailability and play structural and functional roles in living organisms. Polysaccharides are classified into several groups based on their origin, including plant polysaccharides and marine polysaccharides (like chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, alginates, etc.) with specific applications. These biopolymers possess unique physicochemical (such as surface functional groups, solubility, and stability), mechanical (like mechanical strength and tensile), and biomedical (such as antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and non-immunogenicity) characteristics which have made them excellent platforms for a wide variety of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Ease of extraction and different preparation approaches are mentioned as other potential properties of polysaccharides that further improved their practicality in biomedical sciences. They have high drug/bioactive encapsulation capacity and sustained/controlled release manner in in vivo microenvironments. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, stimuli-responsive drug/bioactive release, and passive and active drug/bioactive delivery are considered the potential features of these biopolymers in pharmaceutical sciences. Polysaccharides have indicated practical applications in biomedical sciences, including biosensors, tissue engineering, implantation, wound healing, vascular grafting, and vaccines. This review highlights the advances of polysaccharide-based materials in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve – Therapeutic Options Today and Tomorrow

Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect, characterized by the presence of two cusps of the valve instead of three. This defect leads to hemodynamic and morphological disturbances, potentially resulting in serious health complications. BAV often remains asymptomatic for a long time, with symptoms eventually arising from valve degeneration along with the remodeling of the heart and aortic root, which are consequences of the initial condition. The aim of this study is to compile information regarding the defect, current treatment options, and potential new therapeutic directions. The classical approach for treatment is surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), which involves replacing the abnormal valve with either a mechanical or biological prosthesis through access via sternotomy. Mechanical valves are characterized by their longer lifespan but require ongoing anticoagulant therapy, whereas biological valves do not necessitate anticoagulation, although they tend to have a shorter durability. An alternative to SAVR is minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which offers a shorter recovery time but limited long-term durability data restricts its use in younger patients. Other treatment options include the Ross procedure and valvuloplasty procedures, which may serve as viable solutions for pediatric patients. Despite the availability of different treatment methods, the selection of an appropriate therapeutic strategy remains a challenge, as each option carries distinct benefits and risks. Patient education plays a crucial role in the decision-making process, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve treatment outcomes. Emerging fields such as medical bioengineering might offer promising solutions in the future for patients with BAV.

Neural functional rehabilitation: exploring neuromuscular reconstruction technology advancements and challenges.

Neural machine interface technology is a pioneering approach that aims to address the complex challenges of neurological dysfunctions and disabilities resulting from conditions such as congenital disorders, traumatic injuries, and neurological diseases. Neural machine interface technology establishes direct connections with the brain or peripheral nervous system to restore impaired motor, sensory, and cognitive functions, significantly improving patients' quality of life. This review analyzes the chronological development and integration of various neural machine interface technologies, including regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces, targeted muscle and sensory reinnervation, agonist-antagonist myoneural interfaces, and brain-machine interfaces. Recent advancements in flexible electronics and bioengineering have led to the development of more biocompatible and high-resolution electrodes, which enhance the performance and longevity of neural machine interface technology. However, significant challenges remain, such as signal interference, fibrous tissue encapsulation, and the need for precise anatomical localization and reconstruction. The integration of advanced signal processing algorithms, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, has the potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of neural signal interpretation, which will make neural machine interface technologies more intuitive and effective. These technologies have broad, impactful clinical applications, ranging from motor restoration and sensory feedback in prosthetics to neurological disorder treatment and neurorehabilitation. This review suggests that multidisciplinary collaboration will play a critical role in advancing neural machine interface technologies by combining insights from biomedical engineering, clinical surgery, and neuroengineering to develop more sophisticated and reliable interfaces. By addressing existing limitations and exploring new technological frontiers, neural machine interface technologies have the potential to revolutionize neuroprosthetics and neurorehabilitation, promising enhanced mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with neurological impairments. By leveraging detailed anatomical knowledge and integrating cutting-edge neuroengineering principles, researchers and clinicians can push the boundaries of what is possible and create increasingly sophisticated and long-lasting prosthetic devices that provide sustained benefits for users.

3D Biofabrication of Microporous Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering.

Microporous hydrogels have been utilized in an unprecedented manner in the last few decades, combining materials science, biology, and medicine. Their microporous structure makes them suitable for wide applications, especially as cell carriers in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microporous hydrogel scaffolds provide spatial and platform support for cell growth and proliferation, which can promote cell growth, migration, and differentiation, influencing tissue repair and regeneration. This review gives an overview of recent developments in the fabrication techniques and applications of microporous hydrogels. The fabrication of microporous hydrogels can be classified into two distinct categories: fabrication of non-injectable microporous hydrogels including freeze-drying microporous method, two-phase sacrificial strategy, 3D biofabrication technology, etc., and fabrication of injectable microporous hydrogels mainly including microgel assembly. Then, the biomedical applications of microporous hydrogels in cell carriers for tissue engineering, including but not limited to bone regeneration, nerve regeneration, vascular regeneration, and muscle regeneration are emphasized. Additionally, the ongoing and foreseeable applications and current limitations of microporous hydrogels in biomedical engineering are illustrated. Through stimulating innovative ideas, the present review paves new avenues for expanding the application of microporous hydrogels in tissue engineering.

Decellularized Cell‐Secreted Extracellular Matrices as Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the naturally secreted biomaterial scaffold that provides support and regulates key aspects of cell behavior. This dynamic and complex network of structural proteins, proteoglycans, and soluble cues defines the cell microenvironment and is essential for tissue homeostasis. Because tissue engineering approaches aim to recapitulate aspects of the microenvironment to instruct tissue regeneration, ECM‐inspired or ‐derived scaffolds are some of the earliest tissue‐engineered constructs reported. However, conventional single‐protein constructs fail to provide the biochemical and structural complexity of the native ECM. Decellularized ECM is under investigation to improve cell adhesion, cell remodeling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation within tissue‐engineered constructs. However, challenges associated with poor mechanical properties and inherent chemical instability compared to synthetic or other natural polymers require additional considerations. This review describes the bioactive properties of ECM, current strategies to efficiently decellularize cell‐secreted and tissue‐derived ECM, standard fabrication techniques for ECM constructs, and current developments in the field of ECM‐based musculoskeletal platforms.

Ethical reflection of Chinese scientists on the dual-use concerns of emerging medical biotechnology

Emerging medical biotechnology typically exhibits a ‘dual-use’ nature, which, while promoting human well-being, concurrently presents potential risks of misuse or abuse, thereby posing significant threats. Globally, including in China, emerging...

THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING IN UZBEKISTAN, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF ITS DEVELOPMENT

Objective: This study examines the role, significance, and principles of biomedical engineering (BME) development in Uzbekistan, emphasizing its impact on healthcare modernization and technological innovation. Method: The research employs a multidisciplinary analysis, integrating insights from medical and engineering sciences, to assess the contribution of BME to healthcare technologies and specialist training. Results: The findings reveal that BME is pivotal in equipping Uzbekistan's healthcare sector with advanced technologies, fostering new treatment methods, and supporting local production of competitive medical devices. Furthermore, the integration of multidisciplinary approaches and innovative technologies has enhanced the sector’s capacity to address complex healthcare challenges and expand its international presence. Novelty: This study underscores the strategic importance of BME in bridging medical and engineering disciplines to promote healthcare and economic development in Uzbekistan. It highlights the untapped potential of BME to revolutionize the country's healthcare system and create opportunities for global competitiveness, contributing to a sustainable healthcare infrastructure and economic growth.

Study of the behavior of TORP middle ear prostheses of various lengths by the finite element method

Advancements in audiology and medical engineering have sparked growing interest in enhancing titanium implants used for middle ear repair. In our study, we employed a numerical simulation model of the middle ear to investigate how the TORP prosthesis behaves under an acoustic pressure of 90 dB across a frequency range from 250 to 8000 Hz. Additionally, we varied the prosthesis length, utilizing three different lengths, and modified the prosthesis design to assess its mechanical impact. Our findings indicate that changes in prosthesis length do not significantly alter outcomes for patients. Moreover, these variations do not pose any danger or compromise the auditory performance of patients, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of TORP prostheses in middle ear repair.

Comprehensive Exploration of Biomedical Science in Transforming Global Health

Biomedical science has supervised tremendous changes in what the world considers health and how diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. From the discovery of vaccines and diagnostic aids to innovations in genetics and genomic personalized medicine, spot the discipline as a key determinant of advancing the delivery and models of health Systems globally. This paper aims to review the effect of biomedical science on global health with a focus on retrospect and prospects of diseases, health, and crises. Thus, relying on up-to-date research, cases, and world health studies, the work reveals successes and failures. As for recommendations, they are to encourage innovation, extend the usage of biomedical technologies and involve individuals and disciplines expecting to make a positive change in the coming years that is stable and effective.Biomedical Science

Analysis of MHD slip blood flow through a constricted artery filled with a porous medium of variable permeability: Applications in Biomedical Engineering

The primary goal of this research is to investigate the impact of partial slip and variable permeability on the dynamics of blood flow in a constricted artery filled with a porous medium, and to assess the influence of an externally applied magnetic field on the blood flow. The blood is modeled as an incompressible Newtonian fluid. By employing a stream function formulation, the coupled nonlinear flow equations are transformed into a single dimensionless equation, which is solved using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Key parameters such as the slip parameter, permeability parameter, Hartmann number, and Reynolds number are examined in relation to their effects on the flow field. The results reveal significant changes in blood flow dynamics within the stenosed section of the artery, particularly due to the incorporation of variable permeability in the porous medium and the partial slip condition along the arterial wall in the presence of the magnetic field. Notable outcomes include the escalation in axial velocity with increasing permeability and slip, as well as the formation of flow separation and recirculation zones in regions of high stenosis height. Additionally, the magnetic field was found to suppress axial velocity while increasing shear stress, particularly near the throat of the stenosis. These findings provide deeper insights into how variable permeability and slip conditions influence blood flow in clinical scenarios such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Importantly, the results in specific cases align with established findings from existing literature, validating the approach and offering new contributions to the understanding of MHD flow in constricted arteries.

Machine learning-driven predictive modeling of magnetohydrodynamic double diffusion of non-Newtonian hybrid ferrofluids with variable thermophysical properties within corrugated cylinders

This study addresses the complex problem of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) double diffusion in non-Newtonian hybrid ferrofluids within a concentric corrugated cylinder. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial due to its applications in advanced cooling systems, biomedical drug delivery, and industrial processes where precise control of fluid dynamics and heat transfer is essential. Traditional simulations face challenges in capturing these complexities accurately, making it imperative to explore more efficient modeling approaches. To overcome these challenges, we employed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) framework combined with machine learning predictive modeling. Four machine learning algorithms – decision tree regression (DT), random forest regression (RF), feed-forward neural networks (FFNN), and 1-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) – were used to analyze the behavior of the fluid under various conditions. The CFD simulations revealed that increasing the power law index (n) results in a decrease in flow rates, with a 20.53% reduction for n from 0.8 to 1 and a 49.04% reduction for n from 1 to 1.4. Significant variations in volume fraction (ϕ) and Hartmann number (Ha) were observed to affect average Nusselt number (Nu¯) and Sherwood number (Sh¯). The machine learning models demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with 1D-CNN achieving R2 values of 0.9996, 0.9994, and 0.9995 for Nu¯, Sh¯, and |Ψ|, respectively. The FFNN achieved R2 values of 0.9995, 0.9984, and 0.9995 for the same metrics. These results confirm that the studied parameters-Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha), and power law index (n)-significantly influence flow properties. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of machine learning techniques with CFD simulations to model MHD double diffusion in non-Newtonian hybrid ferrofluids. This approach provides a more precise and resource-efficient method for analyzing complex fluid behaviors compared to traditional simulation methods. The findings have significant implications for various applications, including energy systems, biomedical engineering, industrial cooling, and chemical processing. The study not only advances the understanding of MHD phenomena in non-Newtonian fluids but also offers practical insights for designing improved cooling systems and other applications where precise fluid control is essential.