Development Of Biomaterials Research Articles

Pyroptosis-Inducing Biomaterials Pave the Way for Transformative Antitumor Immunotherapy.

Pyroptosis can effectively overcome immunosuppression and reactivate antitumor immunity. However, pyroptosis initiation is challenging. First, the underlying biological mechanisms of pyroptosis are complex, and a variety of gasdermin family proteins can be targeted to induce pyroptosis. Second, other intracellular death pathways may also interfere with pyroptosis. The rationally designed gasdermin protein-targeting biomaterials are capable of inducing pyroptosis and have the capacity to stimulate antitumor immune function in a safe and effective manner. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design, function, and antitumor efficacy of pyroptosis-inducing materials and the associated challenges, with a particular focus on the design options for pyroptosis-inducing biomaterials based on the activation of different gasdermin proteins. This review offers a valuable foundation for the further development of pyroptosis-inducing biomaterials for clinical applications.

Correlating Mechanical Properties and Sequence Motifs in Artificial Spider Silk by Targeted Motif Substitution.

The major ampullate silk of orb-weaving spiders is renowned for its exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and extensibility. The development of artificial spider silk presents a promising alternative to traditional fibers with significant environmental impacts. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between sequence motifs of natural spider silk and the mechanical properties of artificial spider silk. Using the Spider Silkome Database, we identified motifs correlated with specific physical properties and substituted them into MaSp2-based mini-spidroin BP1. We then measured the mechanical properties of the resulting recombinant artificial spider silk through tensile tests, observed structural properties via birefringence measurement and wide-angle X-ray scattering, and evaluated the water response through boiled water shrinkage tests. Introducing a positively correlated motif increased the tensile strength by 9.3%, while a negatively correlated motif decreased it by 5.1%, confirming the sequence-property relationship. These findings demonstrate that targeted motif substitution can effectively control the physical properties of artificial spider silk, facilitating the development of sustainable biomaterials with tailored mechanical properties for diverse industrial applications.

Biomimetic Capabilities of Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic Restorations on Posterior Teeth: Evaluation of the Long-Term Survival Rate—A 10-Year Follow-Up

In contemporary dental practice, clinicians have a variety of materials and options for restoring single teeth compromised by carious or non-carious diseases. According to studies and new concepts in biomimetic restorative dentistry, indirect ceramic restorations will play an increasingly important role in daily practice. We follow up and evaluate clinically three times over a 10-year period on eighty-six indirect restorations (n = 86) of lithium disilicate e.Max Press (Ivoclar, Schaan, Liechtenstein) in 32 patients. Restorations are evaluated in the 2nd, 5th, and 10th years after the fixation. Four of the restorations studied (n = 86) had to be replaced at year 5 follow-up because of fracture (failure rate: 4.65%; Kaplan–Maier). There are no restorations with bulky, cohesive fractures. Lithium disilicate ceramic restorations provide a good treatment alternative for a 5- to 10-year period of observation, and they can be successfully applied in dental practice in 91.73% to 98.84% of cases. Advancements in digital dentistry, including the use of intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM technology, are set to further refine the precision and efficiency of indirect restorations for distal teeth, enabling quicker turnaround times and improved fit. Additionally, ongoing developments in biomaterials promise to enhance the durability and biocompatibility of these restorations, potentially leading to better long-term success rates and patient satisfaction. The goal of this clinical study was to look at how well biomimetic ceramic overlays and onlays made of lithium disilicate held onto teeth with a IV-generation adhesive system for 10 years. The study also looked at how well the edges of the teeth adjusted and how strong the teeth were overall.

Implementing Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assays for Validating Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering: Rationale and Methods.

Tissue engineering is a promising approach for generating or repairing living tissues. The development of innovative biomaterials for tissue engineering has the potential to address the unmet clinical needs in certain applications. However, before these biomaterials can be used in clinical settings, they must undergo preclinical testing to ensure safety and performance. The chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is a preferred screening tool for studying biocompatibility, angiogenesis, and inflammation induced by biomaterials owing to ethical and economic considerations. This CAM-based platform increased the throughput of biomaterial testing for tissue engineering before invivo testing. In this paper, we discuss the advantages of the CAM model. We also provided a step-by-step guide for implementing the CAM model in a research laboratory, along with tips and tricks for successfully running CAM assays. Finally, we present examples of biomaterials screened using CAM assays. CAM assay is a powerful invivo model for assessing the angiogenic potential of tissue-engineered scaffolds. This guide provides a framework for conducting the assay, but specific experimental conditions should be optimized based on the scaffold material and the research question.

Integrating AI with Chemical Engineering for Rapid Biomaterial Development in Health Applications

This research presents an innovative approach to healthcare biomaterial development by integrating AI with chemical engineering methodologies. This study combines AI’s predictive power with the precision of chemical engineering to accelerate the discovery and optimization of biomaterials tailored for health applications while focusing on biocompatibility, adaptability, and stringent biomedical functionality. By using machine learning frameworks and advanced simulation software, the project developed predictive models that streamline biomaterial synthesis. This reduced experimental cycles by up to 40% and shortened development timelines by over 30%. Through neural networks and hybrid AI models, material properties such as degradation rate, strength, and biocompatibility can be accurately predicted, which minimizes in vivo testing and accelerates the transition from laboratory research to clinical trials. Protocols optimized through AI-driven insights enhance biomaterial production’s reproducibility and scalability while reducing material costs by 20%, which supports economically viable synthesis methods for large-scale applications. This research contributes a customizable AI framework for health-focused biomaterial solutions and impacts areas such as regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and implantable devices. Future directions include integrating real-time clinical feedback into AI models to improve safety and adaptability, thus advancing sustainable and personalized approaches to biomaterial development. This interdisciplinary framework demonstrates how AI-enhanced chemical engineering workflows can yield adaptive biomaterials suited to specific biomedical needs and offers unprecedented precision in material selection. The model’s high predictive accuracy in biocompatibility screening, achieving over 90%, enables focused experimental validation while reducing the need to rely on animal studies, which fosters ethical research practices. The sustainability impact of this project is significant, as AI-driven optimization reduces resource consumption and waste and aligns with eco-friendly biomaterial development practices. Ultimately, this research paves the way for rapid, efficient, and sustainable innovations in healthcare materials and sets a foundation for future advancements in personalized medical applications.

Orthodontic Alloy Wires and Their Hypoallergenic Alternatives: Metal Ions Release in pH 6.6 and pH 5.5 Artificial Saliva

Legislative framework addresses the issues of alloy corrosion, demanding the restricted use of probable carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic-for-human-reproduction (CMG) metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium and demanding the development of new biomaterials. The aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the ion release of standard dental alloys and their hypoallergenic equivalents. Six types of orthodontic alloy wires (nickel–titanium (NiTi), coated NiTi, stainless steel (SS), Ni-free SS, and cobalt–chromium (CoCr) and titanium–molybdenum (TMA) were immersed into artificial saliva of pH 5.5 and 6.6. Release of metal ions was measured by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry after 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. NiTi released more Ti and Ni ions compared to the coated NiTi; SS released more iron, chromium, and nickel compared to the nickel-free SS. CoCr released cobalt in a high concentration and low amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum compared to the molybdenum and titanium released by TMA. Release of metals from dental orthodontic alloys in vitro was overall lower at pH 6.6 and for the hypoallergenic equivalents when compared to standard dental alloys.

Unveiling putative modulators of mutable collagenous tissue in the brittle star Ophiomastix wendtii: an RNA-Seq analysis

Collagenous connective tissue, found throughout the bodies of metazoans, plays a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity. This versatile tissue has the potential for numerous biomedical applications, including the development of innovative collagen-based biomaterials. Inspiration for such advancements can be drawn from echinoderms, a group of marine invertebrates that includes sea stars, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, sea urchins, and sea lilies. Through their nervous system, these organisms can reversibly control the pliability of their connective tissue components (i.e., tendons and ligaments) that are composed of mutable collagenous tissue (MCT). The variable tensile properties of the MCT allow echinoderms to perform unique functions, including postural maintenance, reduction of muscular energy use, autotomy to avoid predators, and asexual reproduction through fission. The changes in the tensile strength of MCT structures are specifically controlled by specialized neurosecretory cells called juxtaligamental cells. These cells release substances that either soften or stiffen the MCT. So far, only a few of these substances have been purified and characterized, and the genetic underpinning of MCT biology remains unknown. Therefore, we have conducted this research to identify MCT-related genes in echinoderms as a first step towards a better understanding of the MCT molecular control mechanisms. Our ultimate goal is to unlock new biomaterial applications based on this knowledge. In this project, we used RNA-Seq to identify and annotate differentially expressed genes in the MCT structures of the brittle star Ophiomastix wendtii. As a result, we present a list of 16 putative MCT modulator genes, which will be validated and characterized in forthcoming functional analyses.

Investigating the Biological Efficacy of Albumin-Enriched Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Alb-PRF): A Study on Cytokine Dynamics and Osteoblast Behavior

The development of effective biomaterials for tissue regeneration has led to the exploration of blood derivatives such as leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). A novel variant, Albumin-Enriched Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Alb-PRF), has been introduced to improve structural stability and bioactivity, making it a promising candidate for bone regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate Alb-PRF’s capacity for cytokine and growth factor release, along with its effects on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of human osteoblasts in vitro. Alb-PRF membranes were analyzed using histological, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy techniques. Cytokine and growth factor release was quantified over seven days, and osteoinductive potential was evaluated with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Structural analysis showed Alb-PRF as a biphasic, highly cellularized material that releases lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and higher concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared to L-PRF. Alb-PRF exhibited higher early alkaline phosphatase activity and in vitro mineralization (p < 0.05) and significantly increased the OPG/RANKL mRNA ratio (p < 0.05). These results indicate that Alb-PRF has promising potential as a scaffold for bone repair, warranting further in vivo and clinical assessments to confirm its suitability for clinical applications.

Influence of Oligomeric Lactic Acid and Structural Design on Biodegradation and Absorption of PLA-PHB Blends for Tissue Engineering

The advancing development in biomaterials and biology has enabled the extension of 3D printing technology to the bioadditive manufacturing of degradable hard tissue substitutes. One of the key advantages of bioadditive manufacturing is that it has much smaller design limitations than conventional manufacturing and is therefore capable of producing implants with complex geometries. In this study, three distinct blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) were produced using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. Two of these blends were plasticized with oligomeric lactic acid (OLA) at concentrations of 5 wt% and 10 wt%, while the third blend remained unplasticized. Each blend was fabricated in two structural modifications: solid and porous. The biodegradation behavior of the produced specimens was examined through an in vitro experiment using three different immersion solutions: saline solution, Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). All examined samples were also subjected to chemical analysis: atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results of the degradation experiments indicated a predominantly better absorption capacity of the samples with a porous structure compared to the full structure. At the same time, the blend containing a higher concentration of OLA exhibited enhanced pH stability over the evaluation period, maintaining relatively constant pH values before experiencing a minor decline at the end of the study. This observation indicates that the increased presence of the plasticizer may provide a buffering effect, effectively mitigating the acidification associated with material degradation.

Highly porous polycaprolactone microspheres for skeletal repair promote a mature bone cell phenotype in vitro.

Improving our ability to treat skeletal defects is a critical medical challenge that necessitates the development of new biomaterials. One promising approach involves the use of degradable polymer microparticles with an interconnected internal porosity. Here, we employed a double emulsion to generate such round microparticles (also known as microspheres) from a polycaprolactone-based polymerised high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE). These microspheres effectively supported the growth of mesenchymal progenitors over a 30-day period, and when maintained in osteogenic media, cells deposited a bone-like extracellular matrix, as determined by histological staining for calcium and collagen. Interestingly, cells with an osteocyte-like morphology were observed within the core of the microspheres indicating the role of a physical environment comparable to native bone for this phenotype to occur. At later timepoints, these cultures had significantly increased mRNA expression of the osteocyte-specific markers dentin matrix phosphoprotein-1 (Dmp-1) and sclerostin, with sclerostin also observed at the protein level. Cells pre-cultured on porous microspheres exhibited enhanced survival rates compared to those pre-cultured on non-porous counterparts when injected. Cells precultured on both porous and non-porous microspheres promoted angiogenesis in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. In summary, the polycaprolactone polyHIPE microspheres developed in this study exhibit significant promise as an alternative to traditional synthetic bone graft substitutes, offering a conducive environment for cell growth and differentiation, with the potential for better clinical outcomes in bone repair and regeneration.

Transcriptome-Optimized Hydrogel Design of a Stem Cell Niche for Enhanced Tendon Regeneration.

Bioactive hydrogels have emerged as promising artificial niches for enhancing stem cell-mediated tendon repair. However, a substantial knowledge gap remains regarding the optimal combination of niche features for targeted cellular responses, which often leads to lengthy development cycles and uncontrolled healing outcomes. To address this critical gap, an innovative, data-driven materiomics strategy is developed. This approach is based on in-house RNA-seq data that integrates bioinformatics and mathematical modeling, which is a significant departure from traditional trial-and-error methods. It aims to provide both mechanistic insights and quantitative assessments and predictions of the tenogenic effects of adipose-derived stem cells induced by systematically modulated features of a tendon-mimetic hydrogel (TenoGel). The knowledge generated has enabled a rational approach for TenoGel design, addressing key considerations, such as tendon extracellular matrix concentration, uniaxial tensile loading, and in vitro pre-conditioning duration. Remarkably, our optimized TenoGel demonstrated robust tenogenesis in vitro and facilitated tendon regeneration while preventing undesired ectopic ossification in a rat tendon injury model. These findings shed light on the importance of tailoring hydrogel features for efficient tendon repair. They also highlight the tremendous potential of the innovative materiomics strategy as a powerful predictive and assessment tool in biomaterial development for regenerative medicine.

A Streamlined High-Throughput LC-MS Assay for Quantifying Peptide Degradation in Cell Culture.

Peptides are widely used in biomaterials due to their easy of synthesis, ability to signal cells, and modify the properties of biomaterials. A key benefit of using peptides is that they are natural substrates for cell-secreted enzymes, which creates the possibility of utilizing cell-secreted enzymes for tuning cell-material interactions. However, these enzymes can also induce unwanted degradation of bioactive peptides in biomaterials, or in peptide therapies. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a widely used, powerful methodology that can separate complex mixtures of molecules and quantify numerous analytes within a single run. There are several challenges in using LC-MS for the multiplexed quantification of cell-induced peptide degradation, including the need for non-degradable internal standards and the identification of optimal sample storage conditions. Another problem is that cell culture media and biological samples typically contain both proteins and lipids that can accumulate on chromatography columns and degrade their performance. However, removing these constituents can be expensive, time consuming, and increases sample variability. Here we show that directly injecting samples onto the LC-MS without any purification enables rapid and accurate quantification of peptide concentration, and that hundreds of LC-MS runs can be done on a single column without a significantly diminish the ability to quantify the degradation of peptide libraries. We also show that column failure is evident when hydrophilic peptides fail to be retained on the column, and this can be easily identified using standard peptide mixtures for column benchmarking. In total, this work introduces a simple and effective method for simultaneously quantifying the degradation of dozens of peptides in cell culture. By providing a streamlined and cost-effective method for the direct quantification of peptide degradation in complex biological samples, this work enables more efficient assessment of peptide stability and functionality, facilitating the development of advanced biomaterials and peptide-based therapies.

Gradient Functionalization of Poly(lactic acid)-Based Materials with Polylysine for Spatially Controlled Cell Adhesion.

The development of biomaterials with gradient surface modification capable of spatially controlled cell adhesion and migration is of great importance for tissue engineering and regeneration. In this study, we proposed a method for the covalent modification of PLA-based materials with a cationic polypeptide (polylysine, PLys) via a thiol-ene click reaction carried out under a light gradient. With this aim, PLA-based films were fabricated and modified with 2-aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA) as a double bond source. The latter was introduced by reacting pre-formed and activated surface carboxyl groups with the amino group of AEMA. The success of the modification was confirmed by 1H NMR, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data. A further photoinduced thiol-ene click reaction in the presence of a photosensitive initiator as a radical source was further optimized using cysteine. For grafting of PLys via the thiol-ene click reaction, PLys with a terminal thiol group was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization using Cys(Acm) as an amine initiator. Deprotection of the polypeptide resulted in the formation of free thiol groups of Cys-PLys. Successful gradient grafting of Cys-PLys was evidenced by covalent staining with the fluorescent dye Cy3-NHS. In addition, PLys gradient-dependent adhesion and migration of HEK 293 cells on PLys-PLA-based surfaces was confirmed.

Biomimetic Microstructural Materials for Intervertebral Disk Degeneration Repair

The intervertebral disks (IVD) serve as shock absorbers in the spine. As the largest avascular tissue in the human body, it has a limited capacity for regeneration. To address this issue, various innovative biomimetic materials have been explored to facilitate IVD regeneration at both microscopic and macroscopic levels. Techniques such as electrostatic spinning and fiber‐winding machines have been employed to prepare biomimetic materials. In this review, the physiological structure of the IVD is described, and advanced studies on its microstructure are summarized. The techniques used in biomimetic biomaterial development are further investigated, and biomimetic materials that facilitate IVD regeneration are systematically explored. Specifically, this article provides a detailed description and summary of the key features of biomimetic materials, including the types of loads they can withstand and their regenerative effects. Finally, a prospective outlook for the development and application of biomimetic materials in IVD regeneration is presented.

Development of Biomaterials to Modulate the Function of Macrophages in Wound Healing.

Wound healing is a complex and precisely regulated process that encompasses multiple stages, including inflammation, anti-inflammation, and tissue repair. It involves various cells and signaling molecules, with macrophages demonstrating a significant degree of plasticity and playing a crucial regulatory role at different stages. In recent years, the use of biomaterials, which include both natural and synthetic polymers or macromolecules, has proliferated for the purpose of enhancing wound healing. This review summarizes how these diverse biomaterials promote wound healing by modulating macrophage behavior and examines the broader implications of these modulations. Additionally, we discuss the limitations associated with the clinical application of immunomodulatory biomaterials and propose potential solutions. Finally, we look towards future developments in the design of immunomodulatory biomaterials intended to enhance wound healing.

TiO2 nanotube enhance osteogenesis through Kindlin-2/Integrin β1/YAP pathway-mediated mechanotransduction

Titanium has been widely employed in the fields of orthopaedics and dentistry, attributed to its superior mechanical and biological properties. The mechanical stimulation induced by the titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (TNTs) morphology resulting from surface modification has been demonstrated to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Kindlin-2, a pivotal focal adhesion protein, is involved in mechanical signaling processes through the regulation of stress fibril filament assembly. Additional research is needed to clarify the involvement of Kindlin-2 in the mechanism of TNTs-induced osteogenic differentiation. This study systematically investigated the impact of Kindlin-2 on TNTs-induced osteogenesis and mechanotransduction. TiO2 nanotubes with diameters of approximately 30 nm (TNT-30) and 100 nm (TNT-100) were fabricated and characterized using anodic oxidation. The results showed that TNT-100 significantly increased the expression of Kindlin-2 and enhanced osteogenic differentiation compared to polished titanium (PT) and TNT-30. Additionally, Kindlin-2 promotes cytoskeleton assembly by regulating the integrin β1/FAK/RhoA signaling pathway, impacting osteogenic gene expression and BMSC differentiation in a Yes-Associated Protein (YAP)-dependent manner. Therefore, these findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the fate of BMSCs on TNTs morphologies and provide a novel theoretical foundation for the development of advanced bone repair biomaterials.

Sustainable Polymeric Biomaterials from Alternative Feedstocks.

As materials engineered to interact with biological systems for medical purposes, polymeric biomedical materials have revolutionized and are indispensable in modern healthcare. However, aging populations and improving healthcare standards worldwide have resulted in ever-increasing demands for such biomaterials. Currently, many clinically used polymers are derived from nonrenewable petroleum resources, thus spurring the need for exploring alternatives for the next generation of sustainable biomaterials. Other than biomass, this Perspective also spotlights carbon dioxide and postuse plastics as viable resources potentially suitable for biomaterial production. For each alternative feedstock, key recent developments and practical considerations are discussed, including emerging biomaterial applications, possible feedstock sources, and hindrances toward translation and practical adoption. Other than replacements for petroleum-derived polymers, we explore how utilization of these alternatives capitalizes on their intrinsic physiochemical and material properties to achieve their desired therapeutic effects. We hope that this Perspective can stimulate further development in sustainable biomaterials to achieve practical therapeutic benefits as part of a circular materials economy with minimal environmental impact.

Osteogenic Potential and Long-Term Enzymatic Biodegradation of PHB-based Scaffolds with Composite Magnetic Nanofillers in a Magnetic Field.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal damage, thus using the largest proportion of rehabilitation services. The limited self-regenerative capacity of bone and cartilage tissues necessitates the development of functional biomaterials. Magnetoactive materials are a promising solution due to clinical safety and deep tissue penetration of magnetic fields (MFs) without attenuation and tissue heating. Herein, electrospun microfibrous scaffolds were developed based on piezoelectric poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and composite magnetic nanofillers [magnetite with graphene oxide (GO) or reduced GO]. The scaffolds' morphology, structure, mechanical properties, surface potential, and piezoelectric response were systematically investigated. Furthermore, a complex mechanism of enzymatic biodegradation of these scaffolds is proposed that involves (i) a release of polymer crystallites, (ii) crystallization of the amorphous phase, and (iii) dissolution of the amorphous phase. Incorporation of Fe3O4, Fe3O4-GO, or Fe3O4-rGO accelerated the biodegradation of PHB scaffolds owing to pores on the surface of composite fibers and the enlarged content of polymer amorphous phase in the composite scaffolds. Six-month biodegradation caused a reduction in surface potential (1.5-fold) and in a vertical piezoresponse (3.5-fold) of the Fe3O4-GO scaffold because of a decrease in the PHB β-phase content. In vitro assays in the absence of an MF showed a significantly more pronounced mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on composite magnetic scaffolds compared to the neat scaffold, whereas in an MF (68 mT, 0.67 Hz), cell proliferation was not statistically significantly different when all the studied scaffolds were compared. The PHB/Fe3O4-GO scaffold was implanted into femur bone defects in rats, resulting in successful bone repair after nonperiodic magnetic stimulation (200 mT, 0.04 Hz) owing to a synergetic influence of increased surface roughness, the presence of hydrophilic groups near the surface, and magnetoelectric and magnetomechanical effects of the material.

How artificial intelligence shapes the future of biomaterials?

Biomaterials are playing a transformative role in modern medicine, revolutionizing both diagnosis and treatment options. The advent of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools is poised to significantly impact the field of biomaterials. AI is expected to play a critical role not only in the design and development of biomaterials but also in establishing new standards and refining definitions within this domain. AI can provide invaluable assistance by offering sophisticated tools to organize and analyze vast amounts of data. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, researchers can efficiently sift through extensive datasets, interpret results, and verify the efficacy of new biomaterials across a wide range of applications. This data-driven approach facilitates a deeper understanding of biomaterial interactions and performance, ensuring that new innovations meet rigorous standards. In this era, refining definitions and establishing a universal understanding are crucial for evaluating biomaterials more efficiently. AI can help achieve this by identifying patterns and correlations that might be overlooked by traditional methods, leading to more precise and reliable criteria for biomaterial assessment. Looking ahead, the integration of comprehensive data and advanced AI tools is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness and quality of biomaterials. This synergy will ensure that biomaterials can meet the diverse and evolving needs of modern medicine, driving forward innovations that improve patient outcomes and healthcare practices.

A biodegradable piezoelectric scaffold promotes spinal cord injury nerve regeneration

Neural repair and regeneration remain one of the greatest challenges in regenerative medicine. The incorporation of intelligent scaffolds with noninvasive in vivo electrical stimulation illustrates considerable potential for tissue repair and regeneration. Nevertheless, the development of biomaterials that possess both biodegradable tissue scaffolds and electrical stimulation capabilities at a high level remains a significant obstacle. In this study, we effectively integrated the organic piezoelectric material poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with inorganic piezoelectric nanowires (potassium sodium niobate coated with polydopamine, KNN@PDA) to fabricate PLLA/KNN@PDA piezoelectric composite fibers. These fibers exhibit in-situ electrical stimulation capabilities, rendering them suitable for direct application in living tissues. The PLLA/KNN@PDA piezoelectric composite fibers not only function as biodegradable scaffolds for regenerative tissue engineering and platforms for in-situ electrical stimulation to enhance dorsal root ganglion axon growth, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation but also serve as versatile scaffolds for broader tissue engineering applications. In the complete spinal cord transection rat model, the piezoelectric scaffold enabled the recovery of rat motor function, indicating its significant ability to promote tissue formation and regeneration. Therefore, combining biodegradable piezoelectric tissue scaffolds with in situ electrical stimulation has significant therapeutic advantages for spinal cord injury repair and may be extended to other damaged tissues regeneration.