Biomaterials Research Articles

Sustainable One-Pot Electrochemical Approach for Entrapment of Multi-Enzymes and Biocompatible Redox Mediator.

Enzyme immobilization is regarded as a key factor for their effective utilization in various fields such as biofuel production, wastewater treatment, and biosensors. Designing new electrodes with biocompatible support matrices is essential to improve the stability in bioelectrocatalysis. Modified carbon felt electrodes were prepared and tested as bioelectrocatalyst under mild conditions - aqueous media at room temperature and basically neutral pH. Co-immobilization of dehydrogenase enzymes and neutral red (NR) dye at carbon felt electrodes was successfully achieved during electropolymerization of pyrrole in a facile one-step approach. Neutral red was incorporated to operate as a redox mediator supporting efficient electron transfer to the enzymes' active sites. Electrodes modified with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) have been employed to reduce acetaldehyde to ethanol in a chronoamperometic setting with Faradaic efficiency (FE) of up to 33%. By incorporating the cascade reaction with three enzymes - ADH, formate dehydrogenase, and formaldehyde dehydrogenase - an electroreduction sequence could be established to produce methanol from CO2 reaching a FE of 10%. The proposed approach shows good stability. Together with the simple implementation and application, this process is promising for employment in enzymatic electrocatalysis.

Potential of Newly Synthesized Sea Buckthorn Phytocarriers as Anti-Inflammatory Active Agents

Background: Phytocarriers are advanced drug delivery systems that use biocompatible and biodegradable materials to enhance the efficacy, stability, and bioavailability of natural products. The sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry extract is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and anthocyanins, which contribute to its wide-ranging health benefits. In this study, we assessed the morphology, intracellular delivery, and anti-inflammatory effect of sodium cholate (NaC) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC)-based phytocarriers loaded with ethanolic extract from sea buckthorn berries (sea buckthorn carrier nanostructures, further defined as phytocarriers). Methods: Negative and electron cryo-microscopy were used to analyze hollow and loaded nanocarriers. The cyto-compatibility of nanocarriers was assessed by endpoint (LDH and MTS) and real-time cell assays, on both human fibroblasts (HS27) and human normal monocytes (SC). The anti-inflammatory effect of hollow and loaded nanocarriers was tested by multiplexing. Results: The negative and electron cryo-microscopy analyses showed that NaC-based phytocarriers were spherical, whilst NaDC-based phytocarriers were predominantly polymorphic. Moreover, the NaDC-based phytocarriers frequently formed large lipid networks or “plaques”. Although 24 h cytotoxicity testing showed both types of nanocarriers are biocompatible with human fibroblasts and monocytes, based on a long-term real-time assay, NaDC delayed fibroblast proliferation. NaC sea buckthorn phytocarriers did not impair fibroblast proliferation in the long term and they were uptaken by cells, as shown by hyperspectral microscopy. NaC nanocarriers and NaC sea buckthorn phytocarriers induced an anti-inflammatory effect, lowering IL-8 cytokine production in normal human monocytes as soon as 4 h of treatment lapsed. Conclusions: NaC-derived phytocarriers loaded with sea buckthorn alcoholic extract are a cell-compatible delivery system with anti-inflammatory properties.

Physiochemical performance of electrospun PLA-lignin and PVA-lignin

Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are promising biocompatible and biodegradable materials for biomedical uses, yet they have limitations. Similarly, lignin is a precursor for carbon fiber but requires plasticizers to be spun into fibers. This hampers their use in areas like carbon fiber production and tissue engineering, thus the reason for this study. Lignin was extracted from the plantain stem, and a lignin blend with PLA and PVA was made and electrospun into fibers. Thereafter, the physiochemical properties of the composite fibers were analyzed. The XRD spectra revealed increased crystallinity in PLA/Lignin fiber. When 0.75 wt.% of lignin was added to PVA, a new peak and peak shift were formed in the composite fiber, indicating strong interaction. The crystallinity of PVA/lignin decreased from 71.5 to 60.1% when 0.25 wt. % of lignin was added. DSC showed miscibility of polymers and improved melting temperatures from 155 to 228 °C, for PLA/lignin (0.5wt.%) fiber, but a reduction in melting temperatures of PVA, with higher lignin content (149–143 °C). FTIR showed notable functional groups, typical of PLA, PVA, and lignin, such as the OH group between 3800 and 3459 cm−1. The minor peak shift in PLA/lignin showed that the level of molecular interaction is less than that of PVA/lignin. PLA/lignin displayed better fiber morphology compared to PVA/lignin, where fibers became sheet-like with higher lignin content. The addition of lignin improved the tensile strength of PVA (0.7 to 2.7 MPa). Conversely, PLA/lignin’s tensile strength decreased, due to reduced load transfer efficiency. Overall, PVA/lignin and PLA/lignin composites exhibit potential as reinforcement materials for biopolymers and carbon fiber precursors, with PVA showing more promise for carbon fiber production due to robust polymer-lignin interaction.

Microscopic and Biomechanical Analysis of PEEK Interspinous Spacers for Spinal Fusion Applications

Spinal fusion is a surgical intervention used to join two or more vertebrae in the spine. An often-used method involves the placement of intervertebral spacers. They are commonly composed of biocompatible materials like polyetheretherketone. It has strength, longevity, and the capacity to interact harmoniously with the human body. Standardized mechanical tests were performed on two distinct implants to assess their biomechanical characteristics. The studies were conducted at a velocity of 2 mm/min. The stopping criteria were determined based on the loads sustained by the 50th percentile. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the implants was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. The implant created via subtractive manufacturing has a significant change in its elastic region at a force of 1300 N, and it begins subsidence when vertebrae are subjected to a load of 1500 N. The integration of microscopic characterization techniques with the mechanical analysis of prostheses in numerous case studies facilitates the biomechanical evaluation of implants.

Efficacy and Cellular Mechanism of Biomimetic Marine Adhesive Protein-Based Coating Against Skin Photoaging.

Skin photoaging is a problem worldwide, clinically often accompanied by collagen decline, increased wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, structurally weakened skin, and other complications,which urgently demand effective treatment strategies. The biosafety and efficacy of single-function therapies for repairing skin photoaging are still challenging for clinical medicine today. At present, numerous studies report that the wet adhesive proteins driven from marine organisms play a critical role in the biomedical material field, particularly in aquatic environments. In this study, a natural recombinant protein-based coating from scallop byssal protein is prepared to investigate the efficacy and cellular mechanism in accelerating the repair of UVB-induced photoaging in a mouse model. In vitro experiments demonstrate the safety of the coating and its efficacy in enhancing cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and migration. Additionally, the coating effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species, promotes the expression of cell adhesion molecules and anti-apoptotic proteins, and inhibits inflammatory responses. In animal tests, the coating exhibited remarkable adsorption properties, showing significant potential for in situ regenerative therapy, as evidenced by its ability to protect against UVB-induced skin photoaging and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that Sbp9Δ coating provides a simple, safe, and innovative strategy for treating skin photoaging.

Rational Design of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy: from Machine Learning Screening to In Vivo Efficacy.

Despite improvements in cancer survival rates, metastatic and surgery-resistant cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, remain challenging, with poor prognoses and limited treatment options. Enhancing drug bioavailability in tumors, while minimizing off-target effects, is crucial. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising drug delivery vehicles owing to their high loading capacity, biocompatibility, and functional tunability. However, the vast chemical diversity of MOFs complicates the rational design of biocompatible materials. This study employed machine learning and molecular simulations to identify MOFs suitable for encapsulating gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and SN-38, and identified PCN-222 as an optimal candidate. Following drug loading, MOF formulations are improved for colloidal stability and biocompatibility. In vitro studies on pancreatic cancer cell lines have shown high biocompatibility, cellular internalization, and delayed drug release. Long-term stability tests demonstrated a consistent performance over 12 months. In vivo studies in pancreatic tumor-bearing mice revealed that paclitaxel-loaded PCN-222, particularly with a hydrogel for local administration, significantly reduced metastatic spread and tumor growth compared to the free drug. These findings underscore the potential of PCN-222 as an effective drug delivery system for the treatment of hard-to-treat cancers.

SOLARIS project: a portable 3D-printed bioaerosol sampler for environmental bacterial collection.

Bioaerosols, a subset of aerosols released from the biosphere, can carry pathogens, and include particles with diameters from nanometres to a few micrometres. They can remain suspended indoors and travel significant distances. Bioaerosol studies play a vital role in public health, as bioaerosols are an effective route for human and animal pathogen transmission, especially in animal production and handling facilities, which are considered hotspots for the emergence of zoonotic pathogens. The 'One Health' approach, which interconnects human, animal and environmental health, underscores the need for robust biomonitoring and biosurveillance systems. We introduce the SOLARIS project, a novel bioaerosol sampler manufactured through three-dimensional printing with a biocompatible material. Our sampler is compact, portable and uses a liquid collection medium, increasing bioefficiency. Our sampler's laboratory testing demonstrated the successful separation of viable Escherichia coli bacteria from artificially generated bioaerosols. Collected samples were found suitable for downstream analysis methods such as culturing, mass spectrometry, molecular detection and electron microscopy. A field trial at a swine facility was performed, in which Clostridioides difficile spores were successfully collected from bioaerosols and identified using microbiological and molecular methods, reinforcing our sampler's utility and emphasizing the significance of incorporating aerosol samples in research studies within the One Health approach.

Cavitating flow morphology determination in cavitation-on-a-chip devices based on local real-time pressure measurements

This study presents a practical approach for the characterization and control of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) behavior in microfluidic devices by utilizing real-time static pressure measurements. Two geometrically identical micro-orifice devices were specifically designed for this purpose. Pressure measurement locations were strategically positioned along the embedded microchannel in both devices. These locations were determined as a function of the hydraulic diameter of the microchannel. Pressure measurements were simultaneously made with high-speed imaging. Particular attention was directed to the prediction and monitoring of cavitation inception, cavitating flow patterns, and cavitation development. Thus, the dynamic and complex nature of hydrodynamic cavitation in microdomains could be captured by local pressure variations along the microchannel walls. According to the results, cavitation inception and subsequent formation of twin sheet cavities could be detected by changes in local pressure values. Moreover, the analysis of local pressure variations could be employed to predict the length of sheet cavities. The findings of this study offer valuable guidelines for designing microfluidic systems involving hydrodynamic cavitation. Moreover, this study proves the potential of local wall pressure measurements as a stand-alone practical approach, which will reduce reliance on high-speed visualization. It could thus enhance the affordability and accessibility of HC-on-a-chip platforms for emerging applications, including biomedical engineering, wastewater treatment, and 2D material exfoliation.

Eu-Doped TiO2 Coatings via One-Step In Situ Preparation Enhance Macrophage Polarization and Osseointegration of Implants.

The controllable regulation of immune and osteogenic processes plays a critical role in the modification of biocompatible materials for tissue regeneration. In this study, titanium dioxide-europium coatings (MAO/Eu) were prepared on the surface of a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) via a one-step process combining microarc oxidation (MAO) and in situ doping. The incorporation of Eu significantly improved the hydrophilic and mechanical properties of the TiO2 coatings without altering their morphology. The presence of Eu effectively stimulated calcium influx in macrophages and activated β-catenin through the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consequently, macrophage M2 polarization was accelerated through the overexpression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Additionally, Ca2+ promoted the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through the synergistic upregulation of transcription factors (e.g., AP-1, BMP-2). In vivo studies demonstrated that MAO/Eu coatings significantly enhanced osseointegration compared with the titanium alloy group. Therefore, MAO/Eu shows promising potential as an ideal coating for implants that offers effective immunomodulatory strategies and improves bone integration.

Investigation of the Effect of Alloying Elements on the Density of Titanium-Based Biomedical Materials Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence

Titanium alloys are widely preferred in the healthcare sector as biocompatible materials due to their superior properties such as low density and exceptional mechanical strength. Their low density provides lightweight solutions, and their density is closer to that of human bone compared to other metallic alloys with similar strength. This similarity facilitates a balanced load distribution between the bone and the implant, enhancing biomechanical compatibility. This study investigates the effects of alloying elements on the density of titanium-based biomedical materials using a computational materials science approach. A total of 72 different compositions of Ti-Al-V alloys were modeled using JMatPro software, and their densities were simulated at room temperature (25°C). The simulation produced a comprehensive dataset, which was utilized to train an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) model. Advanced interpretability techniques, including SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations), LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations), and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP), were employed to elucidate the influence of each alloying element on the density. The dataset was analyzed using an XAI-based regression model implemented with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm. The interpretability graphs provided insights into the individual contributions of the alloying elements, revealing their positive or negative effects on the density. The findings offer a deeper understanding of the role of alloying elements in optimizing the performance of titanium-based biomedical materials, particularly in achieving lightweight designs. This study highlights the potential of integrating computational material modeling with explainable AI to advance the design and development of high-performance lightweight materials for biomedical applications.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Gelatin-Chitosan-Tetraethyl Orthosilicate Calcium Hydroxide Composite as a Dental Pulp Medicament on COX-2, PGP 9.5, TNF-α Expression and Neutrophil number

Introduction Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is the material of choice for pulp therapy. However, Ca(OH)2 has drawbacks such as toxicity, poor sealing, and tunnel defect formation. Alternative materials have been developed to provide more biocompatible materials with better dentin formation ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of composites containing gelatin (G), chitosan (CH), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and Ca(OH)2, namely G-CH-TEOS-Ca (OH)2 (Extended data) on inflammation of the dental pulp (expression of COX-2, PGP 9.5, TNF-α, and neutrophil number). Materials and methods A total of 16 Wistar rat models of acute pulp injury were prepared and divided into two groups, treatment and control, 8 with each. In the treatment group, we applied a pulp-capping material using G-CH-TEOS-Ca (OH)2 and Ca(OH)2. On the 1st and 3rd days, rats were sacrificed. Tissue samples from 4 rats in each group were processed for histological preparation. COX-2, PGP 9.5, and TNF-α were observed using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and neutrophil numbers were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Image analysis of COX-2, PGP 9.5, and TNF-α expression was performed using ImageJ software. Results The results showed a decrease in COX-2 expression, but not significantly while PGP 9.5 and TNF-α expression were significantly higher than those in the control group. Neutrophil numbers were lower in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion The G-CH-TEOS-Ca (OH)2 composite material may have potential as an exposed pulp medicament by reducing inflammation (COX-2 expression and number of neutrophils) and increasing the regeneration factor (TNF-α expression) and nerve (PGP 9.5 expression).

Development of pH-Responsive SA/PEGDA/AS-POSS Hydrogels via Michael Addition for Controlled Drug Release and Enhanced Mechanical Properties.

In this study, thiolated sodium alginate (SA) and hydrophilic, polymerizable Janus-type polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (AS-POSS) aresynthesized by introducing thiol and sulfonic acid groups, respectively.A series of pH-responsive SA/PEGDA/AS-POSS nanocomposite hydrogels aresuccessfully prepared through Michael addition reactions between the thiol groups of thiolated sodium alginate and the double bonds in the molecular chains of AS-POSS and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA).Thisreaction proceeds rapidly underphysiological conditionswithout requiring initiators or catalysts.As the content of AS-POSS increases, the pore size within the hydrogel decreases, and the network structure becomes denser, with significant improvements in mechanical properties. The hydrogel exhibits excellent pH sensitivity, showing lower swelling in acidic media compared to neutral media, and undergoing hydrolysis and losing stability in alkaline media. Moreover, the incorporation of AS-POSS significantly enhances the drug-loading capacity (85.7%) and encapsulation efficiency (72.1%) of doxorubicin (DOX). The drug is released faster in weakly acidic environments, with a cumulative release rate reaching 80.4%, demonstrating excellent targeting and controlled release properties. Cytotoxicity tests show that the SA/PEGDA/AS-POSS hydrogel has good biocompatibility and exhibits effective tumor-killing ability, indicating its great potential as a drug carrier with promising applications in biomedical materials.

Atomic-layer-deposition application for antibacterial coating of biomedical materials: surgical sutures

Suture-associated surgical site infection (SSI) causes bacterial pathogens to colonize on the suture surface that are highly resistant to antibiotic treatment. Conventional suture materials used in surgical practice are causing complications such as infection and chronic inflammation. Surgical suture materials with antibacterial coatings are widely used in surgical practice. However, all the widely used antibacterial agents are not permanent (limited lasting) due to their instability and release depending on environmental conditions (pH or temperature, for example). Therefore, more long-lasting (low-dose) and effective antibacterial function materials are required. In the present work, we proposed a new material and method of antibacterial coating the surgical sutures based on the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique to enhance its antibacterial activity for treatment of the SSI. We have proposed applying a vanadium-doped TiO2nanofilm (hybrid nanomaterial, TiVOx) with 27.5 nm thickness to enhance the antibacterial property of surgical sutures using the ALD technique. We have illustrated that a base coating of Al2O3(seed layer) applied to the suture surface, which directly contacts the polypropylene (PP) suture, improves the adhesion of the deposited antibacterial material TiVOx. This provides a long-lasting antibacterial effect on the suture (a prolonged antibacterial effect of the coating material), i.e. increases the stability of the deposition (stable in water, air, in the human body, in different pH mediums, and at temperatures up to 70 °C). The sutures did not deteriorate after several wash cycles with sterilizing solvents. Also, the antibacterial agent (TiVOx) is nontoxic. The concentration of vanadium in the film is below the toxicity limits due to the low diffusivity of vanadium and high adhesion with the base coating material (Al2O3). Sutures coated with V-doped TiO2were characterized using scanning electron microscopy images, and elemental analysis was performed using energy dispersive spectroscopy Spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of TiVOxcoated sutures against two types of microorganisms,E. coliand Proteus vulgaris (Pr. Vulgaris) was compared to that of noncoated sutures. The quantitative assessment of antibacterial activity of suture materials with and without ALD nanocoating TiVOxagainstE. coliandPr. Vulgarishas been performed. No growth of bacteria around the suture material with antibacterial TiVOxALD nanocoating throughout the entire observation period of 48 and 72 h was observed. However, after 48 h, the concentration of bacteria of theE. Coliaround the suture material without ALD TiVOxnanocoating on nutrient agar was 5.5 ± 0.3 Log CFU cm-3, and after 72 h it was 8.0 ± 0.5 Log CFU cm-3. For Pr. Vilgaris, after 48 h, the concentration of bacteria around the suture material without ALD TiVOxnanocoating on nutrient agar was 2.1 ± 0.1 Log CFU cm-3, while after 72 h it was 4.5 ± 0.2 Log CFU cm-3. ALD-coated TiVOxon the PP sutures inhibited approximately 100% of biofilm formation. Also, the inhibition zones in the disc diffusion assay revealed that all the ALD TiVOxcoating inhibited (100%) the growth ofE. coliandPr. Vulgaris, notably compared to the uncoated suture samples.

Polyphenylalanine-Baicalein Nanomicelles Reduce Nerve Cell Apoptosis and Inflammation to Enhance Neuroprotection and Poststroke Rehabilitation.

Cerebral ischemic stroke, neuronal death, and inflammation bring difficulties in neuroprotection and rehabilitation. In this study, we developed and designed the ability of natural lactoferrin-polyethylene glycol-polyphenylalanine-baicalein nanomicelles (LF-PEG-PPhe-Bai) to target and reduce these pathological processes, such as neurological damage and cognitive impairment in the stages of poststroke. Nanomicelles made from biocompatible materials have improved bioavailability and targeted distribution to afflicted brain areas. The results showed that LF-PEG-PPhe-Bai greatly improved the antioxidation, antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammation activity in vitro. Meanwhile, LF-PEG-PPhe-Bai improved the behavioral and cognitive impairment of 2-VO model mice, protected nerve cells in the hippocampus, and reduced inflammation at the brain injury site in vivo. In conclusion, LF-PEG-PPhe-Bai nanomicelles are employed for enhancing neuroprotection and poststroke rehabilitation. The development of this technology might provide a new technique for neural repair after ischemia in the future.

The Mechanical Properties, Corrosion Resistance, and Biocompatibility of a Novel Ternary Ti-xNb-5Ta Alloy for Biomedical Applications

In recent years, advancements in dental implants have posed new challenges for the use of traditional orthopedic materials. This study prepared novel Ti-xNb-5Ta alloys via arc-melting and comprehensively evaluated the effects of Nb content on microstructure, mechanical properties, elastic modulus, electrochemical behavior, and in vitro performance. Interestingly, alloys with different Nb contents exhibited distinct properties. The results indicated that the 10 and 13 wt.% Nb alloys surpassed the TA4G surgical implant standard in strength while offering a lower elastic modulus and greater elongation. Electrochemical experiments showed that the corrosion resistance of the alloys improved with increasing Nb content. Furthermore, CCK-8 assay results, ALP semi-quantitative analysis, and RT-PCR demonstrated that Ti-xNb-5Ta alloys enhanced the early osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs). This work not only reveals the potential of Ti-xNb-5Ta alloys as biomedical materials but also offers insights for developing novel biomaterials.

Bioinspired Composite Hydrogels with Osteogenic, Angiogenic, and Antioxidant Properties for Enhanced Bone Repair

The increasing demand of advanced biomedical materials for bone repair and regeneration has spurred significant research in recent years. While traditional hydrogels offer promising biocompatibility and easy fabrication, their application in bone reconstruction is often impeded by inadequate structural integrity and biological functions. Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a transformative additive, renowned for its exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, as well as its ability to enhance the structural integrity of hydrogels. In this study, the incorporation of GO into chitosan (CS) hydrogels is investigated, achieving bioinspired hydrogels with enhanced mechanical strength and stability, which are crucial for supporting bone regeneration. Additionally, self‐assembled synthetic peptide nanofibers (PNFs) are employed to enhance biocompatibility and facilitate biomimetic mineralization of the bioinspired hydrogels, a critical process for effective bone remodeling. This innovative composite hydrogel not only achieves biomimetic mineralization but also exhibits osteogenic, pro‐angiogenic, and antioxidant properties essential for bone repair. This novel method takes advantage of the distinctive properties of GO, PNFs, and biomass hydrogels, providing a robust and effective material solution with the potential to significantly advance the field of bone tissue engineering.

Recent trends in electro-microfluidic devices for wireless monitoring of biomarker levels

Wireless monitoring has emerged as a promising approach that enables real-time tracking of health, disease progression, and fitness, unlocking new possibilities for personalized healthcare. The review focuses on integrating electro-microfluidic (EM) devices with wireless technologies, revealing the potential for miniaturized, portable, and cost-effective systems. EM devices can noninvasively detect critical disease biomarkers such as metabolites, proteins, and pathogens. These advancements address the growing demand for accessible diagnostics, especially in resource-limited settings. Advancements in microfabrication techniques and biocompatible materials have enhanced the sensitivity, specificity, and ability of the devices to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously, ensuring reliable performance in diverse applications. Incorporating Internet of Things frameworks further bridges the gap between laboratory diagnostics and point-of-care testing, enabling seamless data transmission and remote monitoring. Additionally, implementing flexible materials such as polymers, paper-based platforms, and textile-integrated designs has expanded the scope of devices to wearable applications, providing user comfort and convenience. These devices improve diagnostic accuracy and patient safety by enabling continuous health monitoring and early disease detection. The review highlights a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge advancements in EM devices, emphasizing their transformative potential in making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and personalized.

Engineering Group VI Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Designing Various Sensors

AbstractRecent advancements in sensor technology are driven by progress in materials science and increasing demands from applications such as health diagnostics. Particularly, with the push from nanotechnology and biocompatible materials, sensor technology has made significant progress. Sensor applications have been greatly enhanced by the unique properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These high‐performance sensors not only improve the accuracy of measurements but also provide robust support for real‐time data analysis. To further demonstrate the latest advancements in sensor technology, this paper specifically introduces the recent researches of sensors based on WS2, MoS2, and their composites. Herein, the structures and the properties of TMDs are systematically described, highlighting their strong potential for advancing sensor development. Then, the recent progress of Group VI TMDs in various sensor domains, including humidity sensors, temperature sensors, gas sensors, biosensors, image sensors, and strain sensors, is further discussed. Through detailed analysis of the function and performance of Group VI TMDs in these areas, this paper aims to emphasize their advantages as sensor materials. The performance of TMDs in various sensor applications is also systematically summarized, and a glimpse into what the future holds for sensors using TMDs is offered.

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.

Multifunctional DNA-Collagen Biomaterials: Developmental Advances and Biomedical Applications.

The complexation of nucleic acids and collagen forms a platform biomaterial greater than the sum of its parts. This union of biomacromolecules merges the extracellular matrix functionality of collagen with the designable bioactivity of nucleic acids, enabling advances in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, gene delivery, and targeted therapy. This review traces the historical foundations and critical applications of DNA-collagen complexes and highlights their capabilities, demonstrating them as biocompatible, bioactive, and tunable platform materials. These complexes form structures across length scales, including nanoparticles, microfibers, and hydrogels, a process controlled by the relative amount of each component and the type of nucleic acid and collagen. The broad distribution of different types of collagen within the body contributes to the extensive biological relevance of DNA-collagen complexes. Functional nucleic acids can form these complexes, such as siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, DNA origami nanostructures, and, in particular, single-stranded DNA aptamers, often distinguished by their rapid self-assembly at room temperature and formation without external stimuli and modifications. The simple and seamless integration of nucleic acids within collagenous matrices enhances biomimicry and targeted bioactivity, and provides stability against enzymatic degradation, positioning DNA-collagen complexes as an advanced biomaterial system for many applications including angiogenesis, bone tissue regeneration, wound healing, and more.