Biomedical Engineering Research Articles

Glucose-Activated Janus Wound Dressing for Enhanced Management of Infected and Exudative Diabetic Wounds.

Diabetic wounds, often multifactorial and affecting multiple organs, pose substantial challenges to patient well-being, drawing significant interest in biomedical engineering. The demanding wound microenvironment, marked by heightened glucose levels, local exudate, and bacterial infections, emphasizes the pressing demand for advanced wound dressings to meet escalating clinical needs. Herein, a Janus wound dressing with an integration of an antimicrobial hydrophobic nanofiber layer and a 3D hydrophilic sponge was designed and prepared to manage and utilize wound exudate. The hydrophobic layer skillfully combined electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber membranes (ENMs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with peroxidase-like properties by solvent etching, and glucose oxidase (GOx) was grafted through ligand interaction. GOx acts to consume glucose while modulating pH, thus suitable pH and self-supplied H2O2 were able to activate the catalytic activity of MOFs to generate •OH. Additionally, hydrophilic 3D sponges are constructed using gas foaming technology, which are tactfully combined with hydrophobic ENMs to form a Janus structure, which can transport exudate through the antimicrobial layer to the sponge layer, while sufficient glucose contact with GOx enhances the antimicrobial properties of the designed Janus wound dressing. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the cascade effect of GOx@PCL/MOF ENMs, ultimately releasing reactive oxygen species and exhibiting robust antibacterial properties. In vivo animal experiments reveal the ability of the Janus wound dressing to mitigate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the early stages, thereby expediting the wound healing process. In vivo animal study, the Janus wound dressing achieved a healing rate of 54% on day 3. Our findings underscore the substantial potential of the Janus wound dressings in promoting the healing of chronic diabetic wounds.

Barriers and Facilitators to Age-Friendly Health Care: A Scoping Review.

As the global population ages, older adults are increasingly experiencing more complex health problems, resulting in an increase in the prevalence of prolonged hospitalisation. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to age-friendly health care. Scoping review. A systematic search was performed from 2004 to 2024 in the following eight electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database and WanFang. A manual search was conducted through the references of the included papers and related publications. This review utilised the scoping review methodology framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Studies were screened and extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardised form. Thematic synthesis was used to summarise data. The PRISMA-ScR Checklist was also used. Thirty-seven studies were included. The following six themes were identified: (1) communication and services; (2) facilities and environment; (3) leadership and policy; (4) information management and investment; (5) education and training and (6) multidisciplinary resources. Several barriers and facilitators to age-friendly health care have been reported. Communication and service issues are critical to age-friendly care both in developed and developing countries. Understanding modifiable barriers and facilitators is essential to addressing these factors and promoting evidence-based care for older individuals. With the rapid growth of ageing populations worldwide, hospitals need to adapt to ensure age-friendly health care for older patients, and this review provides insights on barriers and facilitators to age-friendly health care. To this end, the review is designed to stimulate global discussions among hospital leaders, clinicians and staff; policymakers and researchers to improve care for patients as they age. No patient or public contribution.

Sexual satisfaction among people living with HIV in the era of biomedical prevention: enduring impacts of HIV-related stigma?

Background People living with HIV (PLHIV) have historically faced a range of challenges negotiating satisfying sex lives in the context of virus transmission risks and HIV-related stigma. We examine the experience of sexual satisfaction among PLHIV in an era of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and undetectable=untransmissible (U=U)/treatment as prevention. Methods Data are derived from HIV Futures 9, a cross-sectional survey of PLHIV in Australia conducted between December 2018 and May 2019. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with sexual satisfaction, including awareness of/engagement with U=U and PrEP as well as experiences that denote HIV-related stigma. Results Over half (56.5%) of the total sample (n =715) reported they were not satisfied with their sex lives. Those who avoided sex because of their HIV status (44.4%) were more likely to report sexual dissatisfaction, as were those who were aged 50 years or over and those with worse self-reported health. Participants who expressed a concern about their drug use were more likely to report sexual dissatisfaction when compared with those who expressed no such concern. Conclusions Concerns about HIV continue to be present in the lives of PLHIV and can interrupt or undermine intimate and sexual relationships. Although biomedical prevention technologies such as PrEP and antiretroviral therapy may alleviate anxiety relating to onward transmission of HIV, these findings indicate that concerns about HIV status, which may be related to experiences of stigma, are still adversely associated with enjoyment of sex for those living with HIV.

A microgripper based on electrothermal Al–SiO2 bimorphs

Microgrippers are essential for assembly and manipulation at the micro- and nano-scales, facilitating important applications in microelectronics, MEMS, and biomedical engineering. To guarantee the safe handling of delicate materials and micro-objects, a microgripper needs to be designed to operate with exceptional precision, rapid response, user-friendly operation, strong reliability, and low power consumption. In this study, we develop an electrothermal actuated microgripper with Al-SiO2 bimorphs as the primary structural element. The fabricated microgripper naturally adopts a closed state due to process-induced residual stresses. The thermal expansion mismatch between Al and SiO2 allows for an easy transition of the microgripper between open and closed states by temperature control. Experimental data reveal that the microgripper can achieve impressive deformability, bending over 100 degrees at just 5 V, and responding within 10 ms. Its capability to handle micro-objects is verified using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microbeads and its gripping strength is quantitatively assessed. It is demonstrated that the microgripper holding a microbead with a diameter of 400 μm and a weight of 0.1 mg can withstand an average acceleration of 35 g during vibration test and over 1600 g in impact tests, highlighting its exceptional grasping performance. Additionally, the “pick-and-place” task for handling and positioning solder beads (0.25 mg for each bead) with diameters of 400 μm on a bulk silicon inductor chip has been successfully completed. This unique microgripper is anticipated to be highly beneficial for various micro-assembly and micromanipulation applications, particularly in the field of electronic packaging.

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.

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...

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

Integrated Pacemaker System with Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting and Laser-Based Heartbeat Abnormality Detection

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality globally, highlighting the critical need for innovative cardiac care technologies. This study presents an advanced pacemaker system integrating piezoelectric energy harvesting, chemical sensors, and laser-based heartbeat abnormality detection. By converting body thermal and mechanical energy into electrical power, the system ensures continuous operation. The integration of diode laser sensors provides non-invasive, real-time monitoring of blood flow and oxygen saturation, enabling early detection of arrhythmias. A mobile application supports remote monitoring and emergency alerts, enhancing patient safety. The system's novel architecture aims to reduce surgical interventions and improve cardiac outcomes, setting a benchmark for future advancements in biomedical engineering.

Computer vision: applications in Biomedical Engineering

The focus of this study is the presentation of two systems, which use computer vision techniques. In the first, the authors applied these techniques to the acquisition and processing system of ovitrap images. However, the second system is a physiotherapeutic evaluation platform for dynamic monitoring of body balance. By using a depth image of the patient (based on a 3D camera), the algorithm can predict the exact positions of the joints of an individual, without temporal information. The two studies described presented showed promising results, which demonstrated that computer vision techniques are of great importance. The experiments with the Aedes Aegypti mosquito egg has allowed accurate detection and counting of them. The experiments with body balance analysis has allowed the tracking of the center of mass of an individual during physiotherapeutic exercises. Software has detected the movement of the center of mass, satisfying a physiotherapeutic need. The techniques developed for computer vision have many possible applications in different areas and different populations, not only in the areas presented in this study.

The Emerging of 2D Layer‐Blocked Frameworks

Blocked copolymers are a versatile and powerful class of materials, and their properties can be modified by carefully designing the molecular architecture. Their ability to self‐assemble into nanoscale structures and the multifunctionality make them invaluable in advanced materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Compared to traditional blocked copolymer morphologies such as linear, cyclic, and branched, 2D layer‐blocked frameworks provide materials with clear structure, permanent porosity, favorable chemical and thermal stability, larger surface area, ultra‐high carrier mobility, efficient charge separation and migration, and excellent photoexcitation response. In this concept article, we summarized the design concepts and state‐of‐the‐art strategies for the construction of 2D layer‐blocked frameworks and reviewed the development of some 2D‐like blocked frameworks and their applications in semiconductor, catalysis, energy storage, etc. Finally, we also outlook for the challenges of these materials in preparation and applications across different research fields.

Synergistic influence of gyrotactic microorganisms and bimolecular reaction on bidirectional tangent hyperbolic fluid with Nield boundary conditions: A biomathematical model

In biomedical engineering, the behaviour of gyrotactic microorganisms with non-Newtonian fluids such as tangent hyperbolic fluids improve the design of targeted drug delivery systems. In this system control over microorganism movement is essential. The present study deals with the synergistic influence of gyrotactic microorganisms and bimolecular reactions on the bidirectional flow of tangent hyperbolic fluids under Nield boundary conditions. Further, the flow characteristic of the non-Newtonian fluid is enhanced by incorporating the impact of thermal radiation, heat sources, Brownian motion, and thermophoresis. The presentation of these phenomena is vital for an extensive range of applications, including industrial processes, biomedical engineering, and environmental management. The analysis employs advanced mathematical modelling which needs suitable transformation rules to get the non-dimensional form and further numerical simulation is presented with the assistance of the “shooting-based fourth-order Runge-Kutta technique”. The results are depicted for the several contributing factors via the built-in in-house function bvp4c in “MATLAB”. The authentication of the study with the prior research is a benchmark to precede further research in this direction. However, the outstanding results are; the fluid velocity is controlled by increasing non-Newtonian Weissenberg number whereas the velocity slip shows dual characteristics on the axial velocity distribution. Further, the motile microorganism profile is controlled by the enhanced bioconvection Lewis number.

Extraction of type I collagen and development of collagen methacryloyl (ColMA)/PEGDA ink for digital light processing printing

The fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) biostructures through additive manufacturing relies on the critical role of ink development. With the growing demand for high-resolution manufacturing, digital light processing (DLP) technology has emerged as a promising technique requiring specialised photosensitive inks. Although gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) has been the primary option for DLP, its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and low stability still present limitations. The development of collagen-based ink is thus in high demand for a wider stiffness adjustment range, native bioactivities, and versatility in biomedical engineering applications. In this paper, we report a rapid and low-cost protocol for collagen methacryloyl (ColMA)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) ink for DLP printing. The ink demonstrated the highest printing resolution of ~50 μm by using 405 nm visible light. The printability, mechanical properties and cell viability of the DLP-printed ColMA/PEGDA structures were comprehensively evaluated. The printed ColMA/PEGDA structures reached a compressive modulus over 100 kPa with 0.6 wt% collagen. The printed ColMA/PEGDA scaffolds promoted the attachment and proliferation of 3 T3 fibroblasts, demonstrating their potential in future applications in biomedical engineering.

LIPSS on polymeric implant surfaces - a fabrication study

Abstract Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) offer the potential to engineer cell adhesion, cell orientation, and cell density on implant surfaces through periodic structures on the nanometer and micrometer scale. Due to their straightforward fabrication on metal surfaces, they provide an essential tool for optimizing implants according to their intended use. However, these types of structures can only be produced on a limited amount of polymers. Within this study, methods of implementing LIPSS on polymer films are investigated using manufacturing processes established in biomedical engineering. For this purpose, a polymer possessing USP class VI certification and ISO 10993 proven biocompatibility is used. The presented processes are easy to implement and can contribute significantly to the implementation of surface active structures like LIPSS on medical devices and commercial implants.

The hidden impact of bullying and harassment in biotechnology and biomedical engineering

The adverse effects of academic bullying and harassment, which are longstanding issues within academic environments, on industry sectors have been inadequately addressed. This commentary explores the detrimental impacts of bullying and harassment in the biotech and biomedical engineering industries, including reduced employee morale, increased turnover, impaired collaboration, and hindered innovation.

Fantastic squeaks and where to find them: producing and analysing audible acoustics from leipäjuusto

Abstract Chewing not only converts food chunks to digestible proportions, it also conveys audible acoustics resulting in a perception on the type and condition of the food being eaten. As biomedical engineers, we may want to reproduce the same eating experience for those who cannot chew or for those who have allergic reactions to some foods. But to understand this psychoacoustic phenomenon better, it is crucial to understand what produces the sound of specific foods. The purpose of this paper is to present a straightforward methodology to produce audible acoustics from a notoriously loud Finnish delicacy and analyse the sound produced. One hundred samples of leipajuusto and one hundred samples of Gouda cheese for controls were subjected to shear between a bamboo board and a wetted blade. All leipajuusto samples and none of the Gouda cheese samples produced audible squeaks. A 0.1-s delay between blade displacement and sound production was observed. We attribute this delay to the buildup to release. The frequency spectra from pushing and pulling movements were observed to have only negligible differences. This indicated that the internal structure between events did not change. Therefore, the hypothesis that a disruptive event underlies the squeaking process is less plausible.