Biodegradable nanofibrous drug-eluting seed for sustained intratumoral immunotherapy.

Bioengineered polycaprolactone nanofibers co-loaded with RGD and asiatic acid for dentin-pulp regeneration.

Per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly harmful substances known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation and their persistence in the environment. Many compounds in this class, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are also highly toxic to humans. We investigated the harvesting efficiency of accumulated PFOA from freshwater samples using zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF), i.e. UiO-66, as the primary adsorbent with a high chemical affinity for PFOA. To improve MOF stability and applicability, the UiO-66 gel was mixed with biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) at concentrations of 0 (pure PCL control), 5, 12, 21 and 35 wt%, respectively, and an electric field was used to electrospin a fibrous composite material (PCL-UiO-66). Gravity-driven filtration experiments using PFOA-contaminated water (2.36 mM solution) were performed to understand the correlation between the UiO-66 content in PCL-UiO-66 and the PFOA harvesting efficiency. The PFOA uptake increases linearly with the concentration of UiO-66 incorporated in the composite, achieving a maximum of ~57% using 35 wt% UiO-66 and a single-pass filtration process. Post-filtration fluorine content in the membranes confirms effective PFOA uptake of the PCL-UiO-66. Moreover, batch-soaking experiments showed that ~90% of PFOA was removed after 16 h soaking time. Here, PFOA uptake vs UiO-66 content follows an exponential trend, reaching saturation at ≧ 21 wt% of UiO-66. Stability and recyclability of the PCL-UiO-66 nanofibers have been assessed. Regenerated mats were subsequently used in a second batch soaking experiment under identical conditions and show now indication of performance loss or any signs of degradation. These results demonstrate the applicability of fibrous PCL-UiO-66-based filters for the highly efficient removal of PFOA traces from freshwater as a scalable water treatment technology using biodegradable materials. We fabricated biodegradable PCL nanofibers via electrospinning of UiO-66 MOF for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water. Increasing MOF loading increased the adsorption capacity to ~35 mg g −1 . Batch soaking outperformed single-pass filtration due to equilibrium control. These hybrid membranes offer a sustainable, high-efficiency platform for PFAS remediation.

Research interests and trends in alveolar ridge augmentation and visualization of articles from 1990 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis.

Matrix-tuned hyaluronic nanofibrils promoting regenerative ocular surfacing with minimal scarring

Erythromycin-encapsulated tri-arm PCL/APTMS-Functionalized magnetic nanocomposite for targeted therapy of deep skin infections.

We developed electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes containing 1-5 wt % ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), the surface of which was plasma-functionalized with carboxyl groups for covalent immobilization of chlorhexidine (CHX) via carbodiimide chemistry. Quantum-chemical analysis revealed that carboxyl functionalization, followed by 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide (EDC) activation, significantly enhanced CHX sorption, while ZnO NPs promoted charge transfer and increased the electrophilicity of the PCL matrix. The PCL-3%ZnO-CHX membranes exhibited high tensile strength (18.6 MPa), improved wettability, and prolonged Zn2+ release. The optimized composition demonstrated potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, achieving a 6-log reduction against S. aureus, E. faecium, E. coli, A. baumannii, and C. auris. In vitro studies confirmed excellent cytocompatibility toward human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and T-lymphocytes, with cell viability remaining above 93% throughout the study. Histological evaluation showed no chronic inflammation, necrosis, or foreign body reaction, while tissue organization in the PCL-3%ZnO-CHX group was comparable to the control. In a mouse tail amputation model, this material reduced blood loss and bleeding time by 6.6- and 1.5-fold, respectively. These results demonstrate that PCL-3%ZnO-CHX membranes combine mechanical strength, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, immunocompatibility, and hemostatic performance, making them promising materials for wound dressings and tissue engineering.

Conventional localized drug delivery systems (DDS) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) platforms often lack structural integrity, hydration-mediated transport control, and architectures capable of sustaining redox activity at tumor sites. Here, we report a hybrid nanofibrous hydrogel that integrates CoMn layered double hydroxide (CoMn-LDH) within electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers, followed by a polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel coating to construct a localized, ECM-mimetic therapeutic platform with dual functionality. Unlike Conventional CDT systems that treat drug delivery and catalytic activity independently, this design integrates a hydrated diffusion network with redox-active centers within a single architecture. The CoMn@PCL/PAAm HNF exhibits enhanced wettability of 26.4° and pronounced swelling-assisted transport, enabling sustained and non-Fickian release with cumulative release of 96.99%, 86.77%, and 97.83% at pH 6.2, 7.4, and 8.8, respectively. Furthermore, the system promotes peroxide-activated ROS generation, enhances intracellular oxidative stress, and induces apoptosis-mediated cytotoxicity against HuH7 and SiHa cells, with inhibition rates of 64.73% and 52.03%, respectively, while remaining nonhemolytic. These results indicate that interface-engineered transport reaction coupling governs both drug diffusion and ROS generation, highlighting the potential of CoMn@PCL/PAAm HNF for CDT integrated implantable anticancer applications with reduced system toxicity.

Clinical Applications of High-Frequency Ultrasound (HFUS) in Filler Identification and Complication Management.

A collagen-functionalized biomimetic patch leveraging macromolecular piezoelectricity and anti-adhesive properties for abdominal wall defect repair.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a biodegradable membrane composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) for guided bone regeneration in bone defects. Twelve Wistar albino rats were initially included in the study. During follow-up, 3 rats were excluded. To maintain the planned sample size, these animals were replaced with 3 additional rats. Consequently, a total of 15 rats were used, and the final statistical analyses were based on 12 rats. Twenty-four standardized bilateral parietal bone defects were created and randomly allocated to four groups. Defects received either 3D-printed PCL membranes or PCL membranes coated on the inner surface with PGA (PCL/PGA). Control defects received PCL membranes alone. Group 1 received PCL/PGA with a human-derived freeze-dried bone graft, an equine xenograft, and autologous blood. Group 2 received PCL/PGA with autologous blood. Group 3 received PCL with autologous blood. Six rats were euthanized at 4 weeks and six at 8 weeks. Histopathological and stereological analyses were performed to assess newly formed bone volume. At week 4, Group 2 showed significantly greater newly formed bone volume and total tissue volume than all other groups (p < 0.001). At week 8, newly formed bone volume in Group 2 remained significantly greater than in Groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.001) but did not differ from the control group (p > 0.05). In this GBR model, the PGA-coated PCL membrane enhanced new bone formation during the early phase of bone regeneration.

Numerous types of wounds are at risk for infection, such as burn wounds, traumatic wounds, surgical wounds, chronic ulcer wounds, and radiologic wounds. The repair of infectious wounds depends on specific microenvironments, including moderate hydration, reactive oxygen scavenging, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic conditions. To effectively promote the repair of infectious wounds and reduce the risk of infection spread, we developed a multifunctional bilayer wound dressing (MBWD) that simultaneously meets these criteria. The inner layer (DMOG@PCL/ASC) consists of a polycaprolactone (PCL)/fish collagen (ASC) nanofiber decorated with coaxial microparticles containing dimethyloxalylgcine (DMOG). The three-dimensional pore structure of nanofibers offers numerous adhesion sites for cells, and the gradual release of DMOG can promote angiogenesis. The outer layer consists of a glycidyl methacrylate-modified carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel loaded with cerium oxide nanozymes (M-CMCS/CeO2). This M-CMCS hydrogel provides a moist microenvironment and exhibits antimicrobial properties. The localized release of CeO2 can deliver antioxidant effects, combat microbes, and modulate inflammation. In vivo studies confirmed that the MBWD dressing can enhance the healing of infectious and diabetic wounds by providing rapid antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic effects. Therefore, this combined system of nanofibers and hydrogels, each loaded with specific functional components, offers an effective strategy for treating infectious wounds.

We developed a twin-screw extrusion (TSE), method to create polymer inclusion complexes (PICs) from cyclodextrin and hydrophobic polymers, namely polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). These PICs serve as effective compatibilizers to toughen polymer blends and enable bulk and surface post-polymerization functionalization of inert polymers.

Tendon tissue engineering requires scaffolds with an appropriate structure that can be cultured under cyclic strain in order to replicate both mechanical cues and biological commitments. This study presents a hybrid scaffold combining 3D-printed auxetic polycaprolactone (PCL) with electrospun gelatin-(3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) functionalized with collagen microfibers suitable for the purpose of tenogenic commitment and in vitro modelling. The auxetic core was fabricated via pneumatic melt extrusion at 1000 mbar and printing speed of 200 mm/min, achieving a re-entrant angle of 60.92 ± 2.1° and strut thickness of 350 ± 30 μm with high geometric fidelity. Mechanical characterization revealed that PCL scaffolds exhibited an elastic modulus of 51.97 ± 6.19 MPa and ultimate tensile strain of 6.75 ± 0.59%. Integration of electrospun gelatin-GPTMS without collagen increased the elastic modulus to 66.54 ± 7.16 MPa while reducing ultimate tensile strain to 4.14 ± 1.27%. Incorporation of 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL μCollaFibR™ significantly enhanced ultimate tensile strain to 21.70 ± 0.20% and 19.94 ± 0.20%, while decreasing elastic modulus to 47.65 ± 1.33 MPa and 39.83 ± 1.85 MPa. Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed hierarchical architecture with collagen microfibers (1-5 μm diameter) interspersed throughout the electrospun gelatin matrix. Human tendon stem/progenitor cells seeded at 1 × 10⁵ cells/cm² maintained viability exceeding 85% at day 3 across all formulations, exhibiting elongated morphology and alignment along nanofiber axes. The developed multimaterial platform successfully integrates auxetic mechanics with extracellular matrix-mimetic topographies, offering a biomimetic scaffold structure for subsequent in vitro modelling of tenogenic events.

Repair of large dura mater defects is hindered by excessive inflammation, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and insufficient regeneration. In this study, a Janus-bilayer artificial dura mater (SCPM) was fabricated via coaxial electrospinning, consisting of a polycaprolactone (PCL) hydrophobic layer, a PCL core, and a poly(p-dioxanone) shell incorporating 4Sr15CeBG. The exudate can undergo spontaneous 'pumping' from the hydrophilic base layer to the hydrophobic top layer, while maintaining excellent drug delivery capability with a well-structured core-shell structure. The resulting core-shell fibrous scaffold exhibited stable mechanical performance with a tensile strength of approximately 5 MPa and controlled degradation behavior. SCPM-3 demonstrated optimal biocompatibility, with L929 and RAW264.7 cell viabilities exceeding 110% at day 3 and hemolysis rates below 5%. The scaffold significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, promoted macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, decreased TNF-α and IL-1β secretion, and increased TGF-β and IL-10 secretion. In a rat dural defect model, SCPM-3 accelerated neodura formation, enhanced angiogenesis, reduced inflammation and adhesion, and produced continuous, well-organized collagen deposition by postoperative day 14. These results demonstrate that encapsulation of SrCeBG combined with a coaxial fibrous architecture enables safe, immunomodulatory, and effective dura mater regeneration.

Three-dimensional scaffolds based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) have attracted growing interest in bone tissue engineering because of their high interconnectivity and ability to combine high porosity with mechanical integrity. However, in fused deposition modeling (FDM), printed architecture may systematically deviate from the nominal design, thereby affecting structural fidelity and mechanical performance. This study investigated the influence of FDM processing parameters and nozzle diameter on the effective microarchitecture and compressive elastic modulus of polycaprolactone (PCL) gyroid scaffolds. First, a Taguchi L18 design was used to evaluate the effects of extrusion temperature, printing speed, and flow rate on pore size for two nozzle diameters (0.4 and 0.3 mm). In a second experimental stage, prismatic specimens fabricated at three nominal porosity levels were compression-tested to determine the elastic modulus (E), and measured porosity (ϕ) was quantified by densimetric measurements. A systematic mismatch was observed between the nominal design and the printed scaffold architecture, with both pore size and measured porosity consistently lower than their intended values. The dominant process parameter associated with pore-size variability was nozzle-specific: extrusion temperature contributed most for the 0.4 mm nozzle, whereas printing speed contributed most for the 0.3 mm nozzle. In compression, E decreased with increasing measured porosity, and statistical analysis showed that the E-ϕ relationship was nozzle-dependent. Overall, these findings support a process-structure-property interpretation based on the effective printed microarchitecture rather than on nominal design parameters alone. The experimental stiffness ranges obtained here also provide an exploratory mechanical contextualization relative to reported trabecular bone domains, without implying site-specific scaffold selection.

We report the complete genome sequence of a polycaprolactone-degrading Bacillus xiamenensis B0331, comprising a 3.78 Mb chromosome and three plasmids (94.67, 6.48, and 5.99 kb). The strain was isolated from dumpsite soil in Bay, Laguna, Philippines.

To address surgical site infections (SSIs), we developed a core-sheath suture via electrospinning consisting of a robust silk core for mechanical strength and a functionalized polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber sheath. The antimicrobial peptide KR-12 was covalently immobilized onto the sheath, enabling potent antibacterial activity while mitigating cytotoxicity. The suture exhibited broad-spectrum efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA, and significantly inhibited biofilm formation. It provided sustained antibacterial performance for up to 14 days, with over 97% inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, this demonstrated favorable cytocompatibility. In infected skin wounds, the suture promoted healing by reducing inflammatory infiltration, stimulating collagen regeneration, and downregulating TNF-α expression. This mechanically strong, biocompatible, and persistently antibacterial suture offers a promising strategy for the prevention of SSIs.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion and/or action. A severe complication is delayed wound healing, particularly diabetic foot ulcers, associated with defective angiogenesis, neuropathy, persistent inflammation, and increased infection risk. Biodegradable, biocompatible biomaterials have gained attention as advanced platforms for tissue regeneration. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), microbial-derived biopolymers, are promising for wound healing. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of PHAs derived from high-rate algal pond (HRAP) microalgae using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. HRAP microalgal biomass was used for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) extraction via solvent precipitation. Purified PHB was blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) to fabricate electrospun nanofiber scaffolds containing different algal extract concentrations (PHB-1, PHB-2, PHB-3). Structural characterization was performed by NMR and GC–MS. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with a high-fat diet followed by STZ (30 mg/kg). Full-thickness excisional wounds were created and topically treated for 12 days. Wound healing progression was assessed by wound contraction, histopathology, and qRT-PCR analysis of IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-1. GC–MS confirmed hydroxyalkanoate monomers, validating PHB biosynthesis. Scanning electron microscopy showed uniform, well-defined nanofiber morphology. PHB-based scaffolds significantly accelerated wound closure compared with untreated diabetic controls. Histology revealed enhanced re-epithelialization, dermal regeneration, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and reappearance of hair follicles. Gene expression analysis showed anti-inflammatory effects, with IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-1 reduced by 67.99%, 74.01%, and 59.60%, respectively. PHB-based nanofiber scaffolds improved diabetic wound healing through combined regenerative and anti-inflammatory actions, supporting sustainable PHB as a promising biomaterial for advanced wound dressings.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among various types of cancer. In this way, unfortunately, some conventional modalities in cancer treatment such as surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, etc., have high levels of deficiencies and even they can lead to death. To solve this challenge, this paper aims to develop a novel technology such as drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on nanoparticles (NPs). To do so, chitosan (CS)-polycaprolactone (PCL) NPs were fabricated for efficient silver (Ag) NPs and sodium butyrate (NB) delivery to A549 lung cancer cells. Then, the CS-PCL-Ag-NB sample was characterized using FT-IR, DLS, TEM, and TGA devices. The quality of the syntheses verified, the size determined at about 100nm to 20nm in diameter, high thermal stability determined, and 30% Ag and 8% NB contents were measured for CS-PCL-Ag-NB. According to the obtained results, the controlled (eight folds slower compared with pure NB) and pH-sensitive (3 folds faster in pH 5.0) NB releases were observed for nanocarrier. Moreover, the cell viability assay demonstrated more than 75% cytotoxicity for CS-PCL-Ag-NB after 24h treatment with 20 nM concentration. Furthermore, qRT-PCR technique exhibited a 9.6, 5.9, and 7.8 folds increase in the expression levels of Caspase9, Bax, and P53 apoptotic genes after treatment with CS-PCL-Ag-NB. High biocompatibility obtained for CS and CS-PCL samples. CS-PCL-Ag-NB indicated higher cancer cell inhibition potency compared with pure NB while fabricated nanocarrier had very low toxicity on MSC normal cells. Finally, the obtained results confirmed the ability of CS-PCL-Ag-NB in suppressing cancer cells and inducing apoptosis.