Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials

Graphical Abstract

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are promising materials for bone tissue engineering due to their complementary biodegradability and osteoconductivity. However, their individual limitations hinder clinical application. In this study, PCL@β-TCP composite scaffolds containing 5%, 10%, and 20% β-TCP were fabricated via fused deposition modeling (FDM). The effects of β-TCP content on the physicochemical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of the scaffolds were systematically investigated. Results showed that increasing β-TCP content enhanced hydrophilicity (contact angle reduced from 89.1° to 66.9°), accelerated biodegradation (higher weight loss after 103 days in PBS), and improved antibacterial activity, as evidenced by larger inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus. These findings demonstrate that β-TCP incorporation effectively enhances the bioactivity and antibacterial performance of PCL scaffolds, highlighting their potential for bone tissue engineering applications, particularly in non-load-bearing contexts.

The development of suitable bioinks for bioprinting is still a key issue in the field of tissue engineering. Most of the biomaterials used are derived from animal sources. A novel bioink for corneal stroma bioprinting based on chemically modified keratin derived from human hair waste was developed and evaluated. To confirm the successful functionalization of methacrylated keratin (KerMA), various characterization methods such as ¹H-NMR, IR as well as a cytotoxity assay were performed. The newly developed biomaterial KerMA was mixed with methacrylated hyaluronic acid and bioprinted with cells as a corneal stroma substitute. Two different cell types were encapsulated in the bioink, immortalized corneal keratocytes and human corneal fibroblasts. The printed constructs were crosslinked under UV light and cultured for up to four weeks. The bioprinted constructs were monitored for four weeks for optical transparency, cell viability (live/dead staining), biomechanical properties and protein expression by indirect immunofluorescence. Furthermore, human corneal epithelial cells were seeded on top of the bioprinted constructs and demonstrated high cell viability. The bioprinted constructs showed good optical transparency and decent biomechanical properties. The addition of KerMA to methacrylated hyaluronic acid led to an improvement in cell viability and protein expression. This bioink approach offers a sustainable, ethically sourced alternative to animal-derived materials. It forms the basis for future in vitro and in vivo studies on the development of corneal tissue.

This study evaluated the effect of calcium-rich nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) as an intracanal medicament on root fracture resistance compared with calcium hydroxide (CH). Forty-eight caries-free maxillary central incisors were instrumented and randomly assigned to a two-factor design (two medicaments × two sealers), yielding four experimental groups (n = 12/group): CH + resin-based sealer, CH + bioceramic-based sealer, nano-HA + resin-based sealer, and nano-HA + bioceramic-based sealer. The medicaments were applied and stored in simulated body fluid at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 10 days. After removal, the canals were obturated with heated gutta-percha using either a resin-based or a bioceramic-based sealer, and were then stored for an additional 28 days. Vertical fracture resistance was measured using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). The nano-HA groups showed a higher mean fracture resistance (924.04 N) than the CH groups (818.54 N). The highest fracture resistance was observed in the nano-HA + bioceramic-based sealer group (1020.38 N), whereas the lowest was observed in the CH + resin-based sealer group (665.83 N). The main effect of sealer type was statistically significant (p < 0.001), while no significant interaction between medicament and sealer type was detected. Within the limitations of this in vitro study using static vertical loading, sealer type had a large, statistically significant effect on fracture resistance, with the bioceramic-based sealer yielding higher values than the resin-based sealer. Although the nano-HA groups exhibited numerically higher fracture resistance than calcium hydroxide, the main effect of intracanal medicament did not reach statistical significance. These findings are limited to laboratory conditions and should not be directly extrapolated to long-term clinical performance.

Diabetic wounds are among the most common complications in patients with diabetes, often occurring in the lower extremities and manifesting as diabetic foot ulcers. These wounds are often associated with issues such as infection, peripheral artery disease, hyperglycemia, and hypoxia, making them difficult to heal and prone to becoming chronic wounds. MNs enable painless, controlled transdermal drug delivery, overcoming limitations of traditional methods such as poor permeability and short drug duration. Stimuli-responsive microneedles targeting specific triggers have developed rapidly in recent years and are expected to contribute to the realization of precision medicine. Diabetic wounds are often accompanied by microenvironmental imbalance, and this complex wound milieu frequently causes them to progress into refractory wounds. Stimuli-responsive microneedles therefore represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Current studies in this field are still mainly limited to single-stimulus-responsive microneedles, whereas multifunctional microneedles capable of responding to multiple stimuli have not yet been fully developed. This review summarizes the research foundation and current progress of stimuli-responsive microneedles for the treatment of diabetic wounds, and further discusses the future prospects and potential directions of multi-stimuli-responsive microneedles. In addition, this review clarifies the conceptual boundary between truly stimuli-responsive microneedles and microenvironment-associated therapeutic platforms, compares major responsive strategies and microneedle platforms, and discusses key translational barriers including mechanical robustness, manufacturing scalability, cargo stability, model relevance, and regulatory considerations.

Development of a biocompatible functional dental occlusion requires maxillo mandibular relation records. Clinical errors in these physical records are mostly caused by protracted clinical setting times. If dimensionally accurate and stable, recently introduced fast and superfast vinlpolysiloxane-based recording materials could reduce these inaccuracies, however such studies have yet not been attempted. This in-vitro study determined the post-polymerization dimensional accuracy of novel fast/superfast vinyl polysiloxane (VPS)-based jaw relation recording materials (JRRM). Four VPS-based JRRMs (Primo, Mark 3, Jetbite, and Defend) with three polymerization variants [regular, fast, and superfast] were investigated for dimensional accuracy. 180 samples allotted to four controls [PR, MR, JR, DR] and eight experimental [fast set (PF, MF, JF, DF); superfast (PSF, MSF, JSF, DSF)] were observed under a stereomicroscope using three different measurement coordinates between the X and Y axes, as specified by american dental association specification number 19. A one-way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis) rank test determined median scores, followed by a post hoc (Dunn) test. All probability “p” values were judged to be significant at 0.05. The one-way ANOVA showed significant differences between studied groups, with all regular setting JRRMs except Mark 3 showing the least overall linear changes, followed by super-fast set and fast set. Gp MR showed the highest [Mdn(IQR); 25.19(0.02)], while Gp DSF showed the least [25.00(0.02)] against original die measurements. All fast-set and superfast-set JRRMs showed expansion in terms of physical change. Mark 3 (regular, fast, and superfast) showed clinically unacceptable dimensional changes after 1 h of VPS-based JRRM setting. Defend Superfast was the most accurate material, including regular. Clinically, different variants fulfill dimensional accuracy and stability at various time intervals, therefore different variants may be indicated for specific purposes in fabrication of occlusion for a dental prosthesis.

This study evaluates the tribocorrosion behavior of Fe-modified titanium alloys (Ti-3Fe, Ti-4.5Al-1V-3Fe, Ti-6Al-1V-3Fe) in comparison with Ti-6Al-4V in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) simulating normal (0 mg/dL), pre-diabetic (100 mg/dL) and diabetic (200 mg/dL) physiological glucose conditions. Tribocorrosion tests were conducted using a reciprocating sliding configuration under open-circuit potential (OCP) and potentiostatic control (+0.5 V vs Ag/AgCl) to assess passive film stability, depassivation–repassivation kinetics and wear–corrosion synergy. Mechanical sliding induced cathodic OCP transients due to passive film rupture, with Ti-3Fe showing the largest potential drop (0.61 V, from −0.42 to −1.03 V) and negligible recovery (<0.01 V), indicating poor repassivation. In contrast, Ti-6Al-1V-3Fe and Ti-6Al-4V exhibited anodic OCP recovery of +0.059 and +0.095 V, reflecting enhanced passive film reformation. Under potentiostatic conditions, Ti-3Fe recorded peak sliding current densities of 6.4 × 10⁻⁴ A, while Ti-6Al-1V-3Fe and Ti-6Al-4V remained below 4.3 × 10⁻⁴ A, indicating higher resistance to depassivation. Increasing glucose concentration progressively destabilized the electrochemical response, with OCP fluctuation ranges increasing from 0.05 V in normal HBSS to 0.09 V in diabetic HBSS, accompanied by elevated sliding current densities and reduced post-sliding recovery. Wear analysis showed the lowest specific wear rate for Ti-6Al-4V (1.68 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m) in normal HBSS, while Ti-3Fe consistently exhibited the highest material loss across all environments. The results show that alloy composition and glucose concentration in physiological media significantly influence tribocorrosion behavior, with Al-V-containing alloys demonstrating superior electrochemical stability and wear resistance, while Fe-rich titanium alloys exhibit greater susceptibility, particularly under diabetic conditions.

Excessive adhesion between dressings and the wound bed often causes secondary tissue damage and delays healing during dressing removal. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multifunctional moisture-containing nonwoven dressing composed of silk fibroin protein (SF), polycaprolactone (PCL), and ellagic acid (EA) to improve wound healing while allowing visual assessment of moisture. A composite nonwoven fabric integrating SF, PCL, and EA was fabricated and characterized using spectroscopic analysis to evaluate its fluorescence properties. In vitro cytocompatibility was assessed in the four fibroblast cell lines using cell viability assays. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was investigated in an animal model, and histological evaluation was performed using Masson’s trichrome staining and histomorphometric analysis. Spectroscopic measurements indicated that SF and EA synergistically produced bright blue-violet fluorescence under UV illumination, with the fluorescence intensity increasing proportionally to the SF concentration. Cytocompatibility assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility, with all treatment groups maintaining >80% cell viability and the indicator fabric alone exceeding 100%. In vivo studies revealed that both the SF-based indicator fabric and the EA-integrated dressing significantly accelerated re-epithelialization and dermal remodeling compared to a commercial hydrogel control. Histological analysis revealed denser collagen deposition and increased neovascularization in the SF-treated wounds. The SF/PCL/EA moisture-indicating dressing demonstrated dual functionality by serving as an effective visual indicator of exudate and promoting tissue repair. This composite dressing provides both therapeutic and diagnostic benefits for advanced wound-care applications.

Breast volume loss after cancer surgery severely affects patients’ physical and psychological well-being, while traditional reconstruction methods such as prosthetic implantation and autologous tissue transfer are limited by complications, donor-site morbidity, and poor long-term stability. To address these issues, this review summarizes recent advances in hydrogel-based 3D-printed scaffolds for breast reconstruction. The review focuses on the use of different 3D bioprinting techniques in scaffold manufacture and compares natural and synthetic hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. It also involves core design principles for scaffolds to meet the unique anatomical and functional requirements of the breast, including tunable softness, promotion of vascularization, and tissue integration. Furthermore, recent applications of hydrogel-based 3D printing in adipose tissue regeneration and nipple–areola complex reconstruction are discussed in detail. The findings indicate that natural hydrogels provide advantages in cell viability and differentiation due to their biocompatibility, while synthetic hydrogels offer tunability and structural stability for long-term support. Combining the two materials can enhance reconstruction outcomes. It further addresses challenges and prospective directions in 3D printing hydrogels in breast reconstruction, paving the way for innovative research to material selection and printing strategies, enhancing patient care, and improving quality of life.

In the present study, polylactic acid (PLA) was incorporated to ameliorate the rheological and mechanical properties of chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels. A novel injectable chitosan/polylactic acid (CS/PLA) nanofiber composite hydrogel, fabricated via the electrospinning technique, was developed for the sealing and repair of fistulas, thereby functioning as an innovative biomaterial for the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Experimental data demonstrated that the CS/PLA composite nanofiber hydrogel exhibits superior mechanical properties, favorable rheological behavior, and prominent antimicrobial activity. At the optimal ratio, the compressive strength and tensile strength of CS/PLA composite nanofiber hydrogel is 43.7 MPa and 1.38 MPa, and the degradation rate is 68.9% after 10 days. Meanwhile, the antibacterial rates against E. coli and S. aureus CS/PLA composite nanofiber hydrogel reached 82.6% and 76.3%, respectively. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the biocompatibility and cell proliferation capacity of the composite hydrogel. The results revealed that the CS/PLA composite nanofiber hydrogel can effectively facilitate the proliferation and migration of target cells, while simultaneously exhibiting favorable biocompatibility. These findings indicate that the CS/PLA composite nanofiber hydrogel possesses considerable application potential in TEF repair, thereby offering an innovative and efficient biomaterial option for clinical intervention of TEF.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly explored as alternatives to conventional antibiotics in wound care due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This study evaluates the antibacterial performance of α-lipoic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-LA) using an integrated experimental-computational approach combining molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation. AgNPs-LA were synthesized via a controlled hydrothermal method employing biogenic reduction of silver ions to minimize cytotoxicity. Structural and compositional analyses confirmed successful surface functionalization with α-lipoic acid and D-glucose. Morphological characterization revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 37 to 90 nm. Antimicrobial agar disk diffusion assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Specifically, AgNPs-LA at 40 μg/mL produced inhibition zones statistically comparable to gentamicin against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (p > 0.05). Molecular dynamics simulations performed under isothermal-isochoric (constant number of particles, volume, and temperature; NVT) canonical ensemble indicated that the disulfide moiety of lipoic acid serves as the primary anchoring group to the silver surface, conferring stability through the formation of a structured hydrophobic surface layer. This interfacial configuration enhances nanoparticle stability and may improve pharmacokinetic clearance, thereby reducing the risk of systemic toxicity. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of AgNPs-LA as a safe and effective antimicrobial platform for wound management applications.

Chronic pressure ulcers persist within a self-sustaining microenvironment marked by unresolved inflammation, inadequate neovascularization, and excessive extracellular-matrix (ECM) degradation, highlighting the need for injectable bioactive scaffolds that can be delivered precisely to reprogram compromised tissue. The ultra-fine micronized human acellular dermal matrix (UFM-hADM; ∼70 μm) is designed to remain suspendable and pass through narrow-gauge injection, enabling uniform distribution along irregular wound margins and undermined tissue planes where sheet-type matrices may have limited contact and conformability. Here, we evaluated perilesional injection of an UFM-hADM (∼70 μm) as an injectable ECM scaffold in a murine cyclic ischemia–reperfusion pressure-ulcer model. Compared to saline, UFM-hADM accelerated early wound closure and improved quality of healing at Day 7, with enhanced re-epithelialization and dermal regeneration accompanied by increased collagen deposition. Mechanistically, UFM-hADM shifted the wound milieu toward a pro-healing program by attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) while increasing IL-10, promoting neovascularization and vascular maturation (upregulated VEGF, increased CD31 and α-SMA), and restoring balanced ECM remodeling (elevated COL1A1 and COL3A1 with suppression of MMP1 and MMP3). These coordinated molecular changes opposed inflammatory, protease-rich transcriptional signatures identified in human pressure ulcers through public transcriptomic reanalysis. In addition, exploratory observational use of Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)-approved UFM-hADM for pressure ulcers, undertaken with patient consent as part of routine clinician-directed care, suggested acceptable tolerability and a favorable healing course during follow-up. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic support for the adjunctive clinical use of UFM-hADM as a minimally invasive, human-derived injectable ECM adjunct that may facilitate pressure-ulcer healing through coordinated modulation of immune, vascular, and matrix responses.

Graphical Abstract

The thermodynamic surface properties of biomaterials play a key role in governing interfacial interactions and are commonly characterized by surface free energy (SFE) and its components derived from wetting data. However, different theoretical approaches used for SFE determination may yield substantially different results, particularly for polar and high-energy surfaces. In this study, the total surface free energy and its components were systematically analyzed for a range of clinically relevant biomaterial surfaces, including titanium, gold, cobalt–chromium alloy, nano-hydroxyapatite, and amorphous Teflon, prepared as smooth thin films on glass substrates. Static contact angles with water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, and diiodomethane were measured to assess wettability and to calculate SFE using three commonly applied models: the Owens–Wendt–Rabel–Kaelble (geometric mean) approach, the Lifshitz–van der Waals/acid–base (LW–AB) approach, and the equation of state (EOS) approach. These models estimate total SFE as well as nonpolar, polar, and acid–base components, enabling a detailed comparison of model-dependent surface energetic data. The results show good agreement between the different approaches for low-energy, hydrophobic surfaces, whereas pronounced discrepancies occur for hydrophilic, high-energy materials, particularly in the calculated polar and acid–base contributions. While total SFE values were partly consistent across methods, the relative magnitudes of individual SFE components strongly depended on the applied theoretical model. Overall, this study highlights that SFE should not be considered an intrinsic material property but a model-dependent descriptor. Careful selection of the SFE calculation approach and cautious interpretation of SFE components are essential when using thermodynamic surface analysis to compare biomaterial surfaces or to relate surface energetics to interfacial phenomena such as biofilm formation.

Mineralized bone is increasingly considered as a functional substrate for regenerative applications, yet its impact on neuron–glia remodeling remains insufficiently defined. We cultured ex vivo injured rat hippocampal tissue on glass coverslips either uncoated or coated with micron-scale mouse skull bone particles and quantified neurite architecture and astrocyte morphology. Bone-particle substrates supported robust adhesion and selectively modulated process development. Axons on bone displayed a 2.8-fold increase in varicosity-like expansion size and 2.2-fold higher neurofilament-M expression relative to glass, indicating potentiated axonal sprouting. In contrast, dendrites exhibited 20% shorter mean length and 73% lower branching. Astrocytes on bone showed 21% shorter processes with 34% fewer processes per cell; total cell area and GFAP levels were unchanged. However, astrocytes displayed increased circularity, decreased roundness, and elevated solidity—morphologies consistent with a reactive, potentially chronic, state. Together, these data identify mineralized bone as a bioactive osseous substrate that enhances axonogenesis while biasing astrocytes toward reactivity. This divergence suggests design trade-offs for osseous or mineral-hybrid scaffolds aimed at central nervous system repair. Our findings provide quantitative guidance for engineering bone-derived or mineral-composite scaffolds that differentially control neuronal and glial outcomes in neural repair strategies.

Large segmental bone defects remain difficult to treat: autografts are limited by supply and morbidity, while calcium-phosphate substitutes often deliver inconsistent outcomes. This inconsistency largely originates at the early post-implantation interface, where protein adsorption and Ca²⁺/PO₄³⁻ flux are unpredictable and lack a scalable solution. We therefore engineered mineral-coated microparticles (MCM) by growing a conformal, low-crystallinity apatite nanolayer on porous β-TCP under aqueous, protein-compatible conditions, preserving interconnected porosity. The coating establishes a uniform, stable protein corona and attenuates burst while smoothing ion release; in a rabbit mandibular critical-size model, MCM achieved more complete bridging, denser μCT infill, and higher bone mineral density than β-TCP and β-TCP/HA. Collectively, these data support a growth-factor-free, interface-first design that delivers more consistent regeneration and is readily translatable as an off-the-shelf particulate filler.

Biofilm-colonized chronic wounds are difficult to treat due to a constantly evolving microbiome. In this study, a cHG augmented with antibiotics was examined for the topical treatment of biofilm-challenged wounds in vivo. Two studies were performed in series using a murine stented wound model. Mice were divided into four groups: control (wound only), infection only (IO), infection + cHG (IcHG), and infection + cHG + antibiotics (IcHG + Abx). We first examined Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms treated with gentamicin, and then MRSA biofilms treated with clindamycin. Wound healing was assessed using photography, immunohistochemistry, and histology. Systemic symptoms were monitored with hematological laboratory tests. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wounds treated with cHG + Abx healed faster and were protected from bacteremia. In the MRSA infected mice, wound treatment significantly affected the outcome, explaining 5.56% of total variance (ANOVA: F(3, 366) = 17.38, p < 0.0001). Additionally, infected wounds treated with cHG + Abx demonstrated less inflammatory tissue and accelerated closure rate on day 8 (76.53% ± 7.43% vs 48.40% ± 4.95%, p < 0.0001) and day 14 (96.00% ± 3.07% vs 82.38% ± 8.24%, p = 0.003), as compared to the infection only wounds. cHG offers a biocompatible, topical option with dual functionality: antibiotic augmentation to target biofilm pathogens, and a collagen-rich dressing to accelerate wound healing.

The use of hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) is essential for vital pulp therapies (VPT). However, their high cost restricts access in low- and middle-income countries, preventing the widespread benefits of VPT. This study aimed to evaluate four previously developed and characterized low-cost HCSC prototypes by examining their biological properties, specifically the rat connective tissue response after implantation and antimicrobial activity against five strains of interest. Additionally, their compressive strength, bond strength, and microhardness, which are critical mechanical properties of materials used in VPT, were assessed. All HCSCs caused an inflammatory reaction, which decreased over time in all cases, with most reactions categorized as mild. When comparing the number of inflammatory cells at each time point, no significant differences were observed between the HCSCs and those compared to MTA Angelus. Regarding the fibrous capsule, its thickness gradually decreased, and all capsules ultimately had a thickness with no significant difference compared to those formed in the empty control group. No significant differences in antimicrobial activity were seen among the four prototypes, as they exhibited similar performance against the five tested strains. However, some prototypes showed significantly better performance compared to MTA Angelus. Concerning mechanical properties, most prototypes exhibited substantially higher compressive strength than MTA Angelus, with a gradual increase over time—though this increase was not always significant. Additionally, no prototype demonstrated significant differences in bond strength compared to each other or MTA Angelus. Microhardness also increased over time, with significant differences observed when comparing prototypes to MTA Angelus at each time point. These findings, along with previously reported data on their microstructure, composition, and physical properties, support the potential clinical use of these prototypes. However, further research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness in clinical settings.

Citrate, widely used as an anticoagulant in transfusion and extracorporeal therapies, disrupts calcium-dependent coagulation by chelating ionized calcium, resulting in hypocalcemia and severe coagulopathy. This interference elevates bleeding risks and may trigger hemorrhagic shock. Current treatments for local bleedings in the context of citrate-induced coagulopathy include topical hemostats that either provide a physical barrier to the bleeding or activate platelets and the coagulation cascade. This study investigates the potential of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to counteract the citrate coagulopathic effect by promoting coagulation through calcium ion release and platelet aggregation. In vitro assays demonstrated that various CaCO₃ polymorphs significantly enhance coagulation in citrated blood. Both coral-derived aragonite and synthetic calcite reduced coagulation time, with calcite particles achieving up to a 2-fold reduction. Prothrombin and Partial Thromboplastin Times decreased by 13% and 24%, respectively, with calcite treatment. Moreover, calcite reduced circulating platelet counts by 13% while directly binding platelets, indicating effective recruitment, and raised free calcium levels in plasma by 2.6-fold compared to controls. These dual effects—calcium elevation and platelet concentration—suggest that CaCO₃ is a promising hemostatic agent for addressing bleeding in citrate-induced coagulopathy, offering innovative solutions for transfusion medicine and critical care.

The management of critical-sized bile duct defects remains a significant clinical challenge, as current options like autologous grafts and synthetic stents provide mechanical support but lack the bioactivity needed for functional regeneration. To address this, we developed a novel tissue-engineered artificial bile duct using a photocrosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl-sodium alginate (GelMA-SA) hybrid hydrogel. This biomimetic artificial bile duct synergizes the superior cell-adhesion of GelMA with the mechanical robustness of SA. A systematically optimized GelMA-SA formulation demonstrated ideal physicochemical properties, including suitable mechanical strength, controlled degradation kinetics, and a conducive microarchitecture for cell growth. Comprehensive in vitro studies confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of artificial bile duct, promoting the proliferation of biliary epithelial cells. Our findings establish this GelMA-SA hybrid hydrogel-based artificial bile duct as a promising repair solution. It effectively bridges the gap between structural support and biological functionality, offering a versatile platform technology for biliary reconstruction and tubular tissue engineering.

Chitosan-derived hydrogels offer a highly tunable scaffold for orchestrating the multifaceted process of wound repair, yet their full potential hinges on an integrated understanding of biochemical and biophysical cues. Here, we provide a concise yet comprehensive analysis of design parameters that govern cell-matrix interactions, focusing on polymer backbone modification, crosslinking density, and incorporation of bioactive ligands. We demonstrate how precise control of viscoelastic properties viscoelastic properties, including stiffness and stress relaxation, achieved through reversible covalent bonds and supramolecular assemblies regulates YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling to differentially promote coordinated keratinocyte migration, fibroblast proliferation, and endothelial angiogenesis. Functionalization with RGD peptides and heparin-binding motifs further amplifies receptor-mediated adhesion and growth factor sequestration, creating a pro-regenerative microenvironment. We critically appraise the kinetic profiles of growth factor release and immunomodulatory payloads, underscoring the necessity of spatiotemporal precision in smart hydrogel systems and summarize preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrating accelerated wound closure in diabetic and burn models. Finally, we identify pivotal challenges including the quantitative decoupling of mechanical versus molecular influences in vivo, long-term biocompatibility of modified chitosan derivatives, and translation of high-throughput screening data into clinical contexts and propose a roadmap leveraging single-cell transcriptomics and advanced imaging, and AI-driven modeling to overcome translational challenges. This synthesis delivers actionable guidelines for the development of next-generation, personalized wound therapies.

Ceramic filters are an effective, low-cost solution for water potabilization, particularly in rural communities. The integration of 3D printing has advanced this traditional approach by enabling precise control over design parameters that govern filtration efficiency. Gyroid-type ceramic scaffolds for water treatment were fabricated by clay-based extrusion 3D printing. Two ceramic pastes (ECP 1 and ECP 2) containing kaolin, attapulgite, alumina, and feldspar were formulated; ECP 2 incorporated 10 wt% activated carbon as a sacrificial porogenic phase. Rheological characterization using rotational rheometry and Bingham model fitting identified 40 wt% water as optimal for extrusion. Sintering at 1100°C produced interconnected open-pore networks in ECP 2 (apparent porosity: 23.6%; water absorption: 11.8%). Scaffolds were functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera. AgNPs exhibited surface plasmon resonance at 422 nm; silver leaching was 0.00282 ppm (WHO limit: 0.1 ppm). Ethanolic extract E2 (80% v/v) showed significantly lower MIC (0.175 g/mL) than E1 (0.35 g/mL; p < 0.05) and bactericidal activity (MBC/MIC ⩽ 4.0). Functionalized scaffolds (EG) reduced biofilm formation by 80%–95% versus controls at 24 h (MTT assay) and maintained cellular compatibility above the 80% ISO 10993-5 threshold at 7 days. This combination of properties positions them as a highly promising alternative for advanced ceramic water filters.

This study aimed to develop a novel hemostatic dressing capable of exerting pressure-assisted hemostasis, promoting platelet aggregation, and enhancing the absorption of blood and tissue exudates. The Alginate/calcium chloride (Alg/CaCl₂) dressing was fabricated by crosslinking sodium alginate with calcium chloride, resulting in the formation of a stable gel network, which was subsequently freeze-dried to obtain a porous structure. In vitro evaluations were performed using L929 mouse fibroblasts to assess cytotoxicity, platelet aggregation, and platelet activation. The biosafety of the dressing was further examined using a rabbit skin irritation model following both topical application and subcutaneous injection. In addition, the pressure-assisted hemostatic effect of the dressing was evaluated using a customized compression device incorporating the Alg/CaCl₂ dressing.

The results demonstrated that the Alg/CaCl₂ dressing promoted platelet aggregation and activation while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity at most tested concentrations, indicating favorable biocompatibility. The dressing possessed a highly porous structure and excellent fluid absorption capacity. Furthermore, the sustained release of physiologically active calcium ions may facilitate platelet activation and fibrin formation, thereby accelerating the hemostatic process. In vivo assessments revealed no significant skin irritation or adverse tissue reactions following either topical application or subcutaneous injection, supporting its safety for biomedical applications. Moreover, compression testing in the animal model demonstrated that the Alg/CaCl₂ dressing generated greater compressive force than commercially available hemostatic products, contributing to enhanced pressure-assisted hemostasis.

Restenosis remains a significant limitation of vascular intervention procedures, primarily driven by the proliferation and inflammation of human-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). This study developed a thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS-β-GP) hydrogel reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) for the localized co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and dexamethasone (DEX). The incorporation of GO increased the storage modulus from approximately 3.95 kPa to 6.96 kPa, enhancing mechanical strength and accelerating gelation near body temperature (~36°C–37°C). SEM analysis revealed a porous, interconnected structure that supports drug delivery, while swelling was moderate (~145% at 6 h) and degradation resistance was improved, with the hydrogel retaining 80% of its mass in PBS after 30 days. Drug loading favored PTX (70% at 60 μg/mL) over DEX (17%) with sustained release profiles. Biologically, the dual-drug hydrogel (CS-β-GP-GO@PTX-DEX) selectively reduced hVSMC viability, migration, proliferation (~30%, ~20%, and ~30%, respectively), while preserving endothelial cell viability (~60%) and lowering proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β ~100 pg/mL, IL-6 ~110 pg/mL, TNF-α ~70 pg/mL). These findings establish the CS-β-GP-GO@PTX-DEX hydrogel as a mechanically robust, selective, and effective platform for preventing restenosis and enhancing vascular tissue regeneration.

The selection of materials for biomedical applications is governed by stringent requirements, including biocompatibility, biological safety, corrosion resistance, and mechanical compatibility with human tissues. Among metallic biomaterials, equiatomic nickel–titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs), commonly known as Nitinol, have attracted significant attention for medical device applications due to their unique functional properties, particularly super elasticity (SE) and the shape memory effect (SME), which distinguish them from conventional alloys. These functional behaviors originate from reversible stress- and temperature-induced martensitic phase transformations, enabling the material to undergo large deformations and recover its original shape without permanent damage. This unique mechanism allows Nitinol to exhibit exceptional flexibility and durability under physiological conditions. Furthermore, compared with conventional metallic biomaterials, Nitinol demonstrates a relatively low elastic modulus closer to that of cortical bone, while maintaining high strength. This review provides a focused overview of recent advances in Nitinol alloys, emphasizing their functional characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and applications in biomedical devices such as stents, guidewires, and orthodontic arch wires. In addition, the manuscript briefly discusses current challenges associated with NiTi biomaterials, and highlights existing strategies aimed at improving their reliability in biomedical applications.