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Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 January 2025 | Viewed by 14798

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Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
Interests: nanoparticles; coumarin derivatives, oxidative stress in gram negative and positive bacteria; smart and multifunctional properties of ionic liquids and peptidomimetics; DNA etheno and prophano adducts
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multidisciplinary convergence research between biology, medicine, biochemistry, bioengineering, biomaterials, biofabrication, nanotechnology, and bioelectronics is growing to tackle scientific challenges for improving human healthcare and quality of life. In recent decades, biomaterials have been widely incorporated with various biofabrication approaches to develop advanced biomedical devices, tissue engineering implants, and antibacterial material.

In this Special Issue, ‘Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications’, we invite submissions exploring up-to-date findings and research related to biofabrication (e.g., nano- and micro-fabrication and 3D bioprinting), biomaterials (e.g., decellularized extracellular matrix, conductive hydrogels, and graphene), and electronic technologies for bio/healthcare application (e.g., implantable biosensors, drug delivery systems, organoids, organ-on-a-chips, bioelectronics, and wearable electronics). Communications and reviews are also welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Paweł Kowalczyk
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • antibacterial material
  • human health
  • medical device
  • future medicine

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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11 pages, 1506 KiB  
Article
Color Modifications of a Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer under the Effect of Cigarette Smoke
by Anca Irina Gradinariu, Alexandru-Constantin Stoica, Alexandra Bargan, Carmen Racles, Carmen Gabriela Stelea and Victor Vlad Costan
Materials 2024, 17(16), 4089; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17164089 - 17 Aug 2024
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Although it is known (from the observations of medical professionals) that cigarette smoke negatively affects maxillofacial prostheses, especially through staining/discoloration, systematic research in this regard is limited. Herein, the color modifications of M511 maxillofacial silicone, unpigmented and pigmented with red or skin tone [...] Read more.
Although it is known (from the observations of medical professionals) that cigarette smoke negatively affects maxillofacial prostheses, especially through staining/discoloration, systematic research in this regard is limited. Herein, the color modifications of M511 maxillofacial silicone, unpigmented and pigmented with red or skin tone pigments, covered with mattifiers, or with makeup and mattifiers, and directly exposed to cigarette smoke, were investigated by spectrophotometric measurements in the CIELab and RGB color systems. The changes in color parameters are comparatively discussed, showing that the base silicone material without pigmentation and coating undergoes the most significant modifications. Visible and clinically unacceptable changes occurred after direct exposure to only 20 cigarettes. By coating and application of makeup, the material is more resistant to color changes, which suggests that surface treatments provide increased protection to adsorption of the smoke components. The dynamic water vapor sorption (DVS) measurements indicate a decrease of the sorption capacity in pigmented versus unpigmented elastomers, in line with the changes in color parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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22 pages, 6796 KiB  
Article
A Novel PAMAM G3 Dendrimer-Based Foam with Polyether Polyol and Castor Oil Components as Drug Delivery System into Cancer and Normal Cells
by Magdalena Zaręba, Elżbieta Chmiel-Szukiewicz, Łukasz Uram, Justyna Noga, Magdalena Rzepna and Stanisław Wołowiec
Materials 2024, 17(16), 3905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17163905 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1105
Abstract
One of the intensively developed tools for cancer therapy is drug-releasing matrices. Polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) are commonly used as nanoparticles to increase the solubility, stability and retention of drugs in the human body. Most often, drugs are encapsulated in PAMAM cavities or covalently [...] Read more.
One of the intensively developed tools for cancer therapy is drug-releasing matrices. Polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) are commonly used as nanoparticles to increase the solubility, stability and retention of drugs in the human body. Most often, drugs are encapsulated in PAMAM cavities or covalently attached to their surface. However, there are no data on the use of PAMAM dendrimers as a component of porous matrices based on polyurethane foams for the controlled release of drugs and biologically active substances. Therefore, in this work, porous materials based on polyurethane foam with incorporated third-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM G3) were synthesized and characterized. Density, water uptake and morphology of foams were examined with SEM and XPS. The PAMAM was liquefied with polyether polyol (G441) and reacted with polymeric 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) in the presence of silicone, water and a catalyst to obtain foam (PF1). In selected compositions, the castor oil was added (PF2). Analogs without PAMAM G3 were also synthesized (F1 and F2, respectively). An SEM analysis of foams showed that they are composed of thin ribs/walls forming an interconnected network containing hollow bubbles/pores and showing some irregularities in the structure. Foam from a G3:G441:CO (PF2) composition is characterized by a more regular structure than the foam from the composition without castor oil. The encapsulation efficiency of drugs determined by the XPS method shows that it varies depending on the matrix and the drug and ranges from several to a dozen mass percent. In vitro biological studies with direct contact and extract assays indicated that the F2 matrix was highly biocompatible. Significant toxicity of dendrimeric matrices PF1 and PF2 containing 50% of PAMAM G3 was higher against human squamous carcinoma cells than human immortalized keratinocytes. The ability of the matrices to immobilize drugs was demonstrated in the example of perspective (Nimesulide, 8-Methoxypsolarene) or approved anticancer drugs (Doxorubicin—DOX, 5-Aminolevulinic acid). Release into the culture medium and penetration of DOX into the tested SCC-15 and HaCaT cells were also proved. The results show that further modification of the obtained matrices may lead to their use as drug delivery systems, e.g., for anticancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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11 pages, 6036 KiB  
Article
Pilot Study Investigating Effects of Changing Process Variables on Elastic and Energy-Absorbing Characteristics in Polyurethane/Agglomerated Cork Mix for Use in Micro-Transport Helmet
by David E. White, Hyun Chan Kim, Mohammad Al-Rawi, Xiaowen Yuan and Tony Sojan
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081925 - 22 Apr 2024
Viewed by 844
Abstract
This pilot investigation identifies the influence that changing the process variables of curing pressure, curing temperature, and mix ratio of a polyurethane/agglomerated cork matrix has on the mechanical properties of energy absorption, Young’s modulus of elasticity, and spring stiffness in safety helmets intended [...] Read more.
This pilot investigation identifies the influence that changing the process variables of curing pressure, curing temperature, and mix ratio of a polyurethane/agglomerated cork matrix has on the mechanical properties of energy absorption, Young’s modulus of elasticity, and spring stiffness in safety helmets intended for micro-transport riders. The results are compared to expanded polystyrene, a material commonly used in micro-transport helmets. Mechanical testing of the various samples found that, over the range tested, curing pressure had no effect on any of the mechanical properties, while increasing amounts of resin caused a stiffer structure, and increasing curing temperature led to increased energy absorption. Consistent with the elastic modulus findings, all polyurethane/agglomerated cork test samples demonstrated higher median levels of spring stiffness, ranging from 7.1% to 61.9% greater than those found for expanded polystyrene. The sample mixed at a 1.5:1 binder/cork ratio and cured at 40 °C displayed the closest spring stiffness to EPS. While the mechanical properties of the eco-friendly polyurethane/agglomerated cork matrix did not match those of expanded polystyrene, the difference in performance found in this study is promising. Further investigation into process variables could characterise this more ecologically based matrix with equivalent energy-absorbing and structural characteristics, making it equivalent to currently used expanded polystyrene and suitable for use in micro-transport helmets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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14 pages, 7158 KiB  
Article
Design and Material Characterization of an Inflatable Vaginal Dilator
by Po-Han Chen, Yu Ming Li, Karcher Morris, Milan T. Makale, Jyoti Mayadev and Frank E. Talke
Materials 2024, 17(5), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051050 - 24 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1355
Abstract
There are more than 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the United States and approximately 245,000 survivors. External beam radiation and brachytherapy are the front-line treatment modalities, and 60% of patients develop vaginal damage and constriction, i.e., stenosis of the [...] Read more.
There are more than 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the United States and approximately 245,000 survivors. External beam radiation and brachytherapy are the front-line treatment modalities, and 60% of patients develop vaginal damage and constriction, i.e., stenosis of the vaginal vault, greatly impeding sexual function. The incidence of vaginal stenosis (VS) following radiotherapy (RT) for anorectal cancer is 80%. VS causes serious quality of life (QoL) and psychological issues, and while standard treatment using self-administered plastic dilators is effective, acceptance and compliance are often insufficient. Based on published patient preferences, we have pursued the design of a soft inflatable dilator for treating radiotherapy-induced vaginal stenosis (VS). The critical component of the novel device is the dilator balloon wall material, which must be compliant yet able to exert therapeutic lateral force levels. We selected a commercially available silicone elastomer and characterized its stress–strain characteristics and hyperelastic properties. These parameters were quantified using uniaxial tensile testing and digital image correlation (DIC). Dilator inflation versus internal pressure was modeled and experimentally validated in order to characterize design parameters, particularly the dilator wall thickness. Our data suggest that an inflatable silicone elastomer-based vaginal dilator warrants further development in the context of a commercially available, well-tolerated, and effective device for the graded, controlled clinical management of radiotherapy-induced VS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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16 pages, 4173 KiB  
Article
The Added Value of a Collagenated Thermosensitive Bone Substitute as a Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
by Charlotte Jeanneau, Jean-Hugues Catherine, Thomas Giraud, Romain Lan and Imad About
Materials 2024, 17(3), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030625 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1504
Abstract
A pre-hydrated thermosensitive collagenated biomaterial which sets at body temperature and maintains the space of the missing alveolar bone volume, OsteoBiol GTO® (GTO), has been released as a bone substitute. This study was designed to check its angiogenic and osteogenic potentials compared [...] Read more.
A pre-hydrated thermosensitive collagenated biomaterial which sets at body temperature and maintains the space of the missing alveolar bone volume, OsteoBiol GTO® (GTO), has been released as a bone substitute. This study was designed to check its angiogenic and osteogenic potentials compared to OsteoBiol Gen-Os® (Gen-Os) and Geistlich Bio-Oss® (Bio-Oss). Samples of materials were incubated in culture media to obtain the extracts. Collagen release was measured in the extracts, which were used to investigate human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cell proliferation (MTT), colonization (Scratch assays) and growth factor release (ELISA). The effects on endothelial cell proliferation (MTT) and organization (Matrigel® assays) were also studied. Finally, endothelial and mesenchymal Stem Cell (hMSC) recruitment (Boyden Chambers) were investigated, and hMSC Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. A higher collagen concentration was found in GTO extract, which led to significantly higher hPDL cell proliferation/colonization. All materials increased VEGF/FGF-2 growth factor secretion, endothelial cell recruitment, proliferation, and organization, but the increase was highest with GTO. All materials increased hMSC recruitment and ALP activity. However, the increase was highest with collagenated GTO and Gen-Os, which enhanced C5a and BMP-2 secretion. Overall, GTO has higher angiogenic/osteogenic potentials than the collagenated Gen-Os and the anorganic Bio-Oss. It provides a suitable scaffold for endothelial and mesenchymal stem cell recruitment, which represent essential bone regeneration requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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17 pages, 3049 KiB  
Article
Depth-Dependent Strain Model (1D) for Anisotropic Fibrils in Articular Cartilage
by Syeda Batool, Bradley J. Roth and Yang Xia
Materials 2024, 17(1), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010238 - 1 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1552
Abstract
The mechanical response of articular cartilage (AC) under compression is anisotropic and depth-dependent. AC is osmotically active, and its intrinsic osmotic swelling pressure is balanced by its collagen fibril network. This mechanism requires the collagen fibers to be under a state of tensile [...] Read more.
The mechanical response of articular cartilage (AC) under compression is anisotropic and depth-dependent. AC is osmotically active, and its intrinsic osmotic swelling pressure is balanced by its collagen fibril network. This mechanism requires the collagen fibers to be under a state of tensile pre-strain. A simple mathematical model is used to explain the depth-dependent strain calculations observed in articular cartilage under 1D axial compression (perpendicular to the articular surface). The collagen fibers are under pre-strain, influenced by proteoglycan concentration (fixed charged density, FCD) and collagen stiffness against swelling stress. The stiffness is introduced in our model as an anisotropic modulus that varies with fibril orientation through tissue depth. The collagen fibers are stiffer to stretching parallel to their length than perpendicular to it; when combined with depth-varying FCD, the model successfully predicts how tissue strains decrease with depth during compression. In summary, this model highlights that the mechanical properties of cartilage depend not only on proteoglycan concentration but also on the intrinsic properties of the pre-strained collagen network. These properties are essential for the proper functioning of articular cartilage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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21 pages, 12494 KiB  
Article
Development, Processing and Aging of Novel Zn-Ag-Cu Based Biodegradable Alloys
by Alexander Heiss, Venkat Sai Thatikonda, Andreas Richter, Lisa-Yvonn Schmitt, Daesung Park and Ulrich E. Klotz
Materials 2023, 16(8), 3198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083198 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
The use of biodegradable materials for implants is a promising strategy to overcome known long-term clinical complications related to permanent implants. Ideally, biodegradable implants support the damaged tissue for a certain period and then degrade, while the physiological function of the surrounding tissue [...] Read more.
The use of biodegradable materials for implants is a promising strategy to overcome known long-term clinical complications related to permanent implants. Ideally, biodegradable implants support the damaged tissue for a certain period and then degrade, while the physiological function of the surrounding tissue is restored. Although Mg-based alloys nearly ideally lend themselves to biodegradable implants, a few critical shortcomings promoted the development of alternative alloy systems. Due to their reasonably good biocompatibility, moderate corrosion rate without hydrogen evolution and adequate mechanical properties, increasing attention has been paid to Zn alloys. In this work, precipitation-hardening alloys in the system Zn-Ag-Cu were developed relying on thermodynamic calculations. After casting the alloys, their microstructures were refined by thermomechanical treatment. The processing was tracked and directed, respectively, by routine investigations of the microstructure, associated with hardness assessments. Although microstructure refinement increased the hardness, the material proved to be susceptible to aging as the homologous temperature of zinc is at 0.43 Tm. Besides mechanical performance and corrosion rate, long-term mechanical stability is another crucial factor that must be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of the implant and thus requires a profound understanding of the aging process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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15 pages, 2374 KiB  
Article
Cork Porous Biocomposites with Polyurethane Matrix Modified with Polyol Based on Used Cooking Oil
by Maria Kurańska, Mariusz Ptak, Elżbieta Malewska, Aleksander Prociak, Mateusz Barczewski, Mateusz Dymek, Fábio A. O. Fernandes, Ricardo Alves de Sousa, Krzysztof Polaczek, Karolina Studniarz and Katarzyna Uram
Materials 2023, 16(8), 3032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083032 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
Renewable materials are materials that are replenished naturally and can be used again and again. These materials include things such as bamboo, cork, hemp, and recycled plastic. The use of renewable components helps to reduce the dependence on petrochemical resources and reduce waste. [...] Read more.
Renewable materials are materials that are replenished naturally and can be used again and again. These materials include things such as bamboo, cork, hemp, and recycled plastic. The use of renewable components helps to reduce the dependence on petrochemical resources and reduce waste. Adopting these materials in various industries such as construction, packaging, and textiles can lead to a more sustainable future and decrease the carbon footprint. The presented research describes new porous polyurethane biocomposites based on used cooking oil polyol (50 per hundred polyol—php) modified with cork (3, 6, 9, and 12 php). The research described here demonstrated that it is possible to replace some petrochemical raw materials with raw materials of renewable origin. This was achieved by replacing one of the petrochemical components used for the synthesis of the polyurethane matrix with a waste vegetable oil component. The modified foams were analyzed in terms of their apparent density, coefficient of thermal conductivity, compressive strength at 10% of deformation, brittleness, short-term water absorption, thermal stability, and water vapor permeability, while their morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy and the content of closed cells. After the successful introduction of a bio-filler, it was found that the thermal insulation properties of the modified biomaterials were comparable to those of the reference material. It was concluded that it is possible to replace some petrochemical raw materials with raw materials of renewable origin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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26 pages, 5584 KiB  
Article
Plasma-Polymerised Antibacterial Coating of Ovine Tendon Collagen Type I (OTC) Crosslinked with Genipin (GNP) and Dehydrothermal-Crosslinked (DHT) as a Cutaneous Substitute for Wound Healing
by Ibrahim N. Amirrah, Izzat Zulkiflee, M. F. Mohd Razip Wee, Asad Masood, Kim S. Siow, Antonella Motta and Mh Busra Fauzi
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072739 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2111
Abstract
Tissue engineering products have grown in popularity as a therapeutic approach for chronic wounds and burns. However, some drawbacks include additional steps and a lack of antibacterial capacities, both of which need to be addressed to treat wounds effectively. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Tissue engineering products have grown in popularity as a therapeutic approach for chronic wounds and burns. However, some drawbacks include additional steps and a lack of antibacterial capacities, both of which need to be addressed to treat wounds effectively. This study aimed to develop an acellular, ready-to-use ovine tendon collagen type I (OTC-I) bioscaffold with an antibacterial coating for the immediate treatment of skin wounds and to prevent infection post-implantation. Two types of crosslinkers, 0.1% genipin (GNP) and dehydrothermal treatment (DHT), were explored to optimise the material strength and biodegradability compared with a non-crosslinked (OTC) control. Carvone plasma polymerisation (ppCar) was conducted to deposit an antibacterial protective coating. Various parameters were performed to investigate the physicochemical properties, mechanical properties, microstructures, biodegradability, thermal stability, surface wettability, antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of the scaffolds on human skin cells between the different crosslinkers, with and without plasma polymerisation. GNP is a better crosslinker than DHT because it demonstrated better physicochemical properties (27.33 ± 5.69% vs. 43 ± 7.64% shrinkage), mechanical properties (0.15 ± 0.15 MPa vs. 0.07 ± 0.08 MPa), swelling (2453 ± 419.2% vs. 1535 ± 392.9%), biodegradation (0.06 ± 0.06 mg/h vs. 0.15 ± 0.16 mg/h), microstructure and biocompatibility. Similarly, its ppCar counterpart, GNPppCar, presents promising results as a biomaterial with enhanced antibacterial properties. Plasma-polymerised carvone on a crosslinked collagen scaffold could also support human skin cell proliferation and viability while preventing infection. Thus, GNPppCar has potential for the rapid treatment of healing wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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Review

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38 pages, 5597 KiB  
Review
A Novel Triad of Bio-Inspired Design, Digital Fabrication, and Bio-Derived Materials for Personalised Bone Repair
by Greta Dei Rossi, Laura Maria Vergani and Federica Buccino
Materials 2024, 17(21), 5305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215305 - 31 Oct 2024
Abstract
The emerging paradigm of personalised bone repair embodies a transformative triad comprising bio-inspired design, digital fabrication, and the exploration of innovative materials. The increasing average age of the population, alongside the rising incidence of fractures associated with age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, necessitates [...] Read more.
The emerging paradigm of personalised bone repair embodies a transformative triad comprising bio-inspired design, digital fabrication, and the exploration of innovative materials. The increasing average age of the population, alongside the rising incidence of fractures associated with age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, necessitates the development of customised, efficient, and minimally invasive treatment modalities as alternatives to conventional methods (e.g., autografts, allografts, Ilizarov distraction, and bone fixators) typically employed to promote bone regeneration. A promising innovative technique involves the use of cellularised scaffolds incorporating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The selection of materials—ranging from metals and ceramics to synthetic or natural bio-derived polymers—combined with a design inspired by natural sources (including bone, corals, algae, shells, silk, and plants) facilitates the replication of geometries, architectures, porosities, biodegradation capabilities, and mechanical properties conducive to physiological bone regeneration. To mimic internal structures and geometries for construct customisation, scaffolds can be designed using Computer-aided Design (CAD) and fabricated via 3D-printing techniques. This approach not only enables precise control over external shapes and internal architectures but also accommodates the use of diverse materials that improve biological performance and provide economic advantages. Finally, advanced numerical models are employed to simulate, analyse, and optimise the complex processes involved in personalised bone regeneration, with computational predictions validated against experimental data and in vivo studies to ascertain the model’s ability to predict the recovery of bone shape and function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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39 pages, 3253 KiB  
Review
Hydrogels for Neural Regeneration: Exploring New Horizons
by Hossein Omidian, Sumana Dey Chowdhury and Luigi X. Cubeddu
Materials 2024, 17(14), 3472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143472 - 13 Jul 2024
Viewed by 994
Abstract
Nerve injury can significantly impair motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Understanding nerve degeneration, particularly Wallerian degeneration, and the mechanisms of nerve regeneration is crucial for developing effective treatments. This manuscript reviews the use of advanced hydrogels that have been researched to enhance nerve [...] Read more.
Nerve injury can significantly impair motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Understanding nerve degeneration, particularly Wallerian degeneration, and the mechanisms of nerve regeneration is crucial for developing effective treatments. This manuscript reviews the use of advanced hydrogels that have been researched to enhance nerve regeneration. Hydrogels, due to their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and ability to create a supportive microenvironment, are being explored for their effectiveness in nerve repair. Various types of hydrogels, such as chitosan-, alginate-, collagen-, hyaluronic acid-, and peptide-based hydrogels, are discussed for their roles in promoting axonal growth, functional recovery, and myelination. Advanced formulations incorporating growth factors, bioactive molecules, and stem cells show significant promise in overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies. Despite these advancements, challenges in achieving robust and reliable nerve regeneration remain, necessitating ongoing research to optimize hydrogel-based interventions for neural regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characteristics and Applications)
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