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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 2528

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kelen Menezes Flores Rossi De Aguiar

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Group of Polymers and Nanostructures, Federal University of Technology—Paraná, Toledo 85902-490, Brazil
Interests: material science; polymers; hybrid materials; biomaterials; CO₂ as raw material for materials synthesis

Dr. Helton José Wiggers

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Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering (LBB-BPK), Associação de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão BIOPARK, Max Planck Avenue, 3797, Building Charles Darwin, Toledo 85919-899, PR, Brazil
Interests: Antimicrobial coatings; biomaterials; organic synthesis

Dr. Jaqueline Hoscheid

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Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos na Atenção Básica, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama 87502-210, PR, Brazil
Interests: planning, production and processing of medicinal plants and phytotherapeutics

Prof. Dr. Maria Pia Ferraz

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1. i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
2. Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biomaterials; drug delivery systems; anti-microbial resistance; bone scaffolds; bone infection
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to present recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced biomaterials with strong potential for real-world implementation. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, this Special Issue welcomes original research highlighting the latest advancement and technical development on innovative techniques for the structural, physicochemical, mechanical, and biological characterization of materials and biomaterials, as well as the methods available to obtain those materials. Review papers and comparative studies are also welcome. Topics include, but are not limited to, bioactive materials, nanostructured biomaterials, hybrid biomaterials, surface functionalization and characterization, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Applications of interest cover a broad spectrum—from tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to drug delivery systems and biomedical devices—highlighting translational potential and applied outcomes in health, biotechnology, and materials science.

Dr. Kelen Menezes Flores Rossi De Aguiar
Dr. Helton José Wiggers
Dr. Jaqueline Hoscheid
Prof. Dr. Maria Pia Ferraz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

advanced biomaterials
composite biomaterials
nanotechnology applied for biomaterials
synthesis and characterization
biomaterials for medicine and dentistry
surface engineering

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3080 KB

Open AccessArticle

Concentration-Dependent Synergistic Interfacial Interactions Between Multifunctional Acrylate and Silane Coupling Agents in an Organic–Inorganic Nanohybrid Material

by Yukinori Maruo, Kumiko Yoshihara, Masao Irie, Noriyuki Nagaoka, Naoki Kodama, Mai Yoshizane and Kentaro Akiyama

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052339 - 28 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 274

Abstract

Synergistic effects of a multifunctional acrylate and a long-chain silane coupling agent were investigated in an organic–inorganic nanohybrid material. We tested the bond strength of nanohybrid composites treated with experimental primers containing silane coupling agents—3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPTS) or 8-methacryloxyoctyl trimethoxysilane (8-MOTS)—with or without multifunctional acrylates—trimethylolpropane triacrylate (A-TMPT) or dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (A-DPH). Shear bond strength was evaluated after 24 h of water storage at 37 °C. Untreated control and silane-only groups exhibited low shear bond strengths (e.g., control: 2.4 ± 2.0 MPa) and failed exclusively at the adhesive interface. While addition of A-TMPT did not significantly improve bond strength, addition of A-DPH produced significantly higher shear bond strengths. Highest strength was achieved with 30% 8-MOTS and A-DPH (22.4 ± 6.1 MPa), followed by 20% γ-MPTS and A-DPH (19.0 ± 7.0 MPa), and A-DPH groups produced cohesive failures. Regardless of the silane used (γ-MPTS or 8-MOTS), incorporating A-DPH in the primer consistently yielded superior bond strengths, indicating a promising strategy for improved adhesion for such nanohybrid systems. These findings provide new insights into optimizing resin–filler interfacial interactions and may contribute to the development of restorative materials with improved long-term clinical durability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials: Characterization and Applications)

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26 pages, 2628 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of an Antibacterial Hydrogel Dressing Rich in Camel Milk and Vitamin B6

by Dominika Adamczyk, Piotr Szatkowski, Edyta Molik, Kamila Kozłowska-Tomczyk, Zuzanna Flis, Jacek Grzyb, Kinga Pielichowska and Anna Ptak

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031561 - 4 Feb 2026

Viewed by 409

Abstract

The global rise in obesity contributes to an increased prevalence of diabetes and a higher incidence of chronic wounds that are difficult to heal and often do not respond adequately to conventional treatments. This underscores the need for advanced wound-healing strategies. In this study, we designed and fabricated a novel three-layer hydrogel dressing based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), cross-linked with borax, and enriched with freeze-dried camel milk and vitamin B6. We prepared the hydrogels by dissolving PVA and borax in water, incorporating bioactive additives, and sequentially assembling individual layers. We evaluated the hydrogels for antibacterial activity using agar diffusion assays, cytocompatibility with human keratinocytes (NHEK), and mechanical and thermal properties. The results demonstrated that the PVA/borax hydrogel matrix exhibited inherent antibacterial activity that could be modulated by the addition of camel milk and vitamin B6. Certain formulations showed selective efficacy against the tested strains, and hydrogels containing bioactive components supported higher cell viability and exhibited favorable mechanical stability and water-retention characteristics. These findings suggest that the composite dressing developed combines antimicrobial properties with multifunctional bioactivity and structural integrity, supporting its potential as a comprehensive therapeutic system for managing diabetic wounds and justifying further preclinical investigations toward clinical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials: Characterization and Applications)

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24 pages, 6709 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Guided Optimization of Electrospun Fiber Morphology for Enhanced Osteoblast Growth and Bone Regeneration

by Julia Radwan-Pragłowska, Aleksander Radwan-Pragłowski, Aleksandra Kopacz, Łukasz Janus, Aleksandra Sierakowska-Byczek and Piotr Radomski

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031535 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 456

Abstract

Optimizing nanofiber morphology is essential for promoting osteoblast elongation and supporting bone regeneration. This study aimed to develop a machine-learning framework capable of predicting optimal scaffold architectures directly from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and chemical composition. A four-module pipeline was implemented, combining tile-based SEM preprocessing, Cellpose-based cell morphology extraction with edge correction, ensemble machine-learning models, and an end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN). Cellular quality was quantified using an elongation-weighted metric to emphasize morphological maturity over cell number. The analysis revealed consistent structure–function relationships across samples, with Sample_5 achieving the highest quality score at the 72 h time point. Ensemble models reached an R² of 0.400, while the end-to-end CNN achieved an R² of 0.750, indicating that raw SEM texture provides additional predictive information beyond handcrafted features. Feature-importance analysis identified nonlinear MgO effects and synergistic interactions between MgO and gold nanoparticles as key determinants of cell morphology. These findings demonstrate that the integrated workflow can reliably identify morphology–chemistry combinations favorable for osteoblast performance and provide a foundation for data-driven scaffold optimization. The approach supports rational design of nanofibrous biomaterials and may facilitate future development of intelligent scaffolds for bone regeneration applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials: Characterization and Applications)

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20 pages, 1886 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Standardization Approach to Cellulose Nanomaterials for Industrial Deployment

by Akira Ono

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020745 - 11 Jan 2026

Viewed by 313

Abstract

A coherent standardization framework is essential for the industrial deployment of cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs). Although CNMs offer attractive properties for diverse industrial applications, their distinct morphological types—cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), individualized cellulose nanofibrils (iCNFs), and entangled cellulose nanofibrils (eCNFs)—introduce morphological complexity that hinders reproducible quality evaluation. ISO has established terminology and several test method standards; however, testing standards remain limited for CNCs and iCNFs, and are still lacking for eCNFs, leaving a significant gap between material characterization and industrial use. This study proposes a structured framework that aligns terminology, test method, testing, and specification standards along the CNM industrialization pathway. The framework highlights the essential role of testing standards as the appropriate evaluation basis for CNMs at their present developmental stage, in contrast to specification standards suited to mature materials with clearly defined applications. A complementary scenario-based methodology is also introduced to support coherent and reproducible development of individual testing standards. By positioning existing ISO CNM standards within this pathway and clarifying the evaluative and bridging functions of testing standards, this study provides an industry-oriented foundation for reliable CNM quality assessment. The conceptual approach may also support standardization strategies for other bio-based materials in similarly early stages of industrialization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials: Characterization and Applications)

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17 pages, 2315 KB

Open AccessArticle

Studies of Akt/mTOR–Autophagy–Apoptosis Crosstalk in Human Gingival Fibroblasts Around New Digital Processed Dental Composites

by Florentina Rus, Radu Radulescu, Alexandra Popa, Monica Musteanu, Melis Izet, Corina Muscurel, Lucian Toma Ciocan, Sebastian-Andrei Bancu, Marina Imre and Alexandra Ripszky

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010532 - 5 Jan 2026

Viewed by 549

Abstract

Introduction: Incomplete polymerization of in vivo composite resins (CR) poses a significant problem, with monomer-to-polymer conversion rates ranging from around 60 to 75%. Furthermore, oxygen exposure hampers polymerization in the surface layers. This research aims to evaluate the autophagy-inducing potential of three types of CRS and to explore the role of the Akt/mTOR–autophagy–apoptosis crosstalk in composite resin-induced autophagy. The study uses human gingival fibroblasts and three composite materials (M1 and M2, which are 3D printed, and M3, which is milled). Materials and Methods: SEM analysis was performed on the dental materials, and cells kept in contact for 24 h were subjected to tests including the following: MTT, LDH, NO, immunological detection of proteins involved in autophagy and apoptosis, as well as immunofluorescence tests (Annexin V and nucleus; mitochondria and caspase 3/7; detection of autophagosomes). Results: The results showed statistically significant decreases in cell viability with M1 and M2, linked to increases in cytotoxicity and oxidative stress (LDH and NO). Using multiplex techniques, significant increases in glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3b) protein were observed in both M1 and M2; a decrease in mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) expression was noted in M1 and M3. Immunofluorescence tests revealed an increase in Annexin V across all materials studied, and an increase in autophagosomes in M1 and M2, whereas a decrease was observed in M3. Conclusions: The relationship between apoptosis and autophagy is highly complex, indicating they may occur sequentially, coexist, or be mutually exclusive. Understanding this complex interplay can help in designing new 3D-printing protocols and monomer compositions to prevent autophagy imbalance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials: Characterization and Applications)

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