Search Results (781)

NiTi alloys are widely used in biomedical applications due to their shape memory and superelastic properties. However, their surface reactivity requires protective, biofunctional coatings. To enhance NiTi performance, its surface was modified with an Ag-SiO₂-TiO₂ nanocoating containing small amounts of silica and silver. The coating’s primary phase was rutile with structural defects and a silver solid solution. It showed good adhesion, high scratch resistance, and improved corrosion behavior in Ringer’s solution, as demonstrated by EIS and cyclic polarization. EIS revealed high low-frequency impedance and two time constants, suggesting both barrier protection and slower electrochemical processes. Despite low breakdown and repassivation potentials, the coating effectively limited uniform corrosion. SEM/EDS confirmed localized degradation and partial substrate exposure, while elemental mapping showed well-dispersed silica and silver in a TiO₂-rich matrix. The proposed pitting mechanism involves chloride-induced depassivation and galvanic effects. Surface potential mapping indicated electrostatic heterogeneity, mitigated by silica. The coating offers a balanced combination of corrosion protection and biofunctionality, supporting its potential for implant use. Full article

Hydrogels are hydrophilic, soft polymer networks with high water content and mechanical properties that are tunable; they are also biocompatible. Therefore, as biomaterials, they are of interest to modern medicine. In this review, the main applications of hydrogels in essential clinical applications are discussed. Chemical, physical, or hybrid crosslinking of either synthetic or natural polymers allow for the precise control of hydrogels’ physicochemical properties and their specific characteristics for certain applications, such as stimuli-responsiveness, drug retention and release, and biodegradability. Hydrogels are employed in gynecology to regenerate the endometrium, treat infections, and prevent pregnancy. They show promise in cardiology in myocardial infarction therapy through injectable scaffolds, patches in the heart, and medication delivery. In rheumatoid arthritis, hydrogels act as drug delivery systems, lubricants, scaffolds, and immunomodulators, ensuring effective local treatment. They are being developed, among other applications, as antimicrobial coatings for stents and radiotherapy barriers for urology. Ophthalmology benefits from the use of hydrogels in contact lenses, corneal bandages, and vitreous implants. They are used as materials for chemoembolization, tumor models, and drug delivery devices in cancer therapy, with wafers of Gliadel presently used in clinics. Applications in abdominal surgery include hydrogel-coated meshes for hernia repair or Janus-type hydrogels to prevent adhesions and aid tissue repair. Results from clinical and preclinical studies illustrate hydrogels’ diversity, though problems remain with mechanical stability, long-term safety, and mass production. Hydrogels are, in general, next-generation biomaterials for regenerative medicine, individualized treatment, and new treatment protocols. Full article

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease characterized by irreversible alveolar destruction and pathological extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Currently approved agents (pirfenidone and nintedanib) slow functional decline but do not reverse established fibrosis or restore functional alveoli. Multifunctional bioscaffolds present a promising therapeutic strategy through targeted modulation of critical cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. This review synthesizes recent advances in scaffold-based interventions for PF, with a focus on their dual mechano-epigenetic regulatory functions. We delineate how scaffold properties (elastic modulus, stiffness gradients, dynamic mechanical cues) direct cell fate decisions via mechanotransduction pathways, exemplified by focal adhesion–cytoskeleton coupling. Critically, we highlight how pathological mechanical inputs establish and perpetuate self-reinforcing epigenetic barriers to regeneration through aberrant chromatin states. Furthermore, we examine scaffolds as platforms for precision epigenetic drug delivery, particularly controlled release of inhibitors targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTi) and histone deacetylases (HDACi) to disrupt this mechano-reinforced barrier. Evidence from PF murine models and ex vivo lung slice cultures demonstrate scaffold-mediated remodeling of the fibrotic niche, with key studies reporting substantial reductions in collagen deposition and significant increases in alveolar epithelial cell markers following intervention. These quantitative outcomes highlight enhanced alveolar epithelial plasticity and upregulating antifibrotic gene networks. Emerging integration of stimuli-responsive biomaterials, CRISPR/dCas9-based epigenetic editors, and AI-driven design to enhance scaffold functionality is discussed. Collectively, multifunctional bioscaffolds hold significant potential for clinical translation by uniquely co-targeting mechanotransduction and epigenetic reprogramming. Future work will need to resolve persistent challenges, including the erasure of pathological mechanical memory and precise spatiotemporal control of epigenetic modifiers in vivo, to unlock their full therapeutic potential. Full article

Postoperative adhesion remains a major clinical challenge, often leading to chronic pain, functional disorders, and recurrent surgeries. Herein, we developed a multifunctional gelatin–polyphenol hydrogel (GPP20) featuring rapid gelation (within 5 min), strong tissue adhesion (lasting > 24 h under physiological conditions), and intrinsic wound healing capacity to achieve integrated prevention of postoperative adhesion. GPP20 was fabricated via dynamic crosslinking between gelatin and tea polyphenol, endowing it with injectability, self-healing, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties (shear stress of 14.2 N). In vitro studies demonstrated that GPP20 exhibited effective ROS scavenging (82% ABTS scavenging capability), which protects cells against oxidative stress, while possessing excellent hemocompatibility and in vivo safety. Notably, GPP20 significantly reduced postoperative cecum–abdominal wall adhesions through both physical barrier effects and modulation of inflammation and collagen deposition, demonstrating a comprehensive integrated prevention strategy. Furthermore, in full-thickness wound models, GPP20 accelerated tissue regeneration (85% wound closure rate on day 10) by promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and stimulating angiogenesis, thereby enhancing collagen deposition and re-epithelialization. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GPP20 integrates anti-adhesion efficacy with regenerative support, offering a facile and clinically translatable strategy for postoperative care and wound healing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Joint arthroplasty revision and comorbidities are considered two increased risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), a complication that may lead to prolonged hospital stay, continued antibiotic therapy, and serious consequences, including amputation and, in extreme cases, death of the patient. DAC^® is an absorbable barrier in the form of a gel that, when applied as a coating, protects implants from bacterial colonization. The aim of this case–control study was to explore whether the device could decrease the risk of PJI in a cohort of patients who underwent arthroplasty revision and were affected by comorbidities. Methods: We carried out a retrospective 1:1-matched case–control investigation in 96 patients who underwent arthroplasty revision between January 2023 and December 2024; these patients had at least 6 months of follow-up, had comorbidities, and were treated with DAC^® gel. The control group consisted of 96 subjects who received standard of care. Demographics, comorbidities, type of arthroplasty, adverse event onset, and incidence of PJI were recorded for all patients. Results: No significant differences in relevant demographics, type of arthroplasty revision, or number or type of comorbidities, except for smoking, were observed between the two groups. At 6-month follow-up, no PJIs were recorded in the DAC^® treatment group, whereas five (5.2%) PJIs were observed in the control group (p = 0.0235). No adverse event or impairment of implant osseointegration related to the use of DAC^® was observed. Conclusions: The DAC^® bioabsorbable hydrogel acts as a physical barrier when applied over an arthroplasty revision implant, protecting it from bacterial adhesion and preventing biofilm formation. Full article

Efficient biomass harvesting remains one of the primary barriers to the commercial feasibility of large-scale microalgal production. This study investigates the effect of different culture media on the surface physicochemical properties of Tetradesmus sp., with emphasis on their role in natural aggregation. Cultures were grown for 30 days under controlled light and temperature conditions using Blue Green 11 (BG11), Tris–acetate–phosphate (TAP), and deionized water supplemented with Bayfolan^® fertilizer. Surface hydrophobicity was assessed through microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS) and contact angle analysis, electrokinetic properties were evaluated by zeta potential measurements, and cell surface chemistry was characterized by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) sampling methodology for Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Across all treatments, Tetradesmus sp. exhibited inherent hydrophobicity, but Bayfolan^® supplementation yielded the highest contact angle (49.0 ± 0.9°) and the least negative free energy of interaction (ΔGsws = −26.36 mJ·m⁻²), indicating a stronger tendency toward self-aggregation. Zeta potential values remained consistently negative (−10 to −14 mV), with no significant variation among media, suggesting that hydrophobic interactions rather than electrostatic forces govern aggregation. ATR-FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, with changes in peak intensities reflecting metabolic adjustments to media composition. These results demonstrate that low-cost Bayfolan^® supplementation enhances surface hydrophobicity and aggregation, providing a sustainable strategy to facilitate biomass recovery and reduce harvesting costs in microalgal biorefineries. Full article

Intercellular junctions are involved in the regulation of epithelial function and remodeling in the female reproductive system; however, their importance in the avian oviduct is poorly known. The aim of this study was: first, to provide information on the expression and localization of key tight (occludin, claudin 1, 4, 5, junctional adhesion molecule [JAM] 2, 3) and adherens (E-cadherin, β-catenin) junction proteins in the hen oviduct, and second, to compare expression and localization of these molecules between laying and subjected to fasting-induced pause in laying hens. Tissue samples from all oviductal segments, i.e., infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina were collected on the sixth day of the experiment from the control hens and hens that had been fasted for five consecutive days. Specific oviductal part-dependent expression patterns of examined genes (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR]) and/or proteins (by Western blotting) were found, with the highest mRNA transcript and protein abundances in the infundibulum, shell gland, and vagina, and the lowest in the magnum. Fasting-induced partial regression of the oviduct was accompanied by alterations in mRNA transcript and protein abundances of examined molecules. Reduced staining intensity of immunoreaction (analyzed by immunofluorescence) for occludin, E-cadherin, and β-catenin proteins was observed in the oviduct of non-laying hens. Our results indicate the potential involvement of these proteins in controlling intercellular communication, cell signaling, paracellular permeability, and mucosal barrier functionality, which impact the functioning of the hen oviduct. Furthermore, our observations provide novel insights into the molecular composition of tight and adherens junctions and its contribution to the remodeling of the oviduct during its regression induced by fasting. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polymeric barrier membranes (BMs) are usually used in guided bone regeneration to isolate the bone defect from the surrounding tissue, favoring bone apposition. This study proposes a third-generation BM made of polycaprolactone (PCL), loaded with different concentrations of nano-hidroxyapatite (nHAP) and gentamicin (GEN), and fabricated by electrospinning. Methods: The mechanical properties of the polymer, together with the fabrication procedure, offer porosity with interconnectivity to permit cell adhesion and proliferation. Bacterial contamination of the BM can induce infection at the bone level, leading to unfavorable clinical outcomes of the regeneration procedure. Results: Therefore, BMs have been proposed as carriers for local GEN antibiotic therapy, demonstrating antibacterial properties against S. aureus, S. mutans, and P. aeruginosa, depending on the drug concentration, while being negligibly affected by the nHAP content. X-ray diffraction, FTIR-ATR, and SEM allowed for BM structural characterization, demonstrating the presence of GEN/nHAP and establishing the fiber diameter, which influences the mechanical properties in dry and wet conditions and the drug release behaviorA BM cytotoxicity assessment, performed over 1 and 5 days, revealed that a high nHAP concentration provided protection against cytotoxicity, in contrast to GEN, and that cell proliferation and cell adhesion increased in the presence of nHAP. The BM’s bioactivity was demonstrated by mineralization after 21 days in simulated body fluid in an SEM/EDX analysis. Conclusions: The electrospun 15 wt.% nHAP and 2 wt.% GEN-loaded third-generation BM could be a promising alternative for guided bone regeneration. Full article

Mattresses represent one of the most widespread and problematic bulky waste streams worldwide, due to their unavoidable daily use, their high presence in municipal solid waste flows, and the complexity of their end-of-life management. Their heterogeneous composition—combining polyurethane foams, textiles, metal springs, and adhesives—makes separation and recovery difficult, leading many discarded mattresses to end up in landfills or incinerators, with associated greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of valuable secondary resources. Within this context, recycling emerges as a priority alternative under the circular economy framework, enabling material recovery and reducing reliance on traditional disposal methods. Among current options, mechanical recycling is especially promising, as it provides energy savings and lower emissions compared to thermal treatments. However, its large-scale implementation requires improvements in product design, collection logistics, and regulatory frameworks to address existing challenges. This article provides a critical review of the current state of mattress recycling and valorization, examining technological advances, environmental impacts, and systemic barriers. It also highlights successful initiatives in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, which illustrate the potential of circular strategies to transform bulky waste management and promote sustainable material flows. Full article

Endothelial hyperpermeability is a hallmark of diverse inflammatory and vascular pathologies, including sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ischemia–reperfusion injury, and atherosclerosis. Traditionally considered a passive return to baseline following stimulus withdrawal, barrier recovery is now recognized as an active, endothelial-driven process. Earlier work identified individual components of this restorative phase, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1) signaling, Rap1/Rac1 activation, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation, and targeted cytoskeletal remodeling, as well as kinase pathways involving PKA, PKG, and Src. However, these were often regarded as discrete events lacking a unifying framework. Recent integrative analyses, combining mechanistic insights from multiple groups, reveal that nitric oxide (NO) generated early during hyperpermeability can initiate a delayed cAMP/Epac1 cascade. This axis coordinates Rap1/Rac1-mediated cortical actin polymerization, VASP-driven junctional anchoring, retro-translocation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to caveolar domains, PP2A-dependent suppression of actomyosin tension, and Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2)-driven transcriptional programs that sustain endothelial quiescence. Together, these pathways form a temporally orchestrated, multi-tiered “inactivation” program capable of restoring barrier integrity even in the continued presence of inflammatory stimuli. This conceptual shift reframes NO from solely a barrier-disruptive mediator to the initiating trigger of a coordinated, pro-resolution mechanism. The unified framework integrates cytoskeletal dynamics, junctional reassembly, focal adhesion turnover, and redox/transcriptional control, providing multiple potential intervention points. Therapeutically, Epac1 activation, Rap1/Rac1 enhancement, RhoA/ROCK inhibition, PP2A activation, and KLF2 induction represent strategies to accelerate endothelial sealing in acute microvascular syndromes. Moreover, applying these mechanisms to arterial endothelium could limit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) entry and foam cell formation, offering a novel adjunctive approach for atherosclerosis prevention. In this review, we will discuss both the current understanding of endothelial hyperpermeability mechanisms and the emerging pathways of its active inactivation, integrating molecular, structural, and translational perspectives. Full article

In ophthalmology, developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial to overcome anatomical and physiological barriers, such as rapid tear turnover and blinking, which limit the efficacy of conventional formulations like eye drops. Poloxamers, especially the derivatives 407 (P407) and 188, are amphiphilic triblock copolymers characterized by an intriguing thermo-reversible behavior, making them ideal candidates for the development of in situ hydrogels for ocular applications. Various thermo-sensitive poloxamer-based hydrogels were designed to be easily instilled as liquids at room temperature, gelling promptly upon contact with the corneal surface. These systems promoted a controlled release of active compounds, significantly improving their adhesion to the ocular surface. This review discusses the most relevant scientific literature on the topic, with particular attention to studies published in recent years. The results demonstrated that poloxamer formulations are capable of overcoming typical ocular barriers, thereby increasing drug bioavailability. The intrinsic biocompatibility of poloxamers contributes to the safety and tolerability of the system. Furthermore, P407 showed additional wound healing features. The combination of biocompatibility and thermo-reversible behavior makes poloxamer-based hydrogels a promising platform for the development of innovative ocular drug delivery systems able to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient comfort. Full article

Podocyte injury is a central event in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We conducted a systematic review across four major databases, identifying 7769 records and including 130 studies that met predefined eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tools, yielding a mean score of 81.3%, indicating overall moderate-to-high rigor despite design-contingent limitations. Publication activity was sparse until 2018 but increased markedly thereafter, with more than 80% of studies published between 2019 and 2025. Temporal analyses confirmed a strong positive trend (p = 0.86, p < 0.0001), reflecting the rapid expansion of this field. Study designs evolved from early human-only descriptions to integrated multi-model approaches combining human tissue, animal experiments, and in vitro systems, thus balancing clinical relevance with mechanistic exploration. Geographically, Asia emerged as the leading contributor, complemented by increasing multinational collaborations. Mechanistic synthesis highlighted five reproducible pillars of podocyte injury: slit-diaphragm and adhesion failure, mTOR–autophagy–ER stress disequilibrium, mitochondrial and lipid-driven oxidative injury, immune, complement, and inflammasome activation, and epigenetic and transcriptomic reprogramming. Collectively, these findings underscore a convergent mechanistic cascade driving podocyte dysfunction, while also providing a framework for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring barrier integrity, metabolic balance, and immune regulation in DN. Full article

While metal adhesion layers are commonly used in the fabrication of field–effect transistors (FETs) based on two-dimensional (2D) materials, the impact of adhesion layer thickness on device performance remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we systematically investigate how the thickness of a Cr adhesion layer influences the contact resistance and Schottky barrier characteristics of multilayer WSe₂ FETs. Contact resistance results, extracted via the transfer length method for Cr thicknesses of 1 nm, 4 nm, and 7 nm, reveal that thicker Cr layers (4 nm and 7 nm) result in significantly lower resistance (<200 kΩ·μm) compared to the much higher resistance (6.6 MΩ·μm) observed with 1 nm Cr thickness. Temperature–dependent transport measurements and Arrhenius analysis further indicate a reduction in Schottky barrier height with increasing Cr thickness, implying improved carrier injection. These results specifically demonstrate how the commonly used Cr adhesion layer thicknesses of at least 4 nm increase the electrical performance of WSe₂–based devices. Full article

Mg alloys hold promise for biodegradable gastrointestinal implants, but most evaluations rely on simplified media like Hank’s solution, which lacks organic components and fails to replicate the acidic-to-alkaline transition of intestinal fluid, risking underestimation of biodegradation rates and clinical relevance. This work investigated a trace-Cu-modified Mg alloy (Mg-0.05Cu) in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) versus Hank’s solution. Microstructural analysis confirmed Mg₂Cu intermetallic phases as Cu reservoirs. Electrochemical and immersion tests revealed significantly accelerated biodegradation in SIF, due to its disruption of protective layer formation, sustaining loose biodegradation products. The biodegradation rate of the trace-Cu-modified Mg alloy in SIF was consistent with reported values for Mg alloys in similar media, as was that in Hank’s solution. Remarkably, Mg-0.05Cu exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. coli, achieving 99.3% eradication within 12 h and 100% elimination by 24–48 h, alongside excellent cytocompatibility with L929 cells (>95% viability). This efficacy arose from the synergistic Cu²⁺ release and high-pH microenvironment. These findings demonstrate that trace Cu alloying in high-purity Mg balances rapid antibacterial action with controlled biodegradation in a physiologically relevant SIF. This positions Mg-0.05Cu as a highly promising candidate for practical applications, such as biodegradable intestinal stents, anti-adhesion barriers, anastomosis rings, and anti-obesity devices, where rapid infection control and predictable degradation are critical for clinical success. This work underscores the importance of using biomimetic media for evaluating gastrointestinal implants and establishes Mg-0.05Cu as a promising strategy for developing infection-resistant biodegradable devices. Full article

Background: Skin injuries, such as chronic wounds and inflammatory skin diseases, often face limitations in treatment efficacy due to the low efficiency of transdermal drug delivery and insufficient local concentrations. Curcumin (CUR), a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has demonstrated potential in the repair of skin damage; however, its clinical application is hindered by its physicochemical characteristics. This study constructs a novel nanocomposite drug delivery system: CUR-loaded micellar nanocomposite gel (CUR-M-DMNs-Gel). A composite system is used to achieve the efficient solubilization and enhanced transdermal permeation of CUR, thereby providing a novel formulation approach for the treatment of skin diseases. Methods: CUR-loaded micellar (CUR-M) utilizes CUR as the core active ingredient, which possesses multiple pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. TPGS serves as a micellar carrier that not only enhances the solubility and stability of CUR through its amphiphilic structure but also facilitates drug absorption and transport within the body. In dissolvable microneedles (DMNs), PVP K30 forms a stable three-dimensional network structure through entanglement of polymer chains, ensuring sufficient mechanical strength for effective penetration of the skin barrier. Meanwhile, PVP K90, with its higher molecular weight, enhances the backing’s support and toughness to prevent needle breakage during application. The incorporation of hyaluronic acid (HA) improves both the moisture retention and adhesion properties at the needle tips, ensuring gradual dissolution and release of loaded CUR-M within the skin. In CUR-loaded micellar gel (CUR-M-Gel), PVP K30 increases both adhesive and cohesive forces in the gel through chain entanglement and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Tartaric acid precisely regulates pH levels to adjust crosslinking density; glycerol provides a long-lasting moisturizing environment for the gel; aluminum chloride enhances mechanical stability and controlled drug-release capabilities; NP-700 optimizes dispersion characteristics and compatibility within the system. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that the CUR-M-DMNs-Gel composite system exhibited enhanced transdermal penetration, with a cumulative transdermal efficiency significantly surpassing that of single-component formulations. In the mouse skin defect model, CUR-M-DMNs-Gel facilitated collagen deposition and effectively inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). In the mouse skin photoaging model, CUR-M-DMNs-Gel markedly reduced dermal thickness, alleviated damage to elastic fibers, and suppressed inflammatory responses. Conclusions: The CUR-M-DMNs-Gel system can enhance wound healing through subcutaneous localization, achieving long-term sustained efficacy. This innovative approach offers new insights into the treatment of skin injuries. Full article