Search Results (243)

Nanotextured thin film metallic glasses (TFMGs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial coatings for biomedical applications; however, systematic comparisons across compositionally distinct Ti- and Zr-based systems, as well as their early-stage bactericidal mechanisms, remain limited. Here, we show, for the first time, a comparative, compositionally resolved correlation linking alloy chemistry, nanotexture, and bactericidal mechanisms across polymorphic TFMGs. Three co-sputtered biocompatible coatings (Ti₄₇Fe₄₁Cu₁₂, Zr₇₁Fe₃Al₂₆, and Zr₅₈W₃₁Cu₁₁) were deposited on medical-grade titanium and stainless steel (SS316L) via magnetron co-sputtering, producing uniform amorphous films (190–298 nm) with nanoscale roughness of 1.6 ± 0.05 to 8.1 ± 0.05 nm. Surface wettability spanned hydrophilic (71.1 ± 5.6°) to hydrophobic (106.5 ± 3.5°), modulating bacterial interactions. Antimicrobial performance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated using live/dead fluorescence imaging, quantitative image analysis, and electron microscopy after 2–4 h incubation. All coatings reduced bacterial adhesion and viability relative to bare substrates, with Zr₅₈W₃₁Cu₁₁ achieving >60% reduction in surface-associated bacterial coverage. Time-resolved analysis revealed a rapid transition to predominantly non-viable populations on coated surfaces, in contrast to sustained viability on controls. Mechanistically, bactericidal activity arises from the synergistic coupling of nanotopography-induced membrane stress, wettability-governed adhesion energetics, and in situ formation of CuO, Fe₂O₃, WO₃, and ZrO₂ oxides that promote electrostatic interactions and proposed reactive oxygen species generation, driving oxidative membrane damage. These results establish a scalable design framework for TFMGs, while highlighting the need for long-term biofilm and electrochemical validation. Full article

Since the first successful synthesis of borophene in 2015, this atomically thin boron allotrope has attracted extensive attention due to its polymorphic structures, metallic conductivity, and outstanding mechanical flexibility. As a new member of the two-dimensional (2D) materials family, borophene exhibits a unique triangular lattice with tunable hexagonal vacancies, leading to rich structural diversity and anisotropic physical properties. Recent breakthroughs in synthesis—particularly molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and solvothermal-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation (S-LPE)—have significantly expanded the accessible structural phases and improved control over film quality and stability. Meanwhile, borophene’s distinctive combination of structural and electronic characteristics has enabled its rapid development in both energy and biomedical applications. In energy storage, borophene serves as a promising anode material for lithium/sodium-ion batteries and a lightweight medium for hydrogen storage and supercapacitors, owing to its metallic conductivity, high surface charge density, and large adsorption capacity. In biomedicine, borophene-based nanoplatforms exhibit excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, enabling multifunctional roles in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Despite these advances, several challenges—such as environmental instability, oxidation susceptibility, and limited scalable synthesis—continue to restrict practical implementation. Future progress will depend on chemical functionalization, surface passivation, and machine-learning-assisted materials design to achieve oxidation-resistant, large-area, and biocompatible borophene derivatives. This review summarizes recent advances in borophene synthesis, structural engineering, and multifunctional applications, while outlining key scientific challenges and future opportunities for the realization of borophene-based materials in next-generation energy and biomedical systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natamycin is an effective antifungal limited by poor solubility. This study aimed to develop and characterize natamycin-loaded liposomal vesicles as a biocompatible delivery system to improve stability and achieve controlled release for potential topical application in the treatment of fungal infections. Methods: Formulations were prepared using two phospholipid mixtures (Lipoid S100 and Phospholipon 90H) via standard (thin-film) and proliposome methods. Evaluation included encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size, zeta potential, the polydispersity index (PDI), and rheological properties. In vitro release kinetics were compared to a natamycin solution. Antifungal efficacy was tested against four Candida strains to determine minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MICs and MFCs, respectively) and biofilm inhibition, while biocompatibility was assessed via keratinocyte viability assays. Results: Formulations achieved high encapsulation (~90%). Natamycin incorporation improved homogeneity and reduced particle diameters, particularly in proliposome-derived vesicles, suggesting strong drug–lipid interactions. Preparation method and lipid type significantly influenced properties; thin-film formulations showed a lower PDI and higher stability. Diffusion was twofold slower than the control, with Lipoid S100 proliposomes providing the most sustained release. The liposomes demonstrated robust antifungal activity (MICs: 0.00625–0.2 mg/mL) and effective biofilm inhibition against C. krusei. While high concentrations moderately reduced keratinocyte viability, lower doses remained biocompatible and slightly stimulatory. Conclusions: Lipid composition and preparation methods have minimal impact on the physical properties and in vitro release profiles of natamycin liposomes. These vesicles provide a dose-dependent, biocompatible platform for the controlled delivery of antifungals, showing significant in vitro inhibitory activity against Candida growth and biofilm formation. Full article

This study focuses on the development and characterization of advanced composite materials based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), with or without silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), planned for peripheral nerve or bone regeneration. The complementary properties of PCL (biocompatibility and biodegradability) and PVDF (mechanical stability and piezoelectric functionality) were exploited by blending the polymers in different ratios, resulting in binary (PCL/PVDF) and ternary (PCL/PVDF/AgNPs) composites. Green-synthesized AgNPs were integrated to enhance antimicrobial activity and to support tissue repair through improved signal transmission. Functional thin films and electrospun fibres were obtained and subjected to advanced characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis. The results demonstrated appropriate morphology, chemical composition, structural stability, and favourable interactions with simulated physiological media. Preliminary biocompatibility assays confirmed good cell viability, supporting the biomedical applicability of the designed scaffolds. Overall, the obtained results highlight the potential of AgNPs-functionalized PCL/PVDF binary and ternary composites as promising candidates for flexible, durable, and bioactive implants in peripheral nerve or bone regeneration. Full article

Biomaterials are engineered to interact with biological systems for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Among them, natural biomaterials offer important advantages over many synthetic polymers, including intrinsic biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. Silk fibroin, a fibrous protein derived mainly from Bombyx mori cocoons, has re-emerged as a particularly versatile platform because it combines favourable mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties with aqueous processing and tuneable degradation. In this review, we first summarise the key structural, physicochemical and functional properties of regenerated silk fibroin, including its mechanical behaviour, thermal stability, dielectric and piezoelectric response, optical transparency and low autofluorescence. We then describe how extraction and regeneration protocols are used to produce defined material formats—fibres and nanofibrous mats, porous 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, sub-micron particles, thin films and microstructured devices—and outline major functionalisation strategies, ranging from physical blending and encapsulation to covalent chemistry, genetic engineering of recombinant silk variants, and enzyme-mediated conjugation approaches. Building on this foundation, we critically examine biomedical applications of silk fibroin with a particular emphasis on (i) hybrid silk–fluorophore systems for bioimaging and biosensing (nanodiamonds, quantum dots and organic dyes), (ii) optical fibre, wearable and edible sensors for health and food monitoring, (iii) wound dressings and wound-sensing platforms, and (iv) tissue engineering scaffolds and drug-delivery depots. Finally, we discuss current limitations, including process variability, the trade-offs introduced by blending and cross-linking, and the challenges posed by non-degradable inorganic fillers and clinical translation. Together, these perspectives highlight silk fibroin’s potential and constraints as a multifunctional biomaterial for next-generation biomedical devices and theranostic systems. Full article

This review deals with the development and progress of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators, which are needed in microfluidic applications, such as lab-on-a-chip and diagnostics. In the last 10 years, there have been tremendous advances in materials, microfabrication and computational modeling that have increased the functionality and scope of MEMS-based microfluidic actuation. This study classifies MEMS actuators on the basis of the physical method of actuation, including electrostatic, piezoelectric, and pneumatic actuation designs, in comparison with their application in pumping, valving, and droplet control. It examines the suitability of emerging structural and functional materials, such as piezoelectric thin-films and electroactive polymers, paying special attention to their reliability and biocompatibility. It also highlights the progress in multiphysics modeling that incorporates electrical, thermal, mechanical, and fluidic models, which facilitates the efficient design and performance optimization procedures. Other trends are multifunctional actuators with built-in sensing capability and the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted design in production. With these developments, however, there exist issues of power efficiency, thermal control, fabrication uniformity and operational durability, and also the absence of standardized benchmarking. Finally, future research directions are outlined, including hybrid MEMS actuation, intelligent microfluidic operations, to improve the performance of the system and enable the transfer of the lab demonstrations to the large scale application of the system. Full article

High-resolution, multi-modal neural interfaces are essential for advancing systems neuroscience and brain–computer interface technologies. This study designed and fabricated a 128-channel comb-shaped flexible micro-electrode array. The device integrates a biocompatible Parylene substrate with a flexible thin-film microprobe array, enabling simultaneous recording of electrocorticography (ECoG), intracortical local field potentials (LFP), and neuronal action potentials (spikes) from the cortical surface and superficial layers. Microelectrode sites were modified with platinum black nanoparticles, significantly reducing impedance. In vivo experiments in rats demonstrated the array’s ability to capture high-fidelity signals across different recording depths. Key findings included the acquisition of opposing LFP trends and polarity reversals between adjacent channels, reflecting local microcircuit dynamics. The array also reliably recorded neural activity during audiovisual cross-modal sensory stimulation. These results validate the device as an effective tool for multi-scale electrophysiology, successfully balancing high spatial resolution and signal quality with minimal tissue invasiveness, thereby offering significant potential for fundamental research and neural engineering applications. Full article

Biocompatible thin films are essential for advancing biomedical devices, as they enhance integration with biological tissues, improve device longevity, and reduce complications. The rapid evolution of both medical needs and materials science has led to a diverse array of deposition techniques, each offering unique advantages and challenges for tailoring surface properties without compromising the bulk characteristics of implants and sensors. While laser-based methods—such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE)—are renowned for their precision, ability to preserve complex material stoichiometry, and suitability for low-temperature processing, the broader landscape includes several other important approaches. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) techniques, including magnetron sputtering and pulsed electron deposition, are widely used for their ability to create uniform, adherent coatings with controlled thickness and composition, making them suitable for both hard and soft biomedical substrates. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and its plasma-enhanced variant (PECVD) offer conformal coatings and excellent control over film chemistry, which is particularly valuable for functional polymer and ceramic films. Other methods, such as sol–gel processing, ion beam deposition, and electrophoretic deposition, provide additional flexibility in terms of coating composition, adhesion, and processing temperature, allowing for the fabrication of films with tailored mechanical, chemical, and biological properties. Despite these advances, the field faces ongoing challenges in optimizing film properties for specific clinical applications, ensuring reproducibility, and scaling up production for widespread use. The necessity of this review lies in its comprehensive comparison of laser-based techniques with alternative deposition methods, providing critical insights into their respective strengths, limitations, and suitability for different biomedical scenarios. By synthesizing recent developments and highlighting current gaps, this review aims to guide researchers and clinicians in selecting the most appropriate thin-film deposition strategies to meet the evolving demands of next-generation biomedical devices. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer is a leading malignancy among males, and conventional chemotherapy is often limited by insufficient tumor selectivity and systemic toxicity. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is highly expressed on prostate cancer cells, represents a promising target for precision drug delivery. In this study, we developed a folate-modified, PSMA-targeting nanoliposome loaded with docetaxel (DFL) to enhance tumor specificity and therapeutic efficacy. Methods: DFL was prepared using a thin-film hydration–sonication method and characterized through physicochemical analyses. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated in PSMA-high LNCaP cells, with PSMA knockdown used to assess target-dependent internalization. Antitumor efficacy was examined with a microfluidic system and LNCaP xenograft nude mice, and safety was evaluated by measuring hepatic and renal biomarkers and performing histopathological analysis of major organs. Results: DFL demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties and significantly enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in LNCaP cells relative to control formulations. PSMA knockdown markedly attenuated cellular sensitivity to DFL, confirming PSMA-dependent internalization. A 3D microfluidic perfusion platform further corroborated robust and selective DFL uptake under dynamic flow conditions, thereby strengthening the translational relevance of the targeting effect beyond static cultures. In vivo, DFL substantially inhibited tumor progression in LNCaP xenograft models, reducing both tumor volume and weight by more than 50%. TUNEL assays showed increased apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry revealed reduced Ki-67 expression with concomitant upregulation of Caspase-3. No significant alterations in hepatic or renal biomarkers were observed, and histopathological evaluation demonstrated no treatment-associated lesions in major organs. Conclusions: A folate-modified, PSMA-targeting docetaxel nanoliposome was successfully developed, demonstrating enhanced tumor-specific drug delivery and improved antitumor activity with favorable biocompatibility in preclinical models. DFL represents a promising nanomedicine strategy for the precision chemotherapy of prostate cancer. Full article

Novel colourimetric sensors are readily devised by combining multifunctional (nano)materials with miniature optoelectronic components. The demand to detect and monitor metal ions has resulted in the invention of new colourimetric sensing schemes, especially for use at the Point-of-Need (PoN). Nonetheless, the design of fully reversible optical materials for continuous real-time ion monitoring remains a bottleneck in the practical realisation of sensors. Magnesium ion is vital to physiological and environmental processes, but monitoring can be challenging, particularly in the presence of Ca²⁺ as a cross-sensitive interferent in real samples. In this work, a chromophore molecule Hyphan I (1-(2-hydroxy-5-ß-hydroxyethylsulfonyl-phenyl-azo)-2-naphthol) has been grafted onto a cellulose matrix with a simple one-pot vinylsulfonyl process, to form a transparent, biocompatible and highly flexible thin-film colourimetric magnesium ion sensing material (Cellulose Film with Hyphan-CFH). The CFH film has a pH response time of <60 s over the pH range 4 to 9, with a pK_a1 = 5.8. The LOD and LOQ for Mg²⁺ at pH 8 are 0.089 mM and 0.318 mM, respectively, with an RSD = 0.93%. The CFH film exhibits negligible interference from alkaline and alkaline earth metals, but irreversibly binds certain transition metals (Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺). The CFH material has a fast and fully reversible colourimetric response to pH and Mg²⁺ over physiologically relevant ranges without interference by Ca²⁺, demonstrating good potential for integration into microfluidic systems and wearable sensors for biofluid monitoring. Full article

Biopolymer-based films have attracted increasing attention as sustainable and bioactive materials for wound management. Among them, chitosan (CTS) and starch (ST) blend represent promising candidate due to their natural origin, biodegradability, and intrinsic biological activity; however, their mechanical weakness and limited stability necessitate additional modification. This study reports the development and characterization of CTS-ST thin films crosslinked with dialdehyde alginate (ADA), synthesized via controlled oxidation. Two ADA variants differing in aldehyde group content were prepared to investigate the effect of crosslinking on the structural, physicochemical, and biological performance of the materials. The films were fabricated by blending 2% w/v CTS and ST in varying mass ratios (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75), followed by the addition of ADA (5% w/w) and glycerol (5% w/w) as a plasticizer. The mixtures were then cast onto plates and dried under ambient conditions. Comprehensive characterization included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, moisture content analysis, contact angle measurements, antioxidant activity assay, hemolysis testing, and cytotoxicity evaluation using human keratinocyte cells. The results demonstrated that both the ADA variant and CTS/ST ratio significantly influenced crosslinking efficiency, hydrophilicity, and antioxidant behavior. All samples exhibited non-hemolytic behavior and no significant cytotoxic effects, indicating their favorable biocompatibility. The combination of biostability, antioxidant ability, and absence of cytotoxic effects highlights the potential of ADA-crosslinking CTS/ST films for further development as wound dressing materials and other biomedical applications. Full article

Chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) are polysaccharides valued for their biocompatibility, reactivity, and film-forming capabilities. This study compares the surface characteristics and stability of CS and CMCS thin films crosslinked with citric acid (CTA), polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE), and glutaraldehyde (G). Flow behavior was assessed using steady-shear measurements, while film structure, morphology, and physical properties were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, SEM, AFM, mechanical testing, and swelling experiments. Crosslinking generated new chemical bonds in both CS and CMCS films; however, interactions in CMCS did not result in stable cross-links and were comparatively weaker. These structural modifications influenced swelling behavior and enhanced stability, particularly in CS-based systems. Before neutralization, CS/PEGDE films exhibited the lowest swelling (67% ± 19) relative to unmodified CS (118% ± 25) and crosslinked samples such as CS/G2 (185% ± 30), CS/G1 (475% ± 88), and CS/CTA (520% ± 90). After neutralization, CS/G1 and CS/CTA maintained the highest swelling capacity. In contrast, CMCS films crosslinked with CTA and G1 dissolved rapidly in aqueous media due to high water uptake, while PEGDE- and G2-modified CMCS films demonstrated stability comparable to CS. Overall, the results highlight the superior stability and tunable surface properties of CS-based films, underscoring their potential for biomedical and packaging applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wound healing is a complex biological process influenced by inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular regeneration. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have shown potential to accelerate tissue repair through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a Platanus orientalis extract-loaded liposomal formulation for potential wound-healing applications. Methods: Four polar extracts (P1–P4) were prepared using different solvent systems and extraction techniques and were characterized by LC-HRMS to determine their phytochemical profiles. Among the identified constituents, quercetin was consistently detected across all extracts and selected as the reference compound due to its well-known wound-healing activity. Liposomes were prepared via thin-film hydration followed by probe sonication and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and total drug content. In vitro release, cytotoxicity, and wound-healing assays were subsequently conducted to assess performance. Results: The optimized liposome formulation had a mean particle size of 106.6 ± 5.4 nm, a PDI of 0.11 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential of −14.1 ± 0.5 mV. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) confirmed the nanosized spherical morphology and homogeneous vesicle distribution, supporting the successful development of the liposomal delivery system. Encapsulation efficiency and total drug content were determined as 72.25 ± 1.05% and 96.15 ± 0.14%, respectively. In vitro release studies demonstrated a biphasic pattern with an initial burst followed by a sustained release, reaching approximately 75% cumulative quercetin release within 24 h. Physical stability testing confirmed that the optimized liposomal formulation remained physically stable at 5 ± 3 °C for at least 60 days. The optimized formulation showed no cytotoxic effects on CDD-1079Sk fibroblast cells and exhibited significantly enhanced wound closure in vitro. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the liposomal delivery of Platanus orientalis extract provides a biocompatible and sustained-release system that enhances wound-healing efficacy, supporting its potential use in advanced topical therapeutic applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to repurpose aripiprazole (AR), an antipsychotic clinically approved by the FDA, as a novel antifungal drug and to potentiate its therapeutic efficacy through PEGylated terpesomes (PEG-TERs). Methods: PEG-TERs were prepared by thin-film hydration and optimized using a central composite design. The optimum PEG-TER formulation was characterized for entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP), and subsequently integrated into polylactic acid (PLA)-based 3D-printed ocuserts. Results: The optimized formulation exhibited spherical vesicles with high EE%, nanoscale PS, narrow PDI, and favorable ZP, alongside excellent stability and mucoadhesive properties. Ex vivo permeation demonstrated a sustained release profile of AR from PEG-TERs compared with an AR suspension, while confocal microscopy confirmed efficient corneal deposition of fluorescein-labeled PEG-TERs. In vivo, the optimum AR-loaded PEG-TERs ocusert exhibited a substantial therapeutic effect in a rabbit model of Candida albicans keratitis, while histopathological assessment confirmed its ocular safety and biocompatibility. Conclusions: In conclusion, AR-loaded PEG-TERs embedded in PLA-based 3D-printed ocuserts represent a promising, safe, and innovative therapeutic platform for the management of Candida albicans-induced corneal infections, offering both drug repurposing and emerging opportunities in advanced ocular drug delivery. Full article