Search Results (308)

Biomimetic cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (BMCNPs) are an attractive drug delivery platform that combines the advantages of an inorganic core with the biological functionality of a natural cell membrane. This hybrid design merges the versatility of engineered nanomaterials with the complexity and specificity of biological systems, enabling prolonged circulation, immune evasion, enhanced tissue targeting, and improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we explore the in vivo behavior of BMCNPs, focusing on their interactions with biological barriers, including evasion of mononuclear phagocyte system clearance, biodistribution patterns, and circulation kinetics. We also examine how membrane source and surface properties influence targeting efficiency and delivery outcomes, while highlighting key considerations and emerging strategies to optimize therapeutic performance and translational potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) remains a major challenge in the treatment of ischemic stroke, characterized by intertwined oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Existing monotherapies often fail to address this dual pathology effectively. We developed PLSCZ, a biomimetic nanoplatform integrating a catalytic core of imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-encapsulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes with a hybrid platelet membrane shell. This design strategically employs metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to effectively overcome the critical limitations of enzyme instability and provide a cascade catalytic environment, while the biomimetic surface modification enhances targeting capability, thereby enabling dual-pathway intervention against CIRI. Methods: PLSCZ was engineered by co-encapsulating SOD and CAT within a ZIF-8 core to form a cascade antioxidant system (SCZ). The core was further coated with a hybrid membrane composed of rapamycin-loaded phospholipids and natural platelet membranes. The nanoparticle was characterized by size, structure, enzyme activity, and targeting capability. In vitro and in vivo efficacy was evaluated using oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models and a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/r) rat model. Results: In vitro, PLSCZ exhibited enhanced enzymatic stability and cascade catalytic efficiency, significantly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restoring mitochondrial function. The platelet membrane conferred active targeting to ischemic brain regions and promoted immune evasion. PLSCZ effectively polarized microglia toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, restored autophagic flux, and preserved blood–brain barrier integrity. In vivo, in tMCAO/r rats, PLSCZ markedly targeted the ischemic hemisphere, reduced infarct volume, improved neurological function, and attenuated neuroinflammation. Conclusions: By synergistic ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory action, the PLSCZ nanozyme overcomes the limitations of conventional monotherapies for CIRI. This biomimetic, multi-functional platform effectively reduces oxidative stress, modulates the phenotype of microglia, decreases infarct volume, and promotes neurological recovery, offering a promising multi-mechanistic nanotherapeutic for CIRI and a rational design model for MOF-based platforms. Full article

Background and Objectives: Currently, the development of local drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer patients is a pressing issue. Such systems allow for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs directly to the tumor site, ensuring prolonged drug release or reducing the risk of recurrence after tumor removal, minimizing the impact on healthy tissues and thereby reducing the overall toxic load on the body. This work is devoted to evaluating the prospects of using scaffolds based on low-modulus titanium Ti-15Mo alloy with a biomimetic coating as a platform for the local administration of the cytostatic drug cisplatin into the patient’s body. Methods: Porous coatings were obtained by plasma electrolytic oxidation in an aqueous solution of sodium phosphate and calcium acetate with the addition of various components. The influence of coating parameters on the corrosion resistance of samples and on the antiproliferative effect of cisplatin-loaded scaffolds was evaluated. Human K562 hemoblastosis, HT116 intestinal cancer, and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell lines were used as cell models. Results: It was shown that the addition of sodium phosphate (the PS type electrolyte) provides the formation of a coating with a developed system of interconnected pores characterized by an attractive combination of parameters: high porosity (17%), high pore size (3.9 μm), and considerable thickness (17.4 μm). This coating demonstrated the best corrosion resistance in a Ringer solution as compared to the other tested states. In addition, the PS coating loaded with cisplatin exhibited a pronounced cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. This effect was attributed to its ability to fix cisplatin on the surface, which slows down its release into the extracellular environment, increasing the time of its action, thereby contributing to a more effective (by more than 3 times) suppression of tumor cell proliferation compared to the action of the standard form of the drug in the form of a solution when changing the growth medium and subsequent incubation for 48 h. Conclusions: PS scaffolds made of low-modulus titanium alloy Ti-15Mo with a biomimetic surface in an electrolyte based on an aqueous solution of sodium phosphate and calcium acetate with the addition of sodium silicate can be used as an advanced platform for the local delivery of the cytostatic drug cisplatin, which makes them promising for application in orthopedic oncology. Full article

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) has attracted attention as a ceramic implant material owing to its excellent mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and aesthetic properties. However, YSZ is bioinert and lacks the ability to directly bond with bone. This study aims to enhance the bioactivity of 3D-printed porous YSZ through modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) pretreatments. The porous YSZ substrates fabricated by fused deposition modeling were first etched with hydrofluoric acid (HF) to increase the surface roughness, followed by immersion in CO₃²⁻, Mg²⁺, and/or Zn²⁺ ion-incorporated m-SBFs. Among the tested solutions, the apatite coating formed in Mg²⁺- and Zn²⁺-containing m-SBF within one day, exhibiting uniform precipitation and a reduced tetragonal-to-monoclinic (t→m) transition. The incorporated Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions were successfully detected on the apatite coating, with Mg/Ca and Zn/Ca ratios of approximately 4.82% and 3.33%, respectively. Mg²⁺ is known to stimulate osteogenesis, while Zn²⁺ exhibits antibacterial activity. Furthermore, compared with standard SBF under high-temperature and high-pH conditions, the m-SBF induced markedly less t→m phase transition on YSZ substrates, suggesting that m-SBF, as a biomimetic medium for imparting bioactivity, provides a more suitable environment for YSZ substrates. This study demonstrates that HF surface treatment combined with Mg²⁺- and Zn²⁺-containing m-SBF pretreatment effectively imparts bioactivity to 3D-printed YSZ, offering a promising approach for next-generation osteoconductive ceramic implants. Full article

Conductivity sensors play a vital role in monitoring production data in oil wells to ensure efficient oilfield operations, and their service performance depends on the durability of Invar alloy electrodes. The alloy electrodes are susceptible to damage from abrasive solid particles, corrosive media, and oil fluids in downhole environments. The degradation of the alloy electrodes directly compromises the signal stability of conductivity sensors, resulting in inaccurate monitoring data. Inspired by the intrinsic oleophobic properties of fish scales, we developed a fluorinated boron-doped diamond (FBDD) film with biomimetic micro–nano structures to enhance the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and amphiphobicity of Invar alloy electrodes. The fish scale architecture was fabricated through argon-rich hot-filament chemical vapor deposition (90% Ar, 8 h) followed by fluorination. FBDD-coated electrodes surpass industrial benchmarks, exhibiting a friction coefficient of 0.08, wear rate of 5.1 × 10⁻⁷ mm³/(N·mm), corrosion rate of 3.581 × 10⁻³ mm/a, and oil/water contact angles of 95.32°/106.47°. The following underlying improvement mechanisms of FBDD films are proposed: (i) the wear-resistant matrix preserves the oleophobic nanostructures during abrasive contact; (ii) the corrosion barrier maintains electrical conductivity by preventing surface oxidation; (iii) the oil-repellent surface minimizes fouling that could mask corrosion or wear damage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although significant advances in duodenoscope reprocessing have been introduced since mid-2010s—including enhanced cleaning protocols, disposable distal endcaps, and the introduction of fully single-use duodenoscopes—residual contamination and infection risks remain unresolved. Moreover, repeated reprocessing may cause cumulative damage to the polymer surfaces, elevator mechanisms, and internal channels of the duodenoscopes, making them more susceptible to residual contamination. To minimize the duodenoscope polymer degradation caused by intensive use and reprocessing, new alternatives are urgently needed. In this context, calcium peroxide nanoparticles coated with sodium alginate (CaO₂–Alg NPs), synthesized by our group, were tested for the first time as a disinfectant capable of combating nosocomial pathogens while reducing device deterioration associated with repeated investigations and reprocessing. Methods: The disinfectant properties of the CaO₂–Alg NPs were evaluated under biomimetic conditions using reference bacterial strains commonly associated with nosocomial infections. In addition, the compatibility of the nanoparticles with the polymeric duodenoscope coatings was assessed after simulated intensive use. The external polymer coating was structurally and morphologically characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: The nanoparticles exhibited important antimicrobial activity against the reference bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae after only 20 min of incubation. Intensive exposure to the CaO₂–Alg NPs did not cause additional structural or morphological damage to the duodenoscope’s external polymers and did not alter their anti-adhesive properties. Conclusions: The CaO₂–Alg NPs appear to be a safe and effective disinfectant for the duodenoscope reprocessing, offering both antimicrobial efficacy and material compatibility. Full article

Cancer treatment remains challenging due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which promotes tumor heterogeneity and contributes to the development of multidrug resistance, ultimately hindering drug delivery and reducing therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, biomimetic nanocarriers have emerged as promising tools to address these challenges. Among them, cancer cell membrane (CCM)-coated nanoparticles (CCM-NPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their unique advantages, including homologous targeting, prolonged circulation mediated by self-recognition, and enhanced tumor penetration. Moreover, CCM-NPs can serve as versatile platforms for tumor vaccines by leveraging their inherent tumor-associated antigens and immunomodulatory potential. By leveraging CCMs to functionalize NPs, researchers have developed innovative approaches to improve drug delivery, enhance tumor immunotherapy, and optimize cancer vaccine efficacy. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive review summarizing the latest progress in CCM-based biomimetic nanocarriers for tumor treatment is lacking. This review integrates recent advances in CCM-NPs for targeted drug delivery and cancer vaccination, and discusses their fabrication, characterization, mechanisms and applications across multiple cancer types, which provides timely insights to guide their future development in precision tumor therapy. Full article

Background: Substituted hydroxyapatites (HAps) are widely used in oral-care formulations for enamel repair; however, head-to-head comparisons among commercial grades remain limited. Objective: To compare four commercial HAps: A (Kal-HAp), B (FL-HAp), C (FL-HAp-SC), and D (microRepair^®, a biomimetic Zn–carbonate-substituted HAp) and to evaluate their ability to form an enamel-like coating in vitro. Methods: We characterized the powders by X-ray diffraction (crystalline phase, Landi crystallinity index), FTIR-ATR (phosphate/carbonate bands), SEM/EDS (morphology, surface Ca/P), and DLS (particles size, ζ-potential). In vitro, human enamel sections were treated with 5% slurries in artificial saliva; surface coverage was quantified by image analysis on SEM. Results: All commercial materials analyzed in this work were composed of HAp. Differences were observed between HApin terms of crystallinity-range [2 Theta 8.0–60.0°], carbonate substitution (ATR [carbonate group evaluated −870 cm⁻¹]), and particle size (DLS [in a range 0.1–10,000 nm], Z-mean [mV]). On enamel, all samples form a hydroxyapatite layer; coverage differed between groups ([A] 28.83 ± 7.35% vs. [B] 31.11 ± 3.12% vs. [C] 57.20 ± 33.12% vs. [D] 99.90 ± 0.12%), with the biomimetic Zn–carbonate-substituted HAp showing the highest coverage, and the post-treatment Ca/P ratio approached values similar to those of dental enamel. Conclusions: Complementary physic-chemical signatures (crystallinity, carbonate substitution, and morphology) relate to enamel-surface coverage in vitro, providing evidence base for selecting HAp grades for enamel-repair formulations, which is a practical implication for product design. Full article

This study evaluates the tribological properties of poly-DL-lactic acid (PDLLA) nanosheets attached to shark-skin surfaces with varying textures. The main goal was to assess friction reduction in samples with different surface textures and investigate the influence of PDLLA nanosheets on tribological behaviors. Biomimetic shark skin was created using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-embedded stamping method (PEES) that replicates shark skin’s unique texture, which reduces friction and drag in aquatic environments. PDLLA nanosheets, with a controlled thickness of several tens of nanometers, were fabricated and attached to the PDMS surfaces. The morphological characteristics of the materials were analyzed before and after attaching the PDLLA nanosheets using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing the uniformity and adherence of the nanosheets to the PDMS surfaces. Friction tests were conducted using force transducers to measure the friction coefficients of biomimetic shark skin, biological models, and flat PDMS and silicon substrates, allowing a comprehensive comparison of frictional properties. Additionally, sliding tests with human fingers were performed to assess friction coefficients between various fingerprint shapes and sample surfaces. This aspect of the study is critical for understanding how human skin interacts with biomimetic materials in real-world applications, such as wearable devices. These findings clarify the relationship between surface texture, nanosheets, and their tribological performance against human skin, thereby contributing to the development of materials with enhanced friction-reducing properties for applications such as surface coatings, substrates for wearable devices, and wound dressings. Full article

Objective: Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), a variant of zirconia (ZrO₂), has attracted interest as a substitute for titanium in dental and orthopedic implants, valued for its biocompatibility and aesthetics that resemble natural teeth. However, its bioinert surface limits osseointegration, making surface modifications such as calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings highly relevant. Materials and methods: The review process adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library (July 2025) identified studies evaluating CaP-coated zirconia implants. Eligible studies included in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical investigations with a control group. Data on coating type, deposition method, and biological outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 27 studies were analyzed, featuring different calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings including β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and various composites. These coatings were applied using diverse techniques such as RF magnetron sputtering, sol–gel processing, biomimetic methods, and laser-based approaches. In multiple investigations, calcium phosphate coatings enhanced osteoblast attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) relative to unmodified zirconia surfaces. Multifunctional coatings incorporating growth factors, antibiotics, or nanoparticles showed additional benefits. Conclusion: CaP coatings enhance the bioactivity of zirconia implants and represent a promising strategy to overcome their inertness. Further standardized approaches and long-term studies are essential to verify their translational relevance. Full article

In total joint replacement, early aseptic loosening of implants caused by inadequate initial fixation and late aseptic loosening due to stress shielding-related periprosthetic bone remodeling are the main causes of failure. Over the last two decades, additive manufacturing has been revolutionizing the design of cementless orthopaedic implants by enabling biomimetic, highly porous titanium structures that enhance bone ingrowth and osseointegration while reducing stress shielding. The synergy between optimized selective laser-melted highly porous titanium bearing components, ceramic-coated titanium articular surfaces, and vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene liners delivers several benefits essential for implant longevity: reliable initial fixation, improved biological fixation, reduced bone resorption caused by stress shielding, and lower osteolytic reactivity. These benefits have encouraged the synergetic use of these technologies in joint replacement in novel clinical applications. In recent years, novel off-the-shelf, 3D-printed, highly porous titanium implants have been introduced into hip and knee arthroplasty. These newly introduced implants appear to offer an innovative and promising solution, and are particularly indicated for young active patients, elderly patients with osteoporotic bones, and in complex cases. Future clinical research should confirm these novel implants’ superior results in comparison to the current state of the art in cementless joint replacement. The possibility of extending these technologies in the future to other clinical applications such as partial knee prosthesis is discussed. Full article

Zirconia’s superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility have made it a cornerstone of modern prosthodontics, yet achieving durable biomimetic bonding to tooth structure remains a challenge. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on bonding strategies for zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), evaluating surface treatments, cementation protocols, and long-term performance. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 18 studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were thoroughly analyzed. Key findings indicate that tribochemical silica coating (e.g., Rocatec™) combined with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-based primers (e.g., Panavia V5) is associated with the highest bond strengths (>40 MPa) and exceptional clinical survival rates (e.g., >95% at 15 years for resin-bonded FDPs). These combined mechanical–chemical strategies can be viewed as an attempt to create a biomimetic, hybrid interface akin to the natural enamel–dentin junction. Additively manufactured zirconia exhibits inferior bonding compared to milled counterparts, while ethyl cellulose coatings applied to the bonding surface effectively prevent contamination from saliva and moisture during intraoral try-in procedures. However, heterogeneous testing protocols and limited long-term clinical data highlight the need for standardized aging models and randomized trials. This review consolidates current evidence, offering clinically actionable recommendations through a biomimetic lens while identifying critical gaps for future research. Full article

We manufactured the 3D-printed prototypes with increased wear resistance using a combination of the following: biomimetic design (the shark skin was used as a natural object to follow), 3D-printing technological parameter regulation, rational choice of polymer matrix, dispersed filling ingredients and items’ surface gas-phase modification technique. It was established that the bulk modification of the PETG filament with montmorillonite, graphite nano-plates, and other ingredients can reduce the 3D-printed prototypes’ wear by up to eight times. The gas-phase fluorination of the product’s surface provides a decrease in the rest friction coefficient and temperature in the “indentor-3D-printed disk” contact pair. We obtained the texture models and quantified the degree of similarity between the shark skin and the 3D-printed prototypes’ surfaces. Full article

Adhesion of different microorganisms to the surface of dental materials has generated significant interest since one of the most important requirements of biomaterials to be considered successful is their ability to withstand the damage caused by microorganisms that may lead to failure and the onset of different pathologies, such as caries. In vitro testing has demonstrated that surface modification is an alternative approach to reduce the adhesion of microorganisms to surfaces. The objective of this work was to assess the adhesion of Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans to a dental composite surface modified following a biomimetic approach and coated with salivary proteins. Soft lithography was used to copy the topography from the Crocosmia aurea leaf and then transfer it to the surface of dental composite discs that were coated with saliva proteins. Surfaces were characterized by contact angle and atomic force microscopy. S. mitis, S. mutans, and C. albicans were used to assess bacterial and fungal adhesion in monoculture and co-culture. The topographic modification of the surface of a dental composite reduced the adhesion of assessed microorganisms and the adhesion of these species in monoculture and co-culture on saliva-coated surfaces was higher than on topographically modified surfaces. Full article

Antibacterial surfaces inspired by biological micro- and nanostructures, such as those found on the wings of cicadas and dragonflies, have attracted interest due to their ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion and damage microbial membranes without relying on chemical agents. However, conventional fabrication techniques like photolithography or nanoimprinting are limited by substrate shape, size, and high operational costs. In this study, we developed a scalable method using atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma (APLTP) to fabricate sharp-edged nanospikes on solvent-cast polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films. The nanospikes were formed through plasma-induced modification of pores in the film, followed by annealing to control surface wettability while maintaining structural sharpness. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the formation of micro/nanostructures, and contact angle measurements revealed reversible hydrophilicity. Antibacterial performance was evaluated against Escherichia coli using ISO 22196 standards. While the film with only plasma treatment reduced bacterial colonies by 30%, the film annealed after plasma treatment achieved an antibacterial activity value greater than 5, with bacterial counts below the detection limit (<10 CFU). These findings demonstrate that APLTP offers a practical route for large-area fabrication of biomimetic antibacterial coatings on flexible polymer substrates, holding promise for future applications in healthcare, packaging, and public hygiene. Full article