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        <title>Frontiers in Biomaterials Science | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/biomaterials-science</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Biomaterials Science | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T19:49:14.11+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2026.1756457</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2026.1756457</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Based on polysaccharide nanocarriers: mechanisms of bioactivity potentiation and latest research progress]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Juan Du</author><author>Chuanli Jin</author><author>Ze Dang</author><author>Ruian Ma</author><author>Chen Chen</author><author>Qinglin Bian</author><author>Peng Lv</author><author>Yanhu Ji</author><author>Weicheng Gao</author><author>Shunhui Liu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[As nanoscale drug-delivery systems constructed from natural polysaccharides, polysaccharide nanocarriers combine the inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and diverse bioactivities of polysaccharides with the unique size effects and functional plasticity of nanomaterials. This review systematically outlines the structural characteristics and application advantages of common polysaccharide nanocarriers, including those based on chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, fructan, starch, and traditional Chinese medicine. Specifically, the review highlights the mechanisms of bioactivity of these nanocarriers in terms of their antitumor effects, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, as well as neuroprotective effects. Polysaccharide nanocarriers can not only improve the therapeutic index of drugs through targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive release but also exhibit intrinsic bioactivities that synergize with the loaded drugs, enabling integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Although the existing research has demonstrated the considerable potential of polysaccharide nanocarriers in treating complex diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic inflammation, challenges in areas such as structure-activity relationship elucidation, scalable production, long-term safety evolution, and clinical translation remain unresolved. Future research should focus on identifying polysaccharide structure-activity relationships, designing intelligent carriers, and expanding interdisciplinary applications to advance the applications of these nanocarriers in precision medicine and the biomedical field.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1641339</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1641339</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Unlocking the potential of stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels for bone healing applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Abdulla Al Mamun</author><author>Yasmeen Shamiya</author><author>Anwarul Hasan</author><author>Arghya Paul</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Stimuli-responsive, or “smart”, injectable hydrogels respond to real-time stimuli through physical or chemical changes. This allows hydrogels to be dynamic within their environment in the presence of internal or external stimuli. Owing to this, smart injectable hydrogels have gained noticeable implications within the field of biomedicine. Over the past decade, stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels have been extensively studied for wound healing and cancer therapies but remain largely unexplored for bone healing applications. In this mini-review, we aim to explore the role of smart injectable hydrogels and assess their current and future implications within the field of bone healing. Specifically, we discuss the physicochemical and biological aspects that must be taken into consideration when developing a material in this field, as well as the various strategies for designing such a material. Additionally, we discuss the current role of stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels for an array of bone healing applications and their potential for successful clinical translation.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1394166</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1394166</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A 3D-printed, high-strength, and drug-eluting composite for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-06-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Bijan Abar</author><author>Harrison Goonewardene</author><author>Richard Sheng</author><author>Mitchell H. Negus</author><author>Nicholas B. Allen</author><author>Cambre N. Kelly</author><author>Natasha C. Stinson</author><author>Matthew L. Becker</author><author>Joshua T. Thaden</author><author>Samuel B. Adams</author><author>Ken Gall</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPeriprosthetic joint infections are relatively rare complications of total joint replacements. The standard of care for these infections involves the placement of a temporary spacer made of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement combined with antibiotics. The rate of major complication can be as high as 12% for PMMA spacers. Therefore, this study was designed to identify an alternative resin material that could be 3D printed, provide mechanical support necessary for ambulation, and deliver a therapeutic dose of antibiotics over an extended period.MethodsTest substrates were photochemically printed out of Biomed Clear (BMC) loaded with up to 16% gentamicin or 10% vancomycin (wt%). PMMA and BMC composites were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, compression testing, and a 30-day antibiotic elution study.ResultsThe thermoset properties of the BMC allowed for the compressive properties to remain unchanged (post-elution = compressive strength 84–94 MPa) as antibiotics were added to the resin (0–16 wt%). However, antibiotic elution was influenced by the type and concentration of the antibiotic in the composite. In contrast, the thermoplastic properties of PMMA led to a decrease in compressive properties with the addition of antibiotics, but PMMA was able to elute relatively more antibiotics.DiscussionThis study described a novel method to 3D print load bearing materials that can release antibiotics over 30 days. BMC composites have some advantages and disadvantages compared to PMMA that need to be considered when developing new treatments for orthopaedic infections.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1524518</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1524518</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advancing diabetes treatment: from human beta cell technology to bioartificial pancreas development ]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-03-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Joana Sá</author><author>Simone Sá</author><author>Hélène Leménager</author><author>Raquel Costa</author><author>Brigitte Onteniente</author><author>Raquel Soares</author><author>Viviana P. Ribeiro</author><author>Ana L. Oliveira</author>
        <description><![CDATA[In 2021, approximately 537 million people worldwide, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, were affected by diabetes, leading to approximately 6.7 million deaths annually or severe secondary complications including life-threatening hyperglycemia. For nearly 50 years, current therapeutic approaches include full pancreas transplantation and isolated pancreatic islets, more recently, cell therapy such as in vitro generated islets and stem cell derived. The transplantation of pancreatic islet cells can be less invasive than full organ transplantation, however, does not achieve the same rate of functional success due to the low survival of the engrafted cells. Tissue-engineered bioartificial pancreas has been designed to address such issues, improving cell engraftment, survival, and immune rejection problems, with the added advantage that the tissue produced in vitro has an unlimited source of material.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1500758</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1500758</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The cutting-edge applications and properties of carbon nanotubes in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer: a review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-02-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Seyyed Behnam Abdollahi Boraei</author><author>Fateme Kamalinejad</author><author>Negin Kiaei</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Lung cancer, a predominant source of cancer-related mortality, poses considerable obstacles for conventional therapies. Carbon nanotubes, an innovative category of nanomaterials, have surfaced as prospective agents for cancer treatment owing to their distinctive characteristics. This article examines the potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the treatment of lung cancer, emphasizing their roles in targeted drug delivery, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, and gene therapy. The high surface area, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility of CNTs render them optimal for the delivery of anticancer medications, thereby augmenting their efficacy and minimizing side effects. Furthermore, CNTs can be employed in photothermal and photodynamic therapy, facilitating cell death via heat production or oxidative stress. Furthermore, carbon nanotubes can effectively transport genetic material for gene therapy, providing a focused method for lung cancer treatment. Despite limitations like as clinical translation, carbon nanotubes exhibit significant potential as novel instruments for enhancing lung cancer therapy outcomes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1544465</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2025.1544465</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Vaccine adjuvants for immunotherapy: type, mechanisms and clinical applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-02-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Nimeet Desai</author><author>Sherrin Gotru</author><author>Sagar Salave</author><author>Lalitkumar K. Vora</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Immunotherapy has emerged as a powerful approach in treating various diseases, yet its success often hinges on the efficacy of adjuvants, agents that boost immune responses to therapeutic targets. Traditional adjuvants have offered foundational support but may fall short in achieving the specificity and potency required for advanced therapies. This review highlights a new generation of adjuvants poised to address these limitations. We explore a range of innovative agents, including non-inflammatory nucleic acid adjuvants, bacterial derivatives, and synthetic molecules, which are redefining the role of adjuvants in immunotherapy. These emerging agents hold promise for enhancing immune responses while tailoring therapies to specific disease contexts, from cancer to infectious diseases. By examining the applications and potential of these adjuvants, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how they can advance immunotherapy to new levels of efficacy and precision. Through the development of these novel adjuvants, immunotherapy stands to achieve more targeted and sustained impacts, paving the way for improved outcomes in patient care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1457540</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1457540</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development and evaluation of a pH-sensitive, naturally crosslinked alginate-chitosan hydrogel for drug delivery applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-11-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Negin Khatibi</author><author>M. Reza Naimi-Jamal</author><author>Saeed Balalaie</author><author>Ali Shokoohmand</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The development of safe and efficient delivery systems for targeted and controlled release of therapeutic agents has become a major focus in pharmacotherapy. The colon is one organ that serves as an optimal site for the absorption of protein and peptide drugs, offering significant potential for both localized and systemic therapies. However, effective drug delivery is challenged by the need to protect these drugs from premature absorption and maintain their stability across the varying pH levels of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we introduce, for the first time, a fully natural hydrogel system composed of N-acetylated chitosan and alginate, crosslinked using a phenylalanine-phenylalanine dipeptide. The hydrogel demonstrates a unique swelling behavior, allowing for a solvent-free drug-loading method and pH-sensitive release properties. In a colon-simulated pH environment, the hydrogel achieved a high drug release efficiency, with 77.6% of the tested drug sulfasalazine and 51% of hydrocortisone over 5 hours. These findings underscore hydrogel’s potential as a promising drug delivery carrier for targeted gastrointestinal treatments, with the capacity to enhance the efficacy of current therapeutic options.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1420114</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1420114</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Methodological aspects of correlative, multimodal, multiparametric breast cancer imaging: from data acquisition to image processing for AI-based radioproteomics in a preclinical setting]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-10-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Silvester J. Bartsch</author><author>Klára Brožová</author><author>Christoph Fürböck</author><author>Joachim Friske</author><author>Daniela Laimer-Gruber</author><author>Thomas H. Helbich</author><author>Marcus Hacker</author><author>Claudia Kuntner</author><author>Klaus Kratochwill</author><author>Lukas Kenner</author><author>Georg Langs</author><author>Katja Pinker</author><author>Thomas Wanek</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Preclinical high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems offer a diverse array of MRI techniques, providing rich multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) platforms for studying numerous biological parameters. mpMRI platforms prove particularly indispensable when investigating tumors that exhibit profound intratumoral heterogeneity, such as breast cancer. A thoughtful comprehension of the origins of intratumoral heterogeneity is imperative for the judicious assessment of new targeted therapies and treatment interventions. Furthermore, when data from mpMRI are complemented with data from other in vivo imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET), and correlated with data from ex vivo modalities, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS), the in vivo parameters can be further elucidated at a molecular level and microscopic scale. Nevertheless, extracting meaningful scientific insights from such complex datasets necessitates the utilization of machine learning (ML) approaches to discern region-specific radiomic features. The development of correlative, multimodal imaging (CMI) workflows, such as one incorporating MRI, PET and MALDI IMS, is inherently challenging, given the many technological and methodological challenges related to multimodal data acquisition as well as the physiological limitations of the laboratory mice of the investigation. Standardization efforts in image acquisition and processing are required to increase the reproducibility and translatability of CMI data. To address the challenges of developing standardized CMI workflows and stimulate dialog regarding this area of need, we present a practical workflow to investigate tumor heterogeneity in breast cancer xenografts across various spatial scales. Our workflow entails simultaneous functional MRI and PET acquisitions in living mice, followed by correlation with post-imaging MALDI IMS and histologic data. Additionally, we propose data preprocessing steps for potential ML applications. We illustrate the feasibility of this workflow through two examples, showcasing its effectiveness in comparing in vivo and ex vivo images to evaluate tumor metabolism and hypoxia in mice with breast cancer xenografts.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1448902</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1448902</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Histodynamics of calcium phosphate coating on the osseointegration of medical-grade polycaprolactone β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-10-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Flavia Medeiros Savi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Bone formation on implant surfaces occurs via distance and contact osteogenesis, with osseointegration influenced by the implant’s surface topography and coating. However, the traditional mechanisms of osseointegration around metal implant surfaces may not fully encompass the ultimate outcomes of using medical-grade polycaprolactone β-tricalcium phosphate calcium phosphate coated (mPCL-TCP-CaP) scaffolds for the reconstruction of large bone defects. Using histology, immunohistochemical (IHC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses our studies on large bone defects using mPCL-TCP-CaP scaffolds show osteogenic cells forming a fibrous connective matrix around these scaffolds. Despite extensive research, the in vivo mechanisms of osseointegration of CaP-coated mPCL-TCP-CaP scaffolds remain unclear. This study investigates the structural details and spatial organization of the mPCL-TCP-CaP scaffold’s interface, providing insights into the histodynamic processes involved in their osseointegration with CaP coatings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1469485</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1469485</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Women in biomaterials science 2023]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-08-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Silviya P. Zustiak</author><author>Jennifer L. Robinson</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1338115</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1338115</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correlated multimodal imaging in life sciences: lessons learnt]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-07-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Pavitra Sokke Rudraiah</author><author>Rafael Camacho</author><author>Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez</author><author>Dror Fixler</author><author>Jan Grimm</author><author>Florian Gruber</author><author>Matúš Kalaš</author><author>Christopher Kremslehner</author><author>Claudia Kuntner</author><author>Daniela Kuzdas-Wood</author><author>Joakim Lindblad</author><author>Julia G. Mannheim</author><author>Martina Marchetti-Deschmann</author><author>Perrine Paul-Gilloteaux</author><author>Paula Sampaio</author><author>Peter Sandbichler</author><author>Anna Sartori-Rupp</author><author>Nataša Sladoje</author><author>Paul Verkade</author><author>Andreas Walter</author><author>Samuele Zoratto</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Correlated Multimodal Imaging (CMI) gathers information about the same specimen with two or more modalities that–combined–create a composite and complementary view of the sample (including insights into structure, function, dynamics and molecular composition). CMI allows one to reach beyond what is possible with a single modality and describe biomedical processes within their overall spatio-temporal context and gain a mechanistic understanding of cells, tissues, and organisms in health and disease by untangling their molecular mechanisms within their native environment. The field of CMI has grown substantially over the last decade and previously unanswerable biological questions have been solved by applying novel CMI workflows. To disseminate these workflows and comprehensively share the scattered knowledge present within the CMI community, an initiative was started to bring together imaging, image analysis, and biomedical scientists and work towards an open community that promotes and disseminates the field of CMI. This community project was funded for the last 4 years by an EU COST Action called COMULIS (COrrelated MUltimodal imaging in the LIfe Sciences). In this review we share some of the showcases and lessons learnt from the action. We also briefly look ahead at how we anticipate building on this initial initiative.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1455984</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1455984</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Celebrating 1 year of frontiers in biomaterials science]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-07-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Chun Wang</author><author>Virginia Brancato</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1458672</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1458672</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Corrigendum: Macrophage variance: investigating how macrophage origin influences responses to soluble and physical cues with immortalized vs. primary cells in 2D and 3D culture]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-07-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Jodi Graf</author><author>Kartik Bomb</author><author>Michael Trautmann-Rodriguez</author><author>Bader M. Jarai</author><author>Nicole Gill</author><author>April M. Kloxin</author><author>Catherine A. Fromen</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1408748</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1408748</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Tunable gelatin methacrylate polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogels for cell mechanosensing applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-07-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Eya Ferchichi</author><author>Samuel Stealey</author><author>Paige Bogert</author><author>Silviya Petrova Zustiak</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered scaffolds mimic the physiological environment of cells by providing essential structural support, biochemical cues, and the mechanical strength needed for cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Hydrogels like polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) are commonly used biomaterials for cell culture due to their affordability, tunable stiffness, and ability to efficiently transport nutrients and gases. However, PEGDA lacks cell adhesion sites essential for cell proliferation and migration and has limited degradability. Methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) produced from denatured bovine collagen, crosslinks under ultraviolet light (UV) resulting in a degradable hydrogel with cell adhesion sites. Here, we synthesized GelMA with variable degree of methacrylation and crosslinked it with PEGDA to produce cell scaffolds with independently tunable mechanical and biochemical properties by varying the ratios of the two polymers. We determined polymer ratios that resulted in scaffolds with different mechanical properties but the same gelatin concentrations (providing cell adhesion and degradation sites) as well as different gelatin concentrations but the same mechanical properties. With the developed scaffold library, we further used a design of experiments approach to probe the parameter space and perform detailed analysis on chemical composition-scaffold properties as well as scaffold properties-cell behavior correlations. Our findings showed that hydrogel properties such as modulus, swelling, pore size, and permeability, strongly depended on total polymer concentration and not on the GelMA fraction. GelMA significantly influenced cell spreading, while addition of any amount of PEGDA delayed cell spreading significantly. We suggest that such analysis will broaden the utility of the GelMA/PEGDA hydrogels, presenting a versatile platform for mechanosensing research in 3D environments.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1380153</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1380153</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Modelling periodontitis in vitro: engineering strategies and biofilm model development]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-07-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Cong Wang</author><author>Tian Xu</author><author>Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne</author><author>Louis Jun Ye Ong</author><author>Yinghong Zhou</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with dysbiosis in subgingival plaque biofilm, characterised by damage to the periodontal tissues, eventually leading to tooth loss. Hence, the pathophysiology of periodontitis and interaction between subgingival plaque and host tissue under various environmental cues are central to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Therefore, engineering biofilm models that mimic in vivo pathophysiology is crucial to obtaining a clear insight into the pathology and developing targeted therapeutic methods. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the engineering strategies employed of modelling oral biofilms focusing on surface attachment, fluid microenvironment, gas environment, shear force, microbial-host interaction and offer insights into the ongoing challenges and future perspectives, which will enable the development of novel physiological relevant models for oral biofilms.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1362599</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1362599</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Aligned polycaprolactone/polyaniline electrospun nanofibers for directing neural stem cell differentiation and neuron arrangement]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-06-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Michela Licciardello</author><author>Cecilia Traldi</author><author>Matteo Bortolameazzi</author><author>Daniele Testore</author><author>Gianluca Ciardelli</author><author>Chiara Tonda-Turo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The use of engineered biomimetic substrates combined with neural stem cells (NSCs) constitutes a promising approach to develop reliable in vitro models of the nervous tissue. The fabrication of scaffolds with suitable compositional, topographical, and electrical properties is crucial for directing neural cell adhesion, differentiation, and arrangement. Herein, we propose the development of electroconductive polycaprolactone/polyaniline (PCL/PANI) electrospun mats as functional substrates for NSC culture. A rotating drum collector was employed to obtain fibers with aligned geometry. According to the results, the increase in alignment contributed to the reduction of fiber diameter and the increase of scaffold mechanical properties in terms of elastic modulus and tensile strength. In vitro experiments demonstrated the ability of PCL/PANI membranes to support NSC attachment and growth, as well as significantly foster neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, the presence of an aligned pattern was shown to effectively influence the arrangement of NSC-derived neurons, confirming the potential of this substrate for the design of a physiologically relevant culture platform for in vitro investigation of the nervous tissue.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1399448</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1399448</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Macrophage variance: investigating how macrophage origin influences responses to soluble and physical cues with immortalized vs. primary cells in 2D and 3D culture]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-05-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jodi Graf</author><author>Kartik Bomb</author><author>Michael Trautmann-Rodriguez</author><author>Bader M. Jarai</author><author>Nicole Gill</author><author>April M. Kloxin</author><author>Catherine A. Fromen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Macrophages are phagocytic innate immune cells capable of phenotypical switching in response to the local microenvironment. Studies often use either primary macrophages or immortalized cell lines for hypothesis testing, therapeutic assessment, and biomaterial evaluation without carefully considering the potential effects of cell source and tissue of origin, which strongly influence macrophage response. Surprisingly, limited information is available about how, under similar stimuli, immortalized cell lines and primary cells respond in both phenotypical and functional changes. To address this need, in this work, we cultured immortalized macrophage cell lines derived from different origins (i.e., blood, lung, peritoneal) to understand and compare macrophage phenotypical responses, including polarization and plasticity, morphological changes, and phagocytic functionalities, as well as compared primary macrophages extracted from peritoneal and bone marrow to their immortalized cell line counterparts. We found significant differences in baseline expression of different markers (e.g., CD86, MHCII, CD206, and EGR2) amongst different cell lines, which further influence both polarization and repolarization of the cells, in addition to their phagocytic functionality. Additionally, we observed that, while RAW 264.7 cells behave similarly to the primary bone marrow-derived macrophages, there are noticeable phenotypical and functional differences in cell line (IC-21) and primary peritoneal macrophages, highlighting tissue-specific differences in macrophage response amongst cell lines and primary cells. Moving to three-dimensional (3D) culture in well-defined biomaterials, blood-derived primary and cell line macrophages were encapsulated within hydrogel-based synthetic extracellular matrices and their polarization profiles and cell morphologies were compared. Macrophages exhibited less pronounced polarization during 3D culture in these compliant, soft materials compared to two-dimensional (2D) culture on rigid, tissue culture plastic plates. Overall, our findings highlight origin-specific differences in macrophage response, and therefore, careful considerations must be made to identify the appropriate cell source for the application of interest.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1323763</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1323763</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Current challenges in imaging the mechanical properties of tissue engineered grafts]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-05-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Lu Luo</author><author>Kerime Ebrar Okur</author><author>Pierre O. Bagnaninchi</author><author>Alicia J. El Haj</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The mechanical performance of tissue-engineered grafts is crucial in determining their functional properties, integration with native tissue and long-term repair outcome post-implantation. To date, most approaches for testing the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered grafts are non-sterile and invasive. There is an urgent need to develop novel sterile approaches for online monitoring mechanical properties of engineered tissues in order to ensure these engineered products meet the desired mechanical strength prior to implantation. In this paper, we overview various approaches for mechanical testing of engineered tissues, which span from traditional methods to medical imaging concepts in magnetic resonance elastography, ultrasound elastography, and optical coherence elastography. We focused on the applicability of these methods to the manufacturing of tissue-engineered products online, e.g., if such approach provides a sterile monitoring capacity and is capable of defining mechanical heterogeneity in engineered tissues throughout their growth in vitro in real-time. The review delves into various imaging modalities that employ distinct methods for inducing displacement within the sample, utilizing either strain-based or shear wave-based approaches. This displacement can be achieved through external stimulation or by harnessing ambient vibrations. Subsequently, the imaging process captures and visualizes the resultant displacement. We specifically highlight the advantages of novel non-invasive imaging methods such as ultrasound elastography and optical coherence elastography to assess the mechanical properties of engineered tissues in vitro, as well as their potential applications in cancer study, drug screening and the in vivo evaluation of the engineered tissues.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1365781</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1365781</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development of a 3D in vitro human-sized model of cervical dysplasia to evaluate the delivery of ethyl cellulose-ethanol injection]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-05-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ines A. Cadena</author><author>Gatha Adhikari</author><author>Alyssa Almer</author><author>Molly Jenne</author><author>Ndubuisi Obasi</author><author>Nicolas F. Soria Zurita</author><author>Willie E. Rochefort</author><author>Jenna L. Mueller</author><author>Kaitlin C. Fogg</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Introduction: Cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death for women worldwide, remains a preventable yet persistent disease that disproportionately affects women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). While existing therapies for treating cervical dysplasia are effective, they are often inaccessible in LMICs. Ethanol ablation is an alternative low-cost, accessible therapy that we previously enhanced into ethyl cellulose (EC)-ethanol gel formulation to improve efficacy.Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of EC-ethanol, in this study, we developed a 3D in vitro model of cervical dysplasia featuring a central lesion of cervical cancer cells surrounded by fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Using a GelMA hydrogel formulation (8.7% w/v), we successfully built a 3D model that captured the architectural complexity of cervical dysplasia. We evaluated changes in cell coverage and cell viability. Then, we compared the viscoelastic properties of the GelMA hydrogels to human cervical tissue and using micro-CT imaging, we assessed EC-ethanol injection deposition in the hydrogel, revealing retention of virtually the entire injected volume near the injection site. Finally, we measured changes in cell viability and cell coverage after the EC-ethanol injection.Results: The developed 3D in vitro model successfully replicated the architectural complexity of cervical dysplasia, demonstrating high cell viability and capturing cell responses effectively. The GelMA hydrogel formulation (8.7% w/v) exhibited viscoelastic properties akin to human cervical tissue. Micro-CT imaging revealed efficient deposition of EC-ethanol within the hydrogel, with retention of the injected volume near the injection site. Furthermore, the EC-ethanol injection significantly reduced cervical cancer cell viability and cell coverage while preserving healthy cells within the model.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that our 3D in vitro model mirrored the architecture of cervical dysplasia and demonstrated the potential of EC-ethanol for localized treatment of cervical dysplasia.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1360443</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbiom.2024.1360443</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Synergistic antibacterial activity and inhibition of TiO2 nanotube arrays and loaded antibiotics against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-04-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Emmanuel Einyat Opolot</author><author>Haochen Wang</author><author>Jeffrey R. Capadona</author><author>Horst A. von Recum</author><author>Hoda Amani Hamedani</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Introduction: Implantable medical devices continue to be vulnerable to bacterial infections. The unrelenting formation of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains not only exacerbates these infections but also renders the current treatment strategies impotent. The need is greater than ever for innovative and effective approaches to counteract drug-resistant bacteria. This study examines the innate antibacterial properties of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) and their ability to locally deliver antibiotics to inactivate gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, in vitro.Methods: Using a two-step electrochemical anodization process, TNAs with a diameter of ∼100 nm and a length of ∼5 µm were grown on titanium substrates.Results and Discussion: After 24 h of incubation, as-fabricated TNAs showed 100% clearance of Escherichia coli, and 97% clearance of Staphylococcus aureus growth. The antibiotic-loaded TNAs demonstrated sustained slow-release of cefotaxime and imipenem measured over 14 days. In vitro bacterial studies revealed the capability of cefotaxime- and imipenem-loaded TNAs in completely inhibiting the growth with 100% clearance of Klebsiella pneumoniae after 24 and 48 h of incubation. Bacterial inhibition assay revealed a significantly enlarged inhibition zone difference of 18 mm around the imipenem-loaded TNAs against K. pneumoniae compared to the as-fabricated TNAs which was maintained for 7 days with ∼10 μgmL−1 of antibiotic released from the TNAs which was found to be lower than the dose required to completely eradicate multidrug resistant bacteria when used in conjunction with the antibacterial TNAs. The results of our study highlight the potential of TNAs as a versatile platform for addressing treatment strategies related to bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance in implantable medical devices.]]></description>
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