International Journal of Biomaterials最新文献

{"title":"Advances in Smart Hydrogels for Myocardial Infarction Therapy: A Scoping Review of Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.","authors":"Eyram Ahadzi, Otema Darfour Manu, Ruth Antwi-Baah, Henry Agbe, Prince Ebenezer Adjei","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/7925127","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijbm/7925127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Smart hydrogels are stimuli-responsive biomaterials that enable targeted, sustained, and controlled therapeutic delivery. Their unique ability to respond to physiological cues such as pH, temperature, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enzymatic activity makes them highly attractive for myocardial infarction (MI) therapy. This scoping review explores advances, applications, challenges, and future perspectives related to the use of smart hydrogels in MI. An initial comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect yielded 1802 records, from which 32 studies published between 2011 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria under the PRISMA-ScR framework. An updated search identified seven additional eligible studies, bringing the total to 39 included studies. These studies primarily focused on smart hydrogels for delivering bioactive agents, including growth factors, stem cells, exosomes, and nanoparticles, to enhance myocardial regeneration and repair. Evidence from preclinical models consistently demonstrated improvements in myocardial remodeling, angiogenesis, cell survival, and functional cardiac recovery. Despite these encouraging findings, several important limitations were identified. Studies relied on short evaluation periods, lacked long-term follow-up, and were restricted to small-animal models, thereby limiting the robustness of translational insights. Large-animal studies and early clinical investigations remain scarce, highlighting the gap between experimental progress and clinical application. Nonetheless, smart hydrogels stand out as a promising therapeutic platform because of their capacity for localized, adaptive, and sustained responses within the complex postinfarct microenvironment. Future work should prioritize long-term efficacy studies, development of minimally invasive delivery methods, and the use of clinically relevant preclinical models to better facilitate translation to human MI therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7925127"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678413/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149227962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PLGA-Encapsulated Cross-Linked GALC Aggregates as a Hierarchical Nanostructured Platform for Enzyme Stabilization and Delivery.","authors":"Laura Colagiorgio, Mariacristina Gagliardi, Ambra Del Grosso, Sara Carpi, Miriam De Sarlo, Marco Cecchini","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/8346433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijbm/8346433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enzyme aggregation and polymer encapsulation are complementary strategies used to overcome the intrinsic instability and limited bioavailability of hydrophilic enzymes in medical uses. In this work, we report a systematic study of polymer-encapsulated cross-linked enzyme aggregates (pe-CLEAs) as a hierarchical nanostructured platform for the stabilization and delivery of galactosylceramidase (GALC), a lysosomal enzyme used in the enzyme replacement therapy for Krabbe disease. GALC-CLEAs were produced via cross-linking and controlled precipitation, yielding stable aggregates with small hydrodynamic diameters (40-66 nm) and narrow polydispersity index (PDI < 0.1). Scaling up the synthesis by 50-fold markedly enhanced total enzymatic output, reaching 1225.4 ± 213.2 U·mL^-1. GALC-CLEAs were subsequently encapsulated within PLGA nanoparticles. Systematic screening of enzyme-to-polymer ratios revealed an optimal formulation at 75 μg GALC per mg PLGA, displaying a maximum specific activity of 6.0 ± 1.3 U·mg^-1. Colloidal stability and retention assays showed that pe-CLEAs preserved full catalytic activity and retained enzyme confinement over 30 days at 4°C. At 37°C, pe-CLEAs exhibited time-dependent size dynamics while retaining substantial activity. In vitro evaluations in primary fibroblasts derived from Twitcher mice (a Krabbe disease model) demonstrated complete cytocompatibility up to 5.0 mg·mL^-1 and robust intracellular recovery of GALC activity across tested doses (0.5-5.0 mg·mL^-1), outperforming equivalent doses of native enzyme. This work provides a comprehensive physicochemical and functional characterization of pe-CLEAs, elucidating how hierarchical aggregation and polymer encapsulation can synergistically preserve stability and bioactivity. The design principles outlined here support the rational development of polymer-enzyme nanocarriers for enzyme replacement therapy and related biomedical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8346433"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149223962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Zinc-Modified Coconut Husk Biochar.","authors":"Ralph Kwakye, Bright Yaw Vigbedor, Albert Aniagyei, Bernard Owusu Asimeng, Justice Wiston Amstrong Jonathan, Boniface Yeboah Antwi, Frimpong Acheampong, David Neglo, Lumor Ernest Kofi","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/1473366","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijbm/1473366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to develop a low-cost, multifunctional material with both antimicrobial and antioxidant properties by modifying zinc-derived biochar (BC) from coconut husks. The coconut husk BC was produced through oxygen-limited pyrolysis at 450°C and was subsequently modified using a zinc nitrate ion-exchange treatment to create zinc-modified biochar (Zn-BC). Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the retention of the carbonaceous BC matrix along with zinc-containing crystalline domains identified as ZnO. While unmodified BC showed no detectable antimicrobial activity within the tested range (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] > 1 mg·mL^-1), Zn-BC inhibited all tested bacterial and fungal strains at an MIC of 0.5 mg·mL^-1. Zn-BC exhibited enhanced radical-scavenging activity compared to BC, achieving 67.0 ± 1.5% inhibition of DPPH radicals at 5 mg·mL^-1 and 57.6 ± 5.2% inhibition of ABTS radicals at 25 mg·mL^-1. Integration of waste-derived coconut husk BC with zinc modification results in a material that combines broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with measurable antioxidant properties. These findings indicate the need for further evaluation of Zn-BC in water treatment, environmental applications, and the development of antimicrobial surfaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1473366"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"3D-Printed Sodium Alginate/Gelatin/Black Phosphorus Nanosheet Hydrogel Patches for Urethral Stricture Repair.","authors":"Zhidong Ma, Jiafu Liu, Wenzhuo Fang, Jie Yan, Wang Song, Xi Yang, Wenyao Li, Kaile Zhang","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/5745826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijbm/5745826","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The urethral stricture is still a clinical challenge, where bioactive scaffold materials capable of providing critical biological hints are needed to help regenerate the function and also reduce excessive fibrosis. Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) have been identified as promising nanomaterials in tissue engineering; however, their effects on urethral repair, depending on their concentration, remain poorly understood. In this study, we fabricated a porous sodium alginate/gelatin/black phosphorus nanosheet (SA/Gel/BPNS) composite hydrogel patch based on extrusion-based 3D printing technology. The physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the scaffolds were characterized. The biological effects of varying BPNS concentrations on human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) behaviors were systematically investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the regenerative potential of the patches was evaluated in a rabbit model of urethral injury through macroscopic and histological assessments. In vitro assays revealed that BPNS exerts a distinct biphasic regulatory effect on HFFs: Low concentrations (0.25 μg·mL^-1) significantly promoted cell migration and the expression of pro-repair markers (fibronectin, COL1, and <i>α</i>-SMA), while high concentrations (4 μg·mL^-1) inhibited fibrotic marker expression. Transcriptomic analysis further indicated that low-concentration BPNS was associated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, whereas high-concentration BPNS mainly affected ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and Rap1 signaling pathways. In vivo results demonstrated that the SA/Gel/BPNS_0.25 group had the best repair performance, characterized by an intact, smooth urethral surface, enhanced epithelial remodeling, and organized tissue regeneration with reduced fibrous scar deposition compared to the control groups. The SA/Gel/BPNS patch integrates mechanical scaffolding with concentration-dependent biomodulation. Through optimization of BPNS concentrations, this patch effectively facilitates functional urethral healing and mitigates secondary scarring, offering a potential bioengineering solution for the clinical treatment of urethral strictures.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5745826"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13635782/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of Self-Healing Composite Hydrogel Based on Gelatin and Glycerol Reinforced With Silk Amino Acids and Graphene Oxide.","authors":"Chawisorn Samrit, Narongsak Tirasuntarakul, Orapadee Joochim","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/4072513","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijbm/4072513","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Silk amino acids (SAAs) are widely used in tissue engineering and wound healing due to their biocompatibility and good interaction with biological materials. This study aims to develop a composite hydrogel based on gelatin, deionized water (DI water), and glycerol, with the addition of SAAs to study their effect on self-healing capability and graphene oxide (GO) to study its effect on the mechanical properties and healing behavior of the material. From tensile testing, when SAA-containing specimens were cut apart completely and the cut surfaces were brought back into contact and left to heal for 24 h under the specified environmental conditions, the material recovered up to 28.1% of its original tensile strength (the SAAs 20% formulation). For the effect of GO, the addition of GO at 0.5 phr increased the tensile strength by approximately 87% (<i>p</i> = 0.0124), while at the same time reducing the self-healing efficiency to 11.3%-13.4%. The results show that SAA-containing hydrogels can undergo self-healing under the specified environmental conditions, although the recovery of mechanical properties after complete cutting remains limited, and the addition of GO reflects a trade-off between mechanical strength and self-healing capability. The data obtained from this study can be used as a basis for the development and improvement of self-healing hydrogels for biomaterial applications, as well as supporting information for further study in soft prosthetic limbs, soft robotic systems, and medical devices in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4072513"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13601732/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrochemical Deposition and Characterisation of Silver-Containing Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Zinc: Influence of Silver Addition on the Functional Properties of a Biodegradable Implant System.","authors":"Ivana Mojžišová, Radka Gorejová, Evghenii Harea, Tibor Sopčák, Matej Mičušík, Pavlina Jevinová, Kadir Özaltin, Renáta Oriňaková","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/2080076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijbm/2080076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zinc-based materials are promising candidates for biodegradable orthopaedic implants; however, their limited bioactivity and insufficient antibacterial performance restrict broader clinical application. Although Ag-containing hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings have been extensively investigated, most studies have focused on chemically stable substrates, while considerably less attention has been paid to highly reactive biodegradable zinc, for which the effects of silver addition remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study investigated how the introduction of silver influences a previously optimised electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite coating system on zinc. Silver-containing hydroxyapatite (HA-Ag) coatings were prepared by electrochemical deposition and characterised in terms of morphology, chemical composition, phase structure, corrosion behaviour, tribological performance and preliminary biological response. The applied deposition conditions resulted in the formation of a porous and dendritic HA-Ag coating with an average thickness of 45 ± 6.8 μm. SEM and AFM analyses revealed increased surface roughness and dendritic morphology of the coating. XRD, FTIR, EDX and XPS results confirmed the formation of calcium phosphate phases together with the presence of silver-containing species within the coating. The obtained results suggest that silver was present both as metallic particles and in oxidised form associated with the hydroxyapatite layer. Electrochemical measurements performed in Hank's solution indicated a reduced corrosion rate of HA-Ag-coated samples compared to bare zinc. Tribological testing demonstrated altered friction and wear behaviour due to the presence of the ceramic coating. Platelet adhesion assay revealed predominantly spherical platelet morphology, suggesting limited platelet activation under the tested conditions. Antibacterial test performed using the disc diffusion method showed pronounced inhibition zones against <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i> for the HA-Ag-coated samples. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of Ag-containing hydroxyapatite coatings formed directly on biodegradable zinc and demonstrates that introducing silver into a previously optimised hydroxyapatite coating system influences not only the coating characteristics but also the overall coating-substrate system, as evidenced by the formation of AgZn and AgZn₃ intermetallic phases. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to comprehensively assess the biomedical applicability of the developed coating system.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2080076"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13579633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148989928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual Graphene Oxide-Based Multigene Delivery for Cancer Elimination via Stromal and Immune Reprogramming.","authors":"Francesca Grilli, Sadman Sakib, Fabio Variola, Shan Zou","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/3462859","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijbm/3462859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer therapies are often limited by poor cellular specificity and tumor microenvironment-mediated immunosuppression. We developed a dual-function graphene oxide (GO)-based gene delivery platform combining direct cancer cell elimination with stromal and immune reprogramming. CD47-targeting siRNA and ANT1-encoding plasmid DNA selectively induced apoptosis in tumor cells, while TGFβ-targeting siRNA altered cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) phenotype and was associated with a shift in macrophage polarization toward a pro-inflammatory, tumor-restraining phenotype. We evaluated this approach in a 3D multicellular lung cancer model consisting of A549 cells, human lung fibroblasts, and THP1-derived macrophages. TGFβ silencing alone modulated stromal and immune features without direct cytotoxicity, whereas CD47/ANT1 modulation reduced overall cell viability to ∼51%. When both therapeutic functions were applied together, overall cell viability was further reduced to ∼29%. EGFR-targeted GO-CD47-ANT1 (GE11-peptide modified formulation) enhanced tumor-cell uptake and selective apoptosis in CK7⁺ cancer cells to 91%, while sparing CK7^- nonmalignant populations (16%). Mechanistically, combined therapy suppressed immunosuppressive macrophage markers (CD163, IL10, TGFβ), restored epithelial integrity (E-cadherin 3.5-fold), and attenuated CAF activation (αSMA 0.3-fold; vimentin 0.6-fold). GE11 peptide functionalization shifted nanocarrier internalization toward EGFR-mediated cancer cell uptake, minimizing off-target delivery to fibroblasts and macrophages. These findings demonstrate that synergistic modulation of cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment is essential for robust and selective tumor elimination. Our study establishes a modular, mechanism-informed GO platform integrating dual therapeutic functions-targeted cancer cell killing and microenvironmental reprogramming-highlighting its translational potential in physiologically relevant tumor models.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3462859"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148906144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparative Effect of Nano-Zirconia and Nano-Zinc Oxide on Color Stability of Pigmented Maxillofacial Silicone Under Accelerated Aging.","authors":"Shahad Mohammed Shakir, Zryan Jaza Hama Salih, Shahad Fadhil Bunyan, Izzaldeen Yaseen Aljumaily, Faraedon Mohidden Mostafa Zardawi","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/5375243","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijbm/5375243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This in vitro study was designed to assess and compare the color stability of pigmented maxillofacial silicone elastomers reinforced with nano-zirconia and nano-zinc oxide with silicone without nanoparticles following accelerated weathering at various time intervals. A total of 150 disc-shaped pigmented maxillofacial silicone specimens were prepared and classified into one control group of 50 silicone elastomers pigmented without nanoparticles and two experimental groups of 50 nano-zirconia (ZrO₂) and 50 nano-zinc oxide (ZnO). The samples were then exposed to artificial weathering for 200, 400, and 600 h of accelerated weathering. All color measurements were performed at baseline and after aging using same specimens assigned to each interval with a spectrophotometer in the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIELAB) color space. Color differences (ΔE) were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser correction (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Color change values of both groups increased markedly with time aging, indicating that nanoparticle reinforcement significantly influenced the color change over time. At all aging intervals, the ZrO₂ group demonstrated the lowest ΔE values, followed by ZnO, while the control group exhibited the highest discoloration. After 600 h of accelerated aging, mean ΔE values were 3.23 for the control group, 2.82 for ZnO, and 2.16 for ZrO₂, exhibiting a superior color stability of zirconia-reinforced silicone. Nano-ZrO₂ showed better color change stability than nano-ZnO at all aging periods, indicating that it may be used to increase the esthetic longevity of maxillofacial silicone prosthesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5375243"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13525542/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148856991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Biocompatibility and Cellular Response of Geristore in Comparison With Different Glass Ionomer Materials on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells: A Comparative Study on Deep Marginal Elevation.","authors":"Mahsa Radafshar, Ardavan Parhizkar","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/4877922","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijbm/4877922","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The aim of the current study was to evaluate the biological response(s) of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells to Geristore (GS) and compare them with those of conventional glass ionomers (GIs) to determine their impacts on performance and success in deep margin elevation techniques.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Samples of GS, GI Fuji II, and resin-modified glass ionomer (RGI) Fuji II LC were prepared as 6 × 2 mm discs under aseptic conditions and then incubated in 24-well plates. Next, cytotoxicity was investigated using MTT assay after 48 h of exposure with HGFs. In addition, cell morphology was studied via scanning electron microscopy following 48-h incubation. Furthermore, cell adhesion was analyzed using fluorescent staining with phalloidin/4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The MTT assay demonstrated that all tested materials exhibited biocompatibility and nontoxicity, with significantly high cell viability after 48 h (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Notably, GS showed superior metabolic activity relative to GI and RGI (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, microscopic analysis revealed that GS promoted the most pronounced fibroblastic morphology and cellular processes. Fluorescent staining confirmed higher cell adhesion density on GS compared to GI and RGI, particularly after 48 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The obtained findings could position GS as a promising candidate for scenarios demanding biological compatibility and reparative capabilities in dental applications, specifically in deep margin elevation.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4877922"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13501122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148812946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Osteogenic Differentiation Properties of BLGFs/ODEX Hydrogel Doped With Collagen Derived From <i>Chambo</i> tilapia Fish Skin.","authors":"Bhahat Lawlley Zimba, Xiaohan Yang, Mwemezi Rwiza, Elingarami Sauli, Shenqi Wang","doi":"10.1155/ijbm/8564127","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijbm/8564127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bone defects caused by trauma, congenital disorders and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis remain a major clinical challenge, especially in developing regions. Although bone grafting is the current gold standard for treating bone defects, it faces limitations, including donor site morbidity, limited availability and immune rejection. This study developed and evaluated a novel hybrid biomaterial composed of bovine β-lactoglobulin fibrils (BLGFs), oxidized dextran (ODEX) and collagen (COL) extracted from <i>Chambo</i> tilapia fish skin for bone tissue engineering applications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>BLGFs were synthesized from whey protein, while ODEX was produced by oxidizing dextran. Three biomaterials-COL, BLGFs/ODEX and BLGFs/ODEX/COL-were synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Cytocompatibility and haemocompatibility were assessed through MTT and haemolysis assays using rat red blood cells. Osteogenic potential was evaluated by Alizarin Red staining after culturing rat bone marrow stem cells in osteoinduction media.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The BLGFs/ODEX/COL hydrogel exhibited better porosity, biocompatibility and mechanical stability. SEM and MTT results confirmed robust cell adhesion, spreading, and viability, while haemolysis rates remained below 5%. Enhanced calcium deposition in rBMSCs indicated strong osteogenic differentiation. These results demonstrate that the BLGFs/ODEX/COL hydrogel is a promising, affordable, and biocompatible scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":13704,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biomaterials","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8564127"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13428173/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148653252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}