Journal of Biomaterials Applications最新文献

{"title":"3D printed topologically adjustable oxygen-supply scaffolds for angiogenesis and bone regeneration.","authors":"Wei Liu, Yuyu Zhang, Zhibin Qiu, Zekun Zhang, Hong Hu, Zheng Xie, Mei Tu, Tao Huang","doi":"10.1177/08853282251395195","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08853282251395195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Degradation of Silk fibroin (SF) provides essential nutrients such as amino acids and peptides for cell proliferation, but cannot provide a slow and sustained O₂ release for osteoblastogenesis, which limits the bone repair effects. For the fabrication of highly personalized and complex bone repair scaffolds, 3D printing technology acts as a tailored tool for the clinical challenge. Therefore, we designed a SilMA/XLG/CaO₂ scaffold system for O₂ supply, which consists of modified photo-crosslinking SF (SilMA), lithium magnesium silicate (XLG) and CaO₂. The combination of modified SF (SilMA) and lithium magnesium silicate (XLG) improves the printability and topological controllability, promoting vascularization and osteogenesis differentiation. Besides, the multi-dimensional modification of CaO₂ enhances the mechanical properties of the scaffolds as well as the adjustability of the O₂ release, providing favorable conditions for osteoblastogenesis. Most importantly, the topology and oxygen release of the 3D printed scaffolds synergistically induced neovascularization and osteoblast differentiation with Mg²⁺ generated by scaffold degradation. Mechanistically, SilMA/XLG/CaO₂ upregulates of angiogenic factors VEGF, CD31, and key osteogenesis proteins RUNX2 and BMP-2, resulting in collagen production and calcium deposition. Overall, our study provides a new strategy for bioactive scaffold preparation that exhibits significant clinical potentials for complex bone defects.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"1274-1285"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145452045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Peptide-functionalized nanomaterials for controlled drug delivery and regenerative therapies in retinal diseases.","authors":"Razieh Dashti, Fariba Safaei, Golfam Sadeghian, Seyyed Abed Hosseini, Milad Salimibani","doi":"10.1177/08853282251395196","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08853282251395196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Degenerative retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinitis pigmentosa, cause irreversible vision loss by destroying vital retinal cells and represent major global health concerns. Traditional therapies have limited success in fully restoring vision due to the complex retinal structure and blood-retinal barriers (BRBs), though they may help alleviate symptoms or slow disease progression in some cases. Nanochemistry and peptide-based systems represent breakthrough approaches by leveraging nanoscale precision and biological specificity. This review examines the chemical design and synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), nanoscaffolds, and peptide conjugates used in retinal neural regeneration. It also explores their biomedical applications, especially in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cellular repair. Biodegradable polymeric NPs, liposomes, and hybrid nanostructures are designed to cross barriers, release drugs in a controlled manner, and enhance biocompatibility. PEGylation improves stability and reduces immune responses in the ocular environment, while peptide functionalization enables specific cellular targeting and minimizes inflammatory reactions. Peptide-functionalized platforms, such as RGD-modified NPs and self-assembling hydrogels, provide receptor-mediated targeting and extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicry to support retinal regeneration for improved stem cell differentiation and neuroprotection. We discuss drug/gene delivery mechanisms, cellular interactions, and immune modulation, as well as neuroprotection, stem cell therapy, and diagnostic applications. Preclinical studies have demonstrated promising efficacy in animal models; however, concerns regarding scalability, long-term safety, and non-invasive delivery persist. Next-generation technologies, such as stimuli-responsive NPs, computationally designed peptides, and patient-specific delivery systems, are on the horizon to address unmet clinical needs. By marrying nanochemistry's precision with peptides' bioactivity, these technologies have the potential to transform retinal disease treatment, enabling the restoration of vision and an improvement in quality of life for millions of people worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"1235-1262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145444948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated Janus silk fibroin membranes for periodontal-guided tissue regeneration.","authors":"Xiao-Qing Qian, Xue Xu, Meng Zhang, Yu-Qing Zhang, Hai-Yan Wang","doi":"10.1177/08853282251405353","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08853282251405353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Membrane materials containing dense and porous layers are greatly needed for periodontal-guided tissue regeneration (GTR) surgery. Silk fibroin (SF) has been widely used in medical biomaterials. However, conventional methods make it difficult to prepare suitable SF membranes for periodontal GTR. Here, an integrated Janus SF membrane (JSFM)-a membrane with two distinct sides-with dense and porous layers was directly prepared by unidirectional nanopore dehydration (UND) and freeze-drying. The effects of UND duration on the JSFM were examined. In addition, the biocompatibility of the membranes was examined in vitro and in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the resulting membrane had a Janus structure when the UND was performed for less than 4.5 h. With extended UND duration, the Janus structure disappeared, and the swelling ratio and water uptake abilities of the membranes decreased significantly while the mechanical properties were enhanced. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that the crystalline structure of the porous layer gradually increased with increasing UND duration. The in vivo study indicated that the membrane could support the growth and proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells (hPDLs), and the dense layer of the membrane effectively prevented the migration of hPDLs. The in vivo study performed in rats demonstrated that the membranes have good biocompatibility. Therefore, a new membrane type with a special Janus structure was developed. The membrane shows excellent biocompatibility and can intercept cells for exploitation in various biomedical applications, particularly in periodontal GTR.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"1309-1322"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145604140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"3D GelMA-Chitosan constructs regulate mesenchymal stem cell fate via YAP-dependent mechanotransduction for spinal cord injury repair.","authors":"Qinglin Luo, Xiangyong Que, You Zhou, Maopeng Wang, Xiaokang Zhu, Han Wang, Jingwei Jiu, Xinzhi Li","doi":"10.1177/08853282261445702","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282261445702","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in irreversible neuronal loss, cystic cavitation, and a chronically hostile microenvironment that severely limits endogenous repair. Conventional stem cell transplantation is frequently compromised by low cell survival, uncontrolled differentiation, and rapid cell loss. To address these challenges, we developed a mechano-responsive, three-dimensional bioprinted scaffold composed of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and chitosan (CS), featuring an elastic modulus of 10.0 kPa, interconnected porous architecture, and photocrosslinkable bioactivity that recapitulate key mechanical characteristics of native spinal cord tissue. When loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the scaffold promoted cytoplasmic sequestration of yes-associated protein (YAP), thereby directing MSC fate toward a neurogenic phenotype, accompanied by enhanced expression of stemness markers (NANOG and OCT4) and increased paracrine secretion of neurotrophic factors, including GDNF, NGF, and NT-3. In a rat complete spinal cord transection model, implantation of the MSC-laden scaffold significantly improved BBB locomotor scores and pain thresholds within 4 weeks. Histological analyses further revealed increased MAP2-positive axonal regeneration, enhanced MBP-positive myelination, and reduced GFAP-positive glial scar formation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a scalable and effective strategy that integrates biomimetic mechanical cues with controlled stem cell fate regulation to promote functional neural regeneration following SCI.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"8853282261445702"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147772383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioactive chitosaan-nicotinamide mononucleotide-naringin composite scaffolds for enhanced maxillofacial bone regeneration.","authors":"Peiyao Chen, Qixin Hao","doi":"10.1177/08853282261443995","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282261443995","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maxillofacial bone defects remain a complex clinical challenge due to their complex anatomy and limited regenerative capacity. In this study, a bioactive chitosan (CS) scaffold co-incorporated with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and naringin (Ng) was designed to stimulate osteogenesis and cellular metabolism for enhanced bone regeneration. Fourier-transform infrared analysis verified successful molecular integration of NMN and Ng within the chitosan framework, while scanning electron microscopy showed a uniformly porous surface favorable for stem-cell adhesion. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) cultured on CS/NMN/Ng scaffolds exhibited enhanced cell proliferation, mitochondrial activity, and osteogenic differentiation compared with unmodified chitosan. At the cellular level, calcium deposition was markedly increased; molecular analysis confirmed up-regulated expression of Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and type-I collagen. The bone regenerative capacity was further validated in a rat mandibular defect model, where micro-computed tomography and histological staining demonstrated near-complete closure of the defect with increased bone volume fraction and trabecular density after 8 weeks. Overall, the NMN-naringin-functionalized chitosan scaffold provides a metabolically active, osteoinductive microenvironment that promotes bone regeneration, indicating a translational potential for maxillofacial and craniofacial bone tissue engineering applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"8853282261443995"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment of a multi-targeted magnetic combined enrichment system for circulating tumor cells in gastric cancer and analysis of their genomic profiles.","authors":"Linfei Huang, Yuelu Ruan, Lei Zhu, Jing Xu","doi":"10.1177/08853282261443671","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282261443671","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study aims to establish an efficient Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) multi-targeted magnetic combined sorting system for Gastric cancer (GC), while comparing it with tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) samples to evaluate its feasibility and consistency for genomic profiling analysis. <b>Method:</b> Establish an efficient CTCs sorting system for GC targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule, cell surface vimentin, and protein tyrosine kinase 7, and evaluate its physicochemical properties and cell capture efficiency. Assess the feasibility of tumor cell detection through animal experiments. Sixty-eight GC patients underwent CTCs detection. Clinical information was analyzed to evaluate the clinical utility of CTCs in the auxiliary diagnosis of GC. Next-generation sequencing was performed on GC tissue, CTCs, and ctDNA samples to assess the consistency of genetic mutations across different sample types. <b>Results:</b> The constructed CTCs sorting system exhibits excellent physicochemical properties, achieving a capture rate of 94.68%. Animal studies confirm a positive correlation between tumor cells count and tumor volume. The number of CTCs in the blood of GC patients is significantly correlated with tumor size, stage, and metastasis. The CTCs count in GC patients is significantly higher than in healthy individuals and high-risk groups for cancer, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 97.29% and 97.73%, respectively. The mutation detection rate in CTCs samples was significantly higher than that in tissue and ctDNA samples. The concordance rate between CTCs and tissue mutations was 24.32%, while the concordance rate between CTCs and ctDNA mutations was 19.05%. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study successfully established a multi-target combined CTCs multi-targeted magnetic combined sorting system for GC. CTCs detection based on this system can be used for the auxiliary diagnosis of GC patients. Furthermore, compared to GC tissue and ctDNA samples, CTCs detection enables more comprehensive genomic profiling analysis and serves as an important supplement to GC genomic analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"8853282261443671"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The application of biomimetic scaffolds in temporomandibular joint disc regeneration research: Current advances and future challenges.","authors":"Xuelian Su, Guangjie Bao, Jinting Zhang, Jing Wen, Bing Han","doi":"10.1177/08853282261443599","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282261443599","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a structurally heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous tissue characterized by sparse vascularity and inherently limited regenerative capacity. Although tissue engineering strategies have made significant progress in promoting TMJ disc regeneration, the resulting neotissue often fails to fully recapitulate the native tissue's biomechanical properties and ultrastructure. To enhance the functional integration of cells with scaffolds and engineer fibrocartilage that closely mimics native structure of the TMJ disc, the development of biomimetic scaffolds capable of recapitulating both structural heterogeneity and anisotropy has emerged as a pivotal focus in tissue regeneration research. This article presents a systematic overview of the current state of application and challenges of biological scaffolds in fibrocartilage regeneration research, focusing on five key domains: micro-mechanically guided anisotropic biomimetic scaffolds, functionally modified decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), immunomodulatory composite scaffolds, scaffold pore architecture, and spatiotemporally controlled delivery systems. Collectively, these advances lay a robust theoretical foundation and experimental framework for the rational design of biomimetic scaffolds in TMJ disc tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"8853282261443599"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shifting the clinical paradigm: Copper versus silver wound dressings - Where we are and what we are looking for.","authors":"Ithamar Cheyne, Mateusz Rybka, Łukasz Mazurek, Jan Jurak, Marek Konop","doi":"10.1177/08853282251392491","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08853282251392491","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of nanoparticle-based wound dressings marks a significant advancement in the management of chronic and non-healing wounds. Silver-based dressings have been used in wound management due to their strong antimicrobial properties. However, their clinical effectiveness depends on formulation, concentration, and duration of use. Recently, copper oxide dressings (CODs) have emerged as a novel alternative, offering both antimicrobial and regenerative benefits. We reviewed clinical studies, meta-analyses, and cost-effectiveness analyses on silver nanoparticle (AgNP), ionic silver, nanocrystalline silver, and copper oxide dressings across various wound types, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and burns. Emphasis was placed on dressing formulations, silver or copper concentrations, clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Traditional silver formulations, such as silver sulfadiazine (1%) and silver nitrate (0.5%), demonstrate antimicrobial activity but are limited by cytotoxicity and lack of long-term healing benefits. Nanocrystalline silver and ionic silver hydrofiber dressings provide sustained release, proving most effective in infection-prone and early inflammatory phases. Enhanced formulations (Aquacel® Ag + Extra™) show promise in treating biofilm-related wounds but need more robust data. By contrast, CODs have demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy alongside stimulation of angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Early clinical evidence suggests that CODs may accelerate healing in refractory wounds and offer cost advantages over negative pressure therapy, though large-scale trials remain limited. Silver dressings, particularly nanocrystalline and ionic hydrofiber formulations, remain clinically useful for infection control and short-term wound management, while older silver salts are less favorable due to toxicity and limited efficacy. CODs represent a biologically attractive alternative with dual antimicrobial and regenerative properties. Nonetheless, the current body of evidence is insufficient to declare a paradigm shift in wound healing, and CODs should presently be regarded as promising adjuncts pending validation in high-quality randomized trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"1081-1093"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145354933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Osteogenic differentiation by pre-osteoblasts is enhanced more on 3D-PRINTED poly-ɛ-caprolactone scaffolds coated with collagen and hydroxyapatite than on poly-ɛ-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds coated with collagen.","authors":"Ali Moghaddaszadeh, Mohammad Ehsan Ghiasvand, Hadi Seddiqi, Sonia Abbasi-Ravasjani, Jenneke Klein-Nulend","doi":"10.1177/08853282251392820","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08853282251392820","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Three-dimensional (3D)-printed poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds lack sufficient bioactivity for optimal bone tissue engineering applications. This shortcoming can be overcome by coating PCL scaffolds with collagen and hydroxyapatite (PCL/col-HA) or by applying a collagen coating to PCL-HA composite scaffolds (PCL-HA/col). Here we aimed to test which type of scaffold is more effective in stimulating osteogenic activity. Moreover, the scaffolds' physicomechanical properties were characterized. 3D-printed PCL/col-HA containing 10, 20, or 30% HA particles, and 3D-printed PCL-HA/col containing 10, 20, or 30% HA particles with collagen coating were fabricated. MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were cultured on the scaffolds for 14 days. The physicomechanical properties of the scaffolds and pre-osteoblast functionality were evaluated through experiments and finite element (FE) modeling. We found that coating of PCL scaffolds with collagen and HA or coating of PCL-HA composite scaffolds with collagen changed the geometry and topography of the scaffold surfaces. Furthermore, PCL/col-HA and PCL-HA/col showed higher surface roughness and elastic modulus, but lower water contact angle, than PCL scaffolds. FE-modeling showed that all scaffolds tolerated up to 2% compressive strain, which was lower than their yield stress. 3D-printed PCL/col-HA and PCL-HA/col scaffolds promoted pre-osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic activity compared to unmodified PCL scaffolds. PCL-HA/col scaffolds increased pre-osteoblast proliferation and collagen deposition, whereas PCL/col-HA scaffolds increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Osteogenic activity of pre-osteoblasts was more enhanced on 3D-printed PCL/col-HA scaffolds than on PCL-HA/col scaffolds, particularly in the short-term, which seems promising for <i>in vivo</i> bone tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"1183-1197"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12957415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145389803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and evaluation of a ropivacaine-loaded hydrogel for prolonged nerve blockade and local anesthesia.","authors":"Qunfei Zhang, Qihang Yang, Zhen Chen, Xue Hou, Shanshan Qian, Xiaodi Yang, Jing Liu, Chunming Yin","doi":"10.1177/08853282251387512","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08853282251387512","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the <i>in vitro</i> characteristics of a ropivacaine-loaded hydrogel designed for sustained local anesthesia, using a gelatin matrix crosslinked with different concentrations of NHS-PEG-NHS. The hydrogel was comprehensively characterized through electron microscopy, rheology, biocompatibility testing, drug release and degradation analysis, and neurotoxicity assessment. Results showed the hydrogel had excellent gelation properties, a porous 3D network structure with pore size decreasing as crosslinker concentration increased, and enhanced gel strength with higher crosslinker concentrations. As the crosslinker content increases, the network pore size decreases, enabling sustained drug release and thereby prolonging the duration of nerve block. It also demonstrated good biocompatibility, demonstrate the viability of <i>in vivo</i> experiments. In drug release studies, the hydrogel effectively controlled ropivacaine release, achieving a more linear profile and reducing initial burst release. This demonstrates the material's suitability for sustained-release delivery systems. Degradation studies indicated the hydrogel could persist locally for extended periods, which determine the drug's sustained release behavior within the body and consequently dictate the duration of nerve block. The neurotoxicity of local anesthetics exhibits a dose-dependent relationship. <i>In vitro</i> neurotoxicity experiments demonstrate that gel-loaded drugs significantly attenuate the neurotoxicity of ropivacaine, with the degree of toxicity reduction positively correlated with NHS-PEG-NHS content. This indicates that the sustained-release properties of hydrogel materials prevent the abrupt release of drugs. Sciatic nerve block was performed in mice using 0.144% w/v ropivacaine. The free-ropivacaine group exhibited a sensory block duration of 3.2 h and a motor block duration of 2.24 h. In contrast, the hydrogel formulation significantly prolonged analgesia, extending sensory blockade to approximately 13.66 h and motor blockade to 10.35 h, while inducing only minimal inflammatory responses at the injection site. The study concluded that the ropivacaine-loaded hydrogel, with its 3D crosslinked network structure, effectively modulated drug release kinetics, prolonged nerve blockade, and reduced neurotoxicity, offering a promising novel solution for local anesthetic formulation improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":15138,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomaterials Applications","volume":" ","pages":"1141-1152"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145313010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}