{"title":"Bioglasses Versus Bioactive Calcium Phosphate Derivatives as Advanced Ceramics in Tissue Engineering: Comparative and Comprehensive Study, Current Trends, and Innovative Solutions.","authors":"Monika Furko","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050161","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tissue engineering represents a revolutionary approach to regenerating damaged bones and tissues. The most promising materials for this purpose are calcium phosphate-based bioactive ceramics (CaPs) and bioglasses, due to their excellent biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and bioactivity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative analysis of different bioactive calcium phosphate derivatives and bioglasses, highlighting their roles and potential in both bone and soft tissue engineering as well as in drug delivery systems. We explore their applications as composites with natural and synthetic biopolymers, which can enhance their mechanical and bioactive properties. This review critically examines the advantages and limitations of each material, their preparation methods, biological efficacy, biodegradability, and practical applications. By summarizing recent research from scientific literature, this paper offers a detailed analysis of the current state of the art. The novelty of this work lies in its systematic comparison of bioactive ceramics and bioglasses, providing insights into their suitability for specific tissue engineering applications. The expected primary outcomes include a deeper understanding of how each material interacts with biological systems, their suitability for specific applications, and the implications for future research directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111832/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Squid Skin Decellularised Dermal Matrix for Enhancing Repair of Acute Cranial Injuries in Rabbit Model.","authors":"Lixin Liu, Yida Pang, Haoze Yang, Qiyi Zhou, JinHua Hou, Wenhui Wu, Jeevithan Elango","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050159","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Squid skin decellularized dermal matrix (SADM) is gaining attention in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its mimicking of the extracellular matrix property. Hence, SADM was used to investigate mimicking the microenvironment of cellular growth, inducing cellular infiltration and angiogenesis, and facilitating the repair of acute craniofacial wounds. For this, tissue regeneration membranes from squid skin were prepared by decolorization, degreasing and decellularisation methods. The effect of SADM in guiding bone tissue regeneration was evaluated using the rabbit skull bone defect model. SEM images of SADM had a bilayer membrane architecture characterized by a reticulated porous structure on one side and a dense, non-porous surface on the opposite side. Notably, the water absorption capacity of SADM was approximately eight times higher than its weight, exhibiting a porosity of 58% and a peak average tensile stress of 10.43 MPa. Additionally, simulations of tissue fluid degradation indicated a degradation rate of 70.42% and 88.33% on days 8 and 12, respectively. Following 4 and 8 weeks of animal studies focused on repairing cranial bone defects in rabbits, the findings demonstrated that SADM served as an effective barrier against fibrous connective tissue, promoted the proliferation of osteoblasts, and supported bone regeneration. This was confirmed through micro-CT imaging, and sections were stained with senna solid green. In summary, SADM is capable of directing cell infiltration and bone tissue formation, modulating the expression and secretion of inflammatory and skin repair-related factors, thereby enhancing tissue healing.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12112640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combined Effects of Dual-Scale Modified Surface with Micro- and Nanostructures on the Cellular Biocompatibility, Osteoinduction, and Antibacterial Properties of Titanium Implants.","authors":"Shaheer Maher, Nenad L Ignjatović, Miloš Lazarević, Sanja Petrović, Andrijana Žekić, Dusan Losic","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050157","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Titanium implants are widely used in biomedical applications due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, implant-associated bacterial infections and suboptimal osseointegration remain significant challenges. Recent studies have demonstrated that the interplay between micro- and nanostructures can enhance both biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. This study explores the synergistic effects of hierarchical and dual surface topography on Ti surfaces with micro- and nanostructures to demonstrate their ability to promote cellular biocompatibility and osteoinduction while simultaneously inhibiting bacterial colonization. The combination of selective laser melting (SLM) to create micro-structured surfaces and hydrothermal processes is used to generate distinctive nanopillar structures. By integrating nanoscale features that mimic the extracellular matrix with microscale topographies that influence cellular responses, we achieve a balance between enhanced osseointegration and antimicrobial performance. The physicochemical properties of these dual-scale topographies are characterized through cellular assays using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), demonstrating sustained support for long-term cell viability (above 78% in MTT and NR assays (<i>p</i> < 0.05), low levels of LDH release, and high levels of cellular migration) and osteoinduction (statistically significant (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) ALP activity increase and higher levels of calcified matrix deposition, upregulation of <i>ALP</i> and <i>OCN</i> genes compared with smooth surface topographies). Their antibacterial properties against <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>E. coli</i> showed a significant reduction (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. Our findings highlight the potential of multi-scale surface modifications as a promising strategy for next-generation titanium implants, paving the way for improved clinical outcomes in orthopedic and dental applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ajay Vikram Singh, Mohammad Hasan Dad Ansari, Arindam K Dey, Peter Laux, Shailesh Kumar Samal, Paolo Malgaretti, Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, Madleen Busse, Mrutyunjay Suar, Veronica Tisato, Donato Gemmati
{"title":"Bioinspired Soft Machines: Engineering Nature's Grace into Future Innovations.","authors":"Ajay Vikram Singh, Mohammad Hasan Dad Ansari, Arindam K Dey, Peter Laux, Shailesh Kumar Samal, Paolo Malgaretti, Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, Madleen Busse, Mrutyunjay Suar, Veronica Tisato, Donato Gemmati","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050158","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article explores the transformative advances in soft machines, where biology, materials science, and engineering have converged. We discuss the remarkable adaptability and versatility of soft machines, whose designs draw inspiration from nature's elegant solutions. From the intricate movements of octopus tentacles to the resilience of an elephant's trunk, nature provides a wealth of inspiration for designing robots capable of navigating complex environments with grace and efficiency. Central to this advancement is the ongoing research into bioinspired materials, which serve as the building blocks for creating soft machines with lifelike behaviors and adaptive capabilities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can unlock new possibilities in soft machines, shaping a future where robots seamlessly integrate into and interact with the natural world, offering solutions to humanity's most pressing challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12112459/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nagisa Matsui, Mayumi Maesako, Ahmad Alkhazaleh, Masao Irie, Akimasa Tsujimoto
{"title":"Correlation Between Polymerization Shrinkage and Filler Content for Universal Shade Flowable Resin-Based Composites.","authors":"Nagisa Matsui, Mayumi Maesako, Ahmad Alkhazaleh, Masao Irie, Akimasa Tsujimoto","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050155","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to measure the filler content by weight and volume of universal shade flowable resin-based composites and analyze the correlation between polymerization shrinkage and filler content. The filler content by weight of six universal shade flowalble resin-based composites (Bulk Base Hard II Medium Flow, A-Uno Flow Basic, Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Low, Gracefill Low Flow, Omnichroma Flow, Omnichroma Flow Bulk) was measured in accordance with ISO 17304. The filler content by volume of each flowable resin-based composite was determined by measuring the density of the filler using a dry density meter, and the filler content by volume of the composite was calculated from the densities obtained. The correlations between filler content by weight or volume, polymerization shrinkage and filler content by weight ratio, and polymerization shrinkage and filler content by volume were analyzed. The filler content of the universal flowable resin-based composites ranged from 59.40 to 69.81% (by weight) and from 40.61 to 54.84% (by volume), and the correlations between the values for filler content of the composites by weight and volume were weakly negative and not statistically significant. The correlations between polymerization shrinkage (3.15-4.48%) and filler content by weight or volume were also not statistically significant.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12112341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Influence of Thermocycling and Ultraviolet Aging on Surface Characteristics and the Repair Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Resin Nanoceramics.","authors":"Beyza Unalan Degirmenci, Alperen Degirmenci, Zelal Seyfioglu Polat","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050156","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The durability of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin nanoceramics in the oral environment is influenced by aging factors such as thermocycling and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This study investigates the impact of these aging processes on surface characteristics and repair bond strength.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic samples were divided into the following five groups: control (non-aged), 1-year and 5-year thermocycling, and 1-year and 5-year UV aging (<i>n</i> = 12). For the thermocycling procedure, the parameters employed were a temperature range of 5-55 °C with dwell times of 20 s per bath and 10,000 and 50,000 cycles; for the ultraviolet aging process, the parameters were established at a wavelength of 340 nm, an intensity of 0.55 W/m², and durations of 300 h and 1500 h. Surface roughness, microhardness, and repair bond strength were analyzed through profilometry, Vickers microhardness testing, and shear bond strength assessment, respectively. SEM, AFM, and XRD analyses were performed for structural evaluation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both thermocycling and UV aging significantly increased surface roughness (<i>p</i> < 0.001) while reducing microhardness and repair bond strength (<i>p</i> < 0.001). UV aging had a more pronounced effect, particularly after five years, leading to the highest surface roughness (Ra: 61.77 μm; Rz: 271.57 μm) and lowest microhardness properties (63.13). EDAX analysis indicated matrix degradation and an increase in inorganic filler exposure.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Aging significantly affects the surface characteristics of CAD/CAM resin nanoceramics, with UV aging exhibiting the most detrimental impact. These findings highlight the necessity of considering long-term material stability in dentistry.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12112588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristian Scheau, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu, Constantin Caruntu
{"title":"Functional Biomaterials: Scaffolds for Innovative Treatments.","authors":"Cristian Scheau, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu, Constantin Caruntu","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050154","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Numerous therapies for a multitude of pathologies have reached their limits [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12112639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weronika Radecka, Wiktoria Nogalska, Maria Siemionow
{"title":"Peripheral Nerve Protection Strategies: Recent Advances and Potential Clinical Applications.","authors":"Weronika Radecka, Wiktoria Nogalska, Maria Siemionow","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050153","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are a significant clinical challenge, often resulting in persistent sensory and motor deficits despite surgical repair. Autologous nerve grafts remain the gold standard for repair; however, outcomes are frequently suboptimal due to donor site morbidity and inconsistent functional recovery. A major obstacle in nerve regeneration is the formation of postoperative adhesions and fibrosis, which impede healing and necessitate revision surgeries. Nerve protectors from biological, synthetic, and hybrid materials offer a promising tissue engineering strategy to enhance nerve regeneration. These protectors are applied as a protective barrier when a nerve is severed without the gap, allowing for direct repair. They provide mechanical support and reduce scarring. Biocompatible biological wraps, including vascularized fat flaps, vein wraps, collagen-based materials, human amniotic membrane (hAM), porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS), and chitosan, modulate immune responses and promote vascularization. Synthetic alternatives, like polycaprolactone (PCL), provide mechanical stability with controlled degradation. Hybrid wraps, such as PCL-amnion, combine the benefits of both. Despite optimistic results, the heterogeneity of study methodologies hinders direct comparisons and standardization. This review highlights the latest developments in nerve wraps, their clinical applications, limitations, and future potential, guiding clinicians in selecting the most appropriate materials for peripheral nerve repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111848/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clemence Futila Bukatuka, Bricard Mbituyimana, Lin Xiao, Abeer Ahmed Qaed Ahmed, Fuyu Qi, Manjilla Adhikari, Zhijun Shi, Guang Yang
{"title":"Recent Trends in the Application of Cellulose-Based Hemostatic and Wound Healing Dressings.","authors":"Clemence Futila Bukatuka, Bricard Mbituyimana, Lin Xiao, Abeer Ahmed Qaed Ahmed, Fuyu Qi, Manjilla Adhikari, Zhijun Shi, Guang Yang","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050151","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rapid hemostasis and wound healing are crucial severe trauma treatment. Natural mechanisms often prove insufficient, spurring research for innovative biomaterials. This review focuses on cellulose-based materials, which are promising due to their absorbency, biocompatibility, and processability. The novelty lies in exploring how these materials promote clotting and tissue regeneration. They operate via extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms. Extrinsically, they create a matrix at the wound to activate coagulation; intrinsically, they maintain clotting factors. Additionally, they aid healing through physical, chemical, and biological means, such as maintaining moisture, incorporating antimicrobial agents, and stimulating cell activity. The innovative fabrication strategies include material selection and chemical modification. Techniques like oxidation enhance performance. Structural engineering methods like freeze-drying and 3D printing optimize porosity and alignment. Cellulose-based dressings are versatile and effective in various forms. They address different wound needs and show benefits like rapid coagulation and tissue repair. This review also covers challenges and future trends, emphasizing the need to enhance mechanical properties and biodegradability. Further, new technologies offer potential improvements to the nanocomposites. Overall, continued research on cellulose-based dressing is vital, and unlocking their potential could revolutionize wound care, providing suitable solutions for trauma management.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12112572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Injectable Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Myocardial Regeneration: A Review of the Literature.","authors":"Marissa Guo, Tatsuya Watanabe, Toshiharu Shinoka","doi":"10.3390/jfb16050152","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfb16050152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stem cell-based therapies are an emerging treatment modality aimed at replenishing lost cardiomyocytes and improving myocardial function after cardiac injury. This review examines the current state of research on injectable stem cell therapies in the setting of cardiovascular disease given their relative simplicity and ability for deep myocardial tissue penetration. Various methods of cell delivery, ranging in level of invasiveness and procedural complexity, have been developed, and numerous cell types have been studied as potential sources of stem cells, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. We discuss key challenges associated with this approach, including low stem cell retention after transplantation and the innovative biomolecular strategies that have been explored to address this issue. Overall, investigations into the application of stem cells toward cardiac regeneration remain predominantly in the preclinical stage with a number of small, early-phase clinical trials. However, continued scientific advancements in stem cell technology may provide transformative treatment options for patients with heart failure, offering improved survival and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":15767,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Biomaterials","volume":"16 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111900/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}