Acta Biomaterialia最新文献

{"title":"Biophotonic function of the calcium carbonate skeleton in Lithothamnion crispatum: A possible adaptation of coralline algae to low-light environments","authors":"Sergio Balestrieri ,&nbsp;Francesco Rendina ,&nbsp;Vito Mocella ,&nbsp;Alberto Bermejo ,&nbsp;Giovanni Fulvio Russo ,&nbsp;Edoardo De Tommasi","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coralline algae (Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) have adapted to a broad range of marine habitats, including low-light mesophotic zones, yet the potential role of their high-Mg calcite skeleton in light harvesting remains poorly investigated. Here, we examine the skeletal architecture of <em>Lithothamnion crispatum</em> rhodoliths through X-ray micro-computed tomography (<span><math><mi>μ</mi></math></span>-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a distinct Voronoi-like tessellation of the epithallial cells associated with a nearly hyperuniform arrangement of submicrometric pores. This structural organization can promote the penetration of scattered light into the thallus, enhancing photon availability in deeper tissues. To further assess the optical implications of the skeleton morphology, we integrated full-wave finite element method (FEM) and ray-tracing simulations, demonstrating that the combination of calcite birefringence and quasi-ordered cell filaments facilitates the superposition of the optical field with chloroplast-rich regions, particularly within a spectral range relevant to deep-water photosynthesis. Our findings highlight for the first time a potential biophotonic function of coralline algal skeletons, opening new perspectives on the role of biomineralization in light manipulation and energy capture in mesophotic habitats. This may help explain the remarkable evolutionary success of coralline algae in low-light environments compared to fleshy macroalgae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 523-534"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bilayer vascular grafts incorporated with S-nitrosated keratin nanoparticles and resveratrol to enhance long-term nitric oxide release and endothelialization","authors":"Jie Zhang ,&nbsp;Yanlong Wang ,&nbsp;Yu Sun ,&nbsp;Zeyi Zhou ,&nbsp;Fengni Liu ,&nbsp;Xinyu Zhang ,&nbsp;Chuiyu Kong ,&nbsp;Jiang Yuan ,&nbsp;Meng Yin ,&nbsp;Dongjin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.060","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.060","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intimal hyperplasia, thrombosis formation, and vascular calcification are the leading causes of failure in small-diameter vascular grafts. In the study, bilayer vascular grafts with separately released nitric oxide (NO) and resveratrol (RESV) were fabricated. S-nitrosated keratin nanoparticles (KNPs) were synthesized and subsequently electrospun with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) to prolong the NO release for up to 25 d in the presence of ascorbic acid and trypsin, serving as the inner layer of grafts. Additionally, RESV was incorporated into poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) fibers to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, acting as the outer layer of the grafts. The PCL/KNPs//PLCL/RESV bilayer grafts were capable of promoting endothelial cell proliferation while inhibiting the excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Notably, bilayer grafts could regulate macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. In rat abdominal aorta replacement models, the grafts retained patency for 3 months. These grafts could accelerate endothelialization without apparent intimal hyperplasia, thrombosis, inflammation, and calcification. These bilayer grafts are promising for small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>• S-nitrosated keratin nanoparticles (KNPs) were synthesized and subsequently electrospun to prolong the NO release for 25 d • Resveratrol (RESV) was incorporated into PLCL fibers to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation. • Bilayer grafts promoted EC proliferation while inhibiting SMC proliferation. • Bilayer grafts accelerated endothelialization without intimal hyperplasia, thrombosis, and calcification <em>in vivo</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 291-305"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144746446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current status and future perspectives of research on intra-articular drug delivery systems for osteoarthritis therapy","authors":"Mengru Wu ,&nbsp;Zhihao Chen ,&nbsp;Baoqin Song,&nbsp;Xiu Wang,&nbsp;Wanjun Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the leading cause of joint-related disability worldwide. In current clinical treatment approaches, drug therapy remains widely used, primarily through systemic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and intra-articular injections. However, effective OA treatment remains challenging due to several barriers: the continuous flow of synovial fluid, the dense and negatively charged cartilage matrix, and the resulting poor drug accumulation at target sites. Moreover, rapid drug clearance from the synovial cavity, frequent dosing requirements, and increased risk of adverse effects further limit treatment efficacy. Recent advancements in intra-articular drug delivery systems, constructed from biological, organic, and inorganic materials, have demonstrated significant potential for OA treatment. Leveraging nanotechnology, these systems not only enhance targeted drug delivery to specific lesions but also enable controlled drug release at inflammatory sites through the optimization of nanocarrier design. This review explores the most innovative strategies for intra-articular drug delivery systems and the key challenges associated with this field. We discuss the development and research progress of emerging delivery technologies, including nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, microspheres, and exosomes. Finally, we highlight the current limitations of intra-articular drug delivery systems and their prospects, aiming to provide valuable insights for further research and clinical translation.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Osteoarthritis (OA) involves the progressive degradation of articular cartilage components, such as type II collagen and aggrecan, leading to chronic disability. Traditional treatments (systemic drugs, surgery) face limitations like poor targeting, short half-life, and invasiveness. While intra-articular injections enable localized delivery, rapid clearance, cartilage matrix barriers, and inadequate tissue penetration hinder efficacy. Recent advances in nanomaterials and drug delivery systems offer solutions. Stimulus-responsive nanocarriers enable precise targeting and controlled release in inflammatory microenvironments. Nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, and microspheres enhance drug penetration and retention, overcoming rapid clearance. These innovations improve delivery efficiency and prolong the therapeutic effects, thereby advancing cartilage regeneration and personalized treatment. This review examines novel intra-articular delivery strategies to expedite the clinical translation of nanomaterial-based therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 59-77"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A bioprinted breast cancer model using bioinks of decellularized breast tissue for studying cancer stemness, invasion, and drug efficacy","authors":"Barbara Blanco-Fernandez ,&nbsp;Gulsun Bagci ,&nbsp;Soledad Perez-Amodio ,&nbsp;Sergi Rey-Vinolas ,&nbsp;Celia Ximenes-Carballo ,&nbsp;Uxia Gato-Diaz ,&nbsp;Angel Concheiro ,&nbsp;Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo ,&nbsp;Elisabeth Engel","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Breast cancer 3D <em>in vitro</em> systems that replicate key tumor characteristics could assist drug discovery by providing more clinically translational models. Breast tumors are formed by hierarchically organized cancer and stromal cells and the extracellular matrix, all of which contribute to the disease progression and treatment response. 3D-bioprinting has enabled the creation of anatomically relevant constructs that better recapitulate the tumor architecture. The extracellular matrix’s role in the tumor outcome has motivated the development of biomimetic bioinks. Among them, bioinks based on decellularized mammary glands can mimic many native biological cues. This work aims to develop a bioprinted 3D <em>in vitro</em> model of breast cancer using a biomimetic bioink based on decellularized mammary glands, and to investigate the effect of this bioink on the malignancy and drug resistance of breast cancer cells. The biomimetic bioink supported cell stemness, invasion, and an immunosuppressive environment but did not promote drug resistance. We also tested the effect of supplementing the bioink with collagen I, which is highly expressed in breast cancer, on breast cancer cells. We observed a higher expression of malignancy markers (COL1A1) and invasion markers (CDH2, MMP2). Next, we bioprinted a cancer model using human adipose mesenchymal stem cells and breast cancer cells to replicate tumor anatomy. These bioprinted models exhibited enhanced resistance to doxorubicin, particularly in the case of the bioink supplemented with collagen I. Therefore, supplementing the bioink with collagen I can promote the creation of more relevant cancer models for drug screening.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Bioprinted 3D <em>in vitro</em> tumor models are emerging as key tools for drug discovery, as they effectively replicate key tumor characteristics. We developed a bioprinted breast cancer model replicating the tumor structure and extracellular matrix, using a biomimetic bioink based on decellularized mammary glands (TDM) and collagen I. The model consisted of a core of cancer cells surrounded by a layer of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our findings indicate that TDM-based bioinks enhanced the malignant behavior of the breast cancer cells and promoted the differentiation of MSCs towards cancer-associated fibroblasts. Moreover, cancer cells exhibited increased resistance to chemotherapy in this model, highlighting the importance of mimicking the tumor structure and extracellular matrix in creating more physiologically relevant tumor models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 306-321"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endogenous stimuli-activatable photothermal therapy for bacterial infections","authors":"Bing Liu ,&nbsp;Fengjiao Xu ,&nbsp;Chi Zhang ,&nbsp;Yannan Xie ,&nbsp;Lihui Yuwen ,&nbsp;Dongliang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photothermal therapy, a non-invasive treatment approach, has attracted growing attention in recent years for combating bacterial infections. When exposed to light, photothermal agents convert light energy into heat, generating localized hyperthermia that effectively eliminates infectious pathogens. However, hyperthermia-based treatments are prone to cause damage to the surrounding normal tissue. To enhance the antibacterial efficacy of photothermal therapy while minimizing side effects, researchers have developed activatable photothermal agents that respond to specific infection microenvironment triggers, such as acidic pH, elevated redox levels, and overexpressed enzymes. The specific physicochemical factors at the infection site modulate the activation of photothermal agent (on/off switching) or trigger auxiliary therapeutic modalities, simultaneously increasing bacterial susceptibility to photothermal treatment while optimizing biosafety and therapeutic specificity. Therefore, in this review, we first examined the current challenges in treating bacterial infections and elucidated the fundamental principles and advantages of photothermal antibacterial therapy. Then, the recent advancements (2020–2025) in activatable photothermal agents for anti-infection applications were summarized. Finally, we deliberated on the challenges and future development of activatable photothermal agents in anti-infective therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Drug-resistant bacterial infections remain a major threat to human health, driving significant interest in photothermal antibacterial therapy. However, conventional photothermal treatments often rely on hyperthermia, which can indiscriminately damage surrounding healthy tissues. To maximize antibacterial efficacy while minimizing off-target effects, the development of smart photothermal agents responsive to infectious microenvironments has emerged as a critical research challenge. This review outlines key design strategies for stimuli-activated photothermal agents, highlights recent advances in the field, and discusses current limitations along with future prospects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"204 ","pages":"Pages 109-128"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quaternary ammonium salt microspheres loaded with vascular disrupting agents for targeted interventional therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma","authors":"Xun-Zheng Su ,&nbsp;En-Qi Qiao ,&nbsp;Gao-Jun Teng ,&nbsp;Fei Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.055","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.055","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe health condition that poses a significant threat to life, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the primary treatment modality for intermediate and advanced stages of HCC. TACE often fails to completely block all tumor blood supplies, and the hypoxic environment following embolization can lead to neoangiogenesis, negatively impacting the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of TACE. Combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), as a vascular disrupting agent (VDA), can destroy the tumor's vascular network, inhibit the formation of new blood vessels, and induce ischemic necrosis of the tumor, potentially addressing this issue. Currently, there are no clinically available positively charged microspheres capable of loading CA4P. Based on this, quaternary ammonium salt-based drug-eluting microspheres have been designed to load and sustain the release of CA4P. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that CA4P-loaded microsphere therapy can further damage the tumor's vascular system, exacerbate tumor necrosis, and significantly reduce the expression of CD31 and VEGF. This method effectively addresses the current clinical challenge of incomplete tumor blood supply blockage in TACE and the issues of neoangiogenesis caused by the hypoxic environment post-embolization, potentially improving the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of TACE.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe health condition with high incidence and mortality rates, posing a significant threat to life. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the primary treatment for intermediate and advanced stages of HCC. However, TACE often fails to completely block all tumor blood supplies, and the hypoxic environment following embolization can lead to neoangiogenesis, negatively impacting therapeutic efficacy and prognosis. To address these limitations, quaternary ammonium salt microspheres were designed to load and sustain the release of combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). CA4P can disrupt tumor vasculature, inhibit new blood vessel formation, and induce ischemic necrosis of the tumor, potentially improving TACE outcomes. This study provides a strategy to enhance TACE efficacy and overcome limitations associated with tumor revascularization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 591-603"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-voltage operable conductive polymer actuators: Bioadaptive design strategies and emerging diversified applications","authors":"Liang Yang ,&nbsp;Yurun Du ,&nbsp;Hong Wang ,&nbsp;Yanning Yang ,&nbsp;Liangsheng Jia ,&nbsp;Hao Ning","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The persistent challenges of miniaturization, energy inefficiency, and mechanical rigidity in conventional actuators have driven a paradigm shift toward bio-inspired material systems. The conductive polymer actuators (CPAs) exhibit unprecedented advantages in bio-integrated systems, characterized by millivolt-level electrochemical responsiveness, dynamic biomimetic proprioception, and tissue-like deformability. These attributes not only transcend the limitations of traditional actuation mechanisms but also create synergistic material-structure-function relationships with biological environments. This review systematically summarizes the current progress and future trends of CPAs, with a focus on their fundamental characteristics, actuation mechanisms, design strategies, and application domains. The paper first elaborates on the fundamental characteristics of CPs, including low-voltage operation, high-efficiency response, superior flexibility/elasticity, self-sensing capabilities, cost-effectiveness/scalability, and environmental adaptability. Subsequently, it analyzes critical actuation mechanisms (redox-triggered shape morphing and ion migration-induced volumetric expansion), elucidating the underlying physicochemical principles. Furthermore, the review comprehensively discusses design strategies for CPAs, encompassing material modification, structural design, and system-level integration. Finally, representative applications are highlighted in cutting-edge fields such as biomedical and micromechanical systems, high-efficiency energy storage, smart wearable devices, bionics and robotics, along with perspectives on future research directions. This work not only provides theoretical foundations and technical guidelines for researchers but also fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, emphasizing the pivotal role of CPAs in advancing next-generation technologies.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>This review provides a comprehensive overview of conductive polymer actuators (CPAs), highlighting their unique bioadaptive characteristics and versatile applications. By focusing on low-voltage operation, high flexibility, and self-sensing capabilities, this work underscores the potential of CPAs to revolutionize biomedical devices, smart wearables, and soft robotics. It bridges interdisciplinary fields, offering a unified framework for researchers to advance next-generation biomaterials. This review serves as a valuable guide for future research, emphasizing the transformative impact of CPAs on modern biomaterials and their critical role in addressing current technological challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"204 ","pages":"Pages 30-51"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144719171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low modulus PMMA-based bone cement for the reduction of adjacent vertebral fractures after vertebroplasty","authors":"Min Ji Kim ,&nbsp;Shin Young Park ,&nbsp;Sungwook Kang ,&nbsp;Ye Ji Lee ,&nbsp;Sung-Jae Lee ,&nbsp;Jung Tae Kim ,&nbsp;Sang Yoon Song ,&nbsp;Dong-Hee Kim ,&nbsp;Se Heang Oh","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.053","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.053","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vertebral augmentation employing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is a widely used therapeutic technique for treating vertebral compression fractures. In this study, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-enhanced PMMA bone cement (<em>PDMS/PMMA</em>) was developed to address the significant limitations associated with traditional PMMA bone cements in vertebroplasty: excessive exothermicity causing necrosis of normal bone tissues and high stiffness leading to fractures in adjacent vertebrae. The incorporation of PDMS into the PMMA bone cement results in consumption of the heat generated during polymerization, which prevents necrosis of surrounding tissue and speeds up the curing process of PDMS, showcasing the synergistic effects between PMMA and PDMS. The PDMS uniformly dispersed in the PMMA bone cement does not significantly alter the radiographic contrast of the cement. The <em>ex vivo</em> experiments conducted using osteoporotic porcine vertebrae demonstrated that vertebrae injected with low modulus <em>PDMS/PMMA(10/90)</em> exhibited a significant delay in adjacent bone fracture compared to those treated with PMMA alone. This study proposes that low modulus PMMA-based bone cement may serve as an advanced therapeutic material for vertebroplasty.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Vertebroplasty using PMMA bone cement often leads to secondary adjacent vertebral fractures due to its high stiffness and exothermic curing, which can damage surrounding bone tissue. In this study, we developed a PDMS-containing PMMA bone cement that significantly reduces curing temperature and stiffness while maintaining biocompatibility and radiopacity. The synergistic interaction between PDMS and PMMA helps minimize thermal necrosis and reduces the risk of adjacent vertebral fractures. <em>Ex vivo</em> tests using osteoporotic porcine vertebrae demonstrated that the low-modulus PDMS-containing PMMA bone cement significantly delayed adjacent fractures compared to conventional PMMA bone cement. This work presents a strategy to overcome long-standing complications of vertebroplasty and may contribute to safer and more effective treatment options for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 399-411"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144719170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-invasive longitudinal monitoring of vascularization in tissue-engineered grafts by ultrasound localization microscopy","authors":"Yang Zhang ,&nbsp;Haixin Chen ,&nbsp;Jijiao Yuan ,&nbsp;Zilong Wang ,&nbsp;Yue Zhang ,&nbsp;Siping Chen ,&nbsp;Xin Chen ,&nbsp;Haoming Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tissue engineering is a rapidly advancing field aimed at regenerating damaged tissues by combining cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules. Adequate vascularization is a critical determinant of successful tissue regeneration, as it supports both the regenerative process and the maintenance of physiological functions in the newly formed tissue. Traditional methods for evaluating vascularization, such as histological and immunohistochemical techniques, are inherently invasive and limited to endpoint analysis. In this study, we innovatively explored the potential of ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) as a non-invasive, high-resolution, and longitudinal imaging tool for monitoring vascularization in tissue-engineered grafts. Three representative types of tissue-engineered grafts, Hydrogel, Hydrogel with stem cells, and Hydrogel with growth factors were subcutaneously implanted in mice. ULM imaging was performed at multiple time points (7, 14, and 21 days post-implantation) to evaluate vascular growth within the implants dynamically. The vascularization of these grafts was further validated using conventional H&amp;E staining and CD31 immunohistochemical staining. Our findings demonstrated that ULM had a strong correlation (R² = 0.82 and 0.91, respectively) with conventional histological methods, confirming its accuracy as a non-invasive tool for vascular assessment in tissue engineering research.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Adequate vascularization is fundamental for successful tissue regeneration, but traditional methods like histology are invasive and limited to endpoint analysis. This study innovatively utilizes ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) as a non-invasive, high-resolution tool for longitudinal monitoring of vascularization in three tissue-engineered grafts: Hydrogel, Hydrogel with stem cells, and Hydrogel with growth factors. ULM showed a strong correlation (R2 = 0.82 and 0.91, respectively) with histological assessments (H&amp;E staining and CD31 staining) across all time points. Notably, this represents the first demonstration of ULM for non-invasive, dynamic tracking of graft vascularization. With its deep tissue penetration and robust reliability, ULM emerges as a promising alternative for evaluating vascularization in tissue regeneration research, enabling continuous, high-precision analysis without tissue excision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"203 ","pages":"Pages 467-477"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144719172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Co-catalytic nanosystem based on molybdenum disulfide and Prussian blue for synergistic chemodynamic and photothermal therapy through mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis","authors":"Yilin He ,&nbsp;Chunxu Lv ,&nbsp;Nolwenn Le Breton ,&nbsp;Haijun Peng ,&nbsp;Tengfei Wang ,&nbsp;Paolo Samorì ,&nbsp;Sylvie Choua ,&nbsp;Alberto Bianco ,&nbsp;Baojin Ma ,&nbsp;Cécilia Ménard-Moyon","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2025.07.037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is regarded as an emerging strategy with high specificity for tumor therapy by producing highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells by a Fenton or Fenton-like reaction. Excessive ROS can cause mitochondrial damage and induce ferroptosis in cells, leading to the death of cancer cells. However, the generally low efficiency of the Fenton reaction has limited the effectiveness of CDT. Herein, two-dimensional MoS₂ decorated with PB NPs is used as a co-catalyst to promote Fe^III/Fe^II conversion and thus enhance the efficiency of the Fenton reaction. The photothermal properties of both MoS₂ and PB NPs further enhance the Fenton reaction, eventually producing a large amount of ROS. Mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis caused by ROS are evidenced <em>in vitro</em> and in a tumor-bearing mouse model and jointly lead to a decrease in heat shock protein content, further enhancing the photothermal effect of PB NP/MoS₂ nanosystem. This chemodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy allows achieving good anticancer therapeutic effect.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>CDT is a promising cancer treatment that selectively generates toxic ROS to eliminate tumor cells. Nevertheless, its efficacy is often limited by the low efficiency of the Fenton reaction. This study presents a nanocomposite composed of MoS₂ nanosheets decorated with PB NPs, which enhances CDT by improving Fe^III/Fe^II conversion and increasing ROS production. In addition, the photothermal properties of the material further amplify its therapeutic effects. In cell and animal models, this synergistic approach effectively induces mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis, thereby weakening the defenses of the cancer cells. This work provides a significant advancement in CDT, offering a more potent strategy for cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"204 ","pages":"Pages 518-533"},"PeriodicalIF":9.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144719254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}