BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-26DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090918
David Zalazar, Jiayi Feng, Derek A Banyard, Marzieh Aliaghaei, Alan D Widgerow, Jered B Haun
{"title":"Integrated Fluidic Platform for Washing and Mechanical Processing of Lipoaspirate for Downstream Fat Grafting and Regenerative Applications.","authors":"David Zalazar, Jiayi Feng, Derek A Banyard, Marzieh Aliaghaei, Alan D Widgerow, Jered B Haun","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090918","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autologous fat grafting of human lipoaspirate (LA) is increasingly used in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for lipofilling and stem cell-rich \"nanofat\" reinjection for regenerative medicine. While commercial devices (e.g., REVOLVE and Puregraft) are available, many surgeons use non-standardized manual washing techniques, leading to inconsistent graft retention (20-80%). Moreover, no system can unite washing directly with mechanical processing to produce a nanofat-like product directly from raw LA. We developed a novel preparation device (PD) that is designed for peristaltic pump-driven washing of LA and can be seamlessly combined with our previously developed Emulsification and Micronization Device (EMD) into an automated closed-loop platform. Human LA samples were washed with the PD and compared to standard manual washing via visual colorimetric analysis. We then evaluated the mechanical processing of PD-washed LA using our EMD and assessed cell count, viability, and stromal vascular fraction-derived subpopulations (i.e., mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), pericytes, transit-amplifying (TA) progenitor cells, and supra-adventitial adipose stromal cells). Recirculating LA through the PD for at least one minute resulted in sufficient mixing, producing LA with equivalent color and quality to manual washing. Integrating the EMD within a platform enabled both washing and mechanical processing under peristaltic flow, enriching key subpopulations compared to manual methods. Thus, our fluidic platform effectively washes LA in a closed-loop system, minimizing LA tissue manipulation and opportunity for contamination while also simplifying the workflow for mechanical processing. Further refinement and automation of this platform would enhance the reproducibility and quality of small-volume fat grafts, cell-assisted lipotransfer, and stem/progenitor cell injections to promote wound healing and angiogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467523/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172715","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-26DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090920
Zirui He, Fangru Xie, Chuanhao Sun, Xuan Wang, Fan Zhang, Yan Zhang, Changsheng Liu, Yuan Yuan
{"title":"Selenium-Containing Nano-Micelles Delay the Cellular Senescence of BMSCs Under Oxidative Environment and Maintain Their Regenerative Capacity.","authors":"Zirui He, Fangru Xie, Chuanhao Sun, Xuan Wang, Fan Zhang, Yan Zhang, Changsheng Liu, Yuan Yuan","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090920","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cellular senescence and functional decline of stem cells are primary contributors to the reduced regenerative capacity and weakened disease resistance in aged tissues. Among the various factors involved, oxidative stress resulting from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key driver of stem cell senescence. In an oxidative environment, cells continuously generate ROS, which accelerates cellular senescence and leads to functional deterioration. To intervene in the cellular senescence process of stem cells under such conditions, we selected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as the model system and developed ROS-responsive selenium (Se)-containing nano-micelles capable of efficiently scavenging intracellular ROS. The optimal formulation was determined by modulating the selenium content. Analysis of cellular senescence markers and regenerative capacity reveals that nano-micelles containing 8% Se (Wt %), at a concentration of 15 μg/mL, can significantly modulate ROS levels in BMSCs under oxidative stress, thereby effectively delaying cellular senescence and preserving the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs. These findings offer a promising strategy for mitigating stem cell senescence.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12466976/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172589","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-26DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090915
Sorin Hostiuc, Ionuț Negoi, Veronica Ciocan
{"title":"Cranial Bone Repair and Regeneration After Trauma: Forensic and Clinical Medico-Legal Consequences.","authors":"Sorin Hostiuc, Ionuț Negoi, Veronica Ciocan","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090915","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cranial bone defects caused by trauma present significant clinical challenges but also difficulties in their forensic analysis. The complexity of cranial anatomy, limited vascularization, and proximity to neural structures complicate natural bone regeneration, often requiring surgical intervention and the use of complex materials and techniques. This review aims to identify relevant data for forensic analysis regarding bone regeneration after trauma, with an emphasis on the materials used and their interpretation in medico-legal contexts. It moves beyond a simple clinical perspective, providing a detailed medico-legal analysis of cranial bone repair and regeneration after trauma. This review aims to give a comprehensive analysis of the forensic and medico-legal consequences associated with cranial reconstruction using autogenic, allogenic, xenogenic, and synthetic materials. It gives a pioneering focus regarding an understudied but critical aspect of forensic and legal medicine, both to postmortem and to clinical elements. By detailing the unique radiographic signatures and physical characteristics of various reconstruction materials, we provide the specialists with a go-to material for the interpretation of these materials in forensic contexts. Furthermore, we will provide a detailed analysis of medico-legal risks, mainly those associated with malpractice claims, focusing our attention on the process of informed consent but also the management and interpretation of surgery-related complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172789","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-25DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090909
Md Muzammal Hoque, Valeria Iannelli, Francesca Padula, Rosa Paola Radice, Biplob Kumar Saha, Giuseppe Martelli, Antonio Scopa, Marios Drosos
{"title":"Microalgae: Green Engines for Achieving Carbon Sequestration, Circular Economy, and Environmental Sustainability-A Review Based on Last Ten Years of Research.","authors":"Md Muzammal Hoque, Valeria Iannelli, Francesca Padula, Rosa Paola Radice, Biplob Kumar Saha, Giuseppe Martelli, Antonio Scopa, Marios Drosos","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090909","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Feeding a growing global population requires sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective solutions, especially in light of the environmental damage and nutrient imbalances caused by excessive chemical fertilizer use. Microalgae have gained prominence due to their phylogenetic diversity, physiological adaptability, eco-compatible characteristics, and potential to support regenerative agriculture and mitigate climate change. Functioning as biofertilizers, biostimulants, and bioremediators, microalgae accelerate nutrient cycling, improve soil aggregation through extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), and stimulate rhizospheric microbial diversity. Empirical studies demonstrate their ability to increase crop yields by 5-25%, reduce chemical nitrogen inputs by up to 50%, and boost both organic carbon content and enzymatic activity in soils. Their application in saline and degraded lands further promotes resilience and ecological regeneration. Microalgal cultivation platforms offer scalable in situ carbon sequestration, converting atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) into biomass with potential downstream vaporization into biofuels, bioplastics, and biochar, aligning with circular economy principles. While the commercial viability of microalgae is challenged by high production costs, technical complexities, and regulatory gaps, recent breakthroughs in cultivation systems, biorefinery integration, and strain optimization highlight promising pathways forward. This review highlights the strategic importance of microalgae in enhancing climate resilience, promoting agricultural sustainability, restoring soil health, and driving global bioeconomic transformation.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172738","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-25DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090910
Jason Sun, Yi-Chung Lai, Bing-Wu Shee, Chih-Hsiang Fang, Ching-Yun Chen, Jui-Sheng Sun
{"title":"Improving Efficacy and Reducing Systemic Toxicity: An In Vitro Study on the Role of Electrospun Gelatin Nanofiber Membrane for Localized Melanoma Treatment.","authors":"Jason Sun, Yi-Chung Lai, Bing-Wu Shee, Chih-Hsiang Fang, Ching-Yun Chen, Jui-Sheng Sun","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090910","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090910","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malignant melanoma is a highly metastatic skin cancer, representing about 5% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Conventional chemotherapy often has limited effectiveness and severe systemic side effects. This study explores a localized, topical delivery system using cisplatin-loaded nanomembranes as a safer and more targeted alternative. Cell viability assays established the safe cisplatin concentrations for tissue culture. Gelatin-based nanomembranes incorporating cisplatin were fabricated via electrospinning. Biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy were tested by applying the membranes to cultured melanoma and normal skin cells. Controlled drug release profiles were evaluated by adjusting cross-linking times. Cisplatin concentration between 3.125 and 12.5 µg/mL were found safe. Nanomembranes with these doses effectively eliminated melanoma cells with minimal harm to healthy skin cells. Drug-free membranes showed high biocompatibility. Cross-linking duration allowed tunable and stable drug release. Cisplatin-loaded gelatin nanomembranes offer a promising topical therapy for melanoma, enhancing drug targeting while reducing systemic toxicity. This approach may serve as a cost-effective alternative to systemic treatments like immunotherapy. Future research will focus on in vivo testing and clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172678","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-25DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090914
Alex Liew, Sos Agaian
{"title":"Comprehensive Survey of OCT-Based Disorders Diagnosis: From Feature Extraction Methods to Robust Security Frameworks.","authors":"Alex Liew, Sos Agaian","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090914","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090914","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a leading imaging technique for diagnosing retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Its ability to detect structural changes, especially in the optic nerve head, has made it vital for early diagnosis and monitoring. This paper surveys techniques for ocular disease prediction using OCT, focusing on both hand-crafted and deep learning-based feature extractors. While the field has seen rapid growth, a detailed comparative analysis of these methods has been lacking. We address this by reviewing research from the past 20 years, evaluating methods based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and computational cost. Key diseases examined include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, amblyopia, and macular degeneration. We also assess public OCT datasets widely used in model development. A unique contribution of this paper is the exploration of adversarial attacks targeting OCT-based diagnostic systems and the vulnerabilities of different feature extraction techniques. We propose a practical, robust defense strategy that integrates with existing models and outperforms current solutions. Our findings emphasize the value of combining classical and deep learning methods with strong defenses to enhance the security and reliability of OCT-based diagnostics, and we offer guidance for future research and clinical integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172821","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-25DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090913
Patrick Hoang, Julius Guccione
{"title":"Finite Element Modeling in Left Ventricular Cardiac Biomechanics: From Computational Tool to Clinical Practice.","authors":"Patrick Hoang, Julius Guccione","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090913","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090913","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Finite element (FE) modeling has emerged as a powerful computational approach in cardiovascular biomechanics, enabling detailed simulations of myocardial stress, strain, and hemodynamics, which are challenging to measure with conventional imaging techniques. This narrative review explores the progression of cardiac FE modeling from research-focused applications to its increasing integration into clinical practice. Specific attention is given to the mechanical effects of myocardial infarction, the limitations of conventional LV volume-reduction surgeries, and novel therapeutic approaches like passive myocardial reinforcement via hydrogel injections. Furthermore, the review highlights the critical role of patient-specific FE simulations in optimizing LV assist device parameters and guiding targeted device placements. Cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence-enhanced FE modeling, including surrogate models and precomputed simulation databases, are examined for their potential to facilitate real-time, personalized therapeutic decision-making. Collectively, these advancements position FE modeling as an essential tool in precision medicine for structural heart disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467504/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172743","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":"Malignant Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Study of Clinical, Pathological, and Prognostic Profile from One Single Center.","authors":"Jingtian Shi, Xin Sun, Jichuan Wang, Haijie Liang, Xingyu Liu, Yi Yang, Xiaodong Tang, Wei Guo","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090911","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090911","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malignant giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a rare malignant bone tumor. This analysis was conducted on patients with malignant GCTB at our center. The clinical, demographic, and prognostic characteristics were evaluated and compared. During 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022, fifty patients were included in the study, which made up 3.3% of the contemporary GCTB patients. The clinical characteristics were comparable between the 24 patients with primary malignant GCTB (PMGCTB) and 26 patients with secondary malignant GCTB (SMGTCB). The tumor location was mainly at the axial and pelvic region (70%) and differed between the two types (<i>p</i> = 0.040). <i>H3F3A</i> pathogenic variant presented frequently in SMGCTB (<i>p</i> = 0.020). Cox regression analysis showed the prognostic outcomes were poor in those with a tumor located in the axial bone and sacrum with invasion of other places. <i>H3F3A</i> mutation status is also a risk factor, while chemotherapy and denosumab failed to demonstrate prognostic benefits. Malignant GCTB is a rare condition with a poor prognosis, especially in SMGTCB. The location and <i>H3F3A</i> mutation status had an influence on prognosis, and systemic therapy should be taken into consideration for patients with unfavorable prognostic features.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467924/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172728","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":"A Comparison Between the Expansion Force Exerted by Thermo-Printed Aligners and 3D Printed Aligners: An In Vitro Study.","authors":"Samuele Avolese, Simone Parrini, Andrea Tancredi Lugas, Cristina Bignardi, Mara Terzini, Valentina Cantù, Tommaso Castroflorio, Emanuele Grifalconi, Nicola Scotti, Fabrizio Sanna","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090912","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090912","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The fabrication of orthodontic aligners directly via three-dimensional (3D) printing presents potential to increase the efficiency of aligner production relative to traditional workflows; however, several aspects of the 3D printing process might affect the dimensional fidelity of the fabricated appliances. The aim of this study is to measure the forces expressed by a 3D printed aligner made with TC-85 DAC resin (Grapy Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea) when an expansion movement of the entire upper dental arch is programmed, comparing the measured forces with those obtained by a common thermoformed aligner (Smart Track<sup>®</sup>, Align Technology, Santa Clara, CA, USA).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A patient in transitional mixed dentition was selected, with the presence of all the first molars and permanent upper and lower incisors, and the canines and premolars have not started the exchange. From this patient, a virtual set up of the upper arch has been planned with an expansion of 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm per side; 3 mm horizontal rectangular attachments were added to the set up on the vestibular surface of the permanent molars, deciduous premolars, and deciduous canines. On this set up, 10 Smart Track aligners and 10 3D printed aligners with TC-85 DAC resin were produced. The fabricated aligners were mounted on the machinery used for the test (ElectroForce<sup>®</sup> Test Bench; TA Instruments, New Castle, DE, USA) by means of specific supports that simulate the upper arch of the patient (divided into two sides: right and left). To simulate the intraoral environment, the measurements were carried out in a thermostatic bath at a temperature of 37 °C.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The key results of this paper showed differences between Smart Track<sup>®</sup> and TC-85 DAC. In particular, the expanding force exerted by the 0.2 mm per side expanded Smart Track<sup>®</sup> aligners was on average +0.2162 N with a D.S. of ±0.0051 N during the 8 h; meanwhile, the force exerted by the 0.2 mm per side expanded TC-85 DAC 3D printed aligners was on average -0.0034 N with a D.S. of ±0.0036 N during the 8 h. The force exerted by the 0.4 mm per side expanded Smart Track<sup>®</sup> aligners was on average +0.7159 N with a D.S. of ±0.0543 N during the 8 h; meanwhile, the force exerted by the 0.4 mm per side expanded TC-85 DAC 3D printed aligners was on average +0.0141 N with a D.S. of ±0.004 N during the 8 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Smart Track<sup>®</sup> aligners express a quantitatively measurable force in Newtons during the programmed movements to obtain a posterior expansion of the dental arches; on the contrary, aligners made with TC-85 DAC resin, in light of the results obtained from this study, express forces close to 0 during the realization of the movements programmed to obtain a posterior expansion of the dental arches.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12467414/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172886","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}
BioengineeringPub Date : 2025-08-24DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090907
Jesús Pujol-Martí, Wolfgang G K Müller-Lierheim
{"title":"Very High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid as an Enhanced Vehicle in Therapeutic Eye Drops: Application in a Novel Latanoprost Formulation for Glaucoma.","authors":"Jesús Pujol-Martí, Wolfgang G K Müller-Lierheim","doi":"10.3390/bioengineering12090907","DOIUrl":"10.3390/bioengineering12090907","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The efficacy of topical drug delivery via eye drops is often achieved at the expense of tolerability, and consequently, efforts are being made to design strategies that minimize the adverse effects associated with the passage of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) across the ocular surface. Many of these approaches are too complex, costly and challenging to implement on an industrial scale, yet there is increasing evidence that hylan A, a very high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (≥3.0 MDa), may be a promising vehicle for topical drug delivery of ocular therapies. In this review, we explore how the mucoadhesive and viscoelastic properties of eye drop formulations based on hylan A help extend the residence time of APIs at the ocular surface, while maintaining patient comfort. Moreover, we examine how hylan A facilitates the dissolution and stabilization of APIs, as well as their transport across the ocular epithelial barrier, without the need to use toxic penetration enhancers, thereby preserving ocular surface health. Finally, we present evidence indicating that the intrinsic biological properties of hylan A, including its anti-inflammatory effects, help mitigate side effects commonly associated with certain APIs. To illustrate these advantages, we examine the pioneering use of a hylan A-based aqueous eye drop formulation as a vehicle to deliver latanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue widely used in the treatment of glaucoma. This case study demonstrates the potential of hylan A-based eye drops to offer safer and more effective topical drug delivery, especially for long-term ocular therapies where tolerability and biocompatibility are critical.</p>","PeriodicalId":8874,"journal":{"name":"Bioengineering","volume":"12 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12466874/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145172875","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}