A facilely prepared dual-crosslinking adhesive with enhanced adhesive strength for hemostasis and infected wound healing

Although biological adhesives have shown advantages in replacing traditional wound suturing techniques, there are still limitations in wound closure, hemostasis, and healing, including insufficient tissue adhesion, potential biological toxicity, and complex preparation processes. In this study, a facile route for preparing injectable dual-crosslinking multifunctional hydrogel adhesive (Gel/EN/FBTA) was developed. The Gel/EN/FBTA adhesive is a dynamic cross-linked network composed of tannic acid (TA), 3-formylphenylboronic acid (3-FPBA) and gelatin, which can provide a large number of bonding sites and strengthen the adhesive cohesion through energy dissipation. The amidation reaction inside gelatin can form stable rigid crosslinks and maintain the structure of the adhesive stably. The balance between adhesion and cohesion can be regulated by adjusting the chemical composition and crosslinking density of the dual-crosslinking network. Under this equilibrium condition, the adhesion strength of Gel/EN/FBTA2 hydrogel is 3 times that of commercial fibrin glue, which shows good hemostatic effects in rat liver injury, rat tail injury, and rabbit liver cross incision models. Furthermore, Gel/EN/FBTA2 hydrogel adhesive can effectively treat wound infection, reduce inflammation level, promote re-epithelialization, accelerate collagen deposition, and achieve the healing of infectious full-thickness wounds. This dual-network design paradigm provides a versatile strategy for developing next-generation bioadhesives with tailored mechanical and bioactive properties, demonstrating significant potential for non-compressible hemorrhage and infected wound management.

Dynamic hydration driven adhesiveness self-reinforcement of powdery protein for rapid artery hemostasis

Surgical adhesives with rapid and tough adhesion under wet or aqueous conditions are highly desirable for artery hemostasis yet still extremely challenging. We here explored a kind of protein powder featured with hydration-driven adhesiveness self-reinforcement in water. The protein powder, consisting of corn-derived protein (zein), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and poly-lysine (PLL), was conveniently produced via sandcastle worm-inspired multivalent ionic crosslinking between zein/SDS colloid and PLL, which showed rapidly water-contacting gelation and tough adhesion on wet surfaces. We revealed that the interfacial water removal and bulk heterogeneity of the hydrated zein/SDS-PLL powder synergistically improved both the interfacial adhesion and the bulk cohesion, resulting in tough wet adhesion within 2 min. The rapid interfacial adhesion of the zein/SDS-PLL powder is attributed to the highly hydrated propensity of the ionic complex and self-gelation via interfacial water removal, while the bulk heterogeneity resulted from the incompletely hydrated ionic domains, which functioned as rigid fillers to improve the cross-density and bulk cohesion of the hydrated adhesive matrix. This bulk heterogeneity mechanism fulfills the existing knowledge gap of adhesiveness enhancement of the hydrated powdery adhesives. The hydrated zein/SDS-PLL powdery adhesive with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradation can resist high bursting pressure (118.2-129.4 mmHg), which can achieve rapid and reliable artery hemostasis on rat, rabbit and pig models.

End-tail soaking strategy toward robust and biomimetic sandwich-layered hydrogels for full-thickness bone regeneration

Despite an increasing number of tissue-engineered scaffolds have been developing for bone regeneration, simple and universal fabrication of biomimetic bone microstructure to repair full-thickness bone defects remains a challenge and an acute clinical demand due to the negligence of microstructural differences within the cortex of cancellous bone. In this work, a biomimetic sandwich-layered PACG-CS@Mn(III) hydrogel (SL hydrogel) was facilely fabricated in an end-tail soaking strategy by simply post-crosslinking of poly(acryloyl 2-glycine)-chitosan (PACG-CS) composite hydrogel using trivalent manganese solutions. Taking the merits of in-situ formation and flexible adjustment of chain entanglements, hydrogen bonds and metal chelate interactions, SL hydrogel with sandwich-like three-layered structures and anisotropic mechanical performance was easily customized through control of the manganese concentration and soaking time in fore-and-aft sides, simulating the structurally and mechanically biomimetic characteristics of cortical and cancellous bone. Furthermore, the produced SL hydrogel also demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and enhanced MnSOD activity via a peroxidase-like reaction, which enabled the excellent radical scavenging efficiency and anti-inflammatory regulation for facilitating the activity, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In vivo studies further revealed that these SL hydrogels achieved restrictive pro-vascular regeneration through their stratified structure, thereby promoting the differentiation of osteoblasts. Simultaneously, the mechanical cues of stratified structure could mediate macrophage phenotype transitions in accordance with stem cell-osteoblast differentiation process via the PI3K-AKT pathway, resulting in robust osteogenesis and high-quality bone reconstruction. This facile yet efficient strategy of turning anisotropic hydrogel offers a promising alternative for full-thickness repair of bone defects, which is also significantly imperative to achieve high-performance scaffolds with specific usage requirements and expand their clinic applicability in more complex anisotropic tissues.

Protraction of bilateral mandibular molars into the first molar extraction sites using long arm hooks with clear aligners of an adult Class II Division 2 with crowding: A case report

Protraction of mandibular bilateral second molars to substitute for the extracted first molars is challenging in clear aligner treatment due to biological and biomechanical limitations. This case report presents a 28-year old female patient with poor prognoses for the mandibular bilateral first molars, a mesially impacted mandibular left third molar, and crowding in both the upper and lower arches. After the extraction of mandibular bilateral first molars, long-distance mandibular molar protraction was achieved using clear aligners with a novel protraction appliance, "the long arm hook". At the end of the treatment, a Class I canine and molar relationship and good root parallelism were achieved. The combination of long arm hooks and clear aligners has proven to be clinically effective for the protraction of mandibular molars, thereby expanding the scope of clear aligner treatment.

Optimizing Infrazygomatic Miniscrew Insertion Parameters: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Bone Thickness by Insertion Height, Angulation, and Anatomical Position

Introduction: Infrazygomatic crest (IZC) miniscrews are widely used for skeletal anchorage in orthodontics. Despite their growing popularity, the optimal insertion parameters-such as height, angulation, and anatomical position-remain controversial, with existing studies offering inconsistent and fragmented data. Aim: To determine the optimal insertion position, height, and angulation of infrazygomatic miniscrews to maximize bone insertion using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis and to investigate the influence of facial skeletal patterns on IZC bone morphology. Methods: This review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive electronic search was performed across six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. Studies reporting CBCT-based IZC bone thickness were included. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and meta-regression was applied to assess the relationship between insertion height, angulation, and bone thickness. The STROBE checklist was used to assess the quality of the included observational studies. Results: Seventeen studies comprising a total of 1840 CBCT-based measurements were included. The meta-regression revealed a significant inverse relationship between insertion height and bone thickness (β = -0.53; p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with angulation (β = 0.09; p < 0.001). The U67 region refers to the anatomical area between the maxillary first and second molars, adjacent to the infrazygomatic crest and zygomatic buttress, which with an insertion height of 9.9 mm and 80° angulation, demonstrated the highest mean cortical bone thickness (3.52 mm). There was no evidence of a significant association between facial pattern and bone thickness (p = 0.878). Conclusions: This review presents the first predictive model for IZC miniscrew placement based on meta-regression. The findings support the U67 site at 9.9 mm height and 80° angulation as the optimal insertion protocol. These data-driven guidelines provide clinicians with practical, evidence-based direction for improving miniscrew stability and minimizing complications.

Integration of dual drugs into a collagen scaffold by a combination of apatite coating and impregnation with apatite particles for periodontal regeneration

Bioresorbable porous scaffolds capable of promoting osteoregeneration while preventing bacterial infection are needed for regenerative periodontal therapy. Previously, a porous collagen sponge coated with low-crystalline apatite has been shown to possess superior bioresorption and osteogenic properties compared to the uncoated sponge. In this study, we integrated osteogenic and antibacterial dual drugs into the sponge utilizing two types of apatite matrices to achieve further functionalization. First, the collagen sponge was coated with apatite loaded with an osteogenic drug, l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AS), using a metastable supersaturated calcium phosphate (CaP) solution supplemented with AS. Second, the coated sponge was impregnated with apatite particles loaded with an antibacterial drug, ciprofloxacin (CF), which were fabricated using a labile supersaturated CaP solution supplemented with CF. The resulting dual drug-immobilized sponge demonstrated biological activities arising from both AS and CF; it enhanced proliferation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and exhibited antibacterial activity against the oral bacterium Actinomyces naeslundii. The proposed technique to fabricate multifunctional scaffolds would offer a solution to provide more effective, patient-tailored regenerative periodontal therapy.

A state-of-the-art review of the recent advances in drug delivery systems for different therapeutic agents in periodontitis

Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic gum illness that may be hard to cure for a number of reasons, including the fact that no one knows what causes it, the side effects of anti-microbial treatment, and how various kinds of bacteria interact with one another. As a result, novel therapeutic approaches for PD treatment must be developed. Additionally, supplementary antibacterial regimens, including local and systemic medication administration of chemical agents, are necessary for deep pockets to assist with mechanical debridement of tooth surfaces. As our knowledge of periodontal disease and drug delivery systems (DDSs) grows, new targeted delivery systems like extracellular vesicles, lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs), metallic NPs, and polymer NPs have been developed. These systems aim to improve the targeting and precision of PD treatments while reducing the systemic side effects of antibiotics. Nanozymes, photodermal therapy, antibacterial metallic NPs, and traditional PD therapies have all been reviewed in this research. Medicinal herbs, antibiotics, photothermal therapy, nanozymes, antibacterial metallic NPs, and conventional therapies for PD have all been examined in this research. After that, we reviewed the key features of many innovative DDSs and how they worked for PD therapy. Finally, we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these DDSs.

Insulin for oral bone tissue engineering: a review on innovations in targeted insulin-loaded nanocarrier scaffold

The occurrence of oral bone tissue degeneration and bone defects by osteoporosis, tooth extraction, obesity, trauma, and periodontitis are major challenges for clinicians. Traditional bone regeneration methods often come with limitations such as donor site morbidity, limitation of special shape, inflammation, and resorption of the implanted bone. The treatment oriented with biomimetic bone materials has achieved significant attention recently. In the oral bone tissue engineering arena, insulin has gained considerable attention among all the known biomaterials for osteogenesis and angiogenesis. It also exhibits osteogenic and angiogenic properties by interacting with insulin receptors on osteoblasts. Insulin influences bone remodelling both directly and indirectly. It acts directly through the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signalling pathways and indirectly by modulating the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway, which helps reduce bone resorption. The current review reports the role of insulin in bone remodelling and bone tissue regeneration in the oral cavity in the form of scaffolds and nanomaterials. Different insulin delivery systems, utilising nanomaterials and scaffolds functionalised with polymeric biomaterials have been explored for oral bone tissue regeneration. The review put forward a theoretical basis for future research in insulin delivery in the form of scaffolds and composite materials for oral bone tissue regeneration.

Enamel-like Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Materials for Dental Applications

Polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) composites are recognized for their mechanical properties, closely resembling natural tooth enamel. However, the low fracture toughness of current PICN materials limits their broader use. This study draws inspiration from the natural enamel rod-sheath architecture to develop bionic PICN composites with an enamel-like structure, enhancing their fracture toughness for dental restorations. By simulating the morphology and arrangement of enamel rods, 3 types of zirconia ceramic scaffolds were designed and manufactured by digital light processing technology, which featured a straight-rod structure, a gnarled-rod structure, or a natural rod distribution structure. The scaffolds were surface treated and resin infiltrated to obtain enamel-structured PICN material, wherein the infiltrated resin formed a rod-sheath structure. With VITA Enamic (VE) as control, the enamel-like composites were characterized in detail for their microstructure, flexural strength, fracture toughness, flexural modulus, friction and wear properties, adhesive properties, and cell compatibility. Results show that the PICN with the natural rod distribution structure had the highest flexural strength and fracture toughness among the 3 PICN composites, but there was no significant difference in their moduli. Its strength and modulus were slightly lower than those of VE, but its toughness was 7.0 ± 0.6 MPa·m1/2, around 7 times that of VE. The fracture mode in the ceramic phase was mainly transgranular, while ductile fracturing of the resin phase contributed to toughening. Furthermore, it exhibited superior wear resistance when compared with VE and bovine enamel. After sandblasting and priming, its bond strength to bovine dentin was comparable to that of VE after standardized treatment. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed high cell viability and healthy morphology. Overall, these results indicate that the newly developed PICN composites offer significant improvement over current dental materials, making them promising candidates for bonded prosthetic applications.

Orthodontic tooth movement in alveolar bone augmentation area: A systematic review of animal studies

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to evaluate the optimal timing for orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) following alveolar bone augmentation, the types of alveolar bone graft materials used, and the associated animal models.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and grey literature databases, covering studies from January 1st, 2014, to November 30th, 2024. Studies addressing combined alveolar bone augmentation and OTM were selected, with outcomes such as OTM rate, bone formation, and root resorption assessed through imaging or histological methods. A control group was required in animal experiments. There were no language restrictions. Article screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The SYRCLE risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate study quality.

RESULTS

Fourteen animal studies were included, with subjects comprising dogs, rats, mice, and rabbits. The graft materials predominantly consisted of allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts. The applied orthodontic force ranged from 10g to 150g, with OTM performed at intervals of 0 to 3months. Methodologies included model measurements, imaging, and histological analyses.

CONCLUSION

OTM can be performed during the bone weaving stage, however, the use of alveolar bone grafts generally impedes OTM. Alloplasts are associated with less root resorption. Animal models should closely mirror human characteristics, considering factors such as sex, age, defect location and size, type of tooth movement, and force magnitude. Overall, the quality of the studies is suboptimal, and further well-designed animal and human studies are needed. This systematic review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025642198).

Focusing on ferroptosis in alveolar bone loss during periodontitis: From mechanisms to therapies

Periodontitis is an oral immunoinflammatory disease induced by bacterial infection. During periodontitis, the aggravating destruction of the alveolar bone can result in tooth movement and even tooth loss. Current conventional treatments for periodontitis primarily focus on infection control, but their effectiveness in halting and restoring alveolar bone destruction is limited. To identify additional therapeutic targets, researchers have been dedicated to investigating other pathological mechanisms underlying alveolar bone loss during periodontitis. Recently, findings indicate that ferroptosis plays a role in the development of periodontitis. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic type of cell death marked by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Recent investigations have revealed the complex interplay of ferroptosis and inflammation. The positive feedback loop between ferroptosis and inflammation may significantly contribute to the exacerbation of alveolar bone loss. In light of the advancements in research within this field in recent years, this review intends to thoroughly summarize the processes by which ferroptosis aggravates alveolar bone loss during periodontitis, along with relevant ferroptosis-targeted therapeutic agents. By highlighting the latest advancements in this area, we hope this review will inspire researchers to develop novel therapeutic strategies for more effective inflammation control and regeneration of alveolar bone.

Adhesive hydrogel barriers synergistically promote bone regeneration by self-constructing microstress and mineralization microenvironment

Mechanical loading is a key factor in bone growth and regeneration. In bone defect repair, combining micro-stress stimulation with an excellent inorganic microenvironment offers a more effective strategy for promoting bone regeneration. In this study, guided by the strategy to create both micro-stress and a mineralization microenvironment in the bone defect area, a membrane-like hydrogel barrier (PN-GEL@BP-PE) was designed. The hydrogel barrier adheres tightly to the bone surface via polyethyleneimine/polyacrylic acid (PEI/PAA) and generates micro-stress through the volume deformation of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) at body temperature. Meanwhile, the inorganic microenvironment that promotes bone mineralization is induced by the calcium recruitment properties of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNs). This membrane activates the cellular micro-stress response in mesenchymal cells, working synergistically with the calcium recruitment effect of BPNs to enhance osteogenic mineralization. In vivo, the bone regeneration effect of the hydrogel membrane is approximately 50% higher than that of conventional treatments, indicating that PN-GEL@BP-PE exhibits strong osteogenic efficacy. This synergistic strategy, combining osteogenic physical and chemical microenvironments, represents a promising direction for future research.

Superior Capacitive Energy Storage of BaTiO3-Based Polymorphic Relaxor Ferroelectrics Engineered by Mesoscopically Chemical Homogeneity

Relaxor ferroelectrics exhibit giant potentials in capacitive energy storage, however, the scales of polar nanoregions determine the critical field values where the polarization saturation occurs. In this work, a mesoscopic structure engineered ergodic relaxor state is realized by adjusting submicron-grain scaled chemical homogenity, exhibiting polymorphic polar nanoregions of various scales in different grains. This produces a relatively continuous polarization switching with increasing the applied electric field from diverse grains, thus resulting in a linear-like polarization response feature. As a result, both a giant energy density (Wrec) ≈15.4 J cm-3 and a field-insensitive ultrahigh efficiency (η) ≈93.2% are simultaneously achieved at 78 kV mm-1 in (Ba, Ca)(Ti, Zr)O3-(Bi0.5Na0.5)SnO3 lead-free ceramics. Moreover, both the mesoscopic structure heterogeneity and complex high internal stresses in ultrafine grains decrease the temperature sensitivity of the nanodomain structural features. Together with the suppressed high-temperature defect motion from high ceramic density and submicron grain size, a record-high temperature stability with Wrec = 10.4±5% J cm-3 and η = 96±3% is obtained at 65 kV mm-1 and 0-250 °C, demonstrating great application potential of the studied ceramic in high-temperature energy storage capacitors. The proposed strategy in this work greatly expands the design mentality for next-generation high-performance energy-storage dielectrics.

Injectable thermosensitive hydrogel system based on hyaluronic acid and methylcellulose for the synergistic therapy of traumatic spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological disease with a high rate of disability. Inflammation plays a key role in all stages of pathological of SCI and interacts with ferroptosis to induce deterioration. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) is currently the only drug in clinical to treat SCI through anti-inflammation, but due to the lack of efficacy and systemic adverse reactions, the drug therapy of SCI is still limited. Therefore, a locally administered injectable thermosensitive hydrogel MPSS/Fer-1@HA-MC was designed to treat SCI synergistically by anti-inflammation and anti-ferroptosis. Considering the insolubility of Fer-1 in water, Fer-1@β-CD inclusion complex was used to co-contained with MPSS in HA-MC hydrogel. Faster release of dissolved MPSS inhibits inflammation in acute and subacute stages of SCI. With a smaller solubility of Fer-1@β-CD, Fer-1 released slowly and persistently to anti-ferroptosis and anti-inflammation in whole stages. Therefore, motricity function of SCI mouse was repaired after treat with MPSS/Fer-1@HA-MC, better than single-drug hydrogels. Furthermore, MPSS/Fer-1@HA-MC inhibit inflammatory damage by decreased the expression of IL-1β, CD68, ROS and iNOS, and inhibit ferroptosis by reduced the overexpression of TfR1 and lipid peroxidation, and increased GPX4 level in whole stages. In summary, MPSS/Fer-1@HA-MC successfully achieved a more sustained and comprehensive therapeutic of SCI.

Combination of Collagen-Chitosan Hydrogel and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Biomaterial for Bone Regeneration: Characterization and Growth Factor Release Pattern

The release of growth factors in injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) exhibits a peak within 24 hours and subsequent decline by day 10, underscoring immediate application, limiting its effectiveness in alveolar bone repair. In order to enhance its regenerative potential, I-PRF can be combined with biomaterial scaffolds such as collagen-chitosan hydrogels, which mimic the extracellular matrix and support tissue regeneration. This combination has been shown to enhance cellular signaling and tissue repair. This study aimed to analyze the characterization of collagen-chitosan hydrogels with I-PRF and determine the growth factor release pattern that occurs after mixing.Collagen-chitosan hydrogels were prepared and combined with I-PRF at a 1:1 ratio. The structural characterization of these hydrogels, both with and without I-PRF, was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), enabling the comparison of absorption bands. Furthermore, the release profiles of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) were assessed in two experimental groups: The first group consisted of I-PRF alone, while the second group comprised of I-PRF combined with collagen-chitosan hydrogels. Growth factor release was evaluated at multiple time points (days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The resulting absorbance values were converted into concentration measurements (pg/mL) using a standard calibration curve. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way analysis of variance followed by a post hoc least significant difference test.FTIR analysis demonstrated that the functional groups present in the collagen-chitosan hydrogel remained unchanged following the incorporation of I-PRF, confirming the formation of physical rather than chemical bonds. Subsequent analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the release patterns of TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB between the two groups (p < 0.05). The combination of collagen-chitosan hydrogel and I-PRF exhibited a more stable and sustained release profile from day 1 to day 17.The combination of I-PRF with collagen-chitosan hydrogels does not alter the fundamental chemical structure of the scaffold. However, this combination does influence the controlled release of growth factors. This finding indicates that the synergistic interaction between collagen and chitosan enhances the hydrogel's properties, suggesting its potential as a promising biomaterial for use as a scaffold in bone regeneration.

Anti-swelling, antithrombotic and antibacterial zwitterionic hydrogel coatings with a sandwich structure on polymer substrates

Interventional medical catheters and blood-contact biomedical devices are crucial in clinical treatment, but they often face challenges such as thrombosis, infection and inflammation. In this study, a sandwich-structured hydrogel coating was successfully prepared with antithrombotic, antimicrobial and anti-swelling properties. The coating consisted of a polydopamine adhesion base layer, an antimicrobial and anti-swelling middle layer, and an anti-adhesive top layer. The middle layer contains Pluronic F127 diacrylate (FDA) micelles and the poly(methacryloyl sulfobetaine) (pSBMA) hydrogel, wherein glucose oxidase (GOx) encapsulated in FDA micelles is incorporated into the coating for achieving a sustained antimicrobial effect. The top layer consists of zwitterionic polycarboxybetaine (pCBMA), which prevents non-specific protein adhesion and acts as a barrier to reduce the release of GOx and prolong its antimicrobial effect. The coating was applied onto the surface of silicone catheters, which showed excellent durability as well as antithrombotic and antimicrobial properties, providing a new solution to improve the safety and efficacy of clinical treatments.

Curcumin-Loaded Silver-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Efficient Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus for Promoting Infected Wound Healing

Slow or noticeably delayed wound healing is frequently intimately linked to bacterial infection and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), while the inappropriate usage of antibiotics fuels the rise of bacterial resistance. The innovative materials are desperately needed to eliminate bacteria and effectively accelerate wound healing. In this work, a curcumin-loaded silver-based metal-organic framework (Cur/Ag-MOF) composite nanomaterial was developed, which exhibited good antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and drug resistance. Meanwhile, surface-loaded curcumin can effectively eliminate excess free radicals and promote wound healing due to its antioxidative and ROS scavenging properties. Additionally, it was discovered that the application of Cur/Ag-MOF to the site of skin trauma significantly sped up the process of wound closure in mice used as subjects. These findings highlighted its great potential for treating bacterial infection-induced skin injuries and aiding the healing and reconstruction of skin tissues.

Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications

The formation of microbial colonies and biofilms are common on dental restorations. This can lead to secondary caries. Another common complication is the post-operative inflammation noted in patients. The traditionally used dental composites are designed without the inherent components having antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. This has become a major challenge in current restorative dentistry applications. In order to address these challenges, a possible approach is to incorporate eugenol nanoparticles (NPs) into dental composites. This approach can offer dual therapeutic benefits since eugenol possess both antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. In fact, compared to synthetic antimicrobial agents, eugenol exhibits antibacterial activity not only against Streptococcus mutans but also against a range of oral pathogens. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can promote healing by reducing post-operative sensitivity. In spite of the above benefits, eugenol cannot be incorporated directly into dental materials. This is because eugenol is highly volatile and has poor water solubility. The encapsulation of eugenol in suitable nano-materials can overcome these limitations. In addition, it can enable the controlled and sustained release of desirable agents for long-term therapeutic action. In this review, we explore the mechanisms, advantages and potential clinical applications of dental composites containing NP integrated with eugenol. We highlight the advantages of having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions in a single restorative material. At the same time, we acknowledge the need for more in-depth research to optimize NP formulations with eugenol that does not compromise the mechanical properties of dental materials. Based on a thorough literature review, we believe that this approach has much potential in restorative dentistry procedures that will aid therapeutic outcomes in the future.

Temporary Anchorage Devices in Clear Aligner Therapy: A Systematic Review

This systematic review analyzed the combined use of aligners and orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in orthodontic treatment. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness, benefits, and potential challenges of integrating the use of miniscrews with aligners. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement, and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO under the ID CRD42024576712. A comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant papers involving patients treated with aligners and TADs, dating from 1 January 2004 to 17 July 2024. The electronic database search identified a total of 458 articles. After eligibility, 14 records were selected for qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that the combination of aligners and miniscrews significantly enhances treatment precision and control, especially in cases requiring complex tooth movements, such as intrusion, extrusion, and distalization. The use of miniscrews allows greater control of movement and stability. The integration of these two techniques presents challenges, such as the need for precise miniscrew placement and potential discomfort during insertion. However, there was high satisfaction due to the aesthetic and comfort benefits of aligners. Further research is desirable to delve deeper into the topic to optimize clinical outcomes.

Engineering Organic Photochromism with Photoactivated Phosphorescence: Multifunctional Smart Devices and Enhanced Four-Channel Data Storage

The development of organic photoresponsive materials with multiple responses is essential for advancing multichannel data storage systems. In this study, interactions between photochromic and phosphorescent components are engineered by covalently linking them to obtain NMC (the compound containing naphthalimide and merocyanine units), which converted into NSP (the compound containing naphthalimide and spiropyran units) upon blue light irradiation, resulting in a maximum decrease in absorption of more than 90%, a blueshift of the fluorescent emission peaks from 605 to 490 nm, and an 84 fold enhancement in phosphorescence emission intensity. These significant optical changes across the three modes upon exposure to blue light are unprecedented. The conversion of optical signals to electrical signals enables the successful implementation of devices for remote monitoring of acid gas and blue light, as well as automatic control of blue light exposure. Furthermore, the data storage capacity of the device is significantly enhanced, increasing from 1 bit to log2(4n) bits per point in a four-channel data storage system. The design and synthesis of this compound present a promising approach for the development of sustainable, efficient, and flexible smart optoelectronic devices.

A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-Based Assessment of Safe Zones for Orthodontic Mini-Implant Placement in the Lateral Maxilla: A Retrospective Morphometric Study

Background/Objectives: Orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in the lateral maxillary region are useful tools for successful orthodontic treatment. Radiological anatomical knowledge is crucial for the successful placement of TADs. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is essential for evaluating the relationship between the ideal placement point (IPP) and dental structures, particularly in cases with anatomical limitations. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the anatomical conditions for orthodontic mini-implant (MI) insertion in the posterior maxilla using CBCT as the gold standard. Methods: This retrospective study included 62 patients (37.1% male, 62.9% female) aged 11 to 50 years. CBCT scans (sagittal and axial cross-sections) were used to evaluate interdental bone characteristics in different regions. The evaluated regions were defined as follows: Region 1 (canine and first premolar), Region 2 (first and second premolars), Region 3 (second premolar and first molar), and Region 4 (first and second molars). All parameters were assessed at three predefined levels: A, B, and C, located 4, 3, and 2 mm, respectively, from the alveolar crest. At the aforementioned levels, we performed measurements, such as the interdental width (IDW) in the mesiodistal direction and buccopalatal depth (BPD). The last observation was the relationship between the ideal TAD placement point (IPP) and dental structures, such as contact points (CPs) and cusp tips (C1-cusp of mesial tooth, C2-cusp of distal tooth, in each region). Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the IDW and BPD at Levels A, B, and C in Region 1, while a negative correlation was observed between the IDW and BPD at Level C in Region 2'. The highest percentages of IDW exceeding 3 mm were found in Region 4 at Level A (67.7%), followed by Region 1' and 2', both at Level A. The mean interdental width measured at each level on the right and left sides was highest at Level A, exceeding 3 mm, and the width decreased with each successive level. The mean BPD measured at each level on the right and left sides was also highest at Level A. Conclusions: This methodological approach could assist in ensuring precise and efficient implant insertion. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the safe zone for buccal and interdental mini-implant placement is located 4 mm from the alveolar crest at Level A. Also, the CBCT analysis algorithm may serve as a valuable tool for clinicians in determining optimal TAD placement in different dental regions.

DNA Organogels Gaining Multifunctions from the Contribution of Molecular Design on Cross-Linker

DNA gels have been receiving considerable attention for their good therapeutic and biomedical potential. However, it remains a great challenge for DNA gels to achieve a good combination of high mechanical performance and stimuli responsiveness. In this work, a molecular designing strategy is developed for fabricating a high-performance DNA gel using long sequenced DNA and a tetraphenylethene-containing surfactant. Comprising different structural motifs, the designed surfactant could serve as a contact point for creating a strong and flexible cross-linking network between DNA molecules through noncovalent interactions. The resulting DNA gel gains an impressive adhesion of 7.58 ± 0.49 MPa, which addresses the top level of high-performance DNA gels. Such a DNA gel shows generous adhesion with various materials and good temperature tolerance. The good biosafety and wound-healing promoting effect would also open its potential use in biological and biomedical areas. Additionally, this DNA gel possesses fluorescence for easy detection, achieving a combination of high mechanical performance and stimuli responsiveness. This work presents a design strategy for gaining robust DNA materials with a combination of different physicochemical properties together.

Grafting of Zwitterionic Polymers on Zirconia Surfaces: An XPS Investigation

Colonization of surfaces by bacteria followed by biofilm formation is a cause of wound infections associated with the use of medical devices as stents, catheters, implants, etc. For prevention of such infections, the preparation of surfaces with antifouling, anti-adhesive and antibacterial properties is of great interest. In this context, four zwitterionic (styrenic or methacrylic) monomers bearing a pyridinium, imidazolium or ammonium cationic group linked to a sulfonate anionic group were chosen and polymerized on ceramic for implant technology. Zwitterionic polymers were successfully grafted onto zirconia pellets through surface-initiated radical polymerization with blue-light photoactivation ("grafting from"). Wettability measurements showed the formation of hydrophilic surfaces with water contact angles in the range of 35-40°. Detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed a surface where the zirconia pellets exhibited zwitterionic polymer brushes with high coverage. The core-level spectra of C1s, N1s and S2p were separated into many components, allowing their attribution to the different atoms in the monomer unit and confirming that zwitterionic polymers were successfully grafted from zirconia surfaces.

Silk Fibroin-Based Biomemristors for Bionic Artificial Intelligence Robot Applications

In the emerging fields of flexible electronics and bioelectronics, protein-based materials have attracted widespread attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processability. Among these materials, silk fibroin (SF), a protein derived from natural silk, has demonstrated significant potential in biomedical applications such as medical sensing and bone tissue engineering, as well as in the development of advanced biosensors. This is primarily due to its highly ordered β-sheet structure, mechanical properties, and processability. Furthermore, SF-based memristors provided a material choice for producing flexible wearable, and even implantable bioelectronic devices, which are expected to advance intelligent health monitoring, electronic skin (e-skin), brain-computer interface (BCI), and other frontier bioelectronic technologies. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress in SF-based memristors concerning structural design, performance optimization, device integration, and application prospects, particularly highlighting their potential applications in neuromorphic computing and memristive sensors. Concurrently, we objectively analyzed the challenges currently faced by SF-based memristors and prospectively discussed their future development trends. This review provides a theoretical foundation and technological roadmap for biomaterials-based memristor devices, aiming to realize applications in flexible electronics and bioelectronics.

Glioblastoma Cell Derived Exosomes as a Potent Vaccine Platform Targeting Primary Brain Cancers and Brain Metastases

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent brain tumor that remains incurable up to now. The rapid advancement of immunotherapy makes vaccines a promising therapeutic approach for GBM. However, current vaccine platforms, such as peptides, dendritic cells, mRNA, and viral vectors, are subject to limitations such as inadequate antigen loading, insufficient immune system activation, ineffective vector delivery, complicated fabrication process, and complex formulation. Here, we developed a GBM tumor cell derived homologous exosomal nanovaccine that does not need to carry any additional tumor antigens and leads to the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in lymph nodes, increasing the proportion of immune cells (matured dendritic cells, cytotoxic T cells, and memory T cells) and in turn promoting the expression of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ), which effectively stimulates innate immunity to trigger durable protective immunity against tumor cell insult. Our nanovaccine platform possesses efficient dual-targeting capability to lymph nodes and the brain. More importantly, the developed exosomal nanovaccines protected 100% of treated mice by inducing sustained and strong immunity against GL261-luc GBM tumor cells, resulting in 100% mouse survival (8/8) up to 5 months. Our nanovaccines also induced antitumor immune responses in the immunosuppressed CT2A-luc GBM mouse model with greatly improved survival compared to control mice. Exosomal nanovaccines also demonstrated effectiveness in preventing brain metastasis in the B16F10-luc melanoma malignant brain metastasis mouse model, and the mice showed notably improved survival rates. Our simple and potent exosomes offer a versatile platform for clinical translation as individualized vaccine therapy.

Advances in bioink-based 3D printed scaffolds: optimizing biocompatibility and mechanical properties for bone regeneration

The development of bioink-based 3D-printed scaffolds has revolutionized bone tissue engineering (BTE) by enabling patient-specific and biomimetic constructs for bone regeneration. This review focuses on the biocompatibility and mechanical properties essential for scaffold performance, highlighting advancements in bioink formulations, material combinations, and printing techniques. The key biomaterials, including natural polymers (gelatin, collagen, alginate), synthetic polymers (polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol), and bioactive ceramics (hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate), are discussed concerning their osteoconductivity, printability, and structural integrity. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in achieving optimal mechanical strength, degradation rates, and cellular interactions. The review explores emerging strategies such as gene-activated bioinks, nanocomposite reinforcements, and crosslinking techniques to enhance scaffold durability and bioactivity. By synthesizing recent developments, this work provides insights into future directions for bioink-based scaffolds, paving the way for more effective and personalized bone regenerative therapies.

Preparation, characterization, multidimensional applications and prospects of protein bio-based hydrogels: A review

Protein bio-based hydrogels have emerged as a versatile and functional class of biomaterials due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, tunable mechanical strength, and environmental responsiveness (pH, enzymes, ions and light). This review comprehensively explores the preparation methods, physicochemical properties, and multidimensional applications of protein-based hydrogels. Various fabrication techniques, such as chemical crosslinking, physical gelation, and enzymatic reactions, are discussed, highlighting their impact on the structure and functionality of hydrogels. The intrinsic properties of protein hydrogels are summarized in detail, including mechanical properties, swelling resistance, frost resistance, adhesion, biocompatibility and degradability. Furthermore, this review delves into their diverse applications, which span tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, food preservation, biosensing, and environmental remediation. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of protein-based hydrogels are addressed, emphasizing the necessity for scalable production, enhanced stability, and multifunctional integration to meet the growing demands of advanced biomedical and industrial applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of protein-based hydrogels and to inspire innovative research in this rapidly evolving field.

Nanovehicles for delivery of antigens and adjuvants as cancer nanovaccines

Cancer vaccines offer a promising strategy for immunotherapy by stimulating the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Antigens and adjuvants have been recognized as important components for the preparation of cancer vaccines, with antigens as the keys for immune cells to recognize cancer cells and adjuvants stimulating potent immune effects. Nanovehicles offer great potential advantages for construction of cancer vaccines, including enhanced antigen loading, co-assembly of antigens and adjuvants, targeted delivery, and antigen and adjuvant effects. By leveraging diverse nanovehicles, along with tumor antigens and/or adjuvants, various cancer nanovaccines have been developed, resulting in enhanced immune responses and facilitating the creation of personalized vaccines. This review presents the progress of cancer nanovaccines in clinical trials, systematically summarizing the physicochemical properties and roles of nanovehicles in the delivery of antigens and adjuvants as cancer nanovaccines, including inorganic nanoparticles, polymeric nanovehicles, nanoengineered coordination polymers, lipid nanovehicles, biomimetic nanovehicles, virus-like particles, and self-assembled peptide vehicles. We further discuss challenges in clinical translation and provide insights into future advancements in cancer nanovaccines.

Effects of mandibular setback surgery using the surgery-first approach versus conventional orthognathic approach on upper airway change and sleep quality

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of mandibular setback surgery on the upper airway and sleep quality using two approaches: the surgery-first approach (SFA) and the conventional orthognathic approach (COA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, comparative clinical study was conducted in 20 patients, with 10 in each group undergoing isolated mandibular setback surgery. Three-dimensional upper airway analysis using cone-beam computed tomography and sleep quality assessments through questionnaires and sleep studies were performed preoperatively (T0), within 1 month postoperatively (T1), and six months postoperatively (T2).

RESULTS

The SFA group demonstrated greater mandibular setback and rotational changes compared to the COA group. Both groups exhibited postoperative reductions in airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area, with no significant intergroup differences. Significant differences in the change in airway length in the upper airway segment (0.9 ± 1.0 mm for SFA vs. -1.2 ± 3.4 mm for COA, P = 0.002) and total airway length (3.3 ± 1.8 mm for SFA vs. -0.1 ± 2.3 mm for COA, P < 0.001) were observed at T2 compared to the preoperative period. Subjective and objective sleep parameters were comparable between the groups. Objective sleep quality initially worsened but improved over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated mandibular setback surgery, whether performed using SFA or COA, resulted in comparable changes in upper airway dimensions and sleep quality.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The choice between SFA and COA for isolated mandibular setback surgery does not significantly influence surgical decision-making regarding upper airway changes and sleep quality.

Foaming of Bio-Based PLA/PBS/PBAT Ternary Blends with Added Nanohydroxyapatite Using Supercritical CO2: Effect of Operating Strategies on Cell Structure

This study explored the innovative foaming behavior of a novel biodegradable polymer blend consisting of polylactic acid/poly(butylene succinate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBS/PBAT) enhanced with nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) as an environmentally friendly physical foaming agent. The aim was to investigate the effects of various foaming strategies on the resulting cell structure, aiming for potential applications in tissue engineering. Eight foaming strategies were examined, starting with a basic saturation process at high temperature and pressure, followed by rapid decompression to ambient conditions, referred to as the (1T-1P) strategy. Intermediate temperature and pressure variations were introduced before the final decompression to evaluate the impact of operating parameters further. These strategies included intermediate-temperature cooling (2T-1P), intermediate-temperature cooling with rapid intermediate decompression (2T-2P), and intermediate-temperature cooling with gradual intermediate decompression (2T-2P, stepwise ΔP). SEM imaging revealed that the (2T-2P, stepwise ΔP) strategy produced a bimodal cell structure featuring small cells ranging from 105 to 164 μm and large cells between 476 and 889 μm. This study demonstrated that cell size was influenced by the regulation of intermediate pressure reduction and the change in intermediate temperature. The results were interpreted based on classical nucleation theory, the gas solubility principle, and the effect of polymer melt strength. Foaming results of average cell size, cell density, expansion ratio, porosity, and opening cell content are reported. The hydrophilicity of various foamed polymer blends was evaluated by measuring the water contact angle. Typical compressive stress-strain curves obtained using DMA showed a consistent trend reflecting the effect of foam stiffness.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of melatonin and chitosan loaded nanoparticles in the treatment of periodontal intra-bony defects: A Randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The current literature lacks the effect of melatonin loaded nanoparticles (LNPs) as local drug delivery (LDD) in the treatment of periodontitis. Hence, the aim of the current study is to investigate the clinical and radiographic effects of melatonin LNPs in patients with periodontal intrabony defects.

METHODS

The current study was performed on healthy patients with periodontal intrabony defects. The participants were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 received scaling and root planing (SRP) with melatonin LNPs, group 2 received placebo gel with SRP, and group 3 received SRP and chitosan LNPs. The primary outcomes included the radiographic measurements of the bone defects to evaluate the bone fill after 6 months. The secondary outcomes included the following clinical parameters; clinical attachment level (CAL), periodontal probing depth (PPD), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). The clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

RESULTS

The current study included 67 patients with periodontal intrabony defects. All the study groups demonstrated significant improvements in all the clinical outcomes (CAL, PPD, PI, and GI) (P < 0.05). Melatonin LNPs group revealed the most significant improvement of the radiographic outcomes after 6 months including bone defect height and depth, alveolar crest level, and the buccolingual and mesiodistal width of bone defects) (P < 0.05), followed by chitosan group while insignificant changes were detected in the placebo group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Melatonin LNPs as a LDD can act as a promising therapeutic modality in treating periodontal intrabony defects through significant improvement of the clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Advances in Photothermal Therapy for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer represents a critical global health issue, where traditional treatment modalities are often characterized by considerable adverse effects and suboptimal effectiveness. Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers an innovative method for tumor treatment, leveraging photothermal agents to convert light into hyperthermia, ultimately leading to tumor ablation. PTT offers unique advantages in treating oral cancer due to its superficial anatomical location and consequent accessibility to laser irradiation. PTT's advantage is further enhanced by its capacity to facilitate drug release and promote tissue regeneration. Consequently, the application of PTT for oral cancer has garnered widespread interest and has undergone rapid development. This review outlines advances in PTT for oral cancer, emphasizing strategies to improve efficacy and combination therapy approaches. The key challenges, including temperature control and long-term biosafety, are discussed alongside future directions. The review also encompasses PTT's role in managing oral potentially malignant disorders and postoperative defects, conditions intimately linked with oral cancer. We aim to provide guidance for emerging PTT research in oral cancer and to promote the development of precise and efficient treatment strategies.

A stress-driven model for bone density evolution in rats during orthodontic tooth movement

Orthodontic bone remodeling simulations offer a scientific foundation for optimizing treatment plans and predicting outcomes in orthodontics. Since alveolar bone exhibits unique regional responses and high sensitivity to tensile and compressive stresses, traditional models often fail to account for these characteristics, limiting their accuracy in predicting the microstructural changes of alveolar bone under external forces. To address this issue, this study proposes a bone remodeling model based on equivalent stress derived from the Mohr strength theory as the mechanical stimulus. The model differentiates tension and compression zones within the alveolar bone and simulates density changes driven by the orthodontic remodeling process: bone formation in tension zone and resorption in compression zone. Orthodontic experiments on rats were conducted to monitor changes in alveolar bone density at 7 and 14 days. Results revealed a density increase of around 3.16% and 9.84% in tension zone and a decrease of approximately 4.86% and 3.61% in compression zone on days 7 and 14, respectively. A comparison between the experimental data and the simulation results of the bone remodeling algorithm demonstrated a consistent trend, validating that the proposed model effectively reflects the dynamic process of bone remodeling. This study provides a new perspective for orthodontic bone remodeling simulations and lays a foundation for further exploration of the mechanisms underlying alveolar bone density changes.

3D Printable Supramolecular Viologen-Cationic Polyurethane Ionotronics for Multimodal Sensing and Displays

Ionic polyurethanes with excellent properties have garnered significant attention in flexible wearables. However, it is still challenging to achieve ionic polyurethane ionotronics with both excellent mechanical properties and functionalization. Here, a series of hydroxypropyl viologen (HDPV) cationic-based supramolecular polyurethane with tunable strength (7.6-76.6 MPa), toughness (29.1-285.3 MJ m-3), and elongation (499.8%-1102.3%) are developed by balancing HDPV cations and dynamic sextuple hydrogen bonds into the polyurethane. Dynamic modulation of the mechanical and electrochromic properties of the polyurethane can be achieved by adjusting the content of HDPV cations and dynamic sextuple bonds. Strong electrostatic interactions between the HDPV cationic-based polyurethane and the ionic liquid resulted in the preparation of ionogels with excellent pressure/strain and temperature sensing properties. Additionally, benefiting from the redox properties of the polycationic backbone, electrochromic devices fabricated from HDPV cationic-based polyurethane demonstrated a high modulation range of 79.1%, a certain degree of color memory effect, and excellent cycling stability. Shape customization of flexible electrochromic devices of HDPV cationic-based polyurethane can be achieved by 3D printing technology. The study paves a new avenue for the fabrication of flexible visual ionotronics with high stability and versatility.

A nucleoside-based supramolecular hydrogel integrating localized self-delivery and immunomodulation for periodontitis treatment

Periodontitis is a highly prevalent oral disease characterized by bacterial-induced hyperactivation of the host immune system, leading to a sustained inflammatory response and osteoclastic activity, which ultimately results in periodontal destruction. In this work, an immunomodulatory supramolecular hydrogel for the topical treatment of periodontitis was synthesized using a simple one-pot method. This phenylboronate ester-based 8AGPB hydrogel exhibited excellent stability, self-healing properties, injectability, and biocompatibility. During degradation, the 8AGPB hydrogel releases immunomodulatory agent 8-aminoguanosine (8AG), which regulates MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways by modulation of second messengers in macrophages. In combination with 1,4-phenylenediboronic acid (PBA), which possesses antioxidant properties, 8AG effectively inhibits ROS production and oxidative damage in LPS-stimulated macrophages, lowering the M1/M2 macrophage polarization ratio and reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. In an experimental periodontitis model using C57BL/6 mice, periodontal injection of the 8AGPB hydrogel reduced inflammatory infiltration and osteoclastic activity through immunomodulation and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation, thereby ameliorating periodontal destruction during periodontitis progression. Overall, the 8AGPB supramolecular hydrogel, serving as an injectable self-delivery platform for 8AG, may represent a promising novel strategy for periodontitis treatment and offer insights for the development of future topical anti-inflammatory systems.

Embryonic toxicology evaluation of novel Cissus quadrangularis, bioceramics and tendon extracellular matrix incorporated scaffolds for periodontal bone regeneration using zebrafish model

Introduction

The development of novel scaffold incorporating Cissus quadrangularis extract, bioceramics and tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) for periodontal bone regeneration necessitates a thorough assessment of their embryotoxicity to ensure biocompatibility and safety. This study evaluates the embryonic toxicology of these innovative scaffold using the zebrafish model, which provides a rapid transparent and highly sensitive system for assessing development toxicity.

Materials and methods

Zebrafish embryos were exposed to scaffold containing Cissus quadrangularis extract (80 % ethanol), bioceramics, and tendon extracellular. Briefly, the scaffold immerged in the E3 medium for 48h and the extract (10, 50 and 100μl/ml) was evaluated against developing embryos for different developmental anomalies such as survival, malformation, heartbeat and the expression of RunX2 and Bmp2 genes.

Results

The results showed that the SEM analysis revealed that the membrane was rough in nature. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxylate groups, collagen and hydroxyapatite in the synthesized membrane. Meanwhile, the scaffold did not show any of the developmental defects such as hatchability inhibition and neural toxicity. The mortality was comparable to negative control. Further, the study revealed that the scaffold induced the osteogenic potential by elevating the RunX2 and Bmp2 expression.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the inclusion of C. quadrangularis extract could be a beneficial for enhancing periodontal bone regeneration. Further, this also revealed that the extract did not impede the normal tissue development or regeneration using zebrafish embryo as a model.

Bacterial cellulose-based flexible phase change gel for potential release-controllable wound dressings

Long-term protection of skin-defect wounds is challenging for the common wound dressings cotton gauze due to its weak skin adhesion, limited drug-loading capacity and frequent replacement. Hydrogels are considered as the promising wound dressings benefiting by their good mechanical compatibility and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the hydrogels always suffer from the drawbacks of fast water evaporation, lack of antibacterial ability and uncontrollable drug release, which greatly shorten their long-term wound protection duration. Herein, a novel and multifunctional phase change gel (PCG) combining flexibility of hydrogel and release-controllable ability of phase change materials (PCMs) was fabricated through a facile solvent-exchange strategy. Specifically, the bacterial cellulose (BC)/polyethylene glycol based phase change gels (BC/PEG PCGs) were prepared by direct impregnation of BC hydrogel into massive PEG melts. The solvent-exchange mechanism between BC hydrogel and PCM melts was firstly studied based on the impregnation experiments of BC gels into various PCMs. The as-prepared BC/PEG PCGs were then characterized in terms of structure, mechanical, phase change and wound dressing properties, subsequently. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure relationship on their excellent flexibility, good adhesive, skin-cooling, antibacterial and controllable drug-release functions of BC/PEG PCGs, extending their potential in the long-term protection of skin-defect wounds.

ROS-Activated Nanohydrogel Scaffolds with Multi-Factors Controlled Release for Targeted Dual-Lineage Repair of Osteochondral Defects

Achieving self-healing for osteochondral defects caused by trauma, aging, or disease remains a significant challenge in clinical practice. It is an effective therapeutic strategy to construct gradient-biomimetic biomaterials that replicate the hierarchical structure and complex microenvironment of osteochondral tissues for dual-lineage regeneration of both cartilage and subchondral bone. Herein, ROS-activated nanohydrogels composite bilayer scaffolds with multi-factors controlled release are rationally designed using the combination of 3D printing and gelatin placeholder methods. The resulting nanohydrogel scaffolds exhibit micro-nano interconnected porous bilayer structure and soft-hard complex mechanical strength for facilitating 3D culture of BMSCs in vitro. More importantly, multi-stage continuous responses of anti-inflammation, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, are effectively induced via the sequential release of multi-factors, including diclofenac sodium (DS), kartogenin (KGN) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), from ROS-activated nanohydrogel scaffolds, thereby improved dual-lineage regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone tissue in the osteochondral defect model of SD rats. These findings suggest that ROS-activated nanohydrogel scaffolds with such specific soft-hard bilayer structure and sequential delivery of functional factors, provides a promising strategy in dual-lineage regeneration of osteochondral defects.

Mitigating Strain Localization via Stabilized Phase Boundaries for Strengthening Multi-Principal Element Alloys

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEA) demonstrate exceptional stability during rapid solidification, making them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing and other high-design-flexibility techniques. Unexpectedly, MPEA failure often mimics that of conventional metals, with strain localization along phase or grain boundaries leading to typical crack initiation. Most strategies aim at reducing strain localization either suppress the formation of high-energy sites or dissipate energy at crack tips to enhance toughness, rarely achieving a synergy of both. Inspired by the microstructure of mouse enamel, nanoscale body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) phases into MPEAs are introduced, stabilized at phase boundaries to provide ample plastic space for dislocation-mediated deformation. This approach overcomes the local hardening limitations of nanoscale alloys and harmonizes traditional toughening mechanisms-such as crack deflection, blocking, and bridging-to mitigate strain localization. These mechanisms impart the alloy with ultra-high tensile strength (≈1458.1 MPa) and ductility (≈21.2%) without requiring heat treatment. Atomic calculations reveal that partial atomic plane migration drives continuous dislocation transfer across phases. This study uncovers fundamental but latent mechanical mechanisms in MPEAs, advancing understanding of ultra-strong bioinspired alloys.

Nanomaterials as electromagnetic sensors for tumour detection

AIM

Microwave (MW) imaging/sensing is a potential clinical diagnostic technique which exploits differences in the dielectric properties of tissues at MW frequencies. Notably, breast cancer detection has been identified as a key application for this modality; however, inherent contrast in tissue dielectric properties may not always be sufficient to allow imaging/sensing. Nanoparticles could provide the necessary enhancement, due to their effect on the dielectric properties of the target tissue and their ability to accumulate in tumours. This study aims to prepare novel zinc ferrites ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and investigate their potential as contrast agents for MW imaging/sensing.

METHOD

Zinc ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomopositon and phase transferred using a co-polymer to improve biocompatibility. Dielectric properties were evaluated using the co-axial probe technique, progressing to ex vivo and in vivo studies in a triple-negative breast cancer xenograft mouse model.

RESULTS

Tumours regions injected subcutaneously with nanoparticles in vivo showed an increased dielectric constant of up to 49% compared with approximately 3% ex vivo. Significant increases in conductivity were also observed indicating potential application of the particles as MW hyperthermia sensitizers.

CONCLUSIONS

Crucially, this study presents the first in vivo evaluation of nanoparticles as contrast agents for MW imaging/sensing. Observed increases in the dielectric properties highlight their potential to improve tumour detection using MW technologies.

Coercive Field Control in Epitaxial Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films by Nanostructure Engineering

The discovery of ferroelectric hafnium oxide has spurred great interest in the semiconductor industry, enabled by its complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatibility and scalability. However, many questions remain regarding the origin of the ferroelectric phases and the tunability of ferroelectric properties. In this work, we explore the influence of laser fluence on coercive field (Ec) in 10 nm-thick epitaxial rhombohedrally distorted orthorhombic (r-d o) Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) films grown by pulsed laser deposition on La0.7Sr0.3MnO3-buffered (001) SrTiO3 substrates. When laser fluence is decreased from 1.3 J cm-2 to 0.5 J cm-2, the Ec decreases from ∼3.3 to ∼2.7 MV/cm. Lower laser fluence produces pure (111) oriented grains, while higher laser fluence produces an additional (11-1) orientation, leading to low angle tilt grain boundaries and associated dislocations which can act as domain pinning sites. The stabilization of the (11-1) orientation and the grain tilting at higher deposition energetics are consistent with density functional theory calculations. To achieve a low Ec in HZO, which is important for energy-efficient ferroelectric memory applications, low energetic growth conditions are required, producing the most highly perfect films.

High-Performance Lead-Free Ceramics With Simultaneously High Piezoelectricity and High Mechanical Quality Factor

Piezoelectric materials with a high piezoelectric coefficient (d33) and high mechanical quality factor (Qm) are vital for advanced high-power applications. However, achieving this combination is challenging, particularly for lead-free piezoelectrics, because a high d33 value relies on mobile domain walls, which increase dissipative losses and reduce Qm. In this study, this longstanding trade-off is overcome by introducing defect dipoles (via Mn doping) into the quadruple point (QP) composition of the lead-free Ba(Sn, Ti)O3 system. The resultant 0.5%Mn-doped Ba(Sn0.11Ti0.89)O3 (BST-0.5%Mn) ceramic exhibits a high d33 value of 710 pC/N and high Qm value of 929, while the BST-1%Mn ceramic achieves a d33 value of 614 pC/N and Qm value of 1138. These values represent a 10-fold increase in Qm and 1.6-fold increase in d33 for BST-0.5%Mn, compared to those for undoped BST. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and phase-field simulations reveal that the enhanced d33 and Qm are attributable to the coexistence of multiple phases of QPs with symmetry-conforming defect dipoles, challenging the long-held notion of physical incompatibility between high d33 and high Qm. These findings offer a pathway for designing eco-friendly piezoelectric materials with unprecedented performance, paving the way for sustainable and efficient high-power applications.

Smart Antibacterial Fabric Response to Sweat: Constructing Reversibly Switchable Surface by Zwitterionic Block Copolymers

Although various antibacterial fabrics have been extensively developed, smart antibacterial fabrics that can achieve stimulus responses have not been developed under high humidity conditions. In this study, a smart sweat-responsive antibacterial fabric has been designed by grafting zwitterionic PTMSPMA-co-PTMAO copolymer on cotton fabric (CF) to achieve "active attack" and "passive defense" against bacteria. It exhibits desirable antibacterial properties in both H2O and dry environments with the killing rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reaching over 99.97%. Additionally, the fabric exhibits significant antiadhesion effects in sweat environments, with an antiadhesion rate above 99.95%. Various characterizations of PTMSPMA-co-PTMAO-CF reveal its smart responses in killing and antiadhesion of bacteria in high-humidity environments. In H2O, the oxygen-containing anions in PTMSPMA-co-PTMAO-CF interact with H2O via the hydrogen bond, exposing more -(CH3)2-N+ to kill the bacteria and enhance the "active attack." In sweat, ions (such as Na+ and Cl-) will be electrically neutralized with the quaternary ammonium cations (-(CH3)2-N+) and oxygen-containing anions in PTMSPMA-co-PTMAO-CF, thereby significantly enhancing the antiadhesion and exhibiting "passive defense" in high-humidity environments. PTMSPMA-co-PTMAO-CF can also achieve reversible conversion of killing and antiadhesion, according to variations in the external environments. This study provides new insight on smart antibacterial fabrics in the fields of health monitoring, sports equipment, and medical protection.

Resveratrol-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Reinforced Hyaluronic Hydrogel: Multitarget Strategy for the Treatment of Diabetes-Related Periodontitis

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus share a well-established bidirectional relationship, where hyperglycemia exacerbates periodontal inflammation, and periodontal disease further impairs glycemic control. Within the diabetic periodontal microenvironment, an imbalance between pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages promotes chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, delayed healing, and alveolar bone resorption. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-osteogenic properties, holds potential to restore macrophage balance. However, its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and instability. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel RSV delivery system to overcome these limitations and promote periodontal tissue regeneration under diabetic conditions. Methods: A drug delivery system comprising RSV-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles embedded within a cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (RSV@CLgel) was formulated. The system was tested under hyperglycemic and inflammatory conditions for its effects on macrophage polarization, cytokine expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and osteoblast differentiation. Results: RSV@CLgel effectively suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) while upregulating anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10, TGF-β). It significantly reduced oxidative stress by decreasing ROS and lipid peroxidation levels and improved mitochondrial function and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, RSV@CLgel enhanced osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by increased ALP activity, calcium nodule formation, and upregulation of osteogenic genes (COL-I, RUNX2, OCN, OPN). It also inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, contributing to alveolar bone preservation. Conclusions: The RSV@CLgel delivery system presents a promising multifunctional strategy for the management of diabetic periodontitis. By modulating immune responses, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting periodontal tissue regeneration, RSV@CLgel addresses key pathological aspects of diabetes-associated periodontal disease.

Flow Cytometry Illuminates Dental Stem Cells: a Systematic Review of Immunomodulatory and Regenerative Breakthroughs

BACKGROUND

Dental stem cells hold significant potential in regenerative medicine due to their multipotency, accessibility, and immunomodulatory effects. Flow cytometry is a critical tool for analyzing these cells, particularly in identifying and characterizing immunomodulatory markers that enhance their clinical applications. This systematic review aims to answer the question: "How does flow cytometry facilitate the identification and characterization of immunomodulatory markers in dental stem cells to enhance their application in regenerative medicine?".

METHODS

An exhaustive literature search was conducted in PubMed, retrieving 430 studies, of which 284 met inclusion criteria. Studies were selected based on the use of flow cytometry to analyze immunomodulatory markers in dental stem cells, focusing on methodologies, key findings, and challenges.

RESULTS

Of the 284 articles, 229 employed flow cytometry, with 115 reporting relevant results. Flow cytometry revealed important insights into the immunological interactions of various dental stem cells, including dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, periodontal ligament stem cells, and stem cells from the apical papilla, by identifying and characterizing immunomodulatory markers such as PD-L1, IDO, and TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

Flow cytometry is essential for advancing the understanding of dental stem cells' immunomodulatory properties. Standardization of methodologies is required to overcome technical challenges and enhance the clinical applications of dental stem cells in regenerative medicine and immunotherapy.

Revealing the Origin of Property Discrepancy in KNN-Based Ceramics with Extreme K/Na Ratio for Sensing Application

Potassium-sodium niobate (KNN) ceramics are critical lead-free piezoelectric materials, offering eco-friendly alternatives with high performance for sustainable sensor applications. However, how to overcome the theoretical framework of conventional K/Na ratio limitation and achieve property enhancement in extreme composition remains to be fully understood. Herein, by combining density function theory calculation, Rayleigh analysis, and ferroelectric scaling behavior, the origin of property discrepancy in KNN-based ceramics with extreme K/Na ratio is unveiled. Compared with Na-rich sample, 2.3-fold enhanced piezoelectricity can be achieved in K-rich ceramics, superior to those with similar high K concentration. The deteriorated property in Na-rich sample comes from the existence of in-phase oxygen octahedron tilting (M2 +) mode, suppressing the polar (Γ 4 - $\Gamma _4^ - $ ) mode and leading to a higher energy barrier. Nevertheless, the absence of M2 + mode and the multiphase coexistence with a maze-like domain, promote polarization rotation and domain switching, resulting in improved piezoelectric response in K-rich ceramics. A compression-type accelerometer based on KNN with extreme K/Na ratio is designed and the sensitivity of K-rich ceramics is also much higher than that of Na-rich ones, highest in reported KNN-based piezoelectric accelerometers. The study provides a new paradigm to boost electrical properties and reveals the underlying mechanism of property discrepancy induced by extreme K/Na ratio, beneficial to the development of sensor applications.

Shape-adaptive, deformable and adhesive hydrogels enable stable closure of long incision wounds

Effective closure of long incision wounds is crucial in clinical practice but remains challenging for existing bioadhesives due to the deformations of the long incisions. Herein, we propose a concept of shape-adaptive adhesion and achieve it by designing a class of shape-adaptive, deformable adhesive hydrogels (DAHs) for long incision wound closure. The design strategy is facile yet universally applicable, which involves aldehyde polysaccharides as adhesive primers and microgel-type gelators as building blocks. We demonstrate that the microgel-type gelators are responsible for the integration of a deformable matrix in situ, and aldehyde polysaccharides enhance the adhesive performance of the matrix at cost of a little deformability. Optimization of the flexibility of DAH network is effective in balancing the adhesive and deformable properties, thus developing DAHs featured with the adaptability to irregular shapes, robust adhesive properties, and appropriate deformability. As a result, DAHs achieve shape-adaptive adhesion by effectively bonding the long incision and deforming with it without failure. In vivo results clearly show that DAHs stably close the 4 cm-long incision wounds on the backs and the more dynamic incisions on the napes of rats. The shape-adaptive adhesion achieved by DAHs may provide an alternative way for long incision wound treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bioadhesive is emerging as an effective tool in clinical wound treatment. However, the closure of severe long incision wounds by currently available bioadhesives is still challenging. In this work, we proposed a concept of shape-adaptive adhesion and accordingly developed a bioadhesive building strategy for long incision wound closure. The strategy is universally applicable, which involves aldehyde polysaccharide as an adhesive primer and microgel-type gelators as building blocks. The results showed that the strategy is effective in developing bioadhesives (DAHs) that simultaneously possess shape-adaptive properties, robust adhesive properties and appropriate deformability, thus overcoming the limitations of most existing bioadhesives. With these features, DAHs successfully achieved shape-adaptive adhesion and stable closure of long incision wounds, providing an effective way for wound treatment.

A Versatile Immune Protective Armor to Enhance the Regenerative Potential of Exogenous Stem Cells

Host immune rejection has long been recognized as a major contributor to the poor survival rates of exogenous stem cells (ESCs). In this study, we present a simple and versatile strategy to protect ESCs from host immune system insults by developing a protective "armor." This armor was designed using tannic acid (TA), leveraging its strong affinity for biomacromolecules and its anti-inflammatory properties. Prior to implantation, the armor can be readily applied to the surface of individual ESCs, cell aggregates, cell sheets, or cell-laden hydrogel systems by simply immersing them in a TA solution for several seconds, without additional processing steps. The TA-based armor effectively modulates the acute inflammatory response during the initial days postimplantation by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby creating an ESCs-friendly immune microenvironment. This was evidenced by reduction in the infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, the survival of engrafted ESCs was significantly enhanced, with preserved stemness and immunomodulatory functions. The regenerative potential of ESCs was further demonstrated in a rat periodontal defect model. These findings provide a novel approach for enhancing the regenerative performance of ESCs and offer a straightforward and versatile strategy to shield ESCs from host immune rejection.