Biomaterials and tissue engineering in traumatic brain injury:novel perspectives on promoting neural regeneration

Traumatic brain injury is a serious medical condition that can be attributed to falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and acts of violence, causing a series of neural injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, limited accessibility to the injury sites, complicated histological and anatomical structure, intricate cellular and extracellular milieu, lack of regenerative capacity in the native cells, vast variety of damage routes, and the insufficient time available for treatment have restricted the widespread application of several therapeutic methods in cases of central nervous system injury. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emerged as innovative approaches in the field of nerve regeneration. By combining biomaterials, stem cells, and growth factors, these approaches have provided a platform for developing effective treatments for neural injuries, which can offer the potential to restore neural function, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the need for drugs and invasive surgical procedures. Biomaterials have shown advantages in promoting neural development, inhibiting glial scar formation, and providing a suitable biomimetic neural microenvironment, which makes their application promising in the field of neural regeneration. For instance, bioactive scaffolds loaded with stem cells can provide a biocompatible and biodegradable milieu. Furthermore, stem cells-derived exosomes combine the advantages of stem cells, avoid the risk of immune rejection, cooperate with biomaterials to enhance their biological functions, and exert stable functions, thereby inducing angiogenesis and neural regeneration in patients with traumatic brain injury and promoting the recovery of brain function. Unfortunately, biomaterials have shown positive effects in the laboratory, but when similar materials are used in clinical studies of human central nervous system regeneration, their efficacy is unsatisfactory. Here, we review the characteristics and properties of various bioactive materials, followed by the introduction of applications based on biochemistry and cell molecules, and discuss the emerging role of biomaterials in promoting neural regeneration. Further, we summarize the adaptive biomaterials infused with exosomes produced from stem cells and stem cells themselves for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Finally, we present the main limitations of biomaterials for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and offer insights into their future potential.

Self‑Assembly of Binderless MXene Aerogel for Multiple‑Scenario and Responsive Phase Change Composites with Ultrahigh Thermal Energy Storage Density and Exceptional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

The severe dependence of traditional phase change materials(PCMs)on the temperature-response and lattice deficiencies in versatility cannot satisfy demand for using such materials in complex application scenarios.Here,we introduced metal ions to induce the self-assembly of MXene nanosheets and achieve their ordered arrangement by combining suction filtration and rapid freezing.Subsequently,a series of MXene/K^(+)/paraffin wax(PW)phase change composites(PCCs)were obtained via vacuum impregnation in molten PW.The prepared MXene-based PCCs showed versatile applications from macroscale technologies,successfully transforming solar,electric,and magnetic energy into thermal energy stored as latent heat in the PCCs.Moreover,due to the absence of binder in the MXene-based aerogel,MK3@PW exhibits a prime solar-thermal conversion efficiency(98.4%).Notably,MK3@PW can further convert the collected heat energy into electric energy through thermoelectric equipment and realize favorable solar-thermal-electric conversion(producing 206 mV of voltage with light radiation intensity of 200 mw cm^(−2)).An excellent Joule heat performance(reaching 105℃with an input voltage of 2.5 V)and responsive magnetic-thermal conversion behavior(a charging time of 11.8 s can achieve a thermal insulation effect of 285 s)for contactless thermotherapy were also demonstrated by the MK3@PW.Specifically,as a result of the ordered arrangement of MXene nanosheet self-assembly induced by potassium ions,MK3@PW PCC exhibits a higher electromagnetic shielding efficiency value(57.7 dB)than pure MXene aerogel/PW PCC(29.8 dB)with the same MXene mass.This work presents an opportunity for the multi-scene response and practical application of PCMs that satisfy demand of next-generation multifunctional PCCs.

Enhanced wear resistance,antibacterial performance,and biocompatibility using nanotubes containing nano-Ag and bioceramics in vitro

A good Ti-based joint implant should prevent stress shielding and achieve good bioactivity and anti-infection performance.To meet these requirements,the low-elastic-modulus alloy—Ti–35Nb–2Ta–3Zr—was used as the substrate,and functional coatings that contained bioceramics and Ag ions were prepared for coating on TiO_(2)nanotubes(diameter:(80±20)nm and(150±40)nm)using anodization,deposition,and spin-coating methods.The effects of the bioceramics(nano-β-tricalcium phosphate,microhydroxyapatite(micro-HA),and meso-CaSiO_(3))and Ag nanoparticles(size:(50±20)nm)on the antibacterial activity and the tribocorrosion,corrosion,and early in vitro osteogenic behaviors of the nanotubes were investigated.The tribocorrosion and corrosion results showed that the wear rate and corrosive rate were highly dependent on the features of the nanotube surface.Micro-HA showed great wear resistance with a wear rate of(1.26±0.06)×10^(−3)mm^(3)/(N·m)due to adhesive and abrasivewear.Meso-CaSiO_(3)showed enhanced cell adhesion,proliferation,and alkaline phosphatase activity.The coatings that contained nano-Ag exhibited good antibacterial activity with an antibacterial rate of≥89.5%against Escherichia coli.These findings indicate that hybrid coatings may have the potential to accelerate osteogenesis.

3D printing of calcium phosphate bioceramic with tailored biodegradation rate for skull bone tissue reconstruction

The bone regenerative scaffold with the tailored degradation rate matching with the growth rate of the new bone is essential for adolescent bone repair.To satisfy these requirement,we proposed bone tissue scaffolds with controlled degradation rate using osteoinductive materials(Ca-P bioceramics),which is expected to present a controllable biodegradation rate for patients who need bone regeneration.Physicochemical properties,porosity,compressive strength and degradation properties of the scaffolds were studied.3D printed Ca-P scaffold(3DS),gas foaming Ca-P scaffold(FS)and autogenous bone(AB)were used in vivo for personalized beagle skull defect repair.Histological results indicated that the 3DS was highly vascularized and well combined with surrounding tissues.FS showed obvious newly formed bone tissues.AB showed the best repair effect,but it was found that AB scaffolds were partially absorbed and degraded.This study indicated that the 3D printed Ca-P bioceramics with tailored biodegradation rate is a promising candidate for personalized skull bone tissue reconstruction.

Fabrication of gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel microneedles for transdermal delivery of metformin in diabetic rats

Injection therapy for diabetes has poor patient compliance,and the pain occurring at the site of subcutaneous injections causes significant inconvenience to diabetic patients.In this work,to demonstrate the benefits of an alternative drug delivery technique that overcomes these issues,methacrylated gelatin hydrogel-forming microneedles integrated with metformin were developed to adjust blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.Gelatin methacryloyl microneedles(GelMA-MNs)with different degrees of substitution were successfully prepared by a micro-molding method.The resultant GelMA-MNs exhibited excellent mechanical properties and moisture resistance.Metformin,an anti-diabetic drug,was further encapsulated into the GelMA-MNs,and its release rate could be controlled by the three-dimensional cross-linked network of microneedles,thereby exhibiting sustained drug release behaviors in vitro and implying a better therapeutic effect compared with that of subcutaneous injection in diabetic rats.The drug release period could be significantly prolonged by improving the cross-link density of GelMA-MNs.The results of hypoglycemic effect evaluation show that the application of GelMA-MNs for transdermal delivery in diabetic rats has promising benefits for diabetes treatment.

Rational design and synthesis of one‐dimensional platinum‐based nanostructures for oxygen‐reduction electrocatalysis

Fuel cells have attracted extensive attention due to their high conversion efficiency and environmental friendliness.However,their wider application is limited by the poor activity and high cost of platinum(Pt),which is widely used as the cathode catalyst to overcome the slow kinetics associated with oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Pt‐based composites with one‐dimensional(1D)nanoarchitectures demonstrate great advantages towards efficient ORR catalysis.This review focuses on the recent advancements in the design and synthesis of 1D Pt‐based ORR catalysts.After introducing the fundamental ORR mechanism and the advanced 1D architectures,their synthesis strategies(template‐based and template‐free methods)are discoursed.Subsequently,their morphology and structure optimization are highlighted,followed by the superstructure assembly using 1D Pt‐based blocks.Finally,the challenges and perspectives on the synthesis innovation,structure design,physical characterization,and theoretical investigations are proposed for 1D Pt‐based ORR nanocatalysts.We anticipate this study will inspire more research endeavors on efficient ORR nanocatalysts in fuel cell application.

Mussel‑Inspired Redox‑Active and Hydrophilic Conductive Polymer Nanoparticles for Adhesive Hydrogel Bioelectronics

Conductive polymers(CPs)are generally insoluble,and developing hydrophilic CPs is significant to broaden the applications of CPs.In this work,a mussel-inspired strategy was proposed to construct hydrophilic CP nanoparticles(CP NPs),while endowing the CP NPs with redox activity and biocompatibility.This is a universal strategy applicable for a series of CPs,including polyaniline,polypyrrole,and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene).The catechol/quinone contained sulfonated lignin(LS)was doped into various CPs to form CP/LS NPs with hydrophilicity,conductivity,and redox activity.These CP/LS NPs were used as versatile nanofillers to prepare the conductive hydrogels with long-term adhesiveness.The CP/LS NPs-incorporated hydrogels have a good conductivity because of the uniform distribution of the hydrophilic NPs in the hydrogel network,forming a well-connected electric path.The hydrogel exhibits long-term adhesiveness,which is attributed to the mussel-inspired dynamic redox balance of catechol/quinone groups on the CP/LS NPs.This conductive and adhesive hydrogel shows good electroactivity and biocompatibility and therefore has broad applications in electrostimulation of tissue regeneration and implantable bioelectronics.

Rational Design of High-Performance Bilayer Solar Evaporator by Using Waste Polyester-Derived Porous Carbon-Coated Wood

Wood-based bilayer solar evaporators,which possess cooperative advantages of natural wood and photothermal conversion coating including fast water transportation,low heat conduction,renewability,and high light absorbability,hold great promise for water purification.However,previous studies suffer from low evaporation rates and high cost of coatings,and lack a deep understanding how the porous structures of coating layer function.Herein,a novel bilayer solar evaporator is designed through facile surface coating of wood by low-cost porous carbon from controlled carbonization of polyester waste.The porous carbon bears rich oxygen-containing groups,well-controlled micro-/meso-/macropores,and high surface areas(1164 m^(2) g^(−1)).It is proved that porous carbon improves sunlight absorption and promotes the formation of numerous water clusters to reduce water evaporation enthalpy.Owing to these combined features,the bilayer solar evaporator exhibits high evaporation rate(2.38 kg m^(−2) h^(−1)),excellent longterm stability,and good salt resistance.More importantly,a large-scale solar desalination device for outdoor experiments is developed to produce freshwater from seawater.The daily freshwater production amount(3.65 kg m^(−2))per unit area meets the daily water consumption requirement of one adult.These findings will inspire new paradigms toward developing efficient solar steaming technologies for desalination to address global freshwater shortage.

NOVEL pH-SENSITIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM BASED ON NATURAL POLYSACCHARIDE FOR DOXORUBICIN RELEASE

A novel pH-sensitive nanoparticle drug delivery system (DDS) derived fl om natural polysaccharide pullulan for doxorubicin (DOX) release was prepared.Pullulan was functionalized by successive carboxymethylization and amidation to introduce hydrazide groups.DOX was then grafted onto pullulan backbone through the pH-sensitive hydrazone bond to form a pullulan/DOX conjugate.This conjugate self-assembled to form nano-sized particles in aqueous solution as a result of the hydrophobic interaction of the DOX.Trans...

Research and Progress of Implantable Cardiovascular Materials and Devices

Cardiovascular diseases(CVDs)are the global leading cause of mortality,being responsible for over 17.7 million deaths annually[1].In China,the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases has reached 330 million and accounts for more than 43%of deaths caused by diseases-a much higher proportion than that of cancer,respiratory diseases,or other diseases[2].Among such diseases.

Biomedical Engineering:Materials,Devices,and Technological Innovation Continue to Build a Better Future for Humankind

Biomedical engineering is a relatively new and exciting branch of life sciences that combines materials,devices,design,and problem-solving engineering with medical and biological sciences in order to improve healthcare treatments,including diagnosis,implantation,monitoring,and therapy.The interdisciplinary field of biomedical engineering is changing the ways in which people interact with the world.From prosthetic limbs to medicine-delivery technology,the pioneering work by biomedical scientists and engineers has been shaking the very foundations of traditional medicines and healthcare treatments.Moreover,the miniaturization of medical equipment has been a major breakthrough,facilitating the development of more advanced wearable devices.

Tunable Emission and Energy Transfer of the Novel KY_(1-x)(MoO_(4))_(2-y)(WO_(4))y:xLn^(3+)(Ln^(3+)=Dy^(3+),Eu^(3+),and Tm^(3+))Single-phase White Luminescence Phosphor for White LEDs

The phosphors of KY_(1-x)(MoO_(4))_(2-y)(WO_(4))y:xLn^(3+)(Ln^(3+)=Tm^(3+),Dy^(3+),Eu^(3+))were synthesized by using a sol-gel method.Then,the crystal structure,luminescence properties,energy transfer,and white emission of the prepared materials were researched.The molar ratio of the anion group on the photoluminescence(PL)emission and excitation intensity were investigated,revealing that the optimum intensity could be obtained by using=3:1.The optimal Dy^(3+) doping concentration of KY(MoO_(4))1.5(WO4)0.5was obtained.In addition,the color-tunable emissions of Dy^(3+)/Eu^(3+)-codoped KY(MoO_(4))1.5(WO4)0.5phosphors were observed because of the effective energy transfer(ET)from Dy^(3+)to Eu^(3+)ions.Finally,by doping appropriate concentrations of Tm^(3+),Dy^(3+),and Eu^(3+)and different concentrations of(WO_(4))^(2-),white light emitting phosphors KY_(0.92)(WO_(4))2:0.01Tm^(3+),0.06Dy^(3+),0.01Eu^(3+)with excellent color-rending properties were obtained.The chromaticity coordinate was calculated as(x=0.3238,y=0.3173),closing to the artificial daylight(D65,x=0.313,y=0.329)illuminant,and which indicates the potential application of near ultraviolet White light-emitting diodes(WLEDs).

Development of a 3D matrix for modeling mammalian spinal cord injury in vitro

Spinal cord injury affects millions of people around the world, however, limited therapies are available to improve the quality of life of these patients. Spinal cord injury is usually modeled in rats and mice using contusion or complete transection models and this has led to a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular complexities of the injury. However, it has not to date led to development of successful novel therapies, this is in part due to the complexity of the injury and the difficulty of deciphering the exact roles and interactions of different cells within this complex environment. Here we developed a collagen matrix that can be molded into the 3D tubular shape with a lumen and can hence support cell interactions in a similar architecture to a spinal cord. We show that astrocytes can be successfully grown on this matrix in vitro and when injured, the cells respond as they do in vivo and undergo reactive gliosis, one of the steps that lead to formation of a glial scar, the main barrier to spinal cord regeneration. In the future, this system can be used to quickly assess the effect of drugs on glial scar protein activity or to perform live imaging of labeled cells after exposure to drugs.

Self-assembly Polyrotaxanes Nanoparticles as Carriers for Anticancer Drug Methotrexate Delivery

α-Cyclodextrin/poly(ethylene glycol)(α-CD/PEG) polyrotaxane nanoparticles were prepared via a self-assembly method. Anticancer drug methotrexate(MTX) was loaded in the nanoparticles. The interaction between MTX and polyrotaxane was investigated. The formation, morphology, drug release and in vitro anticancer activity of the MTX loaded polyrotaxane nanoparticles were studied. The results show that the MTX could be efficiently absorbed on the nanoparticles, and hydrogen bonds were formed between MTX andα-CDs. The typical channel-type stacking assembly style of polyrotaxane nanoparticles was changed after MTX was loaded. The mean diameter of drug loaded polyrotaxane nanoparticles were around 200 nm and the drug loading content was as high as about 20%. Drug release profiles show that most of the loaded MTX was released within 8 hours and the cumulated release rate was as high as 98%. The blank polyrotaxane nanoparticles were nontoxicity to cells. The in vitro anticancer activity of the MTX loaded polyrotaxane nanoparticles was higher than that of free MTX.

INCLUSION COMPLEX FORMATION BETWEENα-CYCLODEXTRIN AND BIODEGRADABLE COMBLIKE COPOLYMERS WITH POLY(α,β-MALIC ACID) BACKBONES AND mPEG SIDE CHAINS

Inclusion complexes(ICs) composed ofα-cyclodextrins(α-CD) and biodegradable comblike copolymers with poly(α,β-malic acid)(PMA) backbones and methylated poly(ethylene glycol)(mPEG) side chains were prepared by the host-guest reaction.Two series of ICs with mPEG750 and mPEG2000 were prepared.The stoichiometry(EG/CD) of all the ICs in mPEG2000 series was 3.1,no matter what the graft degree was.While in mPEG750 series,the stoichiometry(EG/CD) was very different:it increased with the amount of mPEG decreasing.Th...

Unveiling the Underlying Mechanism of Transition Metal Atoms Anchored Square Tetracyanoquinodimethane Monolayers as Electrocatalysts for N_(2) Fixation

We for the first time systematically studied the structures and electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction properties of two-dimensional single transition-metal anchored square tetracyanoquinodimethane monolayers(labeled as:TM-sTCNQ,TM=3d,4d,5d series transition metals)by employing density functional theory method.Through highthroughput screenings and full reaction path researches,two promising electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction catalysts Nb-sTCNQ and MosTCNQ have been obtained.The nitrogen reduction reaction onset potential on Nb-sTCNQ is as low as−0.48 V.Furthermore,the Nb-sTCNQ catalyst can quickly desorb NH3 produced with a free energy of 0.65 eV,giving Nb-sTCNQ excellent catalytic cycle performance.The high catalytic activity of the two materials might be attributed to the effective charge transfer between the active center and adsorbed N_(2),which enables the active center to adsorb and activate inert N_(2) molecules well,and the reduction processes require small energy input(i.e.,the maximum free energy changes are small).This work provides insights for finding highly efficient,stable,and low-cost nitrogen reduction reaction electrocatalysts.We hope our results can promote further experimental and theoretical research of this field.

Incorporation of Mg-phenolic networks as a protective coating for magnesium alloy to enhance corrosion resistance and osteogenesis in vivo

Magnesium(Mg) and its alloys have been intensively studied to develop the next generation of bone implants recently, but their clinical application is restricted by rapid degradation and unsatisfied osteogenic effect in vivo. A bioactive chemical conversion Mg-phenolic networks complex coating(e EGCG) was stepwise incorporated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) and exogenous Mg^(2+)on Mg-2Zn magnesium alloy. Simplex EGCG induced chemical conversion coating(c EGCG) was set as compare group. The in vitro corrosion behavior of Mg-2Zn alloy, c EGCG and e EGCG was evaluated in SBF using electrochemical(PDP, EIS) and immersion test. The cytocompatibility was investigated with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(r BMSCs). Furthermore, the in vivo tests using a rabbit model involved micro computed tomography(Micro-CT) analysis, histological observation, and interface analysis. The results showed that the e EGCG is Mgphenolic multilayer coating incorporated Mg-phenolic networks, which is rougher, more compact and much thicker than c EGCG. The e EGCG highly improved the corrosion resistance of Mg-2Zn alloy, combined with its lower average hemolytic ratios, continuous high scavenging effect ability and relatively moderate contact angle features, resulting in a stable and suitable biological environment, obviously promoted r BMSCs adhesion and proliferation. More importantly, Micro-CT, histological and interface elements distribution evaluations all revealed that the e EGCG effectively inhibited degradation and enhanced bone tissue formation of Mg alloy implants. This study puts forward a promising bioactive chemical conversion coating with Mg-phenolic networks for the application of biodegradable orthopedic implants.

Visible light triggered exfoliation of COF micro/nanomotors for efficient photocatalysis

We report a new facile light-induced strategy to disperse micron-sized aggregated bulk covalent organic frameworks(COFs)into isolated COFs nanoparticles.This was achieved by a series of metal-coordinated COFs,namely COF-909-Cu,-Co or-Fe,where for the first time the diffusio-phoretic propulsion was utilized to design COF-based micro/nanomotors.The mechanism studies revealed that the metal ions decorated in the COF-909 backbone could promote the separation of electron and holes and trigger the production of sufficient ionic and reactive oxygen species under visible light irradiation.In this way,strong light-induced self-diffusiophoretic effect is achieved,resulting in good dispersion of COFs.Among them,COF-909-Fe showed the highest dispersion performance,along with a drastic decrease in particle size from 5μm to500 nm,within only 30 min light irradiation,which is inaccessible by using traditional magnetic stirring or ultrasonication methods.More importantly,benefiting from the outstanding dispersion efficiency,COF-909-Fe micro/nanomotors were demonstrated to be efficient in photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline,about 8 times faster than using traditional magnetic stirring method.This work opens up a new avenue to prepare isolated nanosized COFs in a high-fast,simple,and green manner.

The fabrication of hydroxyapatite mineralized hydrogels for bone tissue engineering

Bone is a complex but orderly mineralized tissue with hydroxyapatite(HA)as the inorganic phase and collagen as the organic phase.Inspired by natural bone tissues,HA-mineralized hydrogels have been widely designed and used in bone tissue engineering.HA is majorly utilized for the treatment of bone defects because of its excellent osteoconduction and bone inductivity.Hydrogel is a three-dimensional hydrophilic network structure with similar properties to the extracellular matrix(ECM).The combination of HA and hydrogels produces a new hybrid material that could effectively promote osteointegration and accelerate the healing of bone defects.In this review,the structure and growth of bone and the common strategies used to prepare HA were briefly introduced.Importantly,we discussed the fabrication of HA mineralized hydrogels from simple blending to in situ mineralization.We hope this review can provide a reference for the development of bone repair hydrogels.

Medical Additive Manufacturing: From a Frontier Technology to the Research and Development of Products

1.Research and development(R&D)and the challenges of raw materials for medical additive manufacturing Raw materials for medical additive manufacturing have a wide range of commonalities that are also seen in many other fields,making them an important basis in the field of three-dimensional(3D)printing.Problems and challenges related to material types,powder properties,formability,viscoelasticity,and so forth also share common features.For example,many metal materials are used in the field of aviation,while metals,polymers,and inorganic materials are used in the field of biomedicine.The most widely used materials in biomedicine are biocompatible.Various homogeneous and non-homogeneous composites are also available for 3D printing,and impose an additional challenge in additive manufacturing;the use of heterogeneous composites in 3D printing is particularly challenging.