Biomimetic natural biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine:new biosynthesis methods,recent advances,and emerging applications

Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering(TE)and regenerative medicine.In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials,biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix(ECM).Additionally,such materials have mechanical adaptability,micro-structure interconnectivity,and inherent bioactivity,making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine.This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials(BNBMs),including advances in their preparation,functionality,potential applications and future challenges.We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM.Moreover,we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications.Finally,we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.

Innovations in 3D bioprinting and biomaterials for liver tissue engineering:Paving the way for tissue-engineered liver

The liver is a pivotal organ that maintains internal homeostasis and actively participates in multiple physiological processes.Liver tissue engineering(LTE),by which in vitro biomimetic liver models are constructed,serves as a platform for disease research,drug screening,and cell replacement therapies.3D bioprinting is used in tissue engineering to create microenvironments that closely mimic authentic tissues with carefully selected functional biomaterials.Ideal functional biomaterials exhibit characteristics such as high biocompatibility,mechanical strength,flexibility,processability,and tunable degradability.Biomaterials can be categorized into natural and synthetic biomaterials,each with its own advantages and limitations,and their combinations serve as a primary source of 3D bioprinting materials.It is noteworthy that the liver decellularized extracellular matrix(dECM),obtained by removing cellular components from tissues,possesses traits such as bioactivity,biocompatibility,and non-immunogenicity,making it a common choice among functional biomaterials.Furthermore,crosslinking of biomaterials significantly impacts the mechanical strength,physicochemical properties,and cellular behavior of the printed structures.This review covers the current utilization of biomaterials in LTE,focusing on natural and synthetic biomaterials as well as the selection and application of crosslinking methods.The aim is to enhance the fidelity of in vitro liver tissue models by providing a comprehensive coverage of functional biomaterials,thereby establishing a versatile platform for tissue-engineered livers.

Poplar catkin:A natural biomaterial for highly specific and efficient enrichment of sialoglycopeptides

Sialic acids as terminal entities of larger glycans linked to proteins and lipids are involved in multiple different pathological and physiological processes.Structural characterisation of sialoglycoconjugates is required to understand their biological function.However,a comprehensive sialylation analysis of sialoglycoconjugates has remained challenges.In this study,we employ a natural biomaterial,poplar catkin derived from white poplar tree（Populus tomentosa Carr.）,to develop a novel capturing microtip for selective and efficient enrichment of sialoglycopeptides,without losses of sialic acid residues and water molecules from sialoglycopeptides.Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis,along with Maule and Wiesner staining assays,indicated that the main components on the outer layer of the poplar catkin are syringyl and guaiacyl lignins which play a key role in enriching sialoglycopeptides from complex peptide mixture.

Egg white as a natural and safe biomaterial for enhanced cancer therapy

The last few decades have witnessed the eme rgence of a very large variety of engineered nanomaterials.However,it is far from to meet the growing clinical demand.Actually,nature itself is an excellent na notechnologist,and provides us with a range of wonderful materials,from inorganic particles found in non-life bodies to biofilms,like platelets,erythrocyte membranes,produced by many bacteria or cells.These nanomaterials are entirely natural,and not surprisingly,there is a growing interest in the development of natural nanoproducts.Native components-inspired biomaterials have gained considerable attention owing to their sa fety and functions.In this study,egg white was developed as drug carrier to load PTX by a green and simple one-pot method,and systematic characterization was completed.The results indicated that PTX@EW NPs possess excellent biocompatibility,enhanced tumor targeting capability,effectively reducing the toxic side effects of PTX.The obviously enhanced antitumor effect further confirmed EW was a highly prospective biomaterial in the nano-carrier industry.