Themed collection Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator Series
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Liquid–liquid phase separation-inspired design of biomaterials
Biological liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) provides novel insights for the assembly of biomaterials with tailored structure and intrinsic functionality.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 1943-1949
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM02008H
Nanoparticle personalized biomolecular corona: implications of pre-existing conditions for immunomodulation and cancer
The nanoparticle biomolecular corona is affected by patients’ pre-existing conditions and it should be considered when developing novel immunotherapeutics.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 2540-2549
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00315E
Splittable systems in biomedical applications
Splittable systems divide active molecules into inactive parts that recombine under specific conditions for versatile biomedical uses. Applications include immunotherapy, gene editing, prodrug activation, synthetic biology, and biosensing.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 4103-4116
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00709C
Design considerations and biomaterials selection in embedded extrusion 3D bioprinting
In embedded extrusion 3D bioprinting, a temporary matrix preserves a paste-like filament ejecting from a narrow nozzle.
Biomater. Sci., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00550C
Advances in 3D tissue models for neural engineering: self-assembled versus engineered tissue models
Self-assembled models offer advantages in studying neural development, but standardisation, control, and scalability are limited. Engineering hydrogel-based models to mimic native tissue structures shows promise in overcoming these challenges.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 3522-3549
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00317A
Non-viral vector-based genome editing for cancer immunotherapy
Non-viral vector-based CRISPR-Cas-mediated immunoengineering in tumor cells and immune cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 3068-3085
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00286E
Machine learning in nanozymes: from design to application
Nanozymes, a distinctive class of nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity and kinetics akin to enzyme-catalysed reactions, present several advantages over natural enzymes, including cost-effectiveness, heightened stability, and adjustable activity.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 2229-2243
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00169A
Emerging nanoparticle platforms for CpG oligonucleotide delivery
In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the nanoparticle-based CpG delivery systems developed to improve the efficacy of CpG-mediated immune responses.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 2203-2228
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM01970E
Research progress and perspective of metallic implant biomaterials for craniomaxillofacial surgeries
Craniomaxillofacial bone serves a variety of functions.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 252-269
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01414A
Magnetically anisotropic hydrogels for tissue engineering
The magnetically anisotropic structure confers unique properties and promising application prospects to hydrogels in tissue engineering.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 6384-6402
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00744H
Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles for drug delivery
This review summarizes the biological function of PEVs, introduces recent applications of PEVs in targeted drug delivery and makes an outlook for the further development of utilizing PEVs for drug delivery.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5758-5768
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00893B
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Microneedle-based glucose monitoring: a review from sampling methods to wearable biosensors
Microneedles are designed to mediate biofluid extraction and achieve transdermal biosensing and diagnosis.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5727-5757
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00409K
Development of organic photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
This review mainly summarises the recent progress in the development of organic photosensitizers, including porphyrins, chlorophyll, phenothiazines, xanthenes and aggregation-induced emission photosensitizers, for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5108-5128
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00730H
Cellular modifications and biomaterial design to improve mesenchymal stem cell transplantation
Cell delivery is a major determinant of success in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies. Cellular modifications and biomaterial-assisted approaches can enhance the engraftment, retention, and survival of implanted cells for improved tissue repair.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4752-4773
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00376K
Structural and componential design: new strategies regulating the behavior of lipid-based nanoparticles in vivo
This review aims to highlight the new strategies regulating the tissue distribution, cell internalization, and drug release of lipid-based nanoparticles in vivo, focusing on ways to improve their structural and componential design.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4774-4788
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00387F
Nano-based ocular drug delivery systems: an insight into the preclinical/clinical studies and their potential in the treatment of posterior ocular diseases
A snapshot of nano-based drug delivery systems for ocular diseases in the preclinical/clinical studies and examples of novel nano-based eye drops for the treatment of posterior segment of the eye.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4490-4507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00505D
Modulating tumor mechanics with nanomedicine for cancer therapy
In this review, we discuss the nanomedicines that can regulate mechanical stiffness, solid stress, and IFP, with a focus on how nanomedicines change abnormal mechanical properties and facilitate drug delivery.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4471-4489
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00363A
Transferrin receptor 1 targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy
This review summarizes the latest advances in TfR1-targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 3394-3413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM02152H
Glutathione peroxidase-like nanozymes: mechanism, classification, and bioapplication
This is the first comprehensive review of glutathione peroxidase-like nanozymes which discusses their mechanism, classification, and bioapplication to further develop this field.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 2292-2316
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01915A
Cellular metabolism: a link connecting cellular behaviour with the physiochemical properties of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering
This review highlights the importance of cell metabolism as a missing link connecting the cellular behavior and physicochemical properties of biomaterials and serves as a guiding principle for designing scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 2277-2291
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01410F
Polymeric nanomaterial strategies to encapsulate and deliver biological drugs: points to consider between methods
Different techniques developed for the encapsulation of biological drugs within polymeric nanoparticles.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 1923-1947
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01594C
Current knowledge on the tissue distribution of mRNA nanocarriers for therapeutic protein expression
Review on the biodistribution of mRNA-nanocarrier in primary organs highlighting key parameters for optimal protein expression.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6077-6115
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00859A
Surface-modified nanotherapeutics targeting atherosclerosis
Modified nanoparticles for targeting atherosclerotic overexpressed receptors.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 5459-5471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00660J
Membrane-wrapped nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery
This review summarizes recent progress in the development of biomimetic, membrane-wrapped nanoparticles for targeted delivery of nucleic acids (including siRNA, pDNA, and CpG ODNs) to manage cancer.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 4378-4391
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00447J
Antimicrobial mechanisms of biomaterials: from macro to nano
This review provides a comprehensive understanding about how different classes of biomaterials, starting from macroscale to nanoscale, interact with bacteria and viruses to exert their antimicrobial properties through diverse mechanisms of action.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 4392-4423
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00472K
Laser-responsive sequential delivery of multiple antimicrobials using nanocomposite hydrogels
Precise control of antimicrobial delivery can prevent the adverse effects of antibiotics.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 2330-2335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01471H
Short term, low dose alpha-ketoglutarate based polymeric nanoparticles with methotrexate reverse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in mice and modulate T helper cell responses
Suppressive T cells induce anti-inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which then reverse inflammation of the joints.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6688-6697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00415A
Age-Associated Functional Healing of Musculoskeletal Trauma Through Regenerative Engineering and Rehabilitation
Biomater. Sci., 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00616J
Halogen atom regulation of acceptor–donor–acceptor type conjugated molecules for photothermal antibacterial and antibiofilm therapy
Halogen atom regulation of acceptor–donor–acceptor type conjugated molecules for efficient photothermal therapy.
Biomater. Sci., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00605D
A chlorogenic acid-conjugated nanomicelle attenuates disease severity in experimental arthritis
Chlorogenic acid-conjugated PLGA-based nanomicelles reduce disease severity in an experimental rheumatoid arthritis model.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 3335-3344
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM02129G
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Exploring therapy transport from implantable medical devices using experimentally informed computational methods
An experimentally informed device model capturing reduced factor transport resulting from the fibrous capsule (FC) and recovered using fluid flow.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 2899-2913
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00107A
Layer-by-layer nanoparticle encapsulating all-trans retinoic acid and CpG as a mucosal adjuvant targeting colorectal cancer
ATRA and CpG are co-delivered by LbL nanoparticles, inducing the homing of activated T cells to the gut. Injecting NPs with OVA peptide effectively inhibits orthotopic colorectal tumor growth in mice without causing noticeable side effects.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 2292-2301
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4BM00026A
Natural polyphenolic antibacterial bio-adhesives for infected wound healing
Polyphenolic antibacterial bio-adhesives were synthesised via polyphenols and acid anhydrides without solvent or catalyst. Upon heating, these adhesives could induce strong adhesion onto various substrates, while demonstrating excellent antibacterial, antiinfection and biodegradability properties.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 2282-2291
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM02122J
Biosynthesized tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin gelonin for robust cancer therapy
A tumor acidity and MMP dual-responsive plant toxin, gelonin (TPpG), was biosynthesized and it displayed excellent antitumor efficacy.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 346-360
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM01779F
Pristine gelatin incorporation as a strategy to enhance the biofunctionality of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications
In this study, we investigated the suitability of pristine gelatin to enhance the biofunctionality of tyraminated PVA hydrogels, by promoting cell infiltration and host blood vessel recruitment in vitro and in vivo for tissue engineering applications.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 134-150
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM01172K
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Synthetic hyaluronic acid coating preserves the phenotypes of lymphatic endothelial cells
Surface coating with dopamine conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA–DP) can interact with lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) to preserve the phenotypes and functionality of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs).
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 7346-7357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00873H
ICAM-1-decorated extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-146a and Glut1 drive immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a murine model of breast cancer
Tissue nanotransfection (TNT)-driven extracellular vesicles mediate immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a mouse model of breast cancer.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 6834-6847
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00573A
Fabrication and in vitro investigation of hyperbranched poly-lysine-grafted warp knitted polypropylene sling for potential treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Hyperbranched polylysine grafted polypropylene warp-knitted sling with mechanical compliance to prevent postoperative erosion.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 6504-6523
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00943B
Antimicrobial efficacy of a nitric oxide-releasing ampicillin conjugate catheter lock solution on clinically-isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Harnessing the potential of NO-releasing ampicillin conjugate as a catheter-lock solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This approach holds great potential in addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 6561-6572
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00775H
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A machine learning approach to predict cellular uptake of pBAE polyplexes
Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are ideal in silico tools to find patterns of cellular internalisation of pBAE polyplexes in various cell types, using chemical and biophysical material properties and cellular gene expression as model inputs.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5797-5808
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00741C
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Analysis of PEG-lipid anchor length on lipid nanoparticle pharmacokinetics and activity in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and activity of lipid nanoparticles formulated with polyethylene glycol-lipids of different anchor lengths after systemic administration to a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4238-4253
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01846B
A chitosan-based self-healing hydrogel for accelerating infected wound healing
A self-healing antibacterial hydrogel was fabricated for accelerating infected wound healing. This hydrogel possesses biocompatible, self-healing, antibacterial and antibiotic-free properties, and thus is promising as a wound dressing.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4226-4237
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00061C
In situ forming double-crosslinked hydrogels with highly dispersed short fibers for the treatment of irregular wounds
An injectable short-fiber reinforced gelatin methacrylate/oxidized dextran (GM/ODex) hydrogel with a double-crosslinking network was developed for irregular wound treatment.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 2383-2394
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01891H
Absorption rate governs cell transduction in dry macroporous scaffolds
Dry, macroporous scaffolds efficiently transduce T cells, but the mechanism for this transduction has not been studied previously. We report that liquid volume and resultant differences in liquid absorption rates governs cell transduction efficiency.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 2372-2382
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01753A
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Enhanced drug delivery to cancer cells through a pH-sensitive polycarbonate platform
In this paper we a report a pH-sensitive polycarbonate conjugated with the anticancer drug camptothecin that shows enhanced drug delivery towards cancer cells.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 908-915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01626E
All-in-one CoFe2O4@Tf nanoagent with GSH depletion and tumor-targeted ability for mutually enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy
Fabrication process of CFOT and schematic illustration mechanism of CFOT for PTT/CDT synergistic therapy with GSH depletion and tumor targeting.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 828-839
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01542K
Sustained release of heme–albumin as a potential novel therapeutic approach for age-related macular degeneration
ROS-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles sustain release of heme–albumin, increasing HO-1 expression in retinal cells, demonstrating a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of inflammatory conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 7004-7014
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00905F
Multiple particle tracking (MPT) using PEGylated nanoparticles reveals heterogeneity within murine lymph nodes and between lymph nodes at different locations
Dense coatings with polyethylene glycol (PEG) allow nanoparticles to diffuse within the LN extracellular spaces revealing pore sizes ranging from 500 nm–1.5 μm, contrary to previous literature that predicted pores to be 10–20 μm.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6992-7003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00816E
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Sustained release of drug-loaded nanoparticles from injectable hydrogels enables long-term control of macrophage phenotype
Polymer-nanoparticle hydrogels are assembled by guest–host interactions that also enable drug encapsulation. Surface erosion of celastrol-loaded nanoparticles from injectable hydrogels enables macrophage-targeted delivery to modulate cell phenotype.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6951-6967
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01113A
Evaluation of transfection efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicity of branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) associated with mRNA
BAPCs are PEG free nanoparticles with potential to deliver therapeutic mRNA in vivo. Association of mRNA with BAPCs surface enhanced localization in lung by avoiding liver and spleen. Therefore, potentiating their application in lung therapy.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6980-6991
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01314B
In vivo assessment of triazine lipid nanoparticles as transfection agents for plasmid DNA
A triazine based lipid was evaluated in mice for toxicity and transfection efficiency using optimized formulation parameters that result in improved transgene expression as compared to formulations containing commercially available cationic lipids.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6968-6979
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01289H
Inflammatory serum factors from aortic valve stenosis patients modulate sex differences in valvular myofibroblast activation and osteoblast-like differentiation
Identify and validate inflammatory serum factors as drivers of sex-specific valvular interstitial cell phenotypes on hydrogels.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6341-6353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00844K
Multidomain peptide hydrogel adjuvants elicit strong bias towards humoral immunity
Self-assembling multidomain peptide hydrogels direct a nearly exclusive humoral adaptive immune response compared to alum, the most widely used adjuvant in vaccines.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6217-6229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01242A
Destructive fibrotic teamwork: how both microenvironment stiffness and profibrotic interleukin 13 impair alveolar macrophage phenotype and function
Alternative activation (M2 phenotype) of macrophages and reduced phagocytosis is regulated synergistically by increased substrate stiffness and presence of profibrotic soluble cues.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 5689-5706
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00828A
mRNA-carrying lipid nanoparticles that induce lysosomal rupture activate NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce mRNA transfection efficiency
We have demonstrated the ability of mRNA-carrying lipid nanoparticles to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes is highly dependent on lipid composition, affecting the endo/lysosomal rupture or calcium influx/mitochondrial ROS production by the nanoparticle.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 5566-5582
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00883A
Rhoifolin loaded in PLGA nanoparticles alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and in vivo
The bioactive plant flavonoid rhoifolin was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles and evaluated as a potential anti-inflammatory nanomedicine.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 5504-5519
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00309K
Development of gelatin methacrylate (GelMa) hydrogels for versatile intracavitary applications
Applicability of hydrogels as drug delivery systems is on the rise due to their highly tunable degree of polymeric crosslinking to attain varying rates of payload release.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 4492-4507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00022A
In vivo delivery of plasmid DNA by lipid nanoparticles: the influence of ionizable cationic lipids on organ-selective gene expression
Not all ionizable lipids are the same – choosing the right one is critical to the success of lipid nanoparticles for different applications.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 2940-2952
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00168C
Bacteria-responsive biopolymer-coated nanoparticles for biofilm penetration and eradication
Bacteria-responsive, hyaluronic acid and chitosan coated antibiotic loaded gelatin nanoparticles effectively penetrate and eradicate bacterial biofilms.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 2831-2843
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00361A
Bile acid linked β-glucan nanoparticles for liver specific oral delivery of biologics
The newly developed oral delivery vehicle composed of Taurocholic Acid and β-Glucan (TAG) has potential delivery biological molecules to liver while administered via orally.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 2929-2939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00316C
Antioxidant Response Activating nanoParticles (ARAPas) localize to atherosclerotic plaque and locally activate the Nrf2 pathway
Antioxidant Response Activating nanoParticles (ARAPas), but not un-targeted drug, induce protective genes in atherosclerotic plaque.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 1231-1247
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM01421H