Themed collection Recent Review Articles
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Bioelectronics goes 3D: new trends in cell–chip interface engineering
Bioelectronic platforms can be used for electrophysiology, monitoring and stimulating specific cellular functions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 7096-7101
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01737A
Near-infrared light triggered drug release from mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Stimuli triggered drug delivery systems enable controlled release of drugs at the optimal space and time, thus achieving optimal therapeutic effects.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 7112-7121
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01548A
Enhancing the sensitivity of colorimetric lateral flow assay (CLFA) through signal amplification techniques
This article highlights recent signal amplification techniques for enhancing the detection sensitivity of colorimetric lateral flow assay.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 7102-7111
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01603H
Multivalency as an action principle in multimodal lectin recognition and glycosidase inhibition: a paradigm shift driven by carbon-based glyconanomaterials
Glyco(mimetic)-coated fullerenes and nanodiamonds are playing a decisive role in the investigation of the lectin–enzyme crosstalk behaviours elicited by (hetero)multivalency.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017,5, 6428-6436
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TB00860K
Bioactive glasses in wound healing: hope or hype?
Bioactive glasses have long been investigated in mineralized tissue regeneration, but recently their potential applications in soft tissue repair, and in particular wound healing, have demonstrated great promise.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017,5, 6167-6174
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TB01221G
Advancements in infrared imaging platforms: complementary imaging systems and contrast agents
Recent advancements in the design of complementary infrared (IR) fluorescence imaging systems and IR-emitting contrast agents are highlighted. The ability to maximize the full performance of any IR imaging platform relies on the thorough understanding of the requirements of the imaging system and physical characteristics of the complementary contrast agents.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017,5, 4266-4275
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TB00123A
Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems based on pillar[n]arenes and their related applications
Stimuli-responsive supramolecular nano-systems (SRNS) have been a trending interdisciplinary research area due to the responsiveness upon appropriate stimuli, which makes SRNS very attractive in multiple fields where precise control is vital.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7656-7675
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01913H
Cancer nanomedicine: focus on recent developments and self-assembled peptide nanocarriers
The applications of nanoparticulate drug delivery have received abundant interest in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7639-7655
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01842E
Functionalized calcium orthophosphates (CaPO4) and their biomedical applications
Due to the chemical similarity to natural calcified tissues (bones and teeth) of mammals, calcium orthophosphates (abbreviated as CaPO4) appear to be good biomaterials for creation of artificial bone grafts.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7471-7489
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01976F
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Critical and diverse roles of phosphates in human bone formation
The interconnecting roles of phosphates in bone mineral formation.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7460-7470
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB02011J
Biomechanical studies on biomaterial degradation and co-cultured cells: mechanisms, potential applications, challenges and prospects
This review provides a comprehensive overview of biomechanical studies on biomaterial degradation and co-cultured cells as well as valuable biomechanical ideas on how to design or optimize cell biomaterial co-culture system.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7439-7459
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01539F
Recent developments of photoelectrochemical biosensors for food analysis
Recent developments of photoelectrochemical biosensors for food analysis are summarized and the future prospects in this field are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7283-7300
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01644A
Fundamentals of cross-seeding of amyloid proteins: an introduction
Misfolded protein aggregates formed by the same (homologous) or different (heterologous/cross) sequences are the pathological hallmarks of many protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7267-7282
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01871A
Expanding the scope of chemiluminescence in bioanalysis with functional nanomaterials
The development of nanomaterial-based CL detection strategies and their applications in bioanalysis are reviewed. It highlights recent advances and organizes them into three sections: sensing platform, signal probe, and applications in homogeneous systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7257-7266
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01029G
Topographical patterning: characteristics of current processing techniques, controllable effects on material properties and co-cultured cell fate, updated applications in tissue engineering, and improvement strategies
Topographical patterning has recently attracted lots of attention in regulating cell fate, understanding the mechanism of cell–microenvironment interactions, and solving the great issues of regenerative medicine.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7090-7109
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01682A
Progress in electrospun composite nanofibers: composition, performance and applications for tissue engineering
The discovery of novel methods to fabricate optimal scaffolds that mimic both mechanical and functional properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has always been the “holy grail” in tissue engineering.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 7075-7089
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01730E
The assembly of silk fibroin and graphene-based nanomaterials with enhanced mechanical/conductive properties and their biomedical applications
The assembly of silk fibroin and graphene-based nanomaterials would present fantastic properties and functions via optimizing the interaction between each other, and can be processed into various formats to tailor specific biomedical applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6890-6913
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01733J
Robust organic nanoparticles for noninvasive long-term fluorescence imaging
Organic nanoparticles obtained from fluorophores with aggregation-caused quenching and aggregation-induced emission features for noninvasive long-term bioimaging are summarized and highlighted.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6879-6889
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01905G
Supramolecular and dynamic covalent hydrogel scaffolds: from gelation chemistry to enhanced cell retention and cartilage regeneration
This review highlights the most recent progress in gelation strategies of biomedical supramolecular and dynamic covalent crosslinking hydrogels and their applications for enhancing cell retention and cartilage regeneration.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6705-6736
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01698H
Advanced liquid biopsy technologies for circulating biomarker detection
In this review, we have summarised the biogenesis, biological significance, isolation and detection technologies of four widely known circulating biomarkers namely circulating tumour cells, circulating tumor specific DNA, microRNA, and exosomes.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6670-6704
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01490J
Liquid biopsy in combination with solid-state electrochemical sensors and nucleic acid amplification
Solid-state electrochemical sensors are developing as a new platform for liquid biopsy, combining detection and analysis of nucleic acids with isothermal nucleic acid amplification reactions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6655-6669
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00718K
Recent advances of ratiometric electrochemiluminescence biosensors
Ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays have been widely applied in biosensing because of eliminated outside interferences and improved reliability in detection.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6469-6475
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01823A
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Nucleic acids presenting polymer nanomaterials as vaccine adjuvants
Polymer nanomaterials in various shapes and sizes can be engineered to present nucleic acids and function as immune adjuvant.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6321-6346
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01222B
Photoluminescent and biodegradable porous silicon nanoparticles for biomedical imaging
A set of unique properties including biodegradability, intrinsic photoluminescence, and mesoporous structure allows porous silicon nanoparticles to address current challenges of translational nanomedicine, especially in biomedical imaging.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6271-6292
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01042D
Biomaterial–tight junction interaction and potential impacts
Biomaterial–tight junction (TJ) interactions: analyses of the TJ structure and natural modulation, interaction mechanism, potential impact and measuring methods.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6310-6320
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01081E
Mechanochemical engineering of 2D materials for multiscale biointerfaces
Atomically thin nanomaterials that are wrinkled or crumpled represent a unique paradigm for interfacing with biological systems due to their mechanical flexibility, exceptional interfacial area, and ease of chemical functionalization.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 6293-6309
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01006H
In situ-forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels for cell delivery
Injectable, in situ-forming hydrogels can improve cell delivery in tissue engineering applications by facilitating minimally invasive delivery to irregular defect sites and improving cell retention and survival.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5742-5761
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01398A
Recent progress in the synthesis, structural diversity and emerging applications of cyclodextrin-based metal–organic frameworks
This review takes an overview of the synthetic strategies, structural diversity and emerging bio-related applications of cyclodextrin-based metal–organic frameworks (CD-MOFs).
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5602-5619
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01548E
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Layered double hydroxide nanostructures and nanocomposites for biomedical applications
Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanostructures and related nanocomposites have attracted significant interest in biomedical applications including cancer therapy, bioimaging and antibacterial treatment.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5583-5601
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01312A
Synthesis and biomedical applications of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots
This review summarizes the synthetic methods and addresses current applications and future perspectives of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots in the biomedical field.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5432-5448
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01410A
Silicate bioceramics: from soft tissue regeneration to tumor therapy
The applications of silicate bioceramics in soft tissue regeneration and tumor therapy
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5449-5460
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01467E
Fmoc-diphenylalanine as a suitable building block for the preparation of hybrid materials and their potential applications
Due to its capability to self-assemble in self-supporting hydrogels (HG) under physiological conditions, Fmoc-FF is one of the most studied ultra-short peptide. This feature pushed towards the development of novel Fmoc-FF multicomponent systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5142-5155
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01043B
Small intestinal submucosa: superiority, limitations and solutions, and its potential to address bottlenecks in tissue repair
Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) has attracted much attention in tissue repair because it can provide plentiful bioactive factors and a biomimetic three-dimensional microenvironment to induce desired cellular functions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5038-5055
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00530G
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive biomaterials mediate tissue microenvironments and tissue regeneration
ROS-responsive biomaterials alleviate the oxidative stress in tissue microenvironments, promoting tissue regeneration and disease therapy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 5019-5037
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00847K
Preparation, characterization and properties of intrinsic self-healing elastomers
Recent progress in preparation, characterization and properties of different kinds of intrinsic self-healing elastomers is summarized in this review article.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 4876-4926
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00831D
Nanoparticle-based diagnostic and therapeutic systems for brain tumors
Many theranostic nanoparticles have been tailored for high-efficiency diagnostic or therapeutic agents or applied as carriers and might provide new possibilities for brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 4734-4750
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00860H
Pivotal role of electrospun nanofibers in microfluidic diagnostic systems – a review
Electrospun nanofibrous membranes enjoy numerous factors which benefit them to be used as potential candidates in microfluidic based biosensing platforms.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 4602-4619
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00682F
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Additively manufactured porous metallic biomaterials
Additively manufactured (AM, =3D printed) porous metallic biomaterials with topologically ordered unit cells have created a lot of excitement and are currently receiving a lot of attention given their great potential for improving bone tissue regeneration and preventing implant-associated infections.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 4088-4117
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00420C
Self-assembling injectable peptide hydrogels for emerging treatment of ischemic stroke
Ischaemic stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, without any long-term effective treatments targeted at regeneration. This has led to developments of novel, biomaterial-based strategies using self-assembling peptide hydrogels.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 3927-3943
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00257J
Recent advances in the design of injectable hydrogels for stem cell-based therapy
The recent advances in the design of injectable hydrogels for stem cell delivery, especially for in vivo applications, are overviewed in this review.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 3775-3791
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00485H
Nanomaterial-based SERS sensing technology for biomedical application
Over the past few years, nanomaterial-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection has emerged as a new exciting field in which theoretical and experimental studies of the structure and function of nanomaterials have become a focus.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 3755-3774
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00666D
Electrochemical mercury biosensors based on advanced nanomaterials
This review presents an overview of the synthesis strategies and electrochemical performance of recently developed nanomaterials for the Hg2+ assay.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 3620-3632
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00418A
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Recent advances in gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications: from hybrid structures to multi-functionality
Hybrid gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications are reviewed in the context of a novel classification framework and illustrated by recent examples.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 3480-3496
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00557A
Catalytic antioxidants for therapeutic medicine
In this Review, we focus on catalytic antioxidant study based on transition metal complexes, organoselenium compounds, supramolecules and protein scaffolds.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 3165-3191
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03365J
Amphiphilic hydrogels for biomedical applications
We highlight the recent advances in the fabrication and biomedical application of amphiphilic hydrogels.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2899-2910
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00073A
Immobilizable fluorescent probes for monitoring the mitochondria microenvironment: a next step from the classic
Immobilizable probes represent a valuable trend.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2749-2758
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00043G
Salecan polysaccharide-based hydrogels and their applications: a review
This review systematically summarizes for the first time the recent progress on hydrogels containing salecan polysaccharides.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2577-2587
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03312A
Recent advances of stimuli-responsive systems based on transition metal dichalcogenides for smart cancer therapy
A comprehensive overview of the development of stimuli-responsive TMDC-based nanoplatforms for “smart” cancer therapy is presented to demonstrate a more intelligent and better controllable therapeutic strategy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2588-2607
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03240H
Exosome-based nanocarriers as bio-inspired and versatile vehicles for drug delivery: recent advances and challenges
Exosomes as drug vehicles have attracted increasing attention due to their ability of shuttling proteins, lipids and genes among cells and natural affinity to target cells.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2421-2433
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00170K
Bio-related applications of porous organic frameworks (POFs)
Porous organic frameworks (POFs) are promising candidates for bio-related applications. This review highlights the recent progress in POF-based bioapplications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, therapeutics, and artificial shells. These encouraging performances suggest that POFs used for bioapplications deserve more attention in the future.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2398-2420
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03192D
Polyrotaxane-based biointerfaces with dynamic biomaterial functions
Regulating protein adsorption and cell response by dynamic biomaterial functions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 2123-2129
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00256A
Versatile fluorescent probes for near-infrared imaging of amyloid-β species in Alzheimer's disease mouse model
This review comprehensively discussed the recent progress in the development of NIR fluorescent probes for amyloid-β imaging in vivo.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1986-1995
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00161A
Photo-triggerable liposomal drug delivery systems: from simple porphyrin insertion in the lipid bilayer towards supramolecular assemblies of lipid–porphyrin conjugates
Light-responsive liposomes are considered nowadays as one of the most promising nanoparticulate systems for the delivery and release of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a spatio-temporal manner.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1805-1823
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB00015A
Peptide-based gene delivery vectors
Gene therapy as a strategy for disease treatment requires safe and efficient gene delivery systems that encapsulate nucleic acids and deliver them to effective sites in the cell.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1824-1841
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03124J
Copolymers containing carbohydrates and other biomolecules: design, synthesis and applications
This review highlights recent progress in random and block copolymers containing sugar and other biocompounds, including their design, synthesis, properties and selected applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1361-1378
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03162B
Non-viral nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of microRNA therapeutics
MicroRNAs are small regulatory noncoding RNAs that regulate various biological processes. Herein, we will present the development of the strategies for intracellular miRNAs delivery, and specially focus on the rational designed routes, their mechanisms of action, as well as potential therapeutics used in the host cells or in vivo studies.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1209-1225
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB02946F
Heparin-based and heparin-inspired hydrogels: size-effect, gelation and biomedical applications
The size-effect, fabrication methods and biomedical applications of heparin-based and heparin-inspired hydrogels are reviewed.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1186-1208
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB02671H
Peptide-biofunctionalization of biomaterials for osteochondral tissue regeneration in early stage osteoarthritis: challenges and opportunities
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation and changes in periarticular and subchondral bone, being a leading cause of disability.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 1027-1044
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03173H
Functional nanomaterials with unique enzyme-like characteristics for sensing applications
We highlight the recent developments in functional nanomaterials with unique enzyme-like characteristics for sensing applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 850-875
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB02878H
Hybrid lipid–nanoparticle complexes for biomedical applications
This paper reviews five different types of hybrid lipid–nanoparticle complexes (HLNC) with potential applications in biomedical research.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 695-708
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB03084G
Stimuli-responsive bio-based polymeric systems and their applications
This article highlights the properties of stimuli-responsive bio-based polymeric systems and their main intelligent applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 709-729
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB02491J
Advanced electronic skin devices for healthcare applications
This review summarized recent progress in skin-inspired electronic devices and their applications in human health monitoring and therapy systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019,7, 173-197
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB02862A
Mechanical determination of particle–cell interactions and the associated biomedical applications
Mechanical determination of particle–cell interactions and the associated biomedical applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 7129-7143
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01590B
Bioelectronics with nanocarbons
Smart bioelectronics fabricated from nanocarbons have the potential to enable seamless integration with electrogenic cells and tissues.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 7159-7178
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01600C
Nanostructured interfaces for probing and facilitating extracellular electron transfer
Probing and facilitating microbial extracellular electron transfer through nanotechnology enabled platforms are transforming bioenergetic, bioelectronic, and other related research areas.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 7144-7158
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01598H
Nanoparticle–proteome in vitro and in vivo
The protein corona is a concept central to a range of disciplines exploiting the bio–nano interface.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 6026-6041
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01634H
Polymers and hydrogels for local nucleic acid delivery
This review focusses on the rational design of materials (from polymers to hydrogel materials) to achieve successful local delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 5651-5670
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01795F
Biodegradable polyester unimolecular systems as emerging materials for therapeutic applications
Biodegradable polyester unimolecular systems are the future emerging materials for therapeutic applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 5488-5498
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01883A
Injectable hydrogels: a new paradigm for osteochondral tissue engineering
Osteochondral tissue engineering has become a promising strategy for repairing focal chondral lesions and early osteoarthritis (OA), which account for progressive joint pain and disability in millions of people worldwide. This review helps in providing a more comprehensive and systematic overview of utilizing injectable hydrogels for osteochondral repair.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 5499-5529
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01430B
Noble metal nanostructure-decorated molybdenum disulfide nanocomposites: synthesis and applications
Noble metal nanostructure-decorated MoS2 nanocomposites have been used in sensors, catalysts, antibacterial materials and batteries due to their excellent properties.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018,6, 5323-5334
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TB01659C
About this collection
This collection contains recent Review-type articles published by Journal of Materials Chemistry B, the home for high impact applications, properties and synthesis of exciting new materials for biology and medicine. New articles will be added to this collection as soon as possible after publication.