Acta Biomaterialia最新文献

{"title":"Enzyme-driven micro- and nanomotors: Design, construction and biological applications","authors":"Qiong Su,&nbsp;Yan Li,&nbsp;Junqiu Liu,&nbsp;Hongcheng Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors (EMNMs) are a type of self-propelled devices that biologically convert chemical energy into mechanical work through enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Compared to conventional chemically driven counterparts, a significant advantage of these platforms lies in their utilization of endogenous substrates, such as glucose, urea, glycerides, and peptides, to achieve autonomous propulsion. Through the rational design and regulation of functional material components, EMNMs can efficiently perform tasks ranging from active target recognition to autonomous drug loading and controlled release for biomedical applications. Additionally, emerging therapeutic modalities, such as photothermal and starvation therapy integrated with EMNMs, have been extensively investigated for diverse clinical interventions. Up to date, several reviews have outlined general progress in the field, however, a comprehensive synthesis of fabrication strategies and their specific therapeutic applications remain relatively underexplored. To address this gap, this review comprehensively elucidates the design principles and construction strategies of EMNMs through enzyme selection, matrix materials, and morphological structures. Besides, the latest research advances in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and urological disorders were also systematically summarized. Through further analyzing current bottlenecks and outlines future directions, this article might aim to providing a cornerstone reference and strategic guidance for future endeavors of EMNMs in related fields.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>∙The core design principles and fabrication methodologies of enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors (EMNMs) are comprehensively elucidated. ∙Systematic structure-activity correlations of EMNMs are established across three pivotal dimensions: enzyme screening, matrix scaffolds and morphological architectures. ∙State-of-the-art advances of EMNM platforms for therapeutic intervention against malignancies, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathologies, and urinary tract disorders are thoroughly summarized.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 100-120"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148882905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From grain refinement to multifunctional balance: Tuning Zn content in binary Mg alloys for integrated biomedical performance","authors":"Juan Xie,&nbsp;Anke Zhang,&nbsp;Jiahua Ni,&nbsp;Yuhang Zhou,&nbsp;Haonan Fan,&nbsp;Xiaonong Zhang,&nbsp;Wenhui Wang,&nbsp;Xuanyong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys hold great promise for next-generation implantable devices, but the inherent trade-offs among degradation control, mechanical integrity, and local biological responses hinder their clinical translation. Guided by the “material plainification” concept, which advocates avoiding complex alloy components, this work presents a systematic investigation of binary Mg-<span><math><mi>x</mi></math></span>Zn alloys (<span><math><mi>x</mi></math></span> = 0.5-4 wt.%) processed by thermoplastic deformation, revealing the regulatory effects of zinc (Zn) content on dynamic recrystallization and the subsequent influences on overall biomedical performance. Results demonstrate that a moderate Zn content significantly promotes grain refinement and grain boundary (GB) stability. In particular, Mg-1.25Zn alloy emerges as the optimal “window”, exhibiting a refined grain size of 2.7 μm and a balanced combination of mechanical properties (YS 258 MPa, UTS 280 MPa, EL 20.6 %). Besides, this alloy forms a protective corrosion product layer with a low <em>in vitro</em> corrosion rate of 0.11 mm·y⁻¹ and shows superior anti-inflammatory activity in a murine implantation model. Composed of bioessential elements and featuring compositional simplicity with potential cost advantages, the fine-grained Mg-1.25Zn alloy demonstrates a favorable balance among mechanical performance, degradation behavior, and biological response, thereby supporting its further development for soft tissue anastomosis and related biomedical applications.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Biodegradable magnesium alloys hold promise for next-generation implantable devices. However, balancing degradation rate, mechanical strength, and host response remains a key challenge for clinical translation. Guided by the concept of “material simplification”, this study systematically investigates binary Mg-Zn alloys with Zn as the sole alloying element after thermo processing. By regulating Zn content, a composition-microstructure-property relationship is established, identifying Mg-1.25Zn as an optimal composition window. This alloy shows refined grains, favorable mechanical properties, a low <em>in vitro</em> corrosion rate, and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models, indicating that simple, low-cost binary alloys can achieve multifunctional performance optimization, thereby supporting its further development for soft tissue anastomosis, vascular occlusion, and related biomedical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 622-639"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148835526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A biodegradable hydroxyapatite-coated magnesium drainage plate enables medium-term suprachoroidal outflow preservation and stable intraocular pressure reduction in rabbits","authors":"Wangdu Luo,&nbsp;Yi Chen,&nbsp;Junlong Yu,&nbsp;Menghan Li,&nbsp;Lingling Li,&nbsp;Yujie Rao,&nbsp;Qi Gou,&nbsp;Xin Liu,&nbsp;Jiaguo Yuan,&nbsp;Xiaomin Zhu,&nbsp;Shicui Xu,&nbsp;Shuang Yuan,&nbsp;Yong Wang,&nbsp;Xiangji Li,&nbsp;Lin Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Postoperative scarring and failure of surgically created drainage pathways limit durable glaucoma surgery. We developed a solid plate-type suprachoroidal space (SCS) implant based on hydroxyapatite-coated magnesium (HA-Mg) to provide temporary pathway support, an HA-modified material–tissue interface, and progressive biodegradation. TGF-β2-stimulated human iris pigment epithelial cells were used to assess material-associated effects on migration and fibrotic activation. In a paired-eye normotensive New Zealand White rabbit model, trabeculectomy, sham SCS surgery, titanium, uncoated magnesium, and HA-Mg groups were evaluated for 24 weeks using intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring, ex vivo SCS angiography, micro-computed tomography, histology, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunofluorescence, corneal endothelial assessment, aqueous humor pH, and systemic safety analyses. HA-Mg produced a sustained, stable IOP-lowering profile, whereas both Mg and HA-Mg showed greater net IOP reduction at Week 24 than the other surgically treated groups. HA-Mg showed broader posterior SCS contrast enhancement at Weeks 12 and 24. From Week 4 to Week 24, residual implant volume and surface area decreased by 93.6% and 86.3%, respectively, although residual material remained. Histology and α-SMA analysis were consistent with reduced fibrosis-associated interface remodeling, and Mg and HA-Mg extracts attenuated TGF-β2-induced migration and α-SMA expression. No evident ocular or systemic safety concerns were detected within 24 weeks. HA-Mg therefore supported medium-term preservation of the surgically created SCS outflow pathway while undergoing substantial but incomplete degradation; longer-term studies extending through and beyond complete implant resorption are required to determine whether pathway patency and safety are maintained thereafter.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Glaucoma drainage surgery remains limited by progressive fibrosis, foreign-body responses, and loss of long-term drainage pathway function. Although suprachoroidal space (SCS) approaches provide an alternative aqueous outflow route, maintaining pathway patency while minimizing the burden of permanent implants remains challenging. Here, we developed a biodegradable hydroxyapatite-coated magnesium (HA-Mg) drainage plate designed to provide temporary structural support and gradually degrade during tissue remodeling. The study integrates material characterization, medium-term in vivo evaluation, degradation tracking, fibrosis-associated remodeling assessment, and biosafety analysis in a rabbit model. Our findings support a biomaterial strategy that couples progressive biodegradation with preservation of SCS outflow-associated function, providing a potential framework for next-generation biodegradable implants in glaucoma surgery and other applications requiring temporary tissue–implant interfaces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 640-662"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148835560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Silicate biomaterials modulate heart-bone paracrine interactions for tissue repair","authors":"Kenan Jin,&nbsp;Zhixu Wang,&nbsp;Lin Du,&nbsp;Hongjian Zhang,&nbsp;Zhibin Liao,&nbsp;Ziyi Zhao,&nbsp;Chengtie Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The repair of tissue injuries involving complex inter-tissue interactions remains challenging because conventional biomaterials are usually designed to target individual tissues. This study focuses on heart-bone paracrine interactions and proposes a biomaterial-based strategy to modulate reciprocal communication between cardiac- and bone-related cells for tissue repair. We show that strontium silicate (SS) biomaterials release bioactive Sr²⁺ and Si species that promote the functional activation of encapsulated CMs and bone marrow stromal cells, while also reshaping their secretory profiles. Using 3D-bioprinted co-culture models and local implantation in rodent injury models, we demonstrate that SS-modulated BMSC-laden constructs promote cardiac repair after myocardial infarction, whereas SS-modulated CM-laden constructs enhance cranial bone regeneration. Mechanistically, these effects are associated with altered secretion of candidate paracrine factors, including IGF-1, SDF-1, and BMP-2, and functional involvement of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that silicate biomaterials may act as upstream regulators of heart-bone paracrine interactions by combining transient ionic stimulation with secondary remodeling of cellular secretory profiles. This study provides a proof-of-concept strategy for biomaterial-regulated inter-tissue communication and tissue repair.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>This study introduces the concept of using silicate biomaterials to facilitate beneficial communication between the heart and bone for coordinated repair. We demonstrate that strontium silicate releases bioactive ions and modulates key signaling factors (SDF-1, IGF-1, BMP-2), activating PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways. This not only enhances cardiac function recovery but also promotes bone healing in rat disease models. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a single biomaterial orchestrating multi-organ interactive repair by targeting inter-organ crosstalk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 593-608"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148809591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zinc-based nanoplatforms for cancer immunotherapy achieved through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway: Bridging tumor metabolism and immune activation","authors":"Yizi Wang,&nbsp;Yutao Wang,&nbsp;Cheng Zhang,&nbsp;Danyang Li,&nbsp;Xun Fu,&nbsp;Tuan Wang,&nbsp;Lingxiao Zhang,&nbsp;Yun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.033","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cancer immunotherapy has substantially advanced cancer treatment; however, durable responses remain uncommon in tumors with low immunogenicity and strongly suppressive tumor microenvironments (TME). Among innate immune pathways, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling has attracted considerable attention because of its ability to initiate broad antitumor immune responses. Despite this promise, the therapeutic use of STING agonists is limited by rapid systemic clearance, insufficient tumor accumulation, and dose-limiting inflammatory toxicity. Simultaneously, metabolic adaptations within tumors, including elevated glycolytic flux, lactate enrichment, and redox imbalance, continue to undermine immune cell function and restrict treatment efficacy. Zn-based nanoplatforms have recently emerged as versatile systems capable of simultaneously addressing both challenges. Controlled intracellular release of Zn&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; can potentiate cGAS activity and strengthen downstream STING signaling, whereas oxidative stress induced by these nanomaterials promotes DNA damage, cytosolic DNA leakage, and immunogenic cell death. These effects are not limited to the activation of innate immunity. Several Zn-containing nanoplatforms reshape the metabolic landscape of the TME by lowering lactate accumulation and partially restoring immune cell activity. Consequently, dendritic cell (DC) maturation and antigen presentation are enhanced, leading to more effective T cell-driven antitumor responses. This review examines the emerging role of Zn&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; in regulating the immune and metabolic pathways relevant to cancer therapy. We discuss current strategies for designing Zn-based nanoplatforms, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms linking metabolic intervention to cGAS-STING activation. Dedicated sections examine Zn-based platforms for drug delivery and photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies, as well as their capacity to promote DC activation and combination immunotherapy. Finally, we consider the major barriers to clinical translation, including biosafety, delivery efficiency, and large-scale manufacturing, and outline the directions for the development of next-generation Zn-based immunotherapeutic systems.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Statement of significance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This review provides a comprehensive, mechanistically integrated perspective on Zn-based nanoplatforms as multifunctional immunotherapeutic systems that bridge tumor metabolic reprogramming and cGAS-STING-mediated innate and adaptive immune activation. Unlike previous reviews that primarily focused on STING agonists or Zn-based nanomaterials independently, this study highlights how tumor-responsive Zn²⁺ release, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and metabolic remodeling collectively enhance antitumor immunity. This review critically compares the design principles, therapeutic mechanisms, and translational potential of diverse Zn-based nanoplatforms and discusses ","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 59-82"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-scale assessment of scaffold-guided regeneration in human extraction sockets using an ultra-porous TiO₂ biomaterial","authors":"Reem Jamous,&nbsp;Ingvild Nysæther,&nbsp;Håvard Jostein Haugen,&nbsp;S. Petter Lyngstadaas,&nbsp;Malin Vestin Fredriksson,&nbsp;Jan Eirik Ellingsen,&nbsp;Thaqif El Khassawna","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ultra-porous TiO₂ scaffolds are architected non-degradable ceramic graft substitutes, but human evidence relating their structural integration to local tissue maturation remains limited. This exploratory study assessed scaffold-associated healing in a prospective clinical cohort registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06269497; 10 patients, 11 treated sites). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based segmentation at baseline and follow-up was used to quantify changes in bone volume, radiographic low-density/non-mineralized volume, and radiographically detectable scaffold volume. Eleven scaffold-associated specimens were examined using non-decalcified histology, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry; nine were retrieved at approximately 6 months, one at 4 months, and one at 9 months. CBCT showed within-site increases in bone and total tissue volume and a reduction in radiographically detectable scaffold volume. Histology showed extensive pore colonization by osteoid-rich tissue, localized mineralization, and limited residual cartilage, consistent with ongoing but incomplete matrix maturation. Normalized RunX2 showed a positive exploratory association with absolute bone volume change, whereas associations with osteocalcin were uncertain and endpoint-dependent. CD206/CD68 and the vessel-to-osteoid ratio were more closely associated with low-density/non-mineralized volume outcomes than with bone-volume change. Osteoclast-associated variables were evaluable in only four sites and were interpreted descriptively. These findings are exploratory and do not establish causality or comparative efficacy, but they characterize tissue-scaffold interactions during human extraction-socket healing.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Permanent, highly porous scaffolds are intended to guide tissue growth without being replaced, but human evidence linking scaffold architecture to tissue maturation remains limited. This study combines serial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), non-decalcified histology, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry to characterize tissue development within an ultra-porous TiO₂ scaffold placed in human extraction sockets. The findings show extensive pore colonization by osteoid-rich tissue containing vascular structures, with localized mineralization and spatially heterogeneous remodeling, immune, and Wnt-regulatory features. The analyses are exploratory and do not establish causality or comparative efficacy; however, they provide human tissue-level data on how a permanent architected ceramic scaffold coexists with regenerating bone. This work supports biomaterials-focused evaluation of scaffold-guided regeneration and informs the design of larger controlled studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 609-621"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adipose stem cell-targeted local delivery of forskolin induces de novo beige adipogenesis and adipose tissue browning to combat obesity","authors":"Qiyan Chen,&nbsp;Fei Zhou,&nbsp;Yongxin Chen,&nbsp;Zheling Feng,&nbsp;Jingli Min,&nbsp;Lei Zhang,&nbsp;Tian Zhang,&nbsp;Ying Zheng,&nbsp;Jinming Zhang,&nbsp;Ligen Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>White adipose tissue (WAT) browning is a promising strategy to combat obesity and metabolic disorders. However, current browning inducers often suffer from off-target effects and poor durability. Beige adipocytes, arising through <em>de novo</em> differentiation from adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs), offer a potential avenue for sustained thermogenesis. Here, we identified that forskolin (FSK) effectively induced the differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells (a mesenchymal stem cell line) into beige adipocytes, evidenced by multilocular lipid droplets, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and function, and elevated uncoupling protein 1 expression. To overcome its poor bioavailability and lack of targeting specificity, we developed ASCs-targeting-peptide (ASP, sequence: GSWKYWFGEGGC) modified FSK nanoparticles (ASP@FSK NPs) by encapsulating FSK in the hybrid FDA-approved biodegradable polymers poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ylated PLGA. ASP@FSK NPs selectively bind to glycanation site-deficient decorin (ΔDCN) receptors on ASCs, enabling prolonged retention and localized delivery within inguinal WAT (iWAT). In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, local administration of ASP@FSK NPs significantly reduced body weight (∼30%), promoted <em>de novo</em> browning of iWAT, and alleviated liver steatosis, while expanding the therapeutic window of FSK without apparent toxicity. Collectively, this study demonstrated that FSK could be developed as a potent inducer of <em>de novo</em> beige adipogenesis and targeted delivery of FSK to ASCs might provide a valuable strategy for the treatment of obesity.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Obesity and metabolic syndromes remain global health challenges, and strategies that induce white adipose tissue (WAT) browning hold great therapeutic potential. However, existing browning agents are limited by systemic toxicity, off-target effects, and poor sustainability. This study addresses these critical gaps by demonstrating that forskolin (FSK) drives <em>de novo</em> beige adipocyte differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells. We further developed an adipose-derived stem cell-targeted nanoparticle system (ASP@FSK NPs) for localized and sustained delivery. In obese mice, ASP@FSK NPs efficiently promoted inguinal WAT browning, alleviated adiposity and hepatic steatosis, and expanded the therapeutic window of FSK without obvious toxicity. This work establishes a targeted and durable approach for WAT browning and obesity treatment by integrating a progenitor-directed biological strategy with precision nanomedicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 121-137"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Containerless fabrication of homogeneous-structure biomaterials with osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties","authors":"Xinchun Liu,&nbsp;Zhibo Yang,&nbsp;Yanling Zhou,&nbsp;Bing Ma,&nbsp;Chengtie Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.01.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.01.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current challenges in biomaterials center on a fundamental conflict between bioactivity and physiological homeostasis in material design. Inorganic biomaterials such as bioceramics and bioglasses exemplify this dilemma, as the release of functional ions is often accompanied by excessive alkalinization that limits practical use. We prepared a homogeneous lithium–calcium–silicate bioactive glass (LCS-CP) through containerless processing technique. LCS-CP maintained a mild alkaline microenvironment (pH &lt; 8.0 in cell culture; &lt; 9.2 in Tris–HCl over 50 days) and released substantially lower amounts of Li and Si than its crystalline counterpart (LCS-C) during 14-day cell culture, consistent with a more regulated bulk dissolution behavior. Although LCS-CP and melt-quenched glass (LCS-MQ) exhibited comparable averaged ion release and pH trends, LCS-CP showed more favorable interfacial outcomes, including more continuous and mature Ca–P deposition during time-resolved mineralization, which we attribute to its more homogeneous fully amorphous structure and uniformly distributed reactive sites. Functionally, LCS-CP promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and mitigated neutrophil overactivation and pro-inflammatory factor secretion in vitro. In vivo, LCS-CP reduced early-stage inflammatory responses and supported tissue repair after implantation. Overall, this work demonstrates a containerless-processing route to develop bioactive materials with improved compatibility with homeostatic regulation.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>This work addresses a fundamental challenge in biomaterials: the conflict between bioactivity and physiological homeostasis. Lithium-calcium-silicate bioactive glass (LCS-CP) is developed using containerless processing, a technique that inhibits crystallization and creates a homogeneous, ion-rich structure. Unlike conventional materials, LCS-CP releases lithium, calcium, and silicon ions in a controlled manner to exert osteogenic and anti-inflammatory functions with a mild alkaline pH beneficial for tissue repair. It significantly enhances stem cell-based bone formation and suppresses neutrophil-driven inflammation. This study demonstrates that lithium-calcium-silicon homogeneous glass prepared by containerless processing can reconcile bioactivity with biosafety, offering a new strategy for designing adaptive biomaterials with broad significance in regenerative medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"224 ","pages":"Pages 39-53"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145992293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial hydrogels for oral infection management: From molecular design to clinical translation","authors":"Yuqing Mu,&nbsp;Xu Lou,&nbsp;Long Bai,&nbsp;Yin Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.04.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.04.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oral infections, including periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and endodontic lesions, remain persistent global health burdens exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), limited biofilm eradication, and poor drug retention in complex oral microenvironments. Antimicrobial hydrogels have emerged as a transformative class of biomaterials, offering localized, sustained, and multifunctional therapeutic platforms to address these challenges. This review comprehensively delineates the mechanistic principles underlying antimicrobial hydrogel design, ranging from antifouling and contact-killing strategies to quorum-sensing disruption, enzymatic biofilm degradation, and stimuli-responsive drug release. We detail recent innovations in hydrogel formulations incorporating antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, metal nanoparticles, and immunomodulators, tailored for dental applications. Specifically, injectable and adhesive hydrogel systems have demonstrated significant efficacy in periodontal regeneration, implant surface disinfection, and root canal therapy by integrating antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and regenerative functions. Furthermore, advanced hydrogel coatings and nanocomposite-infused networks enable responsive and synergistic actions against polymicrobial biofilms while supporting host tissue repair. Despite encouraging preclinical outcomes, translational hurdles-including long-term stability, standardized delivery, and clinical scalability-remain critical barriers. By integrating antimicrobial efficacy with microenvironmental modulation, next-generation hydrogels represent a promising frontier for precision dentistry and biofilm-associated infection control.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>The review addresses a critical global health challenge: oral infections such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and endodontic lesions, which are exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance, biofilm persistence, and complex oral microenvironments. We provide a comprehensive synthesis of the design principles and therapeutic strategies underpinning antimicrobial hydrogels, including antifouling surfaces, contact-killing mechanisms, quorum-sensing disruption, enzymatic biofilm degradation, and stimuli-responsive drug release. Furthermore, we highlight recent innovations in hydrogel systems incorporating antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, metal nanoparticles, and immunomodulators, tailored for dental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"224 ","pages":"Pages 158-188"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147731022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regenerative wound healing enabled by recombinant humanized collagen III releasing composite hydrogel","authors":"Ziang Wang,&nbsp;Bin Zhang,&nbsp;Pengchao Zhang,&nbsp;Ruinan Yang,&nbsp;Yiwei Li,&nbsp;Jing Wang,&nbsp;Hai Lin,&nbsp;Juan Li,&nbsp;Xiangdong Zhu,&nbsp;Yumei Xiao,&nbsp;Qin Zeng,&nbsp;Xingdong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actbio.2026.08.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High-quality repair of full-thickness skin defects necessitates not only epithelial tissue healing but the facilitation of orderly microstructural reconstruction. This includes aligned collagen deposition, regeneration of skin appendages such as hair follicles, and suppression of scar formation. To address these requirements, this study developed an injectable multifunctional composite hydrogel based on caffeic acid and quaternary ammonium-modified chitosan (qCSc), incorporated with recombinant humanized type III collagen (rhCol III) and laponite (LAP). This organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogel forms a stable three-dimensional network through dual crosslinking: enzymatic covalent bonding and LAP-mediated physical interactions, supported by chemical, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding, which enables sustained release of rhCol III. In vitro, the hydrogel showed good biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, attenuated M1-like macrophage activation, and enhanced fibroblast migration and angiogenesis. In full-thickness skin defect models, the hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure, promoted early vascularization, facilitated well-organized collagen remodeling, and supported hair follicle-associated regenerative features, while effectively attenuating scar-prone remodeling. Taken together, this organic/inorganic composite hydrogel dressing, which enables sustained release of rhCol III, represents a promising and innovative strategy for management of full-thickness skin injuries.</div></div><div><h3>Statement of significance</h3><div>Current wound dressings facilitate closure but offer limited support for high-quality repair. Here, we present a bioactive composite hydrogel with a distinct dual-crosslinked architecture comprising caffeic acid and quaternary ammonium-modified chitosan (qCSc) and Laponite (Lap), designed for the sustained delivery of recombinant humanized collagen III (rhCol III). This platform uniquely integrates multiple regeneration-relevant bioactivities, synergistically reducing inflammation and oxidative stress while promoting angiogenesis and cell migration in vitro. In full-thickness skin defect models, it not only accelerated wound closure but also achieved key regenerative outcomes with enhanced hair follicle-associated regeneration and reduced scar-prone remodeling. This work establishes a sustained-delivery strategy that couples matrix cues with microenvironment regulation for high-quality wound repair.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":237,"journal":{"name":"Acta Biomaterialia","volume":"223 ","pages":"Pages 277-293"},"PeriodicalIF":10.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148809563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}