Journal of Materials Chemistry B最新文献

We report a facile technique for 3D structuring of living cells by forming capillary cell suspensions based on an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX) solutions. We demonstrate the formation of water-in-water (DEX-in-PEG) capillary bridges using concentrated suspensions of yeast cells which show enhanced rheological properties and distinctive 3D patterns. Capillary structured cell suspensions can potentially find applications in novel ways of 3D cell culturing, instant tissue engineering and many biomedical investigations.

Correction for ‘Selenium nanoparticle-functionalized injectable chitosan/collagen hydrogels as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance stem cell osteoblastic differentiation for bone regeneration’ by Khaled Alajmi et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, 12, 9268–9282, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00984C.

Correction for ‘Surface modification of medical grade biomaterials by using a low-temperature-processed dual functional Ag–TiO₂ coating for preventing biofilm formation’ by Lipi Pradhan et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00701H.

Our 2024 Emerging Investigators themed collections gather some of the best research being conducted by scientists in the early stages of their independent career. Each contributor was recommended as carrying out work with the potential to influence future directions in materials chemistry. Congratulations to all of the researchers featured, we hope you enjoy reading this collection.

Correction for ‘Bioreducible and acid-labile polydiethylenetriamines with sequential degradability for efficient transgelin-2 siRNA delivery’ by Pengchong Wang et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 6994–7005, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TB01183H.

Correction for ‘Development and characterization of a novel poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based thermoresponsive photoink and its applications in DLP bioprinting’ by Kalindu D. C. Perera et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00682H.

The inability of articular cartilage to self-repair following injuries frequently precipitates osteoarthritis, profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. Given the limitations inherent in current clinical interventions, an urgent need exists for more effective cartilage regeneration methodologies. Previous studies have underscored the potential of electrical stimulation in cartilage repair, thus motivating the investigation of innovative strategies. The present study introduces a three-dimensional scaffold fabricated through a composite technique that leverages the synergy between piezoelectricity and biofactors to enhance cartilage repair. This scaffold is composed of polylactic acid (PLLA) and barium titanate (BT) for piezoelectric stimulation and at the bottom with a collagen-coated layer infused with fibroblast growth factor-18 (FGF-18) for biofactor delivery. Designed to emulate the properties of natural cartilage, the scaffold enables controlled generation of piezoelectric charges and the sustained release of biofactors. In vitro tests confirm that the scaffold promotes chondrocyte proliferation, matrix hyperplasia, cellular migration, and the expression of genes associated with cartilage formation. Moreover, in vivo studies on rabbits have illustrated its efficacy in catalyzing the in situ regeneration of articular cartilage defects and remodeling the extracellular matrix. This innovative approach offers significant potential for enhancing cartilage repair and holds profound implications for regenerative medicine.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional, highly tunable material systems that can match the properties of extracellular matrices. In addition to being widely used to grow and modulate cell behavior, hydrogels can be made conductive to further modulate electrically active cells, such as neurons, and even incorporated into multielectrode arrays to interface with tissues. To enable conductive hydrogels, graphene flakes can be mechanically suspended into a hydrogel precursor. The conductivity of the hydrogel can be increased by increasing the weight percentage of graphene flakes in the precursor while maintaining the mechanical properties of the formed gel similar to the properties of neural tissue. By using a photocrosslinkable hydrogel matrix, such as gelatin methacrylate, with a photoabsorber, the conductive precursor solutions can be crosslinked into predefined complex patterns. Finally, the formulations can be used to support the growth of sensory neurons, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, for more than 7 weeks while the neurons remain viable. These scaffolds can be patterned into components of multielectrode arrays, to enable ultrasoft electrodes with tissue-matched properties for further interactions, both in vitro and in vivo, with the nervous systems.

The engineered phage YSY184, mimicking the extracellular matrix nanofiber, effectively promotes stem cell differentiation and angiogenesis. This study evaluated its safety in a mouse model, monitoring weight, immunogenicity, spleen immune responses, and macrophage infiltration. Rapid clearance of YSY184 was observed, with peak tissue presence within three hours, significantly reduced by 24 hours, and negligible after one month. No adverse physiological or pathological effects were detected post-administration, affirming YSY184's safety and underscore its potential for therapeutic use, warranting further clinical exploration.