Scientists develop long, precisely patterned molecular threads that enhance brain cell growth and organization. The findings introduce a new way to design highly controlled supramolecular materials with precise physical arrangement, which could inform materials' design for regenerative medicine applications.
Researchers have developed biodegradable films from engineered honeybee silk, which can be programmed to respond to wound conditions. The material is safe, well-tolerated, and doesn't impede healing, making it a promising solution for preventing infections in chronic wounds.
Recent studies have made significant progress in understanding the regeneration of bone, cartilage, tendon, and oral tissues using bioactive materials. These studies have led to the development of innovative biomaterials and tissue engineering strategies that can potentially treat various diseases and injuries, including periodontitis ...
A four-year project has produced a blueprint for transforming digital healthcare into a circular system, keeping products and materials longer in use. The Digital Health in the Circular Economy project recommends redesigning healthcare systems to deliver greater environmental benefits, with changes across clinical workflows, product de...
A team of researchers has developed nanoparticles that can activate nerve cells in degenerated retinas, potentially leading to a new type of retinal prosthesis. The nanoparticles, made from graphitic carbon nitride, trigger electrical and chemical processes that activate nerve cells and prompt signals towards the brain.
The Terasaki Institute faculty has developed a next-generation immunomodulatory wound dressing platform designed to accelerate healing in chronic wounds. The platform is designed to deliver oxygen directly to the wound and use a specialized peptide to encourage immune cells to support healing.
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have created renewable carbon fiber from waste lignin, cutting production costs by 25% and reducing carbon emissions substantially. The new process involves deploying single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve performance and align crystallization chemistry.
This collection features articles on AI and data-driven biomaterials, covering topics such as organoid construction, 3D bioprinting, and machine learning-based analysis. The research explores the use of AI in biomaterials development, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
The IIT's new treatment makes wood temporarily flexible, allowing for easy shaping, and uses a green solvent derived from cellulose. The method provides a sustainable alternative to current, more polluting or energy-intensive processes, supporting a circular economy.
Researchers created BioPykrete, a material that's 10 times stronger than ordinary ice and can absorb 70 times more energy before breaking. The cellulose network and protein connections slow down crack propagation, preventing it from spreading quickly.
Researchers have created a recipe for 3D printing houses on Mars using Martian rocks, gelatin, and yeast. The resulting living building material is strong and can be broken down, recycled, and reused, making it a promising solution for low-energy construction and a circular economy on the Red Planet.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a method to decouple properties in meta-biomaterials, allowing for tailored biomedical engineering applications. By separating mechanical and morphometric properties, scientists can systematically investigate how individual material characteristics affect cell behavior and ti...
Researchers developed a bio-based Fe-MOF nanoreactor that combines natural-ligand chemistry with multimetallic redox catalysis, biomimetic targeting and MRI visibility. The nanoplatform produced a strong ROS response, increased apoptosis, and tumor inhibition in breast cancer cells and mice.
Researchers develop biodegradable nanobone material that activates body's own healing properties to regrow bone, reducing need for invasive procedures. The material generates 80% more new bone than a material control and activates a key bone-repair growth factor with 10 times the level achieved using conventional methods.
Scientists from Washington University in St. Louis are developing materials that can shake off biofouling organisms in water, a major concern for the US Navy and global shipping lines. The new system uses soft robotics and nontoxic polymers to create a self-healing multiphase coating that can detect and dislodge biofilms, potentially i...
Biodegradable plastics can be made tougher and more break down at a controlled rate by adjusting the size of movable molecular crosslinks. This study uses a biodegradable polymer called polycaprolactone and upcycles an industrial by-product into a supramolecular material.
Researchers from Pusan National University developed an injectable system to deliver radiation directly within keloid tissue, providing a minimally invasive approach to treat abnormal scars. The microgels enabled rapid and efficient radiolabeling, and therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated in mice carrying patient-derived keloid tissue.
A research team created an ultrathin artificial lung that reproduces the movement of alveoli, air sacs inside the lung, and demonstrates the response to influenza virus. The lung operated stably through 240,000 breaths and showed promise for studying lung disease and drug responses.
Researchers developed a wearable patch that uses room light to treat skin wounds, promoting wound closure and tissue regeneration. The patch, made of a stretchable silicone elastomer, emits red light that activates a photosensitizer, inducing collagen crosslinking and alleviating inflammation.
Flinders University researchers have designed an aqueous zinc-ion battery that can be charged and discharged over 60,000 cycles, potentially mitigating resource shortages and waste issues associated with lithium-ion batteries. The system uses low-cost organic cyclodextrin-based polymer host material to trap and release polyhalides.
A coral-inspired 3D-printed scaffold reprograms immune cells to promote angiogenesis and bone regeneration, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 state to reparative M2 state. The scaffold also enhances angiogenesis, new bone formation, and reconstruction of bone defects.
Researchers have developed a new hydrogel made from peptides that can transport ions, generate electrical signals when squeezed, or interact with cells and biological molecules. The gel has tiny water channels and is electrically polarized due to its highly organized structure made from nanofibers.
Kyushu University researchers create a self-healing hydrogel packaging that tracks food spoilage through color changes, extending shelf life by 12 hours. The material can also repair itself, making it more durable and reliable in practical use.
A team in Japan has created a propellor-shaped lipid mimic molecule that forms stable 'islands' in a 'sea' of lipid, achieving phase separation and high thermal stability. This new design principle can be used to engineer domains in artificial membrane materials for various applications.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a highly-porous, superadhesive mesh that can capture both large and small microplastic particles, including those as small as tens of nanometers. The mesh is made from sustainable biopolymers and can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater.
Researchers explore how engineered lanthanide carriers can tune the optical and magnetic properties of ions for improved signal contrast and reduced background signals in biomedical imaging. The study highlights opportunities for multimodal imaging, theranostics, and AI-guided probe design.
A University of Virginia researcher received a $2.1 million grant to develop advanced laboratory tissue models that could improve drug testing, deepen scientists' understanding of disease, and reduce the need for animal testing.
Recent progress in lanthanide carriers is mapped to improve biomedical imaging and diagnosis, combining optical, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. These carriers enable high-resolution imaging with tunability for different applications, reducing tissue damage and enhancing image clarity.
Researchers have developed a way to quickly create customizable synthetic blood vessel grafts in just minutes using additive manufacturing. The new technique, called Focused Rotary Jet Spinning, allows for precise control over diameter and wall thickness, making it ideal for acute trauma situations and complex pediatric heart surgeries.
Scientists at the University of Osaka have created a new technique to build blood supply systems for artificial tissues. They successfully fabricated tubular hydrogel structures with controlled lumen sizes and complex geometries, paving the way for creating vascular models that can investigate the development of fully synthetic tissues.
A new study reveals that lignin can be transformed into a bioactive material that promotes the formation of bone-like minerals while supporting the growth of bone-forming cells. The material also degrades gradually under physiological conditions, making it suitable for scaffolds intended to be replaced by newly formed bone during healing.
Researchers have designed a tough, fatigue-resistant, and multifunctional biogel for next-gen wearable electronics. The biogel enables self-powered devices for gesture recognition and robotic hand control with high precision.
JMIR Publications is sponsoring the upcoming BioMedEng26 conference to promote biomedical engineering innovation. The journal JMIR Biomedical Engineering will be highlighted during the event, with Dr. Javad Sarvestan discussing its focus on cutting-edge engineering applications and peer-review process.
Scientists at Murdoch University mapped the genes of Salinivibrio bacteria from Rottnest Island's salt lakes, revealing their potential for producing biodegradable plastic. The study found seven new genes that may enable some strains to break down the plastic.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new way to detect subtle, early-stage changes in human skin collagen using advanced optical imaging and chiroptical spectroscopy. The study reveals that the molecular organization and supramolecular chirality of dermal collagen collapses prior to visible fiber thinning or fragmentation.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that retain their protective coating in normal tissue but shed it upon reaching tumor tissue, releasing anticancer drugs. This technology reduces systemic side effects and enhances treatment efficacy.
A novel, two-sided dressing made from sustainable polymers has been developed to deliver antibiotics directly to wounds during critical early stages of infection. The dressing reduces bacterial growth and biofilm formation by over 90%, promoting healing and reducing the risk of treatment failure.
Scientists discovered a protein secreted by deep-sea extremophile Pyrodictium abyssi that self-assembles into a highly stable biofilm. This discovery opens new avenues for biomedical research and could lead to breakthroughs in wound dressing, medical device coatings, and tissue engineering.
New research reveals that asthma attacks cause overproduction of extracellular proteins and growth of blood vessels in the airways. Over time, these changes lead to constriction of breathing passages, resulting in long-term respiratory issues.
Researchers developed a multi-functional biomaterial that eradicates residual cancer cells, prevents bacterial colonization, and regenerates missing bone tissue. Gallium oxide selectively targets bone cancer cells overexpressing transferrin receptors, causing cell death, while preventing infection in surgical sites.
Researchers found that CAR3 coordinates bone formation and regeneration by forming a molecular complex with collagen type I alpha 1 and recruiting bone sialoprotein. The study identified CAR3 as a previously unrecognized regulator of osteoblast differentiation, highlighting its potential for treating bone disorders.
Researchers developed a pH-triggered nanocomposite that synchronizes the release of therapeutic agents, combating bacterial biofilms and oxidative stress. The platform accelerates healing and promotes tissue repair in infected wounds.
Researchers developed a bidirectional interface that uses muscle vibrations to restore natural sensations of movement in upper limb prosthetics. The system restored coordinated hand grasp movement patterns, or 'synergies,' similar to those felt by participants with different kinesthetic feedback systems.
Researchers Edward Lemke and Andreas Walther from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have been awarded ERC Advanced Grants for their innovative projects, Molecular Shape Microscopy and Protoecologies between Artificial Cells and Mammalian Cells. The grants aim to advance our understanding of protein function in living cells and explor...
New instruments promise precise measurement and manipulation of tiny nanomaterials used in manufacturing, aerospace and medicine. Researchers can now study the smallest heavy metals with water filters, developing more resilient structures.
Researchers designed artificial proteins that simultaneously form pentagonal and hexagonal arrangements to create virus-like structures. These structures can stably carry drugs, genetic materials, and enzymes within their interior space.
Researchers at Shinshu University discovered a unique surface architecture in the petals of the hardy ice plant that produces glossy appearance. The parabolic ridge structures reflect and concentrate light, creating gloss across a broad range of viewing angles.
Researchers developed a topical gel formulation with 4-aminopyridine to treat burn wounds, achieving near-complete closure in 21 days. The gel delivers the drug directly to the wound site, avoiding systemic risks associated with prolonged use.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new bio-based material using yeast, cellulose, alginate, glycerol, and water. The material can be 3D printed, has customizable properties, and is biodegradable, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.
Researchers developed a nanofiber drug delivery system that uses electrospun fiber membranes to deliver multiple drugs in concert, demonstrating improved efficacy against glioblastoma. The system enables localized long-term delivery of drugs directly at the tumor site after surgery.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo genetically engineer cyanobacteria to produce sulfated polysaccharides, a sustainable route for manufacturing biomaterials. The study demonstrates the feasibility of engineering complex biosynthetic pathways in photosynthetic organisms.
Researchers summarize how AI is accelerating inorganic biomaterial development for various biomedical applications. AI-powered property prediction and inverse design tools are being used to discover effective materials with unique properties.
The NTU Singapore team developed a tiny seed-sized robot that can perform five surgical functions wirelessly, including cutting and releasing drugs. The robot is controlled by weak magnetic fields and takes under a second to switch between functions. It has the potential to make surgeries more precise and safer.
Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that a fungus can break down hard-to-recycle construction waste and turn it into sustainable insulation. The resulting biomaterial has comparable thermal performance to conventional insulation products with significantly lower carbon emissions.
Scientists at Tampere University created a 3D printed ceramic implant material that closely mimics real human bone. The findings advance personalized bone regeneration and may lead to more effective treatments for bone defects.
Researchers developed a new class of stretchy bioelectronics that can stick to biological tissue and relieve hypertension while causing less damage to surrounding tissue. The CaroFlex device uses gentle electrical frequencies to modulate the baroreceptor reflex, providing effective treatment for drug-resistant hypertension.
Researchers have discovered that prickly pear cactus fibers can be extracted and used to create sustainable composite materials. The fibers' natural structure provides a honeycomb-like support system, making them suitable for lightweight, low-load applications.
Researchers discovered that sea squirts package adhesive materials into nanocondensates, which deliver them to the destination and unpack for use. This mechanism is distinct from mussels' adhesion strategy, providing clues for developing bio-adhesives to assist in seaweed cultivation.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created protein-based materials that can be readily recycled and remade into the same fibers over multiple cycles. These biodegradable fibers, called SAM, are made from genetically engineered microbes and can dissolve in a formic acid solution within seconds.
A first-in-human trial demonstrates the potential of implantable cytokine factories for treating ovarian cancer, showing a favorable safety profile and encouraging disease stabilization in patients. The therapy successfully activated key immune cells without expanding regulatory T cells, revealing a promising mechanism of action.