Biomaterials
Articles tagged with Biomaterials
3D printing bones: Researchers develop ceramic implants that mimic natural bone
Synthetic biology leads to recyclable textiles: Engineered protein fibers for a cleaner future
Prickly pears show promise as the building materials of tomorrow
Could sea squirts' nano-packaging delivery system help restore sea forests?
First-in-human trial demonstrates promise of implantable cytokine factories for ovarian cancer
Toward artificial muscles that bend and twist on demand
XPANCEO and ITEN create proof of concept for smart lens with integrated solid-state battery
The collaboration solves a main challenge in ocular wearables by integrating ultra-thin, durable, and stable energy storage. XPANCEO develops smart contact lenses with AR and health monitoring capabilities, while ITEN provides high-power-density solid-state batteries.
Smithsonian-led research shows that scorpions’ weapons are fortified with metal to suit their needs
Researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History analyzed 18 scorpion species and found striking patterns in metal concentration and distribution among their pincers and stingers. The study reveals that zinc plays a role beyond hardness, possibly enhancing durability, and provides insight into how organisms adapt to pr...
New bamboo composite uses strength to estimate biodegradation in water
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a strong, biodegradable material made from bamboo sheets and PHBH, which can be used to estimate biodegradation in seawater. The material's strength is linked to its degradation rate, providing a predictable usable lifetime for sustainable materials.
OHSU secures $9.2 million to build next generation ‘organs on chips’ for bone related cancers
Oregon Health & Science University has received significant NIH funding to develop advanced microphysiologic models that mimic how cancers grow and respond to treatment within bone tissues. Two new awards focus on osteosarcoma and prostate cancer, aiming to improve understanding of disease spread and treatment responses.
University of Cincinnati enrolls first patients in clinical trial for prosthetic joint infections
A new clinical trial at the University of Cincinnati is testing a peptide solution to treat prosthetic joint infections after total knee replacement. The trial aims to reduce the need for repeat surgeries and expand the treatment window beyond two weeks.
Using menstrual blood-derived particles to treat osteoarthritis?
Researchers found that extracellular vesicles from menstrual blood stromal cells can improve cartilage function and slow tissue degradation, even in older postmenopausal women. Biomimetic scaffolds are being developed to prolong the effects of these particles, offering a potential cell-free therapy for osteoarthritis.
New research brings joint repair closer for millions with osteoarthritis
A team of researchers has achieved a major milestone in developing a new treatment aimed at helping the body repair damaged joints at the source. The experimental treatments have shown promising results in animal models, restoring joint tissue to near-normal levels and significantly reducing pain markers for long periods.
Researchers create an injectable particle to make surgery safer for infants
A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created an injectable microgel called B-knob triggered microgels (BK-TriGs) that can help reduce bleeding in infants during surgery. The microgel works by mimicking the mechanical properties of natural platelets, which helps to create fibrin networks and stanch bleeding.
A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease
New research demonstrates that restoring the physical stiffness of the gingival tissue can fundamentally change how cells respond to infection, potentially paving the way for new treatments. The study uses a hydrogel system to investigate how gum tissue stiffness impacts periodontal disease inflammation.
Review highlights a three-way link between mechanical stress, integrin signaling and endocytosis in osteoarthritis
Researchers identify a three-way link between mechanical stress, integrin signaling, and endocytosis in osteoarthritis. Integrin trafficking may help explain why the same pathways have different effects across disease stages and tissue contexts.
Terasaki Institute and UCLA Technology Development Group partner to program advanced organ and tissue repair session at LABEST Innovation Conference
The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation and UCLA Technology Development Group will co-curate an Advanced Organ and Tissue Repair (AToR) session at LABEST, featuring leading experts in regenerative medicine. The session aims to accelerate the translation of breakthrough technologies into real-world clinical solutions.
Printing living tissue at human-level cell density
Researchers create living tissue at near-physiological cell density using a new bioprinting strategy called embedded 3D printing in a cell-dense suspension (EPICS). The method enables the precise fabrication of perfusable channels and dense cellular environments, mimicking real organs.
Q&A: Gassing up bioengineered materials for wound healing
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new class of tunable biomaterials, known as granular aerogel scaffolds, to support tissue regeneration and vascularization in wound healing. The material offers improved cell infiltration and may help rapidly form new blood vessels and regenerate damaged tissue.
“A spray shield that adheres to transplant organs” reduces the burden on patients taking lifelong immunosuppressants
Researchers developed a spray shield that adheres to transplant organs using mussel-derived adhesive protein, reducing immune rejection and its side effects. This innovation enables targeted delivery of immunosuppressants directly to the transplanted site, increasing success rates in xenograft transplantation.
Bioprinting muscle that knows how to align its cells just as in the human body
A research team from Xi'an Jiaotong University has developed a method to align cells in muscle tissue using electric forces during electrohydrodynamic bioprinting. This breakthrough allows for the creation of living muscle tissues with tightly aligned cells, enabling the production of functional muscle constructs.
Fe₃O₄@mPEG-Ag nanoparticles: a new frontier in combating antibiotic resistance
Researchers introduce Fe₃O₄@mPEG-Ag nanoparticles as a non-antibiotic strategy to combat drug-resistant bacteria. The novel nanomaterial demonstrates strong antibacterial activity against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant strains.
Saving sea lions with soft robotics
Researchers at UNLV have created a 3D-printed synthetic California sea lion pelvic region, enabling medical professionals to conduct blood collection training on anatomically authentic models. This innovation has the potential to improve veterinary procedures and benefit human lives in the long run.
Smarter tissue and organ repair thanks to made in Ottawa next-gen hydrogel
Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed a groundbreaking biomaterial that combines strength, adaptability, and biological compatibility for soft tissue repair. The hydrogel is made from synthetic peptides and can be precisely tailored through chemical design, making it an attractive alternative to existing biomaterials.
Scientists deliver new molecule for getting DNA into cells
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a neutral molecule that can carry DNA into biological cells using a process called annealing. This breakthrough promises more effective therapies by reducing inflammation and improving delivery efficiency.
3D printing soft robots
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...
RCSI researchers develop RNA-activated implant to stimulate nerve regrowth after spinal cord injury
Researchers at RCSI have developed an RNA-activated implant that delivers growth-promoting particles to injured nerve cells, encouraging them to regrow after spinal cord injury. The implant helps overcome molecular barriers by silencing a gene called PTEN.
A biological material that becomes stronger when wet could replace plastics
Researchers have developed a biointegrated material that resists hydration and increases in strength to values above commodity plastics when wet. The process does not alter the biological nature of chitosan, enabling seamless reintegration into natural ecological cycles.
Bioengineers discover new clues in early-onset colorectal cancer
A study by University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers found that both cancerous and noncancerous colon tissue from young patients with colorectal cancer was mechanically stiffer than in older patients. This stiffness may promote the development of early-onset colorectal cancer, a condition rising over the past 30 years.
A gel for wounds that won’t heal
Researchers developed an oxygen-delivering gel to heal chronic wounds that fail to heal for more than a month. The gel conforms to the wound's shape and provides continuous oxygen levels, helping transform nonhealing wounds into normal injuries.
Elephant trunk whiskers exhibit material intelligence
Researchers discovered functional gradients in elephant and cat whiskers, allowing for precise touch sensing. The stiff-to-soft transition enables elephants to navigate their environment with ease, including picking up delicate objects.
Living material makes harmful UV light visible – Functional coating made from proteins and bacteria
Researchers at TUM developed a coating that makes UV-A radiation visible using proteins and bacteria, opening up new possibilities for sustainable materials. The coating, which includes the protein mEosFP, reliably detects contact with UV-A light and can be integrated into paints and coatings without compromising material properties.
Rice lab to help develop bioprinted kidneys as part of ARPA-H PRINT program award
The Rice lab will produce bioprinted, vascularized kidney tissue that augments renal function in patients with kidney disease. The implantable kidney tissue will be made from a patient's own cells combined with a bioink that supports the long-term viability of the implanted cells.
Low-temperature-activated deployment of smart 4D-printed vascular stents
Researchers developed smart 4D-printed vascular stents that expand naturally at body temperature, eliminating the need for external heating. The stents balance mechanical flexibility and radial strength, demonstrating long-term biomechanical compliance.
A mint idea becomes a game changer for medical devices
Researchers at Flinders University developed a high-performance coating made from peppermint essential oil that protects against infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The coating demonstrates strong antibacterial action against key pathogens, including E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Fighting superbugs with nets and light switches
A new hydrogel gel, inspired by nature's NETs, uses near-infrared light to kill bacteria and calm the immune system, promoting wound healing. Trials in mice and pigs show significant reduction in bacterial load and accelerated healing.
LIST tech wins "Oscars" of the composites world
LIST's patented infrared welding process enables rapid assembly of thick carbon-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic components, reducing weight, costs and environmental impact. The innovation is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 12.5 tonnes per wing rib.
Incheon National University develop novel eco-friendly high-performance gas sensors
Researchers created eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors with blended polymer films combining poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(butylene succinate). The sensors demonstrated stable performance and higher sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide and other gases.
Farm waste could lock away carbon for decades
Agricultural waste from crops like wheat, rice, and maize can act as a powerful carbon sink when diverted into construction products. The study finds that these materials can store carbon for decades rather than releasing it within months.
Biologists and engineers follow goopy clues to plant-wilting bacteria
Researchers found that Ralstonia's unique exo polysaccharide 1 (EPS-1) film allows the bacteria to spread rapidly through plant xylem vessels, causing rapid wilting. The team used precise measurements of the viscoelastic properties of EPS-1 to understand its role in making Ralstonia a devastating plant killer.
Machine learning lends a helping ‘hand’ to prosthetics
A team of researchers has created an object identification system for prosthetic hands to guide appropriate grip strength decisions in real time. The system uses a camera and EMG sensor to determine the user's intent and predict the required grip strength, enabling users to focus on daily tasks without complex training or calibration.
Researchers publish first ever structural engineering manual for bamboo
The new manual provides comprehensive guidance on designing permanent bamboo structures, covering topics such as fire safety and durability. It aims to support the global use of bamboo construction, a low-carbon alternative with remarkable mechanical properties.
Pusan National University researchers develop light-activated tissue adhesive patch for rapid, watertight neurosurgical sealing
Researchers have developed a breakthrough light-responsive Janus dural patch using photocurable hyaluronic acid, providing strong wet adhesion and preventing unwanted tissue adhesion. The patch seals wounds within five seconds with minimal swelling and high biocompatibility.
Wyss Institute-led collaboration awarded by ARPA-H PRINT program to engineer off-the-shelf, universal, transplant-ready graft for liver failure
A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.
EdUHK research team develops novel material to enhance cancer immunotherapy
The EdUHK research team has developed a novel material, a natural and biocompatible silica nanomatrix, to enhance cancer immunotherapy. This breakthrough technology promotes DC maturation, enhances T-cell recognition and killing of cancer cells, and improves targeting precision.
From generation to complex control: Metasurfaces make perfect vortex beams "within reach"
Researchers at China Jiliang University have developed a comprehensive review of metasurfaces for generating and controlling perfect vortex beams. The advancements in this field offer new possibilities for high-precision optical applications.
Fighting skin diseases with 3D bioprinting
Researchers at TU Wien developed a 3D bioprinting technique to create living biological tissue for studying skin diseases. The method offers a controlled and highly reproducible manner to produce tailor-made structures for different purposes, such as psoriasis and inflammatory models.
Dual-function biomaterials for postoperative osteosarcoma: Tumor suppression and bone regeneration
Researchers have developed dual-function biomaterials that can suppress tumors and regenerate bone, offering a promising strategy to address the challenges of postoperative osteosarcoma. The materials are designed to enhance antitumor efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity, and also provide structural support for bone regeneration.
From artificial organs to advanced batteries: A breakthrough 3D-printable polymer
A new type of 3D-printable material made from polyethylene glycol has been developed by a University of Virginia research team. This breakthrough material is biologically friendly and can be stretched, making it suitable for use in larger structures or those requiring flexibility.
Bacterial spores for sustainable smart materials
Scientists from Delft University of Technology have developed living materials that can detect disease biomarkers, catalyze environmental pollutant breakdown, and function as self-healing composites. The materials are made by embedding bacterial spores in a protective barrier and can be programmed to perform specific tasks.
Dr. Johnson V. John appointed as a Standing Member of the NIH Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering (MTE) Study Section
Dr. Johnson V. John has been appointed as a standing member of the NIH's Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering (MTE) Study Section, ensuring innovative research receives support. His expertise in biomaterials and tissue engineering will contribute to national research priorities.
RODIN project, funded by the European Research Council through a Synergy grant (ERC-Syn), will invest 10 M€ to explore cells as the architects of future biomaterials
The RODIN project aims to discover the subtle key structural features that cells engrave into materials when they are driven to produce specific tissues. The team will learn from this 'architectural wisdom' of cells to design new generations of higher performance biomaterials.
UVA engineering polymer scientist wins American Physical Society’s John H. Dillon Medal
Liheng Cai has challenged long-accepted rules of polymer physics, offering new theories to explain the behavior of associative polymers and solving a conundrum that stumped scientists for nearly 200 years. His work has led to breakthroughs in designing better materials for healthcare and sustainability.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal Study unveils absorbable skull device that speeds healing
A new, fully degradable cranial clamp made from poly-L-lactic acid has been developed to address traditional fixation system drawbacks. The study compared its performance to Aesculap CranioFix through laboratory tests and a clinical trial involving 90 patients, showing improved safety and healing outcomes.
From charged polymers to life-saving innovations
Researchers aim to understand how mixtures of charged polymers form microscopic droplets with unique properties, enabling drug delivery and adhesive applications. The team uses high-resolution measurement techniques to study complex coacervates.
Soft gel breakthrough enables lab-grown slow-twitch muscles
Researchers developed a gel-like material that mimics the softness and microstructure of slow-twitch muscle tissue, successfully cultivating cells with genetic and metabolic traits of slow-twitch fibers. The technology has far-reaching implications for regenerative medicine, drug screening, and muscle transplantation therapies.
Biomaterial vaccines to make implanted orthopedic devices safer
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine strategy using biomaterial scaffold vaccines to protect against Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopedic device implants. The vaccines, made with immune cell-attaching molecules and S. aureus-specific antigens, create a beneficial immune response that significantly lowers bacterial burden.
Muscle tissue from a 3D printer – produced in zero gravity
Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully produced muscle tissue using a new biofabrication system called G-FLight in microgravity. The process enables rapid production of viable muscle constructs with similar cell viability and muscle fibers as those printed under gravity.
Immunomodulatory pathways and emerging therapeutic strategies in chronic wound healing: bridging inflammation, regeneration, and clinical translation
Chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers are driven by persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation. Emerging immunomodulatory strategies aim to restore immune balance and promote healing.