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Controlling conformational changes in protein aromatic side chains

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo designed a protein cage system that can control and visualize orientational changes in aromatic side chains through strategic binding of fluorescent ligands. This approach enables precise control over protein dynamics while enhancing fluorescence properties, with potential applications in biomo...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

NTT Research and Harvard scientists optimize biohybrid ray development with machine learning

Researchers developed mini biohybrid rays using cardiomyocytes and rubber, demonstrating improved swimming efficiencies approximately two times greater than previous biomimetic designs. The application of machine-learning directed optimization enabled an efficient search for high-performance design configurations.

Building better biomaterials for cancer treatments

A Virginia Tech research team has made significant progress in understanding the role of physical properties in tuning the body's immune responses. By modifying biomaterials' size, shape, and stiffness, they aim to enhance immune cell behavior and stimulate antitumor immune responses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 6, 2025

PECASE winners: 3 UVA engineering professors receive presidential early career awards

Three UVA engineering professors, James T. Burns, Coleen Carrigan, and Liheng Cai, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Biden. The award recognizes their innovative work in science and technology, including Burns' research on material fracture under unique conditions and...

Building roots in glass, a bio-inspired approach to creating 3D microvascular networks using plants and fungi

Researchers at Kyushu University develop a novel technique for building complex 3D microfluidic networks using plant roots and fungal hyphae in silica nanoparticles. This bio-inspired method enables the creation of intricate biological structures, opening new opportunities for research in plant and fungal biology.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024

Building better bone grafts

A team from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry has patented a new regenerative bone graft material that can regenerate about eight times more bone than existing scaffolds. The breakthrough could transform bone grafts for millions of people who require them, reducing costs and complications associated with traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBioactive Materials·DateSep 26, 2024

Smart supramolecular assemblies

The researchers synthesized supramolecular polymers with the ability to form larger complexes in response to external stimuli, which may shed light on biomolecular self-assembly and other ‘smart’ materials. The resulting shape of the assemblies can be controlled based on the concentration of a specific additive.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts: Advancing Research in Biomaterials and Bioenergy Innovation

The Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts is a leading open access journal fostering transformative research on bioresource conversion into biomaterials, biochemicals, and bioenergy. The journal's eight thematic areas focus on cutting-edge topics in sustainable energy and materials science.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·DateSep 6, 2024

PolyU develops versatile fluidic platform for programmable liquid processing

Researchers at PolyU have invented a unique fluidic processor called Connected Polyhedral Frames (CPFs), which enables reversible switching between liquid capture and release. CPFs offer a versatile platform for various applications, including controlled multidrug release, biomaterial encapsulation, and air conditioning.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2024

Organs on demand? UVA prints its first voxel building blocks

A UVA research team has developed biomaterials with controlled mechanical properties matching those of various human tissues, representing a significant leap in bioprinting technologies. Their unique digital assembly of spherical particles (DASP) technique can deposit particles of biomaterial in a supporting matrix to build 3D structur...

Mechanobiomaterials: A rising field using mechanobiology principles to program the functional biomaterials

Researchers develop mechanobiomaterials inspired by biomechanics to modulate biological responses with material-tissue mechanical interactions. This approach aims to create biomaterials that can adapt to changing mechanical environments in vivo, enhancing the body's regenerative potential and repairing various tissues.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·DateJun 28, 2024

New gel breaks down alcohol in the body

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a protein gel that breaks down alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing blood alcohol levels and acetaldehyde production. The gel shows promising results in mice studies, demonstrating a lower alcohol level and therapeutic effect on liver damage and weight loss.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Healing faster: Unveiling the future of tissue & organ repair

A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Expanding a lymph node, boosting a vaccine

Researchers from Wyss Institute and Harvard University developed a biomaterial vaccine that enhances and sustains lymph node expansion, leading to more effective anti-tumor responses. The vaccine formulation, based on microscale mesoporous silica rods, reprograms antigen-presenting cells to orchestrate complex immune responses.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Bringing bio-inspired robots to life

Eric Markvicka is developing a manufacturing approach to produce novel liquid metal mixtures with enhanced properties, including thermal and electrical conductivity. These mixtures can be used in additive manufacturing and accelerate momentum toward 4D printing, enabling the creation of machines that mimic biological organisms.