Articles tagged with Biomaterials
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
Scientists create hybrid composite scaffolds with aligned nanofibrous architectures to improve cell seeding efficiency, proliferation rates, and morphogenesis. The findings have potential applications in tissue repairing and regenerative medicine.
Researchers investigated manuka honey's potential to resist bacterial infections and promote bone growth in collagen scaffolds. Higher concentrations of honey led to decreased bone health, while soaked scaffolds showed improved results.
A research team at Chinese Academy of Sciences creates a spinal cord-like implant with covalent conjugation between biomaterials and cells, promoting cell retention and neural regeneration in rats after spinal cord injury. The study's findings have potential implications for human spinal cord tissue engineering therapy.
Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.
A new biomaterial platform mimics human skin to analyze mosquito feeding behavior, using machine learning models and video monitoring. The results show an average precision of 92.5%, with potential applications for developing more effective repellents to combat diseases.
Researchers at MLU and partners developed a new process coating implant materials with a gene-activated biomaterial that induces stem cells to produce bone tissue. This method, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, stimulates bone healing in a targeted manner with fewer side effects than existing methods.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a self-assembling peptide ink that enables the 3D printing of complex structures with cells, which can then be used to grow mature tissue in a petri dish. The ink allows for control over cell behavior using structural and chemical complexity.
A new smart contact lens has been developed to diagnose and treat glaucoma by monitoring intraocular pressure in real-time and releasing the appropriate amount of medication. The lens, created by a POSTECH research team, uses a flexible drug delivery system and wireless power and communication system.
A new biomaterial has been developed that can be injected intravenously to promote cell and tissue repair, reducing inflammation in damaged tissues. The material has shown promising results in treating heart attacks and traumatic brain injury in animal models.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are designing a customized device to better treat unique brain aneurysms. The device uses advanced biomedical 3-D printing to tailor the treatment to the specific shape, size, and location of each aneurysm.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis for developing small diameter vascular grafts (SDVG) that heal in a reconstructive manner. They aim to emulate the structure and behavior of living arteries, incorporating a blood vessel network within the graft walls.
Researchers at Linköping University developed an artificial neuron that closely mimics biological nerve cells, with 15 out of 20 neural features replicated. The 'conductance-based organic electrochemical neuron' uses ions to control electronic current and demonstrates biorealistic behavior.
A team of researchers has developed an artificial tissue that repairs injuries and restores normal erectile function in a pig model. The artificial tunica albuginea (ATA) shows promise for repairing penile injuries in humans by mimicking the microstructure of natural tissues.
Researchers compared zebrafish and medaka bones, finding medaka lacks bone cells but retains water-absorbing Proteoglycans. The study suggests a new explanation for why some bones respond better to stress than others.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed ingestible biobatteries that utilize microbial fuel cells with spore-forming Bacillus subtilis bacteria to power sensors and Wi-Fi connections. The biobatteries can generate up to 100 microwatts per square centimeter of power density, enough for wireless transmission.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
A team of international researchers has designed new kinds of materials that are potentially tougher, more versatile and more sustainable than what humans can make on their own. These materials mix different proteins and molecules to achieve properties not possible with traditional metals or plastics.
A new injectable hydrogel has been developed with enhanced shear-thinning properties, improved cellular biocompatibility, and significantly reduced clotting times. The biomaterial was created by adding sodium phytate to a gelatin-based compound, promoting even greater cohesion and triggering the initiation of blood coagulation.
A research group at Kobe University has successfully synthesized α-amino acid N-Carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), a crucial precursor for artificial polypeptides, using the photo-on-demand phosgenation method. This new synthesis method eliminates the use of toxic phosgene and is considered safe, inexpensive, and simple.
Scientists at Osaka University have created a new material that could replace traditional plastics with a sustainable, biodegradable alternative. The cellulose nanofibers were engineered to exhibit direction-dependent properties, allowing for facile molding into complex structures such as microneedles and bio/nanotechnology architectures.
A German Research Foundation-funded research unit is developing switchable polymer gels for biomaterial applications, including tissues for biotechnological or biomedical uses. The team has successfully explored the nature of amphiphilic co-networks and will now focus on material design.
Researchers have created a novel antibiotic cement that demonstrates high efficacy and potency against drug-resistant bacteria. The new approach uses a locally delivered combination of antibiotics and bone cement to target infections, promising decreased bacterial resistance development.
Researchers developed a generatively designed patient-specific bone fixation device using Generative Design technology. The implants are tailored to each patient's anatomy and biomechanical needs, resulting in lighter, less prominent, and minimally invasive designs that promote faster healing and reduced revision surgery.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A new, dissolvable hydrogel developed by Mass General Hospital promotes wound healing for second-degree burns while minimizing pain and trauma. The biomaterial is highly absorbent, based on green chemistry approaches, and can be dissolved in under five minutes.
Researchers at Tufts University have created silk-based materials with exceptional water-repelling properties, surpassing those of current nonstick coatings. The modified silk can be molded into various shapes and forms, making it suitable for a wide range of consumer products and medical applications.
A new biomaterial has been developed to prevent bleeding complications after vascular surgeries, adhering to both human tissue and grafts, reinforcing suture lines, and withstanding high vascular pressures. The material outperforms existing products in terms of safety and efficacy, paving the way for clinical translation.
Researchers have developed an injectable shear-thinning hydrogel that exhibits enhanced cohesive strength, resisting fragmentation even under pulsating liquid flows. The gel, similar to toothpaste, retains its structure when force is removed, making it a potential breakthrough in treating critical vascular conditions.
A synthetic prophylactic gel developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has shown promising results in lab tests, with a 70% effectiveness rate against HIV and an 80% effectiveness rate against herpes.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed a novel MRI contrast agent using prenucleation clusters of calcium carbonate, achieving three to four times higher contrast than commercial agents. The agent is produced easily, cheaply, and has no toxic properties.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have created a tiny sensor that can simultaneously measure electrical and mechanical cellular responses in cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device has the potential to lead-edge applications in cardiac-disease experiments and improve health monitoring for cardiac disease studies.
A University of Virginia researcher has received a $1.8 million NIH grant to develop polymers that can deliver peptides as medicine, overcoming limitations such as short duration and toxicity. The project aims to create new therapeutic formulations using polymer biomaterials, which have endless design possibilities.
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed biomaterial inks that mimic native characteristics of highly conductive human tissue. These inks are essential for 3D printing and enable the creation of complex electronic devices, such as stretchable sensors with integrated microelectronic components.
A bioengineered cornea made from collagen protein can restore vision in people with diseased corneas, offering an alternative to donated human corneas. The implant has been shown to be safe and effective in a pilot study, with patients regaining perfect vision after two years.
A University of Arizona-led study uses bacteria to understand how natural patterns form through mechanical interactions. The findings suggest that just four different adhesive molecules are sufficient to create any possible tiling pattern, with implications for understanding complex multicellular life and creating biodegradable materials.
Researchers at TIBI developed a minimally invasive method for targeted delivery of immunotherapeutic treatments, resulting in slower tumor growth and higher activation of T-cells. The injectable gelatin biomaterial containing silicate nanoplatelets showed sustained drug release and controlled ICI delivery.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a nasal plug using soy protein and chitin from food industry waste, which promotes haemostasis and is biocompatible. The new material has shown superior mechanical and haemostatic properties compared to current gold standard nasal plugs.
Washington University in St. Louis' Zhang lab has been awarded a $458,490 NSF grant to refine their synthetic biology platform for producing muscle fibers with improved material properties. The team plans to examine genetic changes associated with titin protein and create fibers with defined sequences to study material properties.
Binghamton University researchers have developed a way to turn CDs into flexible biosensors that can monitor electrical activity in human hearts and muscles, as well as lactate, glucose, pH, and oxygen levels. The sensors are fabricated in 20-30 minutes without toxic chemicals or expensive equipment, costing around $1.50 per device.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.
Biomedical engineers have created a novel 3D synthetic structure that mimics the extracellular matrix, guiding neural progenitor cells and promoting their differentiation. The results show promise for developing brain-healing treatments, including biogels that can repair and regrow brain tissue after a stroke or other trauma.
A Tokyo University of Science study found that fluoride nanoparticles enhance β-sheet formation in amyloid β proteins, a common feature of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also discovered that surrounding ions can control this process, paving the way for targeted treatments.
A new biohybrid composite material demonstrates improved elasticity and fracture energy compared to existing zwitterionic materials, making it suitable for regenerative medicine applications. The material's biocompatibility allows it to recruit cells and support tissue regeneration.
Researchers investigated the cell adhesion behavior on spider silk fibers, films, and nanofibers. The study found that native spider silk exhibits superior properties for medical use, preventing blood clots and enduring repetitive loading and unloading.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed a simple exfoliation method to prepare ultrathin films of small intestine tissues, which exhibit piezoelectricity. The team's findings reveal the hierarchical structure of collagen fibers as the key to generating the piezoelectric effect.
A NJIT-led team has created an injectable hydrogel designed to recruit dental pulp stem cells and promote tissue growth in teeth after a root canal. The therapy mimics the body's natural growth factor signaling, promoting healing and regeneration of lost tooth pulp.
Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discover that smaller alkyl groups in ceramic materials facilitate faster chemical reactions, speeding up hydroxyapatite formation. This breakthrough could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced need for further repairs after bone surgery.
A cobalt-chromium-based alloy has been developed to mimic the flexibility of human bones and exhibit excellent wear resistance, addressing issues with conventional implant materials. The new biomaterial could be used for hip or knee joint replacements and bone plates.
Researchers developed a biopolymer film that combines anti-bacterial properties, inflammation dampening, and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients in a targeted manner. The film adheres to sensitive surfaces without damaging tissue, speeding up healing process and completely dissolving by itself.
A new biomaterial-based technique has improved islet transplants for type 1 diabetes treatment by inducing permanent immune acceptance. The microgels educate the immune system to accept the graft, making it possible to regulate blood glucose levels without chronic immunosuppression.
Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...
University of Virginia professor Rachel Letteri's lab designs polymers for healthcare applications, using peptide fragments to create hydrogels with tunable stiffness and lifespan. The team aims to develop materials that can support cell growth and guide tissue regeneration, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
A team of researchers from Osaka University and Kyoto University developed a stem cell-based biomaterial, hiPS-Cart, to treat IVD degeneration and prevent further deterioration. The biomaterial was able to survive and maintain its functionality in lab rats with NP removal, reversing IVF and vertebral bone degeneration.
Scientists have created a new technology using colour pigments from the food industry to stimulate nerve cells with the help of implantable mini solar cells. This innovation could lead to accelerated healing and prevention of complications in severe brain injuries, as well as potential applications in pain therapy and retinal implants.
A UK team is developing personalized ‘theranostic’ dressings that speed up wound healing while providing diagnostic information. The dressings feature biomimetic macromolecules that replicate natural tissue structures, kickstarting the body’s healing processes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new cell-laden bioink that enables the production of complex, shape-changing bioconstructs. These 4D constructs have the potential to mimic the body's natural developmental processes and could lead to advances in tissue engineering.
Researchers developed a hair-thin patch that can measure pulse wave signals with high accuracy, creating a 2D pressure map on the wrist. This technology enables at-home diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and pre-diagnosis of related conditions.
Researchers at UCLA have created highly flexible yet mechanically robust bioelectronic membranes using van der Waals thin film technology. The membranes can be stretched and flexed over irregular geometries, making them ideal for wearable health-monitoring devices and diagnostic sensors.
A new form of drug delivery microparticle mimics the properties of a red blood cell, enabling controlled release of drugs and targeting specific destinations. The goal is to bypass the body's filtration systems, allowing for improved efficacy and reduced negative side effects.