Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Comparative analysis of dental-derived stem cells and alternative stem cell sources: properties and regenerative functions
Yang K, Yuan S, Wang Y, Lin A, Huo F, Jin Z, Yang C and Tian W
Due to their accessibility, wide range of sources and unique biological characteristics, dental stem cells have broad application prospects in regenerative medicine. This cell population mainly includes dental pulp stem cells, periodontal ligament stem cells, stem cells from deciduous teeth, and dental follicle stem cells. In addition, dental stem cells have good microenvironment-specific immunomodulatory functions, including inhibiting T cell activation, promoting the polarization of regulatory T cells and regulating the phenotype of macrophages, thereby promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. These advantages are complemented by its strong osteogenic differentiation ability, providing a new strategy for oral tissue regeneration, and providing broad prospects for the treatment of nervous system related diseases due to its ectodermal homology with neural crest. This review systematically summarizes the major advantages of dental stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine, outlines current progress in clinical translation, and discusses future research directions, while critically comparing their therapeutic potential and challenges with other mesenchymal stem cells sources to guide seed cell selection and clinical applications.
Sequential dual-targeting biomimetic nanovesicles for bone marrow-specific delivery of bortezomib in multiple myeloma
Lu C, Xiao Z, Zhang H, Zhang P, Gao Y, Ouyang L, He X, Han N, Zhang J, Guan M, Feng Y and Li Y
Inefficient bone marrow targeting remains a major barrier to improving clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM). Although bortezomib (BTZ), a first-line proteasome inhibitor, exhibits potent antitumor activity, its short half-life, dose-limiting off-target toxicity, and pronounced neurotoxicity severely constrain therapeutic utility.
Development of 10 L mass culture system of human induced pluripotent stem cells with intermittent agitation using plastic fluid
Tokura T, Yamamoto R and Kino-Oka M
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are crucial for cell therapy and regenerative medicine. The development of high-yield and stable mass-culture technologies is essential for the industrialization of hiPSCs. In this study, we proposed a design procedure for the scale-up of hiPSCs and evaluated a mass culture system at a 10 L scale, which is currently challenging. We developed a design procedure for a hiPSC aggregate culture system based on cell manufacturability. Considering the biological aspects, including not only cell behavior but also aggregate behavior, the input variables of the engineering aspects were identified. To mitigate the hydrodynamic force of the fluid flow caused by agitation, we proposed intermittent agitation using a plastic fluid. This method maintained the oxygen supply and aggregate dispersion with minimal agitation using fluid plasticity. Moreover, designing mass cultures requires the establishment of aseptic processing. We developed a single-use bioreactor and closed system, along with a medium exchange and preparation process to ensure aseptic processing. After designing the mass culture system, small-scale model experiments were carried out using a 1 L bioreactor. In three independent trials, the specific growth rate of hiPSCs was found to be similar to that of the conventional small stirred bioreactor. In addition to the above-mentioned culture design, the addition of a Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor was required to maintain the aggregate structure at the 10 L scale. We stably performed 10 L cultures three times, and the specific growth rate was comparable to that on the 1 L scale. The final cell number of hiPSCs reached (1.09 ± 0.02) × 10 cells. These findings provide a procedure for scaling up the design and contribute to the development of mass culture systems that ensure reproducible and stable hiPSC cultures.
Advances in using biomaterials for repairing thin endometrium
Li H, Hu F, Xie F, Chen X and Wu H
Thin endometrium is one of the main factors leading to infertility and miscarriage. The development of biomaterial technology and its clinical applications have shown good effects in promoting endometrial regeneration, improving blood flow, and enhancing cell adhesion, offering new hope for boosting fertility in patients. Therefore, this article aims to review the pathological mechanisms of thin endometrium, existing treatment methods, and research progress of biomaterials in this field, analyze the effects of different types of biomaterials on thin endometrium, and explore their potential and challenges in clinical applications, providing references for future research directions.
Is an additional cannulated screw necessary for unstable femoral neck fractures with comminuted posteromedial cortex by femoral neck system (FNS) fixation? a biomechanical and clinical study
Fan J, Hao Y, Cao Y, Cui Z, Lv Y and Zhou F
The purpose of this study was to explore the biomechanical property and clinical efficacy of femoral neck system (FNS) with an additional cannulated screws (CS) in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fracture (FNFs) with comminuted posteromedial cortex.
Polyethylene glycol-polyester based temperature-sensitive hydrogel delivering mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes enhances acute skin wound healing
Wei Z, Ren J, Hu J and Wei H
Skin wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge. Conventional dressings have limitations in maintaining an optimal wound microenvironment and preventing secondary injury. In this study, we developed a Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA, PPP) thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) to enhance acute skin wound healing by prolonging exosome retention and bioavailability at the wound site. The hydrogel exhibited a rapid sol-gel transition at approximately 32 °C, demonstrating good mechanical stability (storage modulus (G') > loss modulus (G″)) and self-healing properties at physiological temperature. experiments revealed that PPP/Exos showed superior biocompatibility with L929 mouse fibroblast cells (L929 cells) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), significantly promoting cell proliferation and vascular tube formation. In a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat full-thickness skin defect model, the PPP/Exos group markedly accelerated wound closure. By day 14, wound closure reached 98.6% in the PPP/Exos group, compared with 87.6% in the control group. Histopathological examination further revealed that PPP/Exos treatment effectively enhanced granulation tissue formation, attenuated inflammatory responses, facilitated re-epithelialization, and substantially increased collagen deposition. Through immunohistochemical analysis, we identified three mechanisms underlying the enhanced wound healing: promoted angiogenesis, accelerated myofibroblast differentiation, and reduced inflammation. Collectively, the PPP/Exos thermosensitive hydrogel, with its excellent biocompatibility, injectability, and sustained exosome release characteristics, significantly promotes wound healing through synergistic "angiogenesis-tissue remodeling-anti-inflammation" effects. This system offers a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical wound management and establishes a solid foundation for applications in regenerative medicine.
Biomechanical effects of root/cortical bone relation on tooth movement during premolar-extraction space closure with clear aligners: a finite element study
Dong Y, Wang Y, Yang Z, Gong W, Guo M, Wu Y, Hu Y and Zheng L
This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of varying sagittal root position (SRP), root length (RL), and cortical bone thickness (CBT) on tooth movement and stress distribution during clear aligner therapy (CAT) in extraction cases, using finite element analysis.
Editorial: Advanced biocompatible piezoelectrics - synthesis, characterization, and applications
Zelenovskii P, Kopyl S, Bauer J and Kholkin A
Investigating biomechanical differences in lumbosacral transitional vertebrae among different Castellvi classifications
Weng R, Yu Y, Ren R, Chen Y, Chen C, Xie S, Li Y and Zhang S
To investigate the biomechanical differences among different Castellvi classifications of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) based on finite element analysis.
Advances in electrical stimulation for wound healing
Bi X, Chen X, Pang Z, Song B, Li H, Feng S, Jiang H, Zhang L and Hu H
Electrical stimulation (ES), as a cutting-edge biomedical strategy for promoting wound healing, accelerates tissue regeneration and repair processes through directional electric field intervention. Research demonstrates that both endogenous weak bioelectric potentials and exogenously applied electric fields can effectively guide cellular migration along electric field gradients while activating the biological activities of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. These mechanisms enhance collagen synthesis and accelerate angiogenesis, thereby significantly improving wound closure rates. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in ES technology for wound healing, focusing on emerging applications of active microcurrent devices, passive microcurrent systems, and electroactive wound dressings. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative applications of conductive polymers (CPs) and nanocomposite materials in wound repair. By systematically analyzing the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic applications of ES in wound healing, this work aims to provide novel perspectives for optimizing ES technologies and facilitating their clinical translation, offering both theoretical significance and practical value in regenerative medicine.
Production of C-labeled docosahexaenoic acid from heterotrophic marine microorganisms and enabling fluxomic applications
Buscaglia M, Gouriou B, Asquoët Y, Le Goïc N, Le Grand F, Hachem M and Soudant P
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the human brain and eyes, playing a crucial role in vision and cognitive development. DHA deficiency has been associated with ocular diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as neurodegenerative disorders. Since the human body has a limited ability to synthesize DHA from its precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), targeted DHA supplementation is essential for these patients. To investigate DHA metabolism and integration, researchers commonly use stable (H,C) or radioactive (H,C) isotopes, which are expensive and not widely accessible, restricting the scope and duration of studies. This study aimed to develop a sustainable method for biosynthesizing uniformly labeled C-DHA by culturing the heterotrophic protists and with C-glucose. The major fatty acids (FA) of included 16:0, 22:5n-6 (DPA), and DHA, with DHA accounting for 50.5% ± 4.9% of the total FA. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed aC-enrichment of DHA at 96.7% ± 0.4% after the effective High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) purification. The predominant FA of were 12:0, 14:0, 16:0, and DHA, with DHA representing around 27% of the total FA and exhibiting aC-enrichment of 86.3% ± 1.6%. Based on FA content, showed a balanced distribution of neutral and polar lipids, with DHA predominantly in the polar fraction (57.8% ± 3.1%), whereas exhibited a predominance of neutral lipids (82.4% ± 0.3%), which contained the majority of its DHA (57.5% ± 1.0%).
A novel olecranon-type tracheotomy and expansion forceps for single-person emergency airway access
Zhu L, Meng F, Jin N, Xing L, Wang Y and Zhang H
We developed olecranon-type tracheotomy and expansion forceps (OTEF) for emergency tracheotomy in patients experiencing acute airway obstruction. By using OTEF, medical rescue personnel can perform emergency tracheotomy more quickly and accurately on their own, while conventional tracheotomy requires the cooperation of two surgeons.
Using deep networks for knee range of motion monitoring in total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation
Zhang YX, Wang QY, Yang T, Wang JH, Yin HT, Wang L and Liu J
Knee range of motion (ROM) is a key indicator of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Current tools, such as visual and protractor measurements, are cumbersome, imprecise, and require professional training, limiting their use in community or home settings. With the rise of smart healthcare, there is a need for a simple, accurate, and low-cost ROM assessment method that reduces healthcare burdens, enables home self-monitoring, and improves rehabilitation outcomes.
Beyond carbonate biomineralization: why prokaryote-driven CO sequestration demands holistic evaluation
Schinteie R, Nagaraj V, Stalker L, Tran-Dinh N and Midgley DJ
Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) offers a promising biological approach to sequester atmospheric CO as stable mineral carbonates, mitigating climate change impacts. This perspective highlights the complexity underpinning prokaryote-driven biomineralization processes, emphasizing the necessity for holistic evaluation beyond simple carbonate formation. Key metabolic pathways such as carbonic anhydrase-mediated CO hydration, ureolysis, photosynthesis, and sulfate reduction contribute variably to mineral precipitation and the carbon footprint. Furthermore, calcium carbonate polymorphs with varying stability forms can affect carbon storage durability, while net carbon sequestration estimates often overlook critical factors including respiratory CO release, growth phases, and embodied emissions in microbial nutrient substrates. Finally, differentiating between transient microbial organic carbon and long-term mineral carbon storage is essential for accurate carbon accounting. Lifecycle carbon footprints vary significantly with metabolic strategies and substrate choices, impacting sustainable application prospects. Advancing MICP as an effective carbon removal technology requires integrated assessment of microbial physiology, environmental interactions, and process lifecycle emissions to optimize CO drawdown with environmental and economic viability.
Extraction, purification and antioxidant activity of flavonoids from
Gao D, Yang X, Lu D, Wang C, Wang J, Li H and Guo X
, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is valued for its edible, medicinal, and ornamental properties.
Biodegradable and injectable curcumin-loaded hydrogel for the prevention of postoperative intrauterine adhesion
Yang Q, Xu H, Chen Y, Jin X and Wu Q
Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are essentially fibrosis of the endometrium within the uterine cavity. It is a common cause of infertility in women and seriously affects their physical and mental health. Current therapeutic strategies have failed to reach satisfactory outcomes. Injectable and self-healing uterine hydrogels with antifibrotic properties would be efficient in preventing IUA. In this work, we prepared curcumin-loaded carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)-oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) intrauterine hydrogel (Cur@CMC-OHA hydrogel) with antifibrotic properties, and its injectable and self-healing properties could be adapted to the morphostructures of the uterine cavity. The hydrogels exhibited tissue adhesive power, which is ideal for stable uterine cavity retention and therapeutic outcomes. experiments showed that injection of the Cur@CMC-OHA hydrogel into a mouse model of IUA reduced fibrotic tissues, prevented IUA, and improved the reproductive outcomes. It effectively downregulated fibrosis-associated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in anti-fibrotic and fertility restoration. In conclusion, Cur@CMC-OHA hydrogel may be a promising alternative for clinical treatment of uterine adhesion.
Mechanisms, strategies, and clinical application progress of subcutaneous transplantation angiogenesis
Li Y, Ye X, Chen S, Guo L, Xu Z, Chen J and Gao H
Subcutaneous transplantation, as an important technology in cell and tissue engineering, has received considerable attention due to its simplicity of operation, strong reproducibility, and potential clinical application value. However, the limitations of the vascular network in subcutaneous tissue severely restrict the survival and functionality of transplanted cells; therefore, angiogenesis has become a key factor in improving the success rate of transplants. Currently, despite progress in the research of subcutaneous transplantation, there are still many challenges and shortcomings. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis in subcutaneous transplantation, strategies involving cells and biomaterials, as well as the latest technological advancements in promoting angiogenesis. It focuses on analyzing research results in aspects such as growth factor delivery, co-transplantation of cells, scaffold material optimization, and immune regulation. At the same time, the article systematically summarizes the clinical application prospects and challenges of subcutaneous angiogenesis strategies in islet transplantation, soft tissue repair, and autoimmune diseases. By comprehensively analyzing the current research hotspots and difficulties, it aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for future basic research and clinical translation of angiogenesis in subcutaneous transplantation.
Efficient production of functional cholera toxin B subunit using geminiviral replicons in
Kim NS, Lee J, Lee J, Lee SK and Lee KR
The cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) has the potential to be a carrier molecule and an effective adjuvant for mucosal vaccines because of its ability to enhance immune responses to antigens. CTB proteins have been expressed in plant-based expression systems. In this study, we used geminiviral replicon systems to transiently express CTB in . We developed a high-level expression system that uses combinations of the replication machinery of geminivirus, including tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), honeysuckle yellow vein virus (HYVV), and beet mild curly top virus (BMCTV). These were named TIR + TC123, HIR + HC123, and BIR + BC1, respectively. The plant-optimized gene was cloned into each geminivirus IR-carrying vector and co-infiltrated into leaves. Immunoblot analysis verified the synthesis and assembly of CTB into pentamers. The highest CTB protein level, approximately 2.5 mg/g fresh weight (22% of total soluble protein), was observed on day 5 in the BMCTV combination in . CTB transiently expressed in plants using geminivirus-based viral vector systems demonstrated enhanced protein expression levels and a strong affinity for GM-ganglioside. This suggests that the CTB subunits form an active pentamer, implying its potential as an adjuvant for mucosal vaccines.
Advancing cadmium bioremediation: future directions for CadR display strategies
Hui CY
Estimating flow division in aortic branches of diseased aorta: a method for boundary condition specification in CFD analysis
Hu M, Yang M, Ding Z, Chen S, Qi X, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Yang C and Luo Y
Hemodynamic predictions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can provide valuable guidance assessing aortic disease risks. However, their reliability is hindered by the lack of patient-specific boundary conditions, particularly measured flow rates. This study addresses this knowledge gap by introducing a method for estimating flow division in aortic branches. The geometry of the lesional aorta was first repaired to obtain a near-healthy reference geometry. An iterative CFD simulation was then employed to estimate the flow division in the branches of the diseased aorta. Specifically, empirical boundary conditions from healthy individuals were used to predict the outlet pressures of reference geometry, which were subsequently converted into resistance models. These resistance models were then assigned to the outlets of the diseased aorta to predict the inlet pressure. The discrepancy between the predicted and target inlet pressures was iteratively minimized by adjusting the inlet pressure of the reference model until convergence was achieved. The final flow division in the branches of the diseased aorta was then obtained. The performance of the proposed method was investigated in three patients with aortic dissection or aneurysm. The proposed method predicted lower flow rates in branches with severe stenosis, which was more consistent with physiological expectations. Furthermore, the predicted blood pressure differed significantly from that obtained using the traditional method and was closer to the target values. The proposed method provides a practical solution for specifying boundary conditions in hemodynamic studies when clinically measured flow rates are unavailable.
Finite-element analysis-based design and efficacy assessment of a three-dimensional anisotropic heel cushioning pad for diabetic foot management
Yang XG, Hu XX, Ma LT, Jiang MQ, Zhang GQ and Lu S
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication observed in diabetic patients, which can lead to lower limb amputation in severe cases and seriously impair the patient's mobility and even endanger life. Plantar insoles aim to redistribute pressure, yet diabetic foot tissues exhibit altered material properties, necessitating a novel approach to address vertical pressures and shear forces. This study sought to design a three-dimensional anisotropic heel cushioning pad that mitigates both vertical pressure and anteroposterior/mediolateral (AP/ML) shear forces.