The soft-hard tissue interface of the human periodontium is responsible for periodontal homeostasis and is essential for normal oral activities. This soft-hard tissue interface is formed by the direct insertion of fibrous ligaments into the bone tissue. It differs from the unique four-layer structure of the fibrocartilage interface. This interface is formed by a combination of physical, chemical, and biological factors. The physiological functions of this interface are regulated by different signaling pathways. The unique structure of this soft-hard tissue interface has inspired scientists to construct biomimetic gradient structures. These biomimetic systems include nanofiber scaffolds, cell sheets, and hydrogels. Exploring methods to repair this soft-hard tissue interface can help solve clinically unresolved problems. The present review examines the structure of the soft-hard tissue interface of the periodontium and the factors that influence the development of this interface. Relevant regulatory pathways and biomimetic reconstruction methods are also presented to provide ideas for future research on interfacial tissue engineering.

Physicians encounter significant challenges in dealing with large diaphragmatic defects in both pediatric and adult populations. Diaphragmatic hernias, such as Morgagni, Bochdalek, and Hiatus hernias, can result in congenital lesions that are often undiagnosed until the appearance of symptoms (bleeding, anemia, and acid reflux). Therefore, substantial potential exists for developing tissue-engineered constructs as novel therapeutic options in clinics. Recent research indicates promising mid-term performance for both natural and synthetic materials. However, studies exploring their application in diaphragm regeneration are limited and remain in the early research stages. Additionally, further investigation is required to address the constraints in human tissue supply for clinical implementation. This article comprehensively reviews the role of biomaterials in diaphragmatic tissue repair and regeneration. It emphasizes biomaterials, including biomimetic polymers used in technological solutions. This summary will enable researchers to critically assess the capability of existing natural biomaterials as essential tissue-engineered patches for clinical use.

The development of novel photosensitizers (PSs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties has emerged as a crucial advancement in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the versatile applications of AIE PSs are limited by low encapsulation efficiency and inadequate target tissue permeability. Biomimetic technology stands out as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges, aiming to enhance AIE PSs tumor penetration efficacy, and their association with antitumor immune responses. In this review, recent advancements in biomimetic AIE PSs for PDT and immunotherapy are summarized. We start with introducing strategies involving biomimetic AIE PSs based on cell membranes and extracellular vesicles for the combined application of PDT and immunotherapy. We then discuss the preparation of biomimetic AIE PSs nanoparticles. Finally, we briefly outline the challenges and prospects associated with biomimetic AIE PSs.

Advanced drug delivery systems are widely considered to be powerful approaches for treating cancer and many other diseases because of their superior ability to improve pharmacokinetics, promote lesion-targeted delivery efficacy, and/or reduce the toxic effects of diverse therapeutics. Owing to the unique biomimetic structure of lipid bilayers surrounding aqueous cavities, liposomes have been found to encapsulate various therapeutics, ranging from small molecules with different hydrophobicities to biomacromolecules. With the advent of surface PEGylation, stealth liposomes with excellent in vivo long-circulating behaviors have been generated, thus these liposomes have been extensively explored for the development of liposomal drugs with greatly improved in vivo pharmacokinetic behaviors by functioning as delivery vehicles. Inspired by their successes in clinical practice, stealth liposomes have recently been utilized as the main building scaffold or surface coating layers of other nanoparticulate formulations, which are coined as nonclassical liposomal nanoscale drug delivery systems (NDDSs) in this review, to enable the rational design of next-generation liposomal nanomedicine. Therefore, after overviewing the latest progress in the development of conventional liposome-based nanomedicine, we will introduce the development of these nonclassical liposomal NDDSs as well as their innovative cancer treatment strategies. We will subsequently provide a critical perspective on the future development of new cancer nanomedicines based on these rationally designed nonclassical liposomal NDDSs.

Carbon dots (CDs), emerging as a promising class of nanomaterials, have garnered significant interest in the field of biomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the biomedical applications of CDs, emphasizing their potential for revolutionizing diagnostics, therapy, and bio-imaging. We discuss the synthesis and functionalization of CDs, which are pivotal in tailoring their properties for specific biomedical applications. The applications of CDs in bioimaging include fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, photoacoustic imaging, etc. Additionally, this review delves into the benefits of CDs in the treatment of diseases including cancer, inflammation and Alzheimer’s, etc. Finally, we look forward to the future of CDs in the field of biomedicine, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome current obstacles and facilitate the clinical translation of CDs-based technologies. This review aims to provide a summary and perspectives on the latest developments of CDs in biomedicine, hoping to inspire further research in this rapidly advancing field.

Many hydrogen-bonded cross-linked hydrogels possess unique properties, but their limited processability hinders their potential applications. By incorporating a hydrogen bond dissociator (HBD) into these hydrogels, we developed injectable 3D printing inks termed diffusion-induced phase separation (DIPS) 3D printing inks. Upon extrusion into water and subsequent diffusion of HBD, these ink cure rapidly. The DIPS-printed scaffold retained most of the original hydrogel properties due to the regeneration of hydrogen bonds. Additionally, the reversible nature of hydrogen bonds provides DIPS 3D-printed scaffolds with exceptional recycling and reprinting capabilities, resulting in a reduction in the waste of valuable raw ink materials or additives. Postprocessing introduces new crosslinking methods that modulate the mechanical properties and degradation characteristics of DIPS scaffolds over a broad range. Based on its suitable mechanical properties and bioactivity, we successfully repaired and functionally reconstructed a complex defect in penile erectile tissue using the DIPS scaffold in a rabbit model. In summary, this approach is relevant for various hydrogen-bonded cross-linked hydrogels that offer mild printing conditions and enable the incorporation of bioactive agents. They can be used as scaffolds for dynamic tissue reconstruction, wearable devices, or soft robots.

Tumor cells often exhibit metabolic abnormalities to meet the needs of rapid proliferation, and targeting tumor metabolism has become one of the effective strategies for cancer treatment. However, most of the current methods targeting metabolism focus on inhibiting hyperactivated metabolic pathways, hindering their further application. A recent innovative work, proposed a nutrient-based strategy to reactivate metabolism for tumor therapy by targeting suppressed metabolic pathways. This approach through delivering nutrients to tumor cells directly using nanotechnology indicates that specific nutrients can serve as potent activators of metabolic pathways. As a new direction along the reverse thinking, this study suggests that this nutrient-based metabolism reactivation strategy will inspire broad applications in the treatment of other diseases associated with metabolic disorders, besides tumor.

Cephalofurimazine (CFz), when paired with Antares luciferase, shows superior blood-brain barrier permeability and enhanced imaging depth and clarity for deep brain imaging. This bioluminescence provides a less invasive method for real-time monitoring of deep brain activity, with the potential to advance targeted therapies and deepen our understanding of brain functions. Further molecular engineering and localized delivery can reduce the potential toxicity of CFz and enhance its efficacy for clinical deep brain imaging.