Hydrogels are among the most intensively studied biomaterials for controlled drug delivery, yet translation to routine clinical practice has been limited by rapid diffusion of small molecules and instability of biologics. In their recent report in Nature Nanotechnology (Pogostin et al., 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s41565-025-01981-6), a team from Rice University and collaborators present a nanofibrous supramolecular peptide hydrogel system that addresses these challenges through the incorporation of dynamic covalent chemistry. The SABER (Self-Assembling Boronate Ester Release) platform introduces reversible boronate ester bonds between engineered peptide fibers and boronic acid modified therapeutics, creating a tunable and long-acting drug release system. Proof-of-concept applications included tuberculosis therapy, diabetes management, and prolonged antibody delivery, demonstrating both versatility and clinical relevance. In this Commentary, I situate this advance within the broader trajectory of hydrogel research, highlight the conceptual novelty of dynamic supramolecular interactions, and discuss the opportunities and challenges for clinical translation. I argue that this platform signals a paradigm shift in drug delivery, moving hydrogels from passive depots to dynamic partners in medicine.

Aim: Although polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is more hydrophobic than polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in fluorocarbon polymer (FCP) membrane filters, it has been reported that the rate of amyloid fibril formation is faster on PVDF than on PTFE. To clarify whether the effect is due to the membrane’s chemical structure or its hydrophobicity at the membrane interface, studies on amyloid fibril formation were conducted using both hydrophobic and hydrophilic PVDF and PTFE membranes. Methods: Heat-treated insulin (INS) was adsorbed onto the FCP membrane filters. Gaussian integrals were employed to determine the amounts of β-sheet and their abundance ratios by curve fitting of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectra. Results: Adsorbed heat-treated INS onto the FCP membrane filters showed a β-sheet form, with a similar or higher affinity in comparison with that of the β-rich concanavalin A. The adsorption followed a sigmoidal curve with a 2-hour lag time, reaching a plateau after 4–5 hours. The spectral patterns of the adsorbed INS indicated the β-sheet form, demonstrating that INS transformed into β-sheet and then, or simultaneously, adsorbed onto the FCP membrane filters. Conclusions: The results regarding the rate and strength of amyloid fibril formation for each FCP membrane filter suggest that, beyond the membrane’s surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, other factors, such as the electron affinity of hydrogen in the PVDF membrane, also influence nucleation. This study provides insight into the role of INS in amyloid fibril formation within FCP membrane filters.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used as a key material in biomedical implants such as artificial joints due to its exceptional wear resistance, high impact strength, and good biocompatibility. However, its inherent bio-inertness, hydrophobicity, risk of osteolysis induced by wear debris, and insufficient mechanical and processing properties severely limit its long-term clinical performance. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the functional enhancement of UHMWPE via hybrid strategies, including surface modifications (e.g., coatings, chemical grafting, laser processing, plasma treatment) and bulk blending modifications (involving both organic and inorganic composites). These approaches have been shown to significantly improve wear resistance, bioactivity, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties, while effectively suppressing oxidative degradation and inflammatory responses. The current challenges in modification technologies, such as balancing multiple properties, ensuring long-term biosafety, and achieving clinical translation, are also discussed. Finally, future directions toward multifunctional integration, intelligent responsiveness, and personalized customization of implants are outlined, providing critical insights for the development of next-generation high-performance and long-lasting biomedical materials.

The emergence of stem-cell-derived enamel organoids and dentin-producing dental pulp stem cell constructs presents new possibilities for restoring carious lesions using autologous enamel–dentin inlays. This overview outlines the biological and technological advances supporting this approach and proposes a workflow oriented toward clinical application. The benefits of tissue-based inlays, including inherent biomechanical compatibility, aesthetic accuracy, and potential for biological integration, are contrasted with those of purely artificial materials. Significant regenerative developments include the formation of human enamel organoids and odontoblast-lineage cells in vitro, 3D bioprinting of tooth-shaped constructs with demineralised dentin matrix and poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds, and fibre-guiding periodontal ligament scaffolds that restore Sharpey’s fibres in vivo. The mechanical performance of adhesive resin cements, with bond strengths of approximately 4–7 MPa to enamel and dentin, and their durability in reattaching natural tooth fragments, supports the feasibility of bonding biological inlays. Practical considerations include controlling the slow degradation and hydrophobicity of poly(ε-caprolactone) through the use of ceramic or natural polymer additives, employing multi-material 3D printing to co-print mineralized enamel and cell-laden dentin layers, and achieving the desired shade, microstructure, and mechanical properties, exemplified by a compressive strength of approximately 677 MPa for 3D-printed zirconia crowns. Despite regulatory and translational challenges, the integration of digital dentistry, bioprinting, and stem cell science points toward future “grow and glue” restorations that may replace traditional drill-and-fill methods.

Three-dimensional metal printing has made anatomical perfection readily achievable in orthopaedic reconstruction. Yet, as patient-specific implants transition from salvage solutions to routine applications, a critical question emerges: Does geometric precision improve long-term outcomes, or merely perfect existing problems? The article argues that customization defined by shape alone fails to address fundamental biological constraints, including stiffness mismatch, stress shielding, vascular compromise, and the inevitability of revision surgery. While additive manufacturing enables porous architectures and tailored mechanics, unchecked integration and over-conformity may jeopardize bone preservation and future surgical options. The article further highlights the professional and economic costs of patient-specific workflows and the limitations of static digital planning. True innovation, it is argued, lies not in achieving the “perfect fit,” but in designing implants that participate in bone biology and remain surgically defensible decades after implantation.

Aim: This study aims to develop and validate a transmission electron microscopy (TEM)–based approach for probing nanoscale lipid membrane dynamics by tracking the motion of gold nanoparticles dispersed on membrane surfaces. Methods: Lipid thin films composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) or dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) were prepared over 2 μm holes in Quantifoil grids, and 5 nm gold nanocolloids were introduced as tracer particles. Sequential TEM imaging was performed during controlled heating and cooling cycles, and nanoparticle trajectories were analyzed to obtain mean squared displacement (MSD) curves. These measurements enabled quantification of thermally driven membrane dynamics. The temperature dependent behavior was further compared with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of dehydrated lipid samples. Results: DPPC exhibited a pronounced MSD peak near 52.5 °C during the first heating cycle, corresponding to its main phase transition, whereas DOPC showed gradual and continuous mobility changes consistent with its intrinsically disordered acyl chains. Differences between electron beam molecular dynamics (EBMD) and DSC transition temperatures likely arose from dehydration and thin film geometry. Across repeated thermal cycles, DPPC membranes displayed cycle dependent changes in MSD profiles, suggesting annealing induced homogenization and potential beam induced structural alterations. Conclusions: EBMD provides real space, time resolved visualization of nanoscale membrane fluctuations and complements ensemble techniques such as DSC, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The TEM based particle tracking approach reliably distinguishes ordered versus disordered lipid systems and offers a versatile platform for investigating soft biological membranes, including systems containing proteins or heterogeneous lipid compositions.

Antibiotic resistance is a global threat, driven by limited new antimicrobials and rising multidrug-resistant infections. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) combine tunable material properties with antimicrobial functionality, providing biocompatibility, controlled release, and biofilm penetration. LNPs provide key advantages over metallic and polymeric nanocarriers, including high biocompatibility, the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents, controlled release profiles, and reduced cytotoxicity and immune activation. These features enhance drug stability and bioavailability and may help circumvent bacterial defences such as biofilms and efflux pumps. Robust preclinical evaluation platform of antimicrobial biomaterials requires platforms that capture biologically relevant interactions while remaining ethically and economically feasible. The chick embryo model (CEM) has emerged as a versatile platform for infection studies, bridging conventional in vitro assays and mammalian in vivo models. Its vascularized and developing tissue environment enables assessment of nanoparticle biodistribution, local toxicity, and antimicrobial efficacy within a dynamic biological context. This review critically examines the application of the CEM for evaluating LNP-based antimicrobial systems, highlighting current methodological variability and limitations in experimental standardization. By identifying gaps in protocol harmonisation and comparative assessment, this work outlines opportunities to improve reproducibility and translational relevance. Overall, integrating rationally designed LNP systems with optimised CEMs may accelerate the development of next-generation antimicrobial biomaterials to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Electrochemical sensors have emerged as powerful tools for the detection and monitoring of neurotransmitters, offering high sensitivity, selectivity, and potential for real-time analysis. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating various physiological and neurological processes, and imbalances in their levels are linked to a wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy. This review highlights recent advancements in electrochemical sensor technologies for neurotransmitter detection, focusing on innovations that enhance performance through the use of nanomaterials, wearable devices, and multiplexed sensing techniques. The integration of nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles has significantly improved sensor sensitivity and selectivity, enabling more accurate detection even at low concentrations. Furthermore, the development of flexible, wearable, and implantable sensors is facilitating continuous, non-invasive monitoring of neurotransmitter levels in real time. Advances in multiplexed sensors are enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple neurotransmitters, providing a more comprehensive approach to disease diagnosis and management. Despite these promising developments, challenges remain, including issues of selectivity, stability, and long-term monitoring. Nevertheless, electrochemical sensors hold great potential for transforming the way neurological disorders are diagnosed and managed, offering opportunities for personalized, real-time monitoring and more effective treatment strategies.

Aim: Cell sheet technology is a transformative approach in epithelial tissue engineering, offering scaffold-free constructs that preserve cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, enabling better integration with host tissues. However, safe and efficient transfer of these fragile sheets remains a critical challenge, limiting their broader clinical adoption. This study aims to develop a facile method for the retrieval and transfer of epithelial cell sheets cultivated over thermo-responsive polymer surfaces (TRPS) using sacrificial films. Methods: Three epithelial cell lines, HCE-S (cornea), HaCaT (skin), and A549 (lung), were cultured on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (P(NIPA-GMA)) coated TRPS and conventional tissue culture surfaces. Upon reaching confluence, the dishes were incubated below the lower critical solution temperature to induce phase transition in TRPS. Subsequently, sacrificial films made of polyethylene oxide, gelatin and their blend were used to lift and transfer the cell sheets to new culture dishes containing a minimal amount of culture medium. Additional medium was then added to dissolve the film, allowing the cell sheet to settle gently onto the dish surface. Results: In all three epithelial cell types, a continuous, confluent cell sheet was visible on the TRPS prior to transfer. Subsequent to temperature lowering and sacrificial film assisted transfer, the master TRPS dish exhibited a distinct void corresponding to the sheet removal, confirming successful detachment. The transferred sheets reattached successfully and maintained over a one-week observation period. Conclusions: The sacrificial film-based transfer method provided a gentle, efficient and scalable alternative for handling cell sheets from TRPS. This approach enhances the translational potential of cell sheet engineering and supports its integration into clinical workflows for epithelial tissue regeneration.

The search for inexpensive raw materials for chitin production has led to the exploration of various natural resources, including some less conventional ones, such as plants and waste from the processing of various animals. In this context, the production of chitin from chicken bones and feet has been reported, attracting attention as a cheap and widely available source in some regions. However, to the best of our knowledge, birds do not possess genes that encode chitin synthases, the enzymes responsible for chitin biosynthesis. Therefore, this study analyzes the results reported in related articles, especially their FTIR spectra, to assess when the obtained material can be identified as chitin. The analysis revealed that, in some cases, there is poor agreement between the signals in these spectra and the characteristic signals established for well-characterized chitins, while in others, the spectra exhibit signals with a high noise-to-signal ratio that limits their use for identification. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction studies reported in some of these works provide scarce support to confirm the presence of chitin in these materials. A search of two specialized databases confirmed that, to date, no results have been reported for genes expressing chitin synthases in birds. Finally, some recommendations are offered for properly addressing the studies necessary for the unambiguous identification of these materials.

Aim: In biosensor technology, reliable attachment of protein-based probes requires careful control of the orientation of the probe molecule on the biosensor surface. In this regard, polyhistidine peptide became an attractive target for on surface immobilization. The present contribution details the total synthesis and the surface chemistry of a new antifouling organotrichlorosilane linker bearing a head function designed to immobilize the imidazole side chain of histidine for future immobilizations with polyhistidine peptide onto biosensor surface. Methods: A novel organotrichlorosilane linker bearing the ethylene glycol backbone and a 2-chloroethyl sulfone head function (which can be converted to the vinyl sulfone group for subsequent attachment with imidazole) were synthesized via a multiple-step synthesis and carefully characterized. Surface modifications using the synthesized novel organotrichlorosilane linker, subsequent conversion to vinyl sulfone head function, and treatment with N-protected histidine were demonstrated on black lithium niobate substrate. Results: Novel organotrichlorosilane linker was successfully synthesized, though it was also observed that organotrichlorosilane linker was quite moisture reactive. Surface characterizations also indicated successful modification of lithium niobate with the novel organotrichlorosilane linker as well as presence of N-protected histidine on the lithium niobate surface post-immobilization. Conclusions: A novel organotrichlorosilane linker bearing the 2-chloroethylsulfone group was successfully synthesized and successful immobilization with N-protected histidine was demonstrated. The surface chemistry demonstrated onto lithium niobate herein is immediately applicable for future on-surface immobilization of protein-based probe molecules bearing polyhistidine moieties.

The development of biomaterials capable of supporting complex tissue growth remains a central challenge in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, particularly in replicating the structural, mechanical, and transport functions of native extracellular matrices. While decellularized animal tissues have demonstrated significant success as scaffolds for tissue engineering, they are still constrained by cost, immunogenicity, and ethical concerns. In recent years, decellularized plant tissues have emerged as a compelling alternative scaffold platform due to their inherent vascular architectures, ethical sourcing, tunable mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and sustainability. This review summarizes current strategies for the decellularization of plant tissues, including chemical, enzymatic, and physical approaches, and discusses how these methods preserve plant cell wall structure while removing immunogenic components. Advances in surface loading and functionalization, including protein coatings, oxidation, nanoparticle incorporation, peptide conjugation, and bioactive molecule loading, have further enhanced cell adhesion, differentiation, biodegradability, and immunomodulation. Recent applications of decellularized plant scaffolds in cardiac, skeletal muscle, bone, nerve, and wound healing contexts are reviewed, highlighting proof-of-concept successes and remaining challenges. Beyond therapeutic applications, plant-derived scaffolds have also enabled physiologically relevant in vitro models for vascular biology, mechanotransduction, cancer, metabolic tissues, and drug response studies. Collectively, these advances position decellularized plant tissues as versatile, low-cost, and ethically favorable biomaterials with growing relevance for both regenerative medicine and tissue modeling.

Hydrogels are increasingly explored as functional wound-dressing materials because they combine high water content, biocompatibility, structural tunability, and the ability to localize therapeutic delivery at injured tissue. As biomaterial platforms, hydrogel dressings can maintain a moist microenvironment, absorb exudate, protect the wound bed, and carry bioactive agents that modulate infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue regeneration. This review examines hydrogel wound dressings from a materials centered perspective. First, skin structure, wound-healing physiology, and major barriers to repair are outlined to define the biological requirements for effective dressings. Next, the chemical composition of natural, synthetic, and composite hydrogels, their crosslinking strategies, swelling behavior, and drug-loading and release mechanisms are discussed in relation to wound healing performance. Recent progress in infection responsive, stimuli responsive, growth factor delivering, antimicrobial peptide loaded, and self-healing hydrogel systems is then summarized. The present review highlights how composition, network architecture, and responsiveness govern biomedical function and localized drug delivery in wound care. These insights provide a materials centered framework that connects hydrogel composition, network architecture, responsiveness, and localized delivery behavior with wound healing performance, thereby supporting the rational design of next generation hydrogel biomaterials for difficult to heal wounds.

Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, has emerged as a promising renewable resource for developing functional biomaterials. Due to its aromatic structure and abundance of phenolic, hydroxyl, and methoxy groups, lignin exhibits intrinsic antioxidant, UV-blocking, antimicrobial, and biocompatible properties, making it an attractive candidate for hydrogel fabrication. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lignin-based hydrogel, focusing on their structural characteristics, extraction methods, and strategies used for hydrogel preparation, including crosslinking copolymerization, graft polymerization, interpenetrating polymer networks, and controlled polymerization techniques such as ATRP and RAFT. Particular emphasis is placed on recent advances in the application of lignin-based hydrogels in biosensing and biomedical fields, including wearable strain and pressure sensors, drug delivery systems, wound healing, and tissue engineering. The multifunctional properties of lignin contribute to enhanced mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, UV protection, and controlled drug release, enabling the design of smart and sustainable hydrogel systems. Despite these advantages, several challenges remain that limit large-scale translation, including lignin heterogeneity, limited solubility, variability in hydrogel performance, and potential impurities from industrial extraction processes. Addressing this limitation through improved lignin purification, chemical modification, and standardized synthesis approaches will be essential for advancing lignin-based hydrogels towards practical biomedical and sensing applications.

This study explores bioinspired anesthetic delivery systems as an emerging approach to integrate pain management with tissue regeneration. It highlights limitations of conventional anesthetics by short half-lives, narrow therapeutic windows, and the risk of systemic toxicity, highlighting the need for safer and longer-acting alternatives. Drawing inspiration from natural biological systems, including cell membrane-derived nanocarriers and self-assembling peptides, bioinspired platforms offer innovative approaches for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Significantly, growing evidence demonstrates that the nervous system actively participates in tissue repair processes, necessitating anesthetic strategies that alleviate pain without impairing regeneration. In this context, the development of dual-functional delivery systems, particularly hydrogel nanoparticle composites, represents a promising solution, enabling sustained analgesia while concurrently promoting tissue healing. The review further addresses key translational barriers, including manufacturing scalability, regulatory complexities associated with combination products, and technical challenges such as burst release. By outlining strategic pathways for clinical translation, this work underscores the transformative potential of multifunctional, bioinspired delivery platforms in advancing chronic pain therapy and regenerative medicine.

Biodegradable hydrogels are injected in situ to create scaffolds in complex tissue defects with a minimally invasive approach. The current narrative review critically discusses their design principles such as polymer type (natural, synthetic and hybrid systems), crosslinking processes (physical, chemical, and self-crosslinking strategies), and optimization of their rheological properties for clinical injectability. Various advanced biofunctionalization strategies such as cell encapsulation, spatiotemporal delivery of growth factors, extracellular matrix mimicry via fiber-reinforced composites, and active immunomodulation are assessed for their application in tissue-specific regeneration in cartilage, bone, cardiac, neural, skin, and dental applications. While there has been significant progress in preclinical work, there are significant translational challenges that remain: mechanical mismatch with load-bearing native tissues, natural polymer batch-to-batch variability, unpredictable degradation rates, and a complex regulatory pathway for combination products. We explore under-explored areas such as 4D bioprinting for dynamic shape morphing, the design of materials through artificial intelligence, and closed-loop theranostic platforms that combine real-time biosensing with on-demand therapeutic release. This review suggests that the interdisciplinary convergence of materials science, bioengineering, and regulatory science is necessary to tackle these challenges and make injectable hydrogels a standard-of-care regenerative therapeutic.

Lignin-based hydrogels are gaining recognition as promising biomaterials for medical applications, especially in drug delivery. This is due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable properties. This review presents an analysis of the mechanisms and kinetics of drug release from lignin-based hydrogels, focusing on their synthesis, functional properties, and applications. It begins by detailing the composition and synthesis methods of lignin-based hydrogels, emphasizing their unique structural features that facilitate controlled drug release. The review also discusses the mechanisms of drug release, including diffusion, swelling, and degradation-controlled processes, and how these mechanisms impact release kinetics. Key factors influencing drug release, such as hydrogel composition, crosslinking density, and environmental conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, and bio-factors), are critically examined. Additionally, the review explores the use of mathematical models, such as the zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, in predicting and optimizing drug release profiles. Summaries of experimental studies, both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrate the potential of lignin-based hydrogels in targeted and controlled drug delivery systems. Despite their potential, challenges such as limited clinical translation and scalability persist. The review concludes by identifying future research directions to address these challenges and further advance the application of lignin-based hydrogels in drug delivery. By integrating insights from recent studies, this review highlights the transformative potential of lignin-based hydrogels in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and advancing biomedical technologies.

Aim: Antimicrobial resistance poses a major global health crisis, with some bacterial strains now resistant to nearly all available antibiotics. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for broad-spectrum infection prevention owing to their multiple antibacterial mechanisms, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Many reported CQD fabrication methods rely on synthetic chemicals, which increase production costs and potentially compromise the biocompatibility of the resulting CQDs. Although green-synthesized CQDs have attracted considerable attention for antibacterial applications, limited studies have investigated the use of natural, food-derived components to tune CQD surface charge and its influence on antibacterial activity and mammalian cell compatibility. This study aims to develop CQDs with tunable surface charges from natural food-derived carbon sources for broad-spectrum antibacterial applications. Methods: Whole-meal bread and soybean flour were used as biogenic precursors to synthesize negatively charged CQDs via a simple hydrothermal method. Surface charge was adjusted to neutral and positive by incorporating lemon juice and chitosan during synthesis. Antibacterial activity and mammalian cell viability were evaluated. Results: Bread- and soybean-derived CQDs exhibited negative surface charges (–15 mV) due to abundant carboxyl and hydroxyl groups formed during precursor decomposition. Addition of lemon juice altered the surface chemistry by introducing balanced protonated and deprotonated species, producing zwitterionic CQDs with near-neutral charge (–0.1 mV). Further incorporation of chitosan introduced protonated amine groups (–NH₃⁺), yielding positively charged CQDs (+10 mV). At an optimal concentration of 10 µg/mL, both neutral and positively charged CQDs demonstrated moderate broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (30–40% inhibition) against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Their antibacterial effect was attributed to favorable electrostatic interactions with negatively charged bacterial cell envelopes, causing membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage, and intracellular interference. In contrast, mammalian cells maintained 100% viability, likely due to their flexible cholesterol-rich membranes, stronger antioxidant defense systems, and intracellular compartmentalization. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a reagent-free and sustainable approach for producing CQDs with controlled surface charges from natural precursors. The resulting CQDs show strong potential as safe and effective antibacterial nanomaterials for biomedical applications.