The development of adaptive medical structures is one of the promising areas of bioengineering. Polymer composite materials based on polylactide (PLA) are interesting not only for their properties, such as biocompatibility, mechanical properties, biodegradation, and convenience of use, but also for demonstrating shape memory effect (SME). In this study, reducing the activation initiation temperature and the SME activation energy was achieved by forming a composite based on PLA containing 10% poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The effect of the plasticizer on the structure, mechanical properties, and especially SME of the composite, was studied by DSC, SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, compression tests, and DMA. By varying the composition, the beginning of the SME activation was reached at 45 °C, and the apparent activation energy of the process decreased by 85 kJ/mol, ensuring safe and effective use of the material as a precursor for temporary self-fitting scaffolds for reconstructive surgery.

The acceleration in advancements of smart materials and non-contact controlled devices in the field of 4D printing is facilitated by the use of magnetically responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) composites. This study is dedicated to the development of promising shape memory materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles. The activation of the shape memory effect (SME) in magnetic nanoparticle composites was achieved by applying a high-frequency alternating magnetic field (HFAMF). The PLA/CoFe₂O₄ composites exhibited a remarkable shape recovery ratio (>84%) and underwent rapid heating when exposed to HFAMF. The interaction of these composites with mouse adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated adequate cytocompatibility. The rapid magnetosensitive behavior and high shape recovery characteristics of PLA/CoFe₂O₄ composites make them promising candidates for biomedical applications.

The study reveals the polymer–crosslinker interactions and functionality of hydrophilic nanofibers for antibacterial wound coatings. Coaxial electrospinning leverages a drug encapsulation protocol for a core–shell fiber composite with a core derived from polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol with amorphous silica (PVA-PEG-SiO₂), and a shell originating from polyvinyl alcohol and graphene oxide (PVA-GO). Crosslinking with GO and SiO₂ initiates the hydrogel transition for the fiber composite upon contact with moisture, which aims to optimize the drug release. The effect of hydrogel-inducing additives on the drug kinetics is evaluated in the case of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) encapsulation in the core of core–shell fiber composite PVA-PEG-SiO₂-1x-CHX@PVA-GO. The release rate is assessed with the zero, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic models, where the inclusion of crosslinking silica provides a longer degradation and release rate. CHX medicated core–shell composite provides sustainable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Background. Patients with malignant bone and joint tumors often require reconstructive surgery for osteosynthesis or arthrodesis. The design of the implant can be realized by 3D printing using biodegradable materials with shape memory effect, which will facilitate operative access and reduce the risk of reoperation.Aim. The study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biological activity of polylactide (PLA) with hydroxyapatite (HA) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) produced by extrusion and 3D printing to identify prospects for the development of implants based on them for osteoreconstructive surgeries.Materials and methods. Materials based on PLA with the addition of 10, 15 and 20 % HA and SiO2 were obtained by extrusion. These materials were 3D-printed to produce samples that underwent a compression test. Their extracts obtained after incubation of the samples in fetal calf serum for 30 days were examined. Biocompatibility was assessed by the level of hemolysis and cytotoxicity of the extracts, as well as stimulation of oxidative stress. The effects of the extracts on cell adhesion and intensity of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells colonization on the surface of both intact and biodegraded samples were studied separately.Results. The addition of HA and SiO2 to PLA did not significantly increase hemolysis and cytotoxicity compared to pure PLA. However, incubation with extracts of samples containing 20 % stimulated an increase in oxidative stress in leukocytes, and inhibited cell adhesion. Samples with 10 and 15 % HA maximally stimulated cell colonization on the sample surface.Conclusion. Materials based on PLA with 10 and 15 % HA combine high strength, biocompatibility, biodegradability and effective osteoconductivity, which makes them promising candidates for implants for osteoreconstruction and arthrodesis.