Gelatin-based hydrogels have emerged as a popular scaffold material for tissue engineering applications. The introduction of variable crosslinking methods has shown promise for fabricating stable cell-laden scaffolds. In this work, we examine promising composite biopolymer-based inks for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, using a dual crosslinking approach. A combination of carefully selected printable hydrogel ink compositions and the use of photoinduced covalent and ionic crosslinking mechanisms allows for the fabrication of scaffolds of high accuracy and low cytotoxicity, resulting in unimpeded cell proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, and mineralization. Three selected bioink compositions were characterized and the respective cell-laden scaffolds were bioprinted. Temporal stability, morphology, swelling, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were thoroughly studied and the biocompatibility of the constructs was assessed using rat mesenchymal stem cells while focusing on osteogenesis. Experimental results showed that the composition of 1% alginate, 4% gelatin, and 5% (w/v) gelatine methacrylate, was found to be optimal among the examined, with shape fidelity of 88%, large cell spreading area and cell viability at around 100% after 14 days. The large pore diameters that exceed 100 µm, and highly interconnected scaffold morphology, make these hydrogels extremely potent in bone tissue engineering and bone organoid fabrication.

Terminology is pivotal for facilitating clear communication and minimizing ambiguity, especially in specialized fields such as chemistry. In materials science, a subset of chemistry, the term “pore” is traditionally linked to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature, which categorizes pores into “micro”, “meso”, and “macro” based on size. However, applying this terminology in closely-related areas, such as 3D bioprinting, often leads to confusion owing to the lack of consensus on specific definitions and classifications tailored to each field. This review article critically examines the current use of pore terminology in the context of 3D bioprinting, highlighting the need for reassessment to avoid potential misunderstandings. We propose an alternative classification that aligns more closely with the specific requirements of bioprinting, suggesting a tentative size-based division of interconnected pores into ‘parvo’-(d < 25 µm), ‘medio’-(25 < d < 100 µm), and ‘magno’-(d > 100 µm) pores, relying on the current understanding of the pore size role in tissue formation. The introduction of field-specific terminology for pore sizes in 3D bioprinting is essential to enhance the clarity and precision of research communication. This represents a step toward a more cohesive and specialized lexicon that aligns with the unique aspects of bioprinting and tissue engineering.

The pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) has led to an increasing focus on waste-derive

This systematic review and meta-analysis was a study that enquired into the prevalence and epidemiology of depression in university students in Pakistan, between 2000 and 2025. Depression is a significant global mental illness with high prevalence in young adulthood. University students are the most susceptible to this risk because of the factors related to it, i.e., academic stress, financial hardships, social pressure, and cultural stigma of mental illness. Although the concerns have been on the increase, the prevalence rates of depression have been widely varied among Pakistani students, with some studies reporting as low as 2.5% to as high as 85%, primarily because of the sampling techniques, assessment instruments, and geographical settings. The present review is based on the findings of 35 studies involving over 11,000 students and suggests that the prevalence rate is approximately 51% in a pooled form, meaning that about 50% of university students in Pakistan are subjected to depressive symptoms. The high level of heterogeneity of the selected studies highlights the acute necessity of the formulation of a standard-based diagnostic criteria and culturally competent mental health assessment instruments. Moreover, systemic challenges, such as the shortage of trained mental health professionals and the general unawareness of the disorder, are continuing to affect the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder at an early stage. According to the results, the necessity of a multi-faceted approach toward mental health, including the establishment of counseling facilities in universities, the development of stress management training, and the federal stigma-reduction campaign, is pressing. The most significant elements of enhancing the well-being of students and the mental health landscape of Pakistan as a whole are early intervention and empowering mental health infrastructure.