With a worldwide increase in the aged populace and associated geriatric diseases, there is an enormous need for the regeneration of degenerated organ systems. For this purpose, bioactive glass particulate (nBG) integrated alginate (Alg) composite membrane scaffolds were fabricated by a sol–gel assisted freeze-drying method and validated for their multifunctional utility in regenerative medicine. The presence of the combeite highly crystalline structure of nBG and Alg amorphous broad peaks were confirmed. Repetitive peaks from acids along with stretching confirmed the chemical interactions of the composites. Swelling ability, porosity, and in vitro degradation and biomineralization were analysed for up to 7 days. The results indicated that reduced swelling and degradation enhanced apatite formation. Hemocompatibility and the hemostatic properties on scaffolds were also systematically investigated. Additionally, significant cyto-compatibility and proliferation were noted in a culture with KB3-1. Further 3-D co-cultures with HDF cells and KB3-1 cells exhibited spheroid formation on Alg, nBG/Alg and nBG-Zr/Alg with profound dynamism required to establish organoids of interest. Thus, the results indicate that these 3D hydrogel membranes could offer infinite possibilities in the field of regenerative medicine, notably as an extracellular matrix (ECM) supporting the regeneration of bone, intra-vascularization, and neo-tissue formation, such as cartilage and ligaments.

Alginate has garnered significant attention in regenerative dentistry for its biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and controlled biodegradability. The incorporation of hydroxyapatite enhances its ability to mimic the dentin extracellular matrix, promoting cellular adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization. This study aims to comprehensively assess the structural, chemical, and biological properties of Alg-HA scaffolds to evaluate their potential for dentin regeneration. Alginate-hydroxyapatite (Alg-HA) scaffolds were synthesized by dissolving sodium alginate (2 % w/v) in distilled water, followed by the incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesized via chemical precipitation using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and ammonium phosphate. The composite solution was homogenized through stirring and ultrasonication before being freeze-dried to fabricate porous scaffolds. Characterization was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to confirm crystallinity, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify functional group interactions, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) to analyze morphology and elemental composition. In vitro degradation studies were conducted in simulated body fluid (SBF) to assess scaffold stability by measuring mass loss over time, with additional pH monitoring and SEM analysis for morphological changes. Hemocompatibility was evaluated through hemolysis assays, comparing scaffold-incubated blood samples to positive and negative controls. XRD analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of HA within the alginate matrix, highlighting characteristic HA peaks and alginate's amorphous nature. FTIR analysis validated the composite formation through phosphate-carboxylate interactions. SEM imaging revealed a porous, interconnected structure with embedded HA particles, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation. EDAX confirmed the presence of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen as primary constituents. In vitro degradation studies showed controlled degradation, with 80 % mass loss by day 3, indicating the composite's suitability for gradual tissue replacement. Hemocompatibility tests revealed minimal hemolysis (<2 %), confirming the composite's excellent blood compatibility. The findings emphasize the potential of Alg-HA scaffolds for dentin regeneration. Their porous architecture, combined with embedded HA, enhances mechanical stability while providing essential biochemical cues for cell proliferation and mineralization. The demonstrated hemocompatibility ensures safe application in direct blood contact, reducing immune responses and promoting tissue integration. Compared to previous studies, this research offers a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between porosity, mineralization, and cellular behavior. Alginate-hydroxyapatite scaffolds exhibit excellent structural, chemical, and biological properties, making them promising candidates for regenerative dentistry. With excellent degradation, hemocompatibility, and ability to support cellular functions, these scaffolds hold significant potential for clinical applications, with further optimization paving the way for broader medical adoption.

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic and a real threat for those working in healthcare. It has affected dental professionals in education, research, and practice. This article intended to review the impact and brunt of COVID-19 outbreaks on dental education and research country wise and how it affected the three learning domains - cognitive domain, psychomotor domain and affective domain. A review was designed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on dental education. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases. Studies in which teaching methods by virtual means were described and how it affected dental education during the pandemic all over the world were included. The search terms selected to search for literature were dental education, COVID-19, dental schools and dentistry. COVID-19 has caused a significant change in overall dental education in all the countries. It has affected dental education both negatively and positively. The pandemic caused disruption in learning leading to psychological distress. Even though many students preferred web-based learning, majority of them considered learning through online mode as a challenge. COVID-19 pandemic has enforced all the dental schools to modify their traditional way of teaching to an alternate mode of teaching to adapt to this current situation of the pandemic all over the world. It caused an everlasting impact on dental education, research along with practice. The dental institutes must be well prepared to face this pandemic by investing in educational software so that it leads to the evolution and advancement in the fields of virtual mode of teaching, in research and in preclinical training.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible material widely used in biomedical applications. Recent studies have explored various marine sources for HAP synthesis, demonstrating its potential for diverse applications. This study aims to compare the characteristics of hydroxyapatite synthesized from sea shells and fish bones, specifically from the shells of Scylla olivacea (orange mud crab) and bones of Eleutheronema tetradactylum (fourfinger threadfin). HAP was synthesized from Scylla olivacea shells and Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. The synthesized HAP underwent comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis, hemocompatibility testing, antibacterial assays, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. SEM revealed a complex structure of HAP with a clustered arrangement and biofilm-like features. HAP derived from crab shells exhibited superior structural properties compared to that from fish bones. Both sources demonstrated good hemocompatibility, essential for biomedical applications. The antibacterial assays indicated effective antibacterial properties for both HAP sources, with crab shell-derived HAP showing slightly better performance. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of key elements necessary for HAP, with a consistent composition in both sources. Our study concludes that hydroxyapatite derived from Scylla olivacea shells exhibits superior properties compared to that from Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. This research establishes a precedent for future investigations into other marine species, thereby broadening the scope and potential of hydroxyapatite synthesis from natural sources.