Encapsulating curcumin (CUR) in nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, silica nanoparticles, protein-based nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanocrystals could be efficient for a variety of industrial and biomedical applications. Nanofibers containing CUR represent a stable polymer-drug carrier with excellent surface-to-volume ratios for loading and cell interactions, tailored porosity for controlled CUR release, and diverse properties that fit the requirements for numerous applications. Despite the mentioned benefits, electrospinning is not capable of producing fibers from multiple polymers and biopolymers, and the product's effectiveness might be affected by various machine- and material-dependent parameters like the voltage and the flow rate of the electrospinning process. This review delves into the current and innovative recent research on nanofibers containing CUR and their various applications.

Metallic biomedical implants are made from materials such as stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, and cobalt-based alloys. As a degradable biometal, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are becoming more popular for applications in bone tissue engineering. Mg-based alloys have been found to be biocompatible, bioabsorbable, and bioactive, allowing them to be used as orthopedic implants with a low Young’s modulus. Computer-aided design can be used to design scaffolds with intricate porous structures based on patient-specific anatomical data. These models can be materialized rapidly and with reasonably acceptable dimensional accuracy by additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. It is known that lasers are the most widely investigated energy source for AM’ed Mg, as they offer some distinct advantages over other forms of energy. Recent studies have focused on developing biodegradable Mg scaffolds by using laser-based AM techniques. In this paper, we aim to review the recent progress of laser-based AM for Mg alloys and survey challenges in the research and future development of AM’ed Mg scaffolds for clinical applications.

This study provides a cohesive framework to putting forth PVA-PCL scaffolds coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel to mimic the characteristics of articular cartilage, as a cost-effective tissue engineering alternative. PVA and PCL solutions were prepared and electrospun under measured conditions, with parameters adjusted to fabricate aligned and random fiber orientations. Afterward, the scaffold was integrated with the optimal hydrogel, selected for its superior water absorption and hydrophilicity. The thickness of the hydrogel layer satisfied the criteria for supporting chondrocyte function, and the study assesses its effect on cell viability. Scaffolds were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) for morphology, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for chemical composition, and tensile tests for mechanical behavior. The surface wettability was determined by contact angle measurements. Biological properties were assessed through cytotoxicity, protein absorption assays and cell adhesion tests with visualization of cell distribution using DAPI staining, fluorescence microscopy, and FE-SEM. Using a hydrolytic mechanism, biodegradation was assessed using pH variations and weight loss measurements. Accordingly, randomly oriented hydrogel-coated scaffolds yielded the most favorable biological outcomes to produce a tissue-friendly, biologically robust graft that closely mimics the natural cartilage extracellular matrix. The pore size and distribution of these scaffolds were more uniform than those of aligned structures. The findings suggest possibilities for customizing scaffold properties through fiber orientation, polymer blending, and surface coating to optimize cell response and tissue formation. Combining electrospun PVA-PCL with chondrocytes-seeded hydrogels offers a way to improve articular cartilage regeneration.