Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) doped with therapeutical ions present multifunctional systems that enable a synergistic outcome through the dual delivery of drugs and ions. The aim of this study was to evaluate influence of co-doping with strontium and magnesium ions (SrMg-MBGNs) on the properties of MBGNs. A modified microemulsion-assisted sol–gel synthesis was used to obtain particles, and their physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and drug-loading/release ability were evaluated. Indirect biological assays using 2D and 3D cell culture models on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and endothelial EA.hy926 cells, respectively, were used to determine biocompatibility of MBGNs, their influence on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production, calcium deposition, and cytoskeletal organization. Results showed that Sr,Mg-doping increased pore volume and solubility, and changed the mesoporous structure from worm-like to radial–dendritic, which led to a slightly accelerated drug release compared to pristine MBGNs. Biological assays confirmed that particles are biocompatible, and have ability to slightly induce ALP production and calcium deposition of hBM-MSCs, as well as to significantly improve the proliferation of EA.hy926 compared to biochemical stimulation via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administration or regular media. Fluorescence staining revealed that SrMg-MBGNs had a similar effect on EA.hy926 cytoskeletal organization to the VEGF group. In conclusion, Sr,Mg-MBGNs might be considered promising biomaterial for biomedical applications.

In this study, silicate nanofillers; dicalcium silicate, magnesium silicate, tricalcium silicate, and wollastonite; were synthesized using four different methods and incorporated into the epoxy resin to improve its mechanical properties. Characterization of the newly synthesized nanofillers was performed using Fourier-transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The purpose of this study was to analyze newly developed composite materials reinforced with silicate nanoparticles utilizing tensile testing and a full-field non-contact 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method. Analysis of deformation and displacement fields gives precise material behavior during testing. Testing results allowed a more reliable assessment of the structural integrity of epoxy composite materials reinforced using different silicate nanofillers. It was concluded that the addition of 3% of dicalcium silicate, magnesium silicate, tricalcium silicate, and wollastonite lead to the increasement of tensile strength up to 31.5%, 29.0%, 27.5%, and 23.5% in comparison with neat epoxy, respectively. In order to offer more trustworthy information about the viscoelastic behavior of neat epoxy and composites, a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was also performed and rheological measurements of uncured epoxy matrix and epoxy suspensions were obtained.

Hydrogels endure various dynamic stresses, demanding robust mechanical properties. Despite significant advancements, matching hydrogels’ strength to biological tissues and plastics is often challenging without applying potentially harmful crosslinkers. Using hydrogen bonds as sacrificial bonds offers a promising strategy to produce tough, versatile hydrogels for biomedical and industrial applications. Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA)/gelatin hydrogels were synthesized by thermally induced free-radical polymerization and crosslinked only by physical bonds, without adding any chemical crosslinker. The addition of gelatin increased the formation of hydrophobic domains in the structure of the hydrogels, which acted as permanent crosslinking points. The increase in PMA and gelatin contents generally led to a lower equilibrium water content (WC), higher thermal stability and better mechanical properties. The values of tensile strength and toughness reached up to 1.44 ± 0.17 MPa and 4.91 ± 0.51 MJ m⁻³, respectively, while the compressive modulus and strength reached up to 0.75 ± 0.06 MPa and 24.81 ± 5.85 MPa, respectively, with the WC being higher than 50 wt.%. The obtained values for compressive mechanical properties are comparable with super-strong hydrogels reported in the literature. In addition, hydrogels exhibited excellent fatigue resistance and biocompatibility, as well as great shape memory properties, which make them prominent candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Background: In this study, we aimed to develop and optimize unique eco-friendly gelatin–alginate hydrogels enriched with sustainable grape skin extract for advanced wound healing applications. Methods: Following confirmation of the extract’s antioxidant activity, hydrogels were synthesized by varying gelatin content and CaCl₂ concentration to achieve desirable crosslinking density, mechanical properties, and extract release behavior. Physicochemical characterization of hydrogels included equilibrium swelling analysis, mechanical testing, FTIR analysis, and in vitro release of extract from hydrogel. Moreover, the biocompatibility of hydrogels enriched with extract was assessed via MTT assay, while antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The antioxidant capacity of the hydrogels was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results: Our results showed that higher gelatin and CaCl₂ concentrations produced denser crosslinked networks, leading to reduced swelling and increased stiffness. Additionally, the extract exhibited a biphasic release profile from hydrogels, featuring an initial rapid release followed by sustained release over 24 h. Conclusions: The hydrogels maintained high biocompatibility and demonstrated selective antimicrobial activity, particularly against Escherichia coli, and satisfactory antioxidant activity. Obtained multifunctional sustainable hydrogels enriched with grape skin extract represent promising agents for managing skin conditions associated with oxidative stress and bacterial infections.