A bio‐inspired continuous wearable respiration sensor modeled after the lateral line system of fish is reported which is used for detecting mechanical disturbances in the water. Despite the clinical importance of monitoring respiratory activity in humans and animals, continuous measurements of breathing patterns and rates are rarely performed in or outside of clinics. This is largely because conventional sensors are too inconvenient or expensive for wearable sensing for most individuals and animals. The bio‐inspired air‐silicone composite transducer (ASiT) is placed on the chest and measures respiratory activity by continuously measuring the force applied to an air channel embedded inside a silicone‐based elastomeric material. The force applied on the surface of the transducer during breathing changes the air pressure inside the channel, which is measured using a commercial pressure sensor and mixed‐signal wireless electronics. The transducer produced in this work are extensively characterized and tested with humans, dogs, and laboratory rats. The bio‐inspired ASiT may enable the early detection of a range of disorders that result in altered patterns of respiration. The technology reported can also be combined with artificial intelligence and cloud computing to algorithmically detect illness in humans and animals remotely, reducing unnecessary visits to clinics.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioactive ceramic material which has given an important attention in the biomedical field because of its high biocompatibility and structural similarity to human’s and mammal’s bone. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of HA's properties, applications, and future trends, accentuating its potential in several domains beyond its traditional uses in bone and dental implants. HA's unique characteristics, including its osteoconductivity and ability to promote bone regeneration, make it an ideal candidate for advanced tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. The review discusses the fundamental properties of HA, such as its chemical composition, physical structure, and biological compatibility, which collectively contribute to its effectiveness in medical applications. Furthermore, ongoing research is highlighted, particularly in the development of nanostructured HA and composite materials, aimed at enhancing its mechanical properties and expanding its use in complex medical scenarios. Additionally, the implications of emerging technologies, specifically 3D printing and the potential of 4D printing, are examined. These innovations allow for the creation of personalized scaffolds tailored to individual patient needs, enhancing the prospects for regenerative medicine. The versatility of HA is further illustrated through its applications in non-medical fields, including environmental remediation and as a component in fertilizers and water purification systems. Overall, this review underscores the critical role that hydroxyapatite plays in bridging the gap between biological and synthetic materials. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying future research directions, this work aims to pave the way for further advancements in the use of HA across various biomedical and industrial contexts, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and innovative material solutions.

Two different microstructures of an Al-12Si (wt. %) alloy were produced, respectively, via a powder laser bed fusion (P-LBF) additive manufacturing and casting. Compared to casting, additive manufacturing of Al-based alloy requires extra care to minimize oxidation tendency. The role of the microstructure on the mechanical properties of Al-12Si (wt. %) alloy was investigated by in situ compression of the micro-pillars. The microstructure of additively manufactured specimens exhibited a sub-cellular (~700 nm) nature in the presence of melt-pool arrangements and grain boundaries. On the other hand, the microstructure of the cast alloy contains typical needle-like eutectic structures. This striking difference in microstructure had obvious effects on the plastic flow of the materials under compression. The yield and ultimate compressive strength of the additively manufactured alloy were 23.69–27.94 MPa and 75.43–81.21 MPa, respectively. The cast alloy exhibited similar yield strength (31.46 MPa); however, its ultimate compressive strength (34.95 MPa) was only half that of the additively manufactured alloy. The deformation mechanism, as unrevealed by SEM investigation on the surface as well as on the cross-section of the distorted micro-pillars, confirms the presence of ductile and quasi-ductile facture of the matrix and the Si needle, respectively, in the case of the cast alloy. In contrast, the additively manufactured alloy exhibits predominantly ductile fractures.

Contemporary medicine relies significantly on biomaterials as essential elements across various applications. From polymers and ceramics to metals and hydrogels, these materials enable innovations in implants, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes. In this review, we explore current trends in biomaterials and their applications, emphasizing recent innovations, particularly in biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functionality. We also discuss emerging technologies such as 3D printing, smart biomaterials and nanotechnology, which are transforming the field of biomaterials. Furthermore, we identify challenges and opportunities in biomaterials research, highlighting potential future directions. The integration of biomaterials with cutting-edge technologies has opened new avenues for personalized medicine, regenerative medicine, and targeted therapies. This review seeks to bridge the gap between biomaterials research and clinical applications, providing insights into the latest developments and future prospects. By exploring the current landscape of biomaterials, we aim to inspire further research and innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Ultimately, this review will contribute to the advancement of biomaterials and their applications, improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of medicine.

Skin-interfaced bioelectronics rely on soft polymer composites to provide electrical functionality while maintaining the compliance and deformability needed for prolonged contact with the human body. Mechanical durability is commonly demonstrated through stretchability, cyclic deformation and retention of electrical performance under strain, but these measures do not capture contact-induced damage during actual wear. Skin movement, clothing contact and repeated use introduce friction, sliding and abrasion that can produce surface wear, cracking, delamination, conductive-network disruption and instability at the skin-device interface. This review considers tribological reliability as a distinct dimension of wearable durability, linking polymer-composite architecture and interfacial design to the development of wear and its progression into electrical degradation and loss of device function. Evidence across electrophysiological, pressure, strain and biochemical devices shows that material survival, electrical continuity and functional performance do not necessarily deteriorate together, making cycle count or retained conductivity alone insufficient indicators of durability. We propose an application-specific framework that evaluates representative wear conditions together with controlled contact and environmental parameters, morphological damage, electrical stability and preservation of sensing function. Future claims of tribological reliability should therefore be based on whether the required device function is retained under a representative and sufficiently defined wear exposure.