Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing bone defects and disorders that cannot be repaired through traditional methods. This field leverages the potential of various biomaterials, cells, and bioactive factors to promote bone regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained significant attention due to their osteogenic potential, which can be enhanced through osteoinductive factors. Osteoinductive factors, including growth factors like BMPs, TGF-β, VEGF, and IGF, play a crucial role in stimulating the osteodifferentiation process, thereby promoting bone regeneration. Furthermore, bioprinting technologies have opened new avenues for precisely designing scaffolds that can mimic the native bone architecture and provide a conducive environment for MSC differentiation. The integration of bioprinting with mesenchymal stem cells and osteoinductive factors has the potential to revolutionize regenerative therapies by allowing for the creation of patient-specific bone grafts. This review highlights the latest developments in MSC-based therapies, the role of osteoinductive factors, and the impact of bioprinting in advancing BTE. It also discusses future directions for improving the efficacy and clinical translation of these technologies.

This study presents a methodology for developing and validating digital models of tooth-inlay systems, aiming to trace the complete workflow from clinical procedures to simulation by involving dental professionals—dentists for manual cavity preparation and dental technicians for restoration modelling—while integrating micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging with finite element analysis (FEA). The proposed workflow includes (1) the acquisition of high-resolution 3D micro-CT scans of a non-restored tooth, (2) image segmentation and reconstruction to create anatomically accurate digital twins and mesh generation, (3) the selection of proper resin and the 3D printing of four typodonts, (4) the manual preparation of cavities on the typodonts, (5) the acquisition of high-resolution 3D micro-CT scans of the typodonts, (6) mesh generation, digital inlay and onlay modelling and material property assignment, and (7) nonlinear FEA simulations under representative masticatory loading. The approach enables the visualisation of stress and deformation patterns, with preliminary results indicating stress concentrations at the tooth-restoration interface integrating different cavity alternatives and restorations on the same tooth. Quantitative outputs include von Mises stress, strain energy density, and displacement distribution. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using image-based, tooth-specific digital twins for biomechanical modelling in dentistry. The developed framework lays the groundwork for future investigations into the optimisation of restoration design and material selection in clinical applications.

Sinter-crystallization is a specific method of producing glass-ceramics that allows the manufacture of complexly shaped products, composites and solder. However, it usually is limited when the glass powders used are characterized by a high crystallization trend. This study proposes a new opportunity to improve the sinter-crystallization and demonstrates the benefits of microwave processing using diopside (CaMg(Si₂O₆)) glass-ceramics with an enhanced crystallinity of ~70%. The advantages of microwave processing are shown by comparing the results obtained with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray computed tomography and gas pycnometry for two glass-ceramic specimens. The first sample is obtained in the heat resistant furnace of an optical dilatometer, while the second is obtained by heating it with high-power microwave irradiation at 2.45 GHz, 1kW. Intense crystallization was observed in the sample sintered in an electric furnace, which blocked the sintering process and resulted in significant open porosity (7.1%). In addition, closed pores caused by the crystallization are observed in the centers of the sintered particles (5.2%). At the same time, the overall porosity of the microwave-sintered glass-ceramic is reduced by about two times, and the open porosity is practically eliminated (0.5%). In this sample, together with the crystallization-induced pores, some residual closed spherical pores, typical for a well-sintered sample, are also observed.

Severely compromised distal teeth present significant challenges in restorative dentistry, necessitating innovative approaches that align with natural biological structures. Biomimetic principles offer a promising framework for reconstruction, emphasizing materials and techniques that mimic the mechanical and aesthetic properties of natural teeth. This review explores key biomimetic strategies, including advanced adhesive systems, dentin-enamel interface replication, and regenerative protocols that enhance long-term functionality. Additionally, biomimetic frameworks guide the selection of materials and methods that optimize tooth restoration while minimizing biological disruption. Stress-reducing techniques/protocols, such as improved occlusal design and reinforcement strategies, further contribute to the longevity and resilience of restorations. The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in dentin degradation and adhesive failure is also examined, highlighting strategies for their inhibition to enhance restoration durability and longevity. By integrating these principles, clinicians can achieve restorations that closely resemble natural dentition, promoting durability and patient comfort.

The present work is the first study exploring the potential of geopolymer foams based on fayalite slag, an industrial by-product, as the primary precursor, for lightweight and fireproof construction applications. The research involved the synthesis and characterization of geopolymer foams with varying water to solid ratio, followed by testing their physical and mechanical properties. The phase composition and microstructure of the obtained geopolymer foams were examined using powder XRD, Micro-CT and SEM. The geopolymer foams at optimal water to solid ratio (0.15) demonstrated 73.2% relative porosity, 0.92 g/cm³ apparent density and 1.3 MPa compressive strength. The use of an air-entraining admixture improved compressive strength to 2.8 MPa but lowered the relative porosity to 64.5%. Real-size lightweight panel (300 × 300 × 30 mm) specimens were prepared to measure thermal conductivity coefficient (0.243 W/mK) and evaluate size effect and the reaction to direct fire. This study demonstrates the successful preparation of geopolymer foam products containing 81% fayalite slag, highlighting its potential as a lightweight, insulating and fire-resistant material for sustainable construction applications.

This study examines the carbonation behavior and CO₂ storage potential of a Ca-rich alkali-activated binder produced entirely from industrial residues-ladle furnace slag (LFS), coal ash (CA), and cement kiln dust (CKD). The system was designed as a one-part alkali-activated material (AAM), with CKD acting as an internal activator, and subjected to ambient curing, water curing, and accelerated CO₂ curing at ambient pressure. Phase evolution, microstructural development, and pore-structure characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, DSC–TG analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray micro-computed tomography, together with measurements of density, water absorption, and compressive strength. Loss-on-ignition measurements combined with chemical analysis were further used to quantify CO₂ uptake and evaluate the degree of carbonation of the binder system. CO₂ curing fundamentally altered the reaction pathway of the binder, shifting it from hydration-dominated to carbonation-controlled phase evolution, leading to the decomposition of calcium-bearing hydrates and complete carbonation of non-hydraulic γ-belite with the formation of vaterite, aragonite, and calcite. These transformations induced pronounced microstructural densification, reflected in a near-doubling of compressive strength (>48 MPa), increased apparent density, reduced water absorption, and simplified pore-network topology. A preliminary carbon footprint assessment indicates that the production of 1 m³ of the developed LFS–CA–CKD concrete generates about 14.36 kg CO₂-eq, while the carbonation process enables significant CO₂ sequestration, resulting in a net negative carbon balance. The results demonstrate that controlled carbonation is an effective post-treatment strategy for waste-derived alkali-activated binders, enabling simultaneous performance enhancement and permanent CO₂ sequestration.