This study addresses the challenges of osteochondral tissue engineering by developing a hybrid scaffold with intercalated layers of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) in combination with different concentrations of nanosized synthetic smectic clay (Lap) and a hydrogel of chitosan, collagen and demineralized bone powder (DBP). The scaffold design specifically targets the critical junction between subchondral bone and calcified cartilage and utilizes the mechanical strength of PCL/Lap nanocomposites and the bioactivity of the chitosan/collagen/DBP hydrogel to support tissue regeneration. The PCL/Lap nanocomposite, characterized by increased hydrophilicity, improved swelling behavior, and enhanced stiffness, provides a robust scaffold, while the hydrogel layers improve bioactivity and fluid retention. Three-dimensional printing technology was used to fabricate multi-layer scaffold, ensuring interfacial cohesion between the layers. Rheological, morphological, chemical, and mechanical characterizations confirmed the successful integration of the materials and the mechanical suitability for the subchondral environment. Biocompatibility assays demonstrated the non-hemolytic nature of the scaffolds and a favorable trend in cell viability with increasing Lap content. This study presents a novel scaffold design that effectively combines mechanical stability and biological functionality. It fulfills the complex requirements of osteochondral repair and offers a promising platform for future tissue engineering strategies.

Objetivo: Analisar qual a influência da carga acida da dieta sobre a acidose metabólica em indivíduos com DRC. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizado nas bases de dados PUBMED e Web Of Science, sem data de publicação pré-estabelecido, de acesso aberto e usando os descritores: “Dieta Ocidental”, “Dieta”, “Doença Renal Crônica”, e “Acidose Metabólica”. Resultados: A amostra final foi composta por 8 artigos. Nos artigos incluídos observou-se uma vasta influência da dieta baseada em frutas e vegetais sobre melhora nos parâmetros de acidose metabólica, assim como, destacou-se que entre os indivíduos com ingestão de maior carga ácida dietética havia tendência a piores desfechos clínicos. Conclusão: Os estudos demostraram que carga ácida da dieta pode exercer influência significativa sobre estado e piora da acidose metabólica em indivíduos com doença renal crônica, sendo necessário maiores intervenções considerando a abordagem alimentar.

Natural polysaccharide/clay matrices offer a promising route for developing topical drug delivery systems with improved hydration, structural cohesion, and controlled release. This study reports, the development of a white angico gum/bentonite biocomposite as a carrier for tioconazole delivery. The originality of the work lies in the use of an underexplored Brazilian native polysaccharide combined with bentonite to obtain a hybrid platform capable of integrating drug accommodation, medium-responsive swelling, antifungal activity, and preliminary biocompatibility. The biocomposite was prepared from purified angico gum and bentonite, loaded with tioconazole, and characterized by SEM, XRD, MICRO-CD, FTIR, TG/DTG, DSC, wettability, swelling, release kinetics, antifungal assays, Artemia salina toxicity screening, HET-CAM, and hemolysis tests. The material exhibited cohesive morphology, preserved gum/clay chemical features, thermal stability, hydrophilic behavior, and medium-dependent swelling. Tioconazole incorporation reached approximately 75%, and drug release was sustained over 30 h, reaching 15.79%, with the Weibull model providing the best kinetic fit. The loaded biocomposite showed enhanced antifungal performance, with an MIC of 8 µg mL⁻¹ against C. albicans, outperforming free tioconazole. HET-CAM and hemolysis assays indicated non-irritant and hemocompatible behavior. Overall, the angico gum/bentonite matrix represents a sustainable and functional platform for topical antifungal delivery.