Hydrogels from biopolymers are readily synthesized, can possess various characteristics for different applications, and have been widely used in biomedicine to help with patient treatments and outcomes. Polysaccharides, polypeptides, and nucleic acids can be produced into hydrogels, each for unique purposes depending on their qualities. Examples of polypeptide hydrogels include collagen, gelatin, and elastin, and polysaccharide hydrogels include alginate, cellulose, and glycosaminoglycan. Many different theories have been formulated to research hydrogels, which include Flory-Rehner theory, Rubber Elasticity Theory, and the calculation of porosity and pore size. All these theories take into consideration enthalpy, entropy, and other thermodynamic variables so that the structure and pore sizes of hydrogels can be formulated. Hydrogels can be fabricated in a straightforward process using a homogeneous mixture of different chemicals, depending on the intended purpose of the gel. Different types of hydrogels exist which include pH-sensitive gels, thermogels, electro-sensitive gels, and light-sensitive gels and each has its unique biomedical applications including structural capabilities, regenerative repair, or drug delivery. Major biopolymer-based hydrogels used for cell delivery include encapsulated skeletal muscle cells, osteochondral muscle cells, and stem cells being delivered to desired locations for tissue regeneration. Some examples of hydrogels used for drug and biomolecule delivery include insulin encapsulated hydrogels and hydrogels that encompass cancer drugs for desired controlled release. This review summarizes these newly developed biopolymer-based hydrogel materials that have been mainly made since 2015 and have shown to work and present more avenues for advanced medical applications.

In this study, we present an ecofriendly technique for encapsulating lauric acid (LA), a natural phase change material, within polystyrene (PS) nanofibers through coaxial electrospinning. The resulting LAPS core-sheath nanofibers exhibited a melting enthalpy of up to 136.6 J/g, representing 75.8% of the heat storage capacity of pristine LA (180.2 J/g), a value surpassing all previously reported core-sheath fibers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform LAPS nanofibers free of surface LA until the core LA feed rate reached 1.3 mL/h. As the core LA feed rate increased, the fiber diameter shrank from 2.24 ± 0.31 to 0.58 ± 0.45 μm. Infrared spectra demonstrated a proportional increase in the LA content with rising core LA injection rates. Thermogravimetric analysis found the maximum core LA content in core-sheath nanofibers to be 75.0%. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms displayed a trend line shift upon LA leakage for LA_1.3PS nanofibers. LAPS fibers containing 75.0% LA effectively maintained consistent cycling stability and reusability across 100 heating-cooling cycles (20-60 °C) without heat storage deterioration. The core LA remained securely within the PS sheath after 100 cycles, and the LAPS nanofibers retained an excellent structural integrity without rupture. The energy-dense and form-stable LAPS core-sheath nanofibers have great potential for various thermal energy storage applications, such as building insulation, smart textiles, and electronic cooling systems, providing efficient temperature regulation and energy conservation.

Aim: Compare the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell injection therapies (MSC) and thermal annular procedures for the treatment of discogenic lower back pain. Materials & methods: A systematic r...

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, complicating treatment development. Management aims to alleviate symptoms and control inflammation, but targeted strategies are lacking. This study compared the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and naproxen in axSpA treatment. A PubMed search was conducted on 14 March 2023 and 27 May 2025. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerve endings to block pain signals, while naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation. We conducted a narrative review of axSpA patients treated with either RFA or naproxen, assessing pain relief, functional improvement, and quality of life. Results showed that RFA was significantly more effective than naproxen in managing chronic pain. Patients receiving RFA reported greater pain reduction and better functional outcomes compared to those on naproxen. RFA provided prolonged relief, while naproxen's effectiveness diminished over time, limiting its long-term benefit. These findings suggest that RFA should be considered a preferred treatment for axSpA patients seeking long-term pain relief and improved quality of life. This study supports RFA's role in managing inflammatory spinal conditions and informs optimal axSpA treatment strategies.