Corneal epithelial tissue regeneration presents a significant clinical challenge due to its avascular nature and complex structural organization. In recent years, developing polymeric composite material with desired optical transparency, tensile strength, biodegradability, porosity and corneal tissue responsive properties for repairing the damaged corneal epithelium is striving. By integrating biomimetic cues, such as ECM-derived peptides, flavonoids, and growth factors with polymeric blends, the resulting biomaterials are tailored thereby smart biomaterials can be developed to facilitate corneal epithelial regeneration. This research illustrates the designing of a biomaterial from the cocktail of silk fibroin, gelatin and polycaprolactone tri-polymeric complex functionalized with plant extract like curcumin that possesses the desirable properties suited for corneal epithelial tissue engineering applications. This biocomposite was used to fabricate a two-dimensional matrix which mimics the native extracellular matrix of corneal epithelium by electrospinning technique. The developed matrix was demonstrated to have desired tensile strength, in vitro biodegradability, controlled swelling, porosity, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The in vitro biocompatibility of the matrix revealed that the biomaterials promotes cellular attachment, growth and differentiation of SIRC (Statens Seruminstitut rabbit cornea) cell line. This lecture will discuss on multidisciplinary strategy to develop a smart biomaterial with desired biomimetic properties for effective corneal epithelial tissue regeneration by citing the above research as an example.

Myocardial infarction can cause irreversible damage to heart tissue. A promising therapeutic strategy involves the use of cardiac patches or epicardial restraint devices to support and protect the heart [1]. A key challenge in fabricating effective cardiac patches lies in replicating the myocardium’s fibrillar structure, anisotropy, and local elasticity. Jehl et al. [2] characterized the mechanical properties of the myocardial wall of pig cardiac tissue by performing nanoindentation measures on tissue slices of the long axis of the left ventricle. Their results showed variations in stiffness according to the local orientation of myofibers within the myocardial tissue. Among the different strategies used to create anisotropic and cardiac patches and with local elasticity, 3D bioprinting is one of the most promising [3]. This study aims to demonstrate that 3D printing a biomaterial with tailored anisotropic geometry—by adjusting both the design and the physico-chemical properties of the bioink—can produce patch geometries covering a wide range of elastic moduli. We developed a bioink composed of chitosan, gelatin, and guar gum, and used it to fabricate anisotropic membranes via 3D printing. These membranes were mechanically characterized using tensile tests. Experimental data were then used to construct a numerical model capable of predicting the elastic properties of membranes with alternative internal geometries. 3D bioprinting enabled the fabrication of a variety of internal geometries, allowing full customization of the patch to match a patient’s anatomy and pathology. The same biomaterial formulation could yield different mechanical behaviors simply by altering the pattern. The numerical model validated the experimental findings and effectively predicted the elastic properties of new geometries, demonstrating that membrane elasticity can be tuned by adjusting pore size and orientation. This approach, combining 3D bioprinting with numerical simulation, provides a fast and flexible method for designing cardiac patches with tunable elastic properties that closely mimic the anisotropy of the native myocardium. This strategy has potential applications beyond cardiology, in broader fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery allows access to sinonasal tumors extending to the brain or orbit, often requiring removal of fragile, porous bones [1]. Safe bone removal is essential to protect nearby structures such as the brain, eyes, carotid arteries, and optic nerves. In a previous pilot study [2], nanoindentation was proposed as a method to characterize the mechanical properties of skull base bones. This study introduced how microarchitectural features influence biomechanical behaviour, explaining the wide variability in measured properties, with the Young’s modulus ranging from 200 MPa to 1700 MPa. This study aims to (1) examine the variability of nanoindentation results in the ethmoid bone in relation to its microarchitecture using both experimental data and numerical simulations, and (2) determine the fracture forces typically required during surgery. Nanoindentation was used to characterize the mechanical properties of skull base bones based on a protocol developed for biological tissues [3]. An initial study established a protocol to accurately analyze and characterize this bone type. A follow-up study used nanoindentation matrices and numerical simulations to investigate the relationship between micro-/macroporosity and mechanical properties, and to simulate surgical maneuvers. The orbital bone contains both small pores (<70 µm) and larger cavities (>70 µm). The variability in pore and cavity distribution significantly influences experimental measurements. Numerical simulations successfully modeled this heterogeneity and revealed the correlation between porosity and mechanical properties. Simulations of surgical gestures helped identify the maximum force that can be applied without fracturing the bone. This study provides a detailed characterization of the relatively understudied orbital bone. It clarifies the relationship between porosity at different scales and mechanical strength and informs surgeons of the fracture thresholds relevant during surgery. These findings are valuable for developing anatomically accurate skull base models for both educational and surgical training purposes.

Tissue engineering and nanomaterials science have been merged to improve material−cell interactions [1]. Nanobioactive glass (NBG) with a high specific surface area promotes cellular uptake, allowing intracellular and localized release of therapeutic ions [2]. NBG was synthesized via the sol–gel process. Its chemical composition is 55 mol% SiO₂, 40 mol% CaO, and 5 mol% P₂O₅ (n55S5). Chitosan was incorporated into the glass matrix to form CH-n55S5 composite. It was selected for its favorable biocompatibility and its range of biological activities involved in bone remodeling [3]. It was used as drug delivery system for osteoporosis treatment. The Osteoporosis conditions was induced following ovariectomy in the experimental rats. This work investigated the physicochemical and biological properties of n55S5 and CH-n55S5. The n55S5 nanoparticles exhibited an average size of 98.6 nm and a specific surface area of 69.4 m²/g, enhancing ion release. In vitro assays were conducted after immersion of biomaterials in the Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). In vivo experiments were carried out on the femoral condyles of Wistar rats at different delays of implantations. 

Several physicochemical and biologicals evaluations were employed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the structural and textural characteristics of n55S5 and CH-n55S5. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed chitosan decomposition at 275°C within the CH-n55S5 composite. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) disclosed the amorphous nature of n55S5 and hydroxyapatite formation on both n55S5 and CH-n55S5 when immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). Ion exchanges followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), suggested the apatite formation. Histological analyses carried out confirmed bone regeneration and trabecular bone formation under osteoporotic conditions induced by ovariectomy. Implant sites exhibited favorable tissue tolerance, with histological analysis showcasing implant degradation and blood vessel formation. Biochemical analyses highlighted stable calcium and phosphorus levels indicators of active bone remodelling. 

In conclusion, n55S5 and CH-n55S5 exhibit considerable potential for bone filling and osteoporosis treatment, rendering them promising candidates for further exploration in bone tissue engineering.