Biocompatible Solutions for Medical Applications

The best of two worlds -combining extracellular vesicles and liposomes for enhanced biocompatibility Naturally occurring extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer an intriguing alternative to traditional LNPs as native, safe, and multifunctional nanovesicle carriers. Still, unlike more of their lipid-based counterparts, they typically struggle with the loading of large biomolecules like mRNA. Addressing this challenge, a quite recent study introduces an innovative controlled loading technique that marries the biocompatibility of EVs with the robust delivery capabilities of LNPs. The method involves DNA-mediated and programmed fusion between EVs and mRNA-loaded liposomes, enhancing the delivery and expression of therapeutic RNA. Using real-time microscopy, the authors characterized the fusion efficiency at the single-particle level, a process that was facilitated by immobilizing EV surfaces through lipidated biotin-DNA handles/ Following successful fusion, the resultant EV-liposome particles (known as EVLs) were collected using a DNA strand-replacement reaction, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the vesicles. In functional tests, EVLs encapsulating mCherry mRNA showed superior transfection and translation efficiencies in HEK293-H cells compared to traditional liposomes or LNPs, underscoring the potential of EVLs as a significant advancement in the delivery of RNA therapeutics. Beyond initial results, one of the most interesting aspects of this research is the scalability of EVL production -by transferring the fusion reaction to magnetic beads, the team managed to increase production levels by a factor of one million, demonstrating the potential for large-scale manufacturing of these hybrid nanovesicles. One additional aspect to mention is the ability for the synthesis of biomimetic EVLs to be multiplexed -multiple origins of EVs can be functionalized with specific lipidated DNA (LiNAs) and fused together with specific antisense LiNA-decorated liposomes in a one-pot experiment for multiplexed target-specific and bioactive cargo delivery. In this way, biomimetic EVLs may contribute to the ever-rising demand for the delivery of modern biologicals, addressing the complexity and heterogeneity of many diseases where treatment options are still limited or associated with major side effects. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ezmn4U7c #nanoparticles #lipidnanoparticles #evs #drugdelivery #rnadelivery #rnatherapeutics #nanomedicine #nanotech #nanomaterials #genetherapy

💡 Breakthrough in mRNA Vaccine Delivery Researchers at Cornell, led by Prof. Shaoyi Jiang, have developed a next-gen lipid nanoparticle that could significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines — including those used against COVID-19 and cancer. The innovation? Replacing polyethylene glycol (PEG), a common ingredient known to trigger immune responses in some people, with a zwitterionic polymer called poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB). Unlike PEG, PCB blends seamlessly with the body’s water-rich environment, avoiding detection by the immune system and enabling better delivery of mRNA to cells. This "stealth" material is not only biocompatible but also ideal for higher-dose vaccines, like those needed for cancer immunotherapy. Already being explored with leading institutions, this could mark a major leap in precision medicine. 🧬 The future of vaccine delivery just got a lot more efficient — and a lot more human-friendly. 🔬 Read more in Nature Materials (May 29). https://lnkd.in/gqmkUCwn #Biotech #mRNA #VaccineInnovation #LipidNanoparticles #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #CornellEngineering #BiomedicalEngineering #MedTech #PharmaInnovation #DrugDelivery #Zwitterion #mRNAtechnology #LifeSciences

Researchers in Japan and Spain are making major strides toward bioengineered prosthetics that look, move, and function like real human limbs, using living muscle tissue and even the patient’s own cells. At the University of Tokyo, scientists created an 18cm muscle-driven robotic arm capable of finger movement. Their innovation, called MuMuTAs, uses rolled sheets of lab-grown muscle tissue and biocompatible components stimulated by electric pulses to mimic natural motion. Meanwhile, Spain’s Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has developed 3D bioprinted muscle structures with realistic internal architecture. Their work enables more precise local stimulation, better drug testing, and potential medical applications, including prosthetics that grow stronger and adapt like real muscles. Key challenges ahead include neural control, vascularization, long-term viability, and scaling. But researchers agree: functional, cell-based prosthetics and muscle systems are no longer science fiction.....they’re on the horizon. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ejWiMpF8

💡 Chitosan nanofibers play a crucial role in various biomedical applications, yet material degradation has posed a significant challenge. A recent research paper delves into the utilization of polycaprolactone and genipin cross-linkers to address this issue effectively. The outcome is the development of stable, functional, and biocompatible substrates, enhancing their suitability for prolonged biomedical applications. 🙏 Thank you to Nagalekshmi Uma Thanu Krishnan Neela, Piotr K. Szewczyk, Urszula Stachewicz and others at AGH University of Krakow for sharing their work. 📖 Full text here: https://lnkd.in/eRtEmMTd

Imagine a future where lost teeth are not replaced with artificial implants but are regrown naturally. Scientists at King's College London have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully growing a human tooth in the lab. This innovation could revolutionize dental care, offering a natural alternative to fillings and implants. The research team developed a novel material that mimics the body’s cellular environment, enabling stem cells to communicate and initiate tooth formation. This approach allows for the gradual release of signals, closely replicating natural tooth development processes. While clinical application is still years away, this advancement opens the door to regenerative dental treatments that could integrate seamlessly with the jawbone, offering stronger and longer-lasting solutions compared to current methods. This breakthrough is part of a broader movement in regenerative dentistry. For instance, Japanese researchers are conducting clinical trials on a drug that stimulates tooth regrowth by inhibiting the USAG-1 protein, potentially benefiting individuals with congenital tooth loss. As these technologies progress, the future of dental care looks promising, with the potential to restore natural teeth and improve oral health outcomes. The advent of lab-grown teeth could significantly disrupt the dental implant industry. Traditional dental implants, while effective, often come with complications such as peri-implantitis, bone loss, and misalignment. Bioengineered teeth, being more biocompatible and capable of integrating seamlessly with the jawbone, may offer a superior alternative, potentially reducing the demand for conventional implants. Moreover, the dental implant market has been experiencing commoditization, with increased competition from low-cost manufacturers leading to price pressures on established premium brands. The introduction of regenerative dental solutions could further challenge these traditional manufacturers, necessitating innovation and adaptation to maintain market share. As the dental industry evolves, companies will need to embrace these emerging technologies to stay competitive. The shift towards regenerative dentistry not only promises improved patient outcomes but also heralds a transformative period for dental care providers and manufacturers alike. 🔔 Follow me (Sina S. Amiri) for daily dental industry insights. #Healthcare #Dentistry #Future #RegenerativeMedicine #Innovation

During my research, we built a chip. It worked perfectly in the lab. Precise signals. Seamless data transfer. We were ready to test in a real bionic interface. But the moment it touched biological tissue, the body rejected it. Inflammation. Signal disruption. Total failure. That experience taught me something humbling: In bionic systems, it’s not enough for tech to be smart. It has to be safe—and invisible to the body. That’s where biocompatibility comes in. Because when you're working on systems as delicate as a bionic eye, you're not just solving for performance—you're solving for coexistence. So what makes a chip truly biocompatible? 🔹 Non-reactive materials— Medical-grade polymers, silicon carbide, parylene. These don’t corrode or inflame. 🔹 Surface chemistry— Cells respond to more than what’s inside. Texture, charge, and even hydrophilicity shape biological responses. 🔹 Thermal behavior— Even minor heat buildup can cause damage. We must design systems that dissipate heat faster than it builds. 🔹 Long-term durability— It's not enough to survive. These chips must function inside living tissue for months, even years. While I now focus on STEM education through Stem A Chip, introducing school students to the fundamentals of chip design and electronics... —those lessons from the lab stay with me. Because understanding how technology must align with biology at a fundamental level teaches us something deeper: Innovation isn't just about invention. It's about integration. And that’s a mindset worth passing on to the next generation of builders.

Why Materials Matter: The Foundation of True Innovation In orthopedics, the conversation often centers around design, manufacturing, and surgical technique, but the real foundation of innovation starts with materials. The material of construction determines biocompatibility, longevity, infection resistance, osseointegration, and even economic viability. For decades, metals have dominated orthopedic implants—not because they are ideal, but because they were the best available option in a world constrained by traditional manufacturing. Today, advanced polymers like PEKK are changing that paradigm. 🔹 Biocompatibility: Unlike metals, PEKK integrates seamlessly with bone, reducing rejection and hypersensitivity risks. 🔹 Infection Resistance: Metals create a surface where bacteria thrive; PEKK’s bacteriostatic properties reduce infection risks. 🔹 Radiolucency: Metals obscure imaging; PEKK allows for clear post-op visualization. 🔹 Scalability: 3D printing PEKK makes custom implants economically viable, eliminating the need for massive multi-size inventories. Materials define what’s possible. Without the right material, even the best technology cannot create a scalable, elegant solution. At OPM, we’re not just rethinking implant design—we’re redefining the foundation of orthopedic innovation. #WhyMaterialsMatter #Orthopedics #Innovation #3DPrinting #MedTech #MaterialsBeyondLimits #OsteoFab #HealthcareTransformation

💉 Injectable biomaterials are at the forefront of transforming modern healthcare by providing minimally invasive alternatives to surgeries for treating a variety of medical conditions. This recent article by Michael Nguyen, Maria Karkanitsa, and Karen L. Christman in Nature Portfolio highlights the intricate design and translation challenges of these materials, focusing on factors like viscosity, injection force, and device compatibility. These considerations are essential to ensure that injectable biomaterials perform effectively once they transition from the lab to clinical use. The review explores various applications, including treatment for nervous, cardiac, and orthopedic conditions, with promising results in subcutaneous, intraocular, intracardiac, and even intravascular injections. 💉 With benefits like reduced tissue damage, faster patient recovery times, and lower surgical risks, these materials could reshape how we approach a range of medical interventions. However, key challenges remain in scaling up production, ensuring safety, and meeting regulatory standards. The outlook is exciting! 🧬 As innovation in injectable biomaterials continues, they could unlock new possibilities in areas like women’s health and regenerative medicine. Translating these materials into widespread clinical use requires thoughtful design and collaboration across scientific, engineering, and clinical fields. 📖 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/dJbJZwJE #Biomaterials #InnovativeHealthcare #MinimallyInvasiveTech #RevolutionizingMedicine #FutureOfMedTech

Advances in polymer science are directly related to the ability to create customized medical devices, patient-specific implants, and intricate anatomical models. We're talking about developing biocompatible materials with tailored properties—think enhanced strength, flexibility, stabilizability, and even the incorporation of antimicrobial agents directly within the material matrix.   This isn't just about supplying existing polymers. It's about innovating at the molecular level to create new materials and masterbatch solutions specifically designed for the unique demands of 3D-printed medical applications.    Consider the potential for radiopaque additives to facilitate clear visualization in medical imaging or custom colorants to enhance both form and function in patient-specific prosthetics.   This presents a significant opportunity to be at the forefront of medtech innovation in the material science sector. It requires deep collaboration with medical device manufacturers and a keen understanding of their evolving needs. We need to anticipate the next generation of material requirements for bioprinting, implantable devices, and point-of-care diagnostics.   How can we, as material innovators, proactively partner with the medical community and 3D printing experts to accelerate the development and adoption of these groundbreaking applications? What novel material functionalities will be critical in the next 5-10 years of 3D-printed medtech?   #PlasticsInnovation #MedTechMaterials #3DPrintingMaterials #BiocompatiblePolymers #MasterbatchSolutions #MedicalDevices #PolymerScience #HealthcareInnovation #MaterialScience #AdditiveManufacturing

I am very pleased to share our new paper published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, ACS Publications, titled "Implantable Membrane Sensors and Long-Range Wireless Electronics for Continuous Monitoring of Stent Edge Restenosis." 📄✨ In this study, we developed a long-range wireless electronic system that features a low-resistance inductive stent, which was fabricated using laser micromachining and electroplating with biocompatible metal films. This process creates a mechanically robust and conductive interface optimized for radar interrogation. 🔬⚡️ Our system successfully detected the stent from a distance of 50 cm, providing trackable localized pressure signals at 2 GHz for healthy stents, along with diagnostic capabilities for identifying 50% stent-edge restenosis. 📏🩺 This work establishes a new category of enhanced wireless stents, offering extended readout distances and real-time diagnostic capabilities, which have significant implications for the development of next-generation bioelectronic interfaces. 🔗🌟 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gDzBu5v5 Kudos to the first authors - PhD students from Georgia Institute of Technology - Addy Bateman Da Cunha and Yuheng He, as well as our incredible collaborator, Nima Ghalichechian. 👏🙌 We also acknowledge the funding support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), WISH Center, and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). 💰💡 #GeorgiaTech #Research #Biocompatible #WirelessTechnology #StentRestenosis #Bioelectronics #HealthcareInnovation #Implantable WISH Center Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems Georgia Tech - Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University