Since its inception just over a half century ago, the field of biomaterials has seen a consistent growth with a steady introduction of new ideas and productive branches. This review describes where we have been, the state of the art today, and where we might be in 10 or 20 years. Herein, we highlight some of the latest advancements in biomaterials that aim to control biological responses and ultimately heal. This new generation of biomaterials includes surface modification of materials to overcome nonspecific protein adsorption in vivo, precision immobilization of signaling groups on surfaces, development of synthetic materials with controlled properties for drug and cell carriers, biologically inspired materials that mimic natural processes, and design of sophisticated three-dimensional (3-D) architectures to produce well-defined patterns for diagnostics, e.g., biological microelectromechanical systems (bioMEMs), and tissue engineering.

BIOMATERIALS: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going

Biocompatibility and safety of PLA and its copolymers.

Dissolution or extraction of crustacean shells using ionic liquids to obtain high molecular weight purified chitin and direct production of chitin films and fibers

Plasma-induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) films: characterization and human smooth muscle cell growth on grafted films.

Among biomaterials used as implants in human body, sutures constitute the largest groups of materials having a huge market exceeding $1.3 billion annually. Sutures are the most widely used materials in wound closure and have been in use for many centuries. With the development of the synthetic absorbable polymer, poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) in the early 1970s, a new chapter has opened on absorbable polymeric sutures that got unprecedented commercial successes. Although several comparative evaluations of suture materials have been published, there were no serious attempts of late on a comprehensive review of production, properties, biodegradability, and performance of suture materials. This review proposes to bring to focus scattered data on chemistry, properties, biodegradability, and performance of absorbable polymeric sutures.

Review Paper: Absorbable Polymeric Surgical Sutures: Chemistry, Production, Properties, Biodegradability, and Performance

In recent years, stem cell therapy has become a very promising and advanced scientific research topic. The development of treatment methods has evoked great expectations. This paper is a review focused on the discovery of different stem cells and the potential therapies based on these cells. The genesis of stem cells is followed by laboratory steps of controlled stem cell culturing and derivation. Quality control and teratoma formation assays are important procedures in assessing the properties of the stem cells tested. Derivation methods and the utilization of culturing media are crucial to set proper environmental conditions for controlled differentiation. Among many types of stem tissue applications, the use of graphene scaffolds and the potential of extracellular vesicle-based therapies require attention due to their versatility. The review is summarized by challenges that stem cell therapy must overcome to be accepted worldwide. A wide variety of possibilities makes this cutting edge therapy a turning point in modern medicine, providing hope for untreatable diseases.

/pdf/stem-cells-past-present-and-future-454he6l4j5.pdf

Stem cells: past, present, and future.

Influence of plasma modification on biological properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

The aim of this review article is to present various material groups, including ceramics, composites and hybrid materials, currently utilized in the field of CAD/CAM. The described technology is amongst the most important in modern prosthetics. Materials that are applicable in this technique are constantly tested, evaluated and improved. Nowadays, research on dental materials is carried out in order to meet the increasing demand on highly aesthetic and functional indirect restorations. Recent studies present the long-term clinical success of restorations made with the help of both ceramic and composite materials in the CAD/CAM method. However, new materials are developed and introduced that do not have long-term in vivo observations. We can outline a monolithic polymer-infiltrated ceramic network and zirconia teeth support that show promising results to date but require further assessment. The materials will be compared with regard to their mechanical and clinical properties, purpose, advantages and limitations.

Review on Polymer, Ceramic and Composite Materials for CAD/CAM Indirect Restorations in Dentistry-Application, Mechanical Characteristics and Comparison.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nd:YAG laser with flat-top handpiece on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The incidence of C. albicans (opportunistic commensal) and S. mutans (facultatively anaerobic) infections is increasing, despite available treatments. Cultures of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans were irradiated using Nd:YAG laser (LightWalker, Fotona) with flat-top handpiece (Genova, LightWalker, Fotona) at the following parameters: group G1: 0.25 W, 10 Hz, 15 s, 3 J and group G2: 1 W, 10 Hz, 60s, 59 J. The results were evaluated directly and 24 h after irradiation using a quantitative culture method (estimation of colony-forming units in 1 ml of suspension, cfu/ml), and microscopic analysis with Janus green stain and compared with control group in which laser was not applied. C. albicans was reduced by 20 up to 54% for G1, and for G2 by 10 up to 60% directly after the application. The cfu/ml values for S. mutans decreased by 13% (p = 0.1771) for G1 and 89% (p < 0.0001) for G2. In both test groups 24 h after the application, the number of colony-forming units decreased by 15–46% for G1 and by 15–64% for G2. The arrested cell division, increasing the surface area and increasing the number of metabolically inactive cells, were observed in morphometric analysis. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed a reduction in cell number and a significant decrease of cell metabolism after laser application for both C. albicans and S. mutans.

/pdf/effects-of-nd-yag-laser-irradiation-on-the-growth-of-candida-2ju4r9svw3.pdf

Effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the growth of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans : in vitro study

Regenerative properties are different in every human tissue Nowadays, with the increasing popularity of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures called augmentations are sometimes crucial in order to perform a successful dental procedure Tissue engineering allows for controlled growth of alveolar and periodontal tissues, with use of scaffolds, cells, and signalling molecules By modulating the patient’s tissues, it can positively influence poor integration and healing, resulting in repeated implant surgeries Application of nanomaterials and stem cells in tissue regeneration is a newly developing field, with great potential for maxillofacial bony defects Nanostructured scaffolds provide a closer structural support with natural bone, while stem cells allow bony tissue regeneration in places when a certain volume of bone is crucial to perform a successful implantation Several types of selected nanomaterials and stem cells were discussed in this study Their use has a high impact on the efficacy of the current and future procedures, which are still challenging for medicine There are many factors that can influence the regenerative process, while its general complexity makes the whole process even harder to control The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and advantage of both stem cells and nanomaterials in order to better understand their function in regeneration of bone tissue in oral cavity

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/10/6/1216/pdf

Maria Szymonowicz

Papers

Stem cells: past, present, and future.

Influence of plasma modification on biological properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Review on Polymer, Ceramic and Composite Materials for CAD/CAM Indirect Restorations in Dentistry-Application, Mechanical Characteristics and Comparison.

Effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the growth of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans : in vitro study

Selected Nanomaterials' Application Enhanced with the Use of Stem Cells in Acceleration of Alveolar Bone Regeneration during Augmentation Process.