Enhanced Poly(Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid) Composite for Bone Tissue Repair Applications: A Comprehensive Optimization Approach

ABSTRACT This study explores Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐based scaffolds modified with 10 wt% polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyurethane (PU) to enhance their performance. The composite films were characterized by tensile testing, degradability, water absorption, thermal stability, and cell viability. The PLGA/PU group exhibited improved flexibility, while PLGA/PLA showed optimal water absorption (28%) and increased wettability. Contact angle measurements revealed a reduction in hydrophobicity for the PLA (44.4 ± 1 degrees) and PU (43.3 ± 1.6 degrees) groups. Thermal analysis confirmed enhanced thermal resistance for the PLGA/PLA and PLGA/PU composites, making them suitable for applications requiring thermal stability. Additionally, the MTT assay demonstrated over 90% cell viability for the PLGA/PLA group, underscoring its biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of PLGA/PLA composites for bone scaffold applications, particularly in additive manufacturing. This study demonstrates that incorporating PLA into PLGA improves key scaffold properties and offers a versatile material for advanced bone tissue engineering.

Energy Storage Performance of Thiophene‐Derivatized Polyaniline‐Supported Silver Nanoparticles: Mechanistic Insights and Application in Low‐Frequency Waveform Generation

ABSTRACT The growing demand for improved energy storage solutions has increasingly intensified the focus on developing high‐performance electrode materials. In this context, hybrid nanocomposites that integrate polymers and metal nanoparticles have emerged as potential materials for next‐generation energy storage devices. In this study, a thiophene‐derivatized polyaniline‐silver nanoparticle hybrid system (Ag‐TdPA) was synthesized through an in situ synthesis route. The resulting material was employed in the fabrication of a supercapacitor device and further utilized in an oscillator application. Electrochemical studies demonstrated a specific capacitance of 660 and 94 F.g −1 for three‐electrode and two‐electrode (device) systems, made by Ag‐TdPA, at a current density of 4.0 and 0.5 A.g −1 , with the capacitance retention of 97 and 92% at 8.0 and 1.0 A.g −1 , respectively, after 5000 repetitive charge–discharge cycles. The device delivered up to 37 Wh.kg −1 of energy density and 3784 W.kg −1 of power density, demonstrating its potential for energy storage applications. The Ag‐TdPA‐based device was implemented in a low‐frequency relaxation oscillator, delivering a consistent output signal at 0.47 Hz. The dual functionality of Ag‐TdPA highlights the potential as an advanced material for energy storage and signal generation in low‐power electronic systems.

Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing by Plant Protein‐Based Electrospun Fiber Scaffolds and Patches for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract Plant protein‐based electrospun fibers are emerging as promising biomaterials for skin regeneration and wound healing due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, antimicrobial effects, and anti‐inflammatory activity. This review examines four widely used plant‐derived proteins: zein, soy, wheat gluten, and pea protein, focusing on their role in tissue engineering. For designing advanced biomaterials with tailored properties to accelerate tissue repair, the stages of wound healing are introduced. The electrospinning of plant proteins is described, along with the modifications that enhance key properties such as mechanical strength and stability in wet environments. Their biodegradability makes them ideal for temporary applications, such as wound dressings and drug delivery systems, enabling the controlled and sustained release of antibacterial nanoparticles, antioxidants, and antibiotics. Moreover, the enhancement of skin regeneration by plant protein fibers is highlighted, focusing on their physicochemical properties, drug delivery capabilities, swelling behavior, and moisturizing effects. Furthermore, in vitro studies are discussed, demonstrating their ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, promote blood vessel formation, and facilitate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leading to accelerated tissue repair. Finally, in vivo studies are reviewed, highlighting the potential of plant protein fibers for tissue repair applications.

Tailoring Physicochemical Properties of Linear Copolymers for Enhanced Endocytic Uptake

ABSTRACT The design of polymeric materials with well‐defined, tunable properties is essential for advancing drug delivery systems and other biomedical applications. Optimizing key parameters such as size, surface charge, and temperature responsiveness can enhance targeted drug delivery efficiency and biocompatibility. In this study, we synthesized a series of fluorescently labeled polymers with varying molecular weights and charges via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to investigate their role in cellular uptake. Comprehensive characterization confirmed that these polymers exhibited precise size and charge distributions, enabling controlled interactions with biological systems. Cellular uptake studies in HeLa cells revealed a strong dependence on polymer size, charge, and temperature, with smaller and positively charged polymers demonstrating superior internalization under physiological conditions (37°C). Further analysis showed that the polymers predominantly localized in endosomes and lysosomes, indicating endocytosis as the primary internalization pathway across different polymer charge types. Overall, these findings provide preliminary insights into how polymer physicochemical properties modulate cellular uptake, which may inform the design of future polymer‐based drug delivery systems.

Dual‐Stimuli Responsive and Sustainable PLA/APHA/TPU Blend for 4D Printing

ABSTRACT 4D printing of shape memory polymers (SMPs) offers transformative potential for patient‐specific medical devices, yet current SMPs often face a trade‐off between mechanical toughness and low‐temperature activation. This study presents a novel PLA/APHA/TPU blend filament for 3D printing that overcomes this limitation by combining high strength and flexibility with low‐temperature shape memory activation—features not previously achieved in PLA‐based SMPs. The uniform dispersion of TPU and APHA in the PLA matrix creates a composite with enhanced tensile strength, modulus, and elongation, addressing the brittleness typical of neat PLA. The optimized 60/20/20 wt.% formulation enables rapid shape recovery at ∼39.5°C, significantly below PLA's glass transition, with near‐complete shape fixity (∼100%) and high recovery ratios (>92%) under both thermal and mechanical stimuli. This dual‐responsive behavior is driven by the synergistic roles of TPU (providing ductility) and APHA (enhancing flexibility and thermal sensitivity). The composite also retains excellent printability and biocompatibility, making it ideal for next‐generation biomedical SMP applications such as 4D‐printed orthopedic braces, soft robotic actuators, and adaptive implants. Using bio‐based, biodegradable polymers, this work advances eco‐friendly, high‐performance SMPs for additive manufacturing, setting a new benchmark for PLA‐based 4D‐printable materials.

Preparation of Nickel‐Grafted Zeolite From a Local Mineral Ore and Studying Their Catalytic Properties

Abstract The study encompasses an investigation of a local natural mineral material found in the Nimrud region/Ibrahim Al‐Khalil village (40 km southeast of Mosul city). This is achieved through chemical analysis and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify its various elemental components. Subsequently, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is employed to determine the percentage ratios of clay minerals (natural zeolites) and nonclay minerals comprising the natural mineral ore. The natural zeolite is then selectively concentrated by removing carbonates, iron, and reactive silica (amorphous silica) followed by impregnation with nickel using the compound Ni(NO 3 ) 2 .6H 2 O. The properties and characteristics of the prepared zeolites (impregnated and nonimpregnated) are investigated using XRF, XRD, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis reveals its compliance with both chemical and crystalline specifications of zeolites, in addition to good surface area, selective porous channels, and thermal stability.

Assessing Dynamic Viscosity of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Sensitivity Analysis and AI‐Based Modeling

ABSTRACT In this study, the hyperparameters of a gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) machine learning model are meticulously fine‐tuned using four distinct evolutionary optimization approaches: Evolutionary Strategies (ES), Bayesian Probability Improvement (BPI), Batch Bayesian Optimization (BBO), and Self‐Adaptive Differential Evolution (SADE) to predict (polyethylene glycol) PEG viscosity. Analysis of the correlation matrix indicates that pressure and molecular weight have influence on dynamic viscosity. Pressure displays a negligible positive correlation (0.17), while molecular weight shows a positive correlation (0.24). On the other hand, temperature exhibits an inverse relationship (−0.75) with dynamic viscosity, establishing it as the most critical factor affecting viscosity. Thus, temperature significantly impacts dynamic viscosity, whereas molecular weight and pressure contribute marginally. These observations are essential for comprehending system behavior and enhancing process efficiency. Among the optimization techniques, SADE outperforms the others, yielding the most accurate GBDT‐based hybrid predictive model, as evidenced by performance metrics, including R‐squared, mean squared error (MSE), and average absolute relative error (AARE). Despite its extended runtime, SADE's exceptional precision, reflected in the lowest MSE and AARE. Sensitivity analysis confirms that all input variables affect the target parameter, with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis highlighting temperature as a dominant factor influencing PEG viscosity.

In Silico Design of Antimicrobial Dental Resins Targeting Streptococcus mutans Adhesin P1

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential of incorporating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) into dental resin composites to enhance resistance against Streptococcus mutans , a key contributor to biofilm‐related dental infections through its surface protein adhesins. A comprehensive computational approach was applied to evaluate AMP interactions. Molecular docking was used to assess AMP binding to dental resins, followed by docking the top AMP candidates to S. mutans adhesins. The resulting complexes underwent 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, and binding affinities were refined using MM/PBSA free energy calculations. Several AMPs showed strong binding to dental resins and S. mutans adhesins. Pardaxin and tachystatin displayed high affinities for critical adhesion sites. MM/PBSA analysis confirmed strong binding, with tachystatin showing a Δ G of –62.03 kcal/mol, significantly better than the standard inhibitor C16G2 (Δ G  = −33.34 kcal/mol), suggesting enhanced inhibitory potential. Dental composites incorporating specific AMPs show promise in targeting S. mutans adhesins and preventing biofilm formation. However, these results are based solely on computational modeling. Experimental validation is essential to confirm biological efficacy, optimize AMP integration into resin formulations, and evaluate safety for potential clinical applications.

Computational Insights Into Antimicrobial Peptide‐Enhanced Dental Resin Composites: Targeting Porphyromonas gingivalis Heme‐Binding Proteins and Biofilms

ABSTRACT The research aimed at investigating the antibacterial potential of dental resin composites when combined with various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against Porphyromonas gingivalis heme‐binding proteins, which are associated with biofilm‐related infections in restorative dentistry. A multistage computational approach was implemented to assess the AMP interactions. Molecular docking analyses demonstrated the promising binding of resin constituents with AMPs, and Pardaxin exhibited the highest binding affinity, followed by Tachystatin and Thermolysin. The best performing AMPs were then docked with P. gingivalis heme‐binding proteins, and the complexes were subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations for stability assessment. The simulations confirmed stable interactions, while MM/PBSA binding energy calculations demonstrated significant binding strengths, particularly for Pardaxin (ΔG = −65.58 kcal/mol) and Tachystatin (ΔG = −48.71 kcal/mol), with Thermolysin also showing promising results (ΔG = −39.92 kcal/mol). The comprehensive analysis indicates the potential of incorporating Pardaxin, Tachystatin, and Thermolysin into dental resin composites to enhance their antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis . However, the study is limited to in silico assessments and relies on static representations of resin monomers that may not accurately represent the biological and clinical environment. Experimental validation through in vitro and in vivo studies, including cytocompatibility testing, peptide release behavior, and long‐term mechanical stability, is essential to establish their practical application in restorative dentistry.

Imaging Findings of Intracerebral Infection after Deep Brain Stimulation: Pediatric Case Series and Literature Review