Collagen scaffolds tethered with bFGF promote corpus spongiosum regeneration in a beagle model.

Regeneration of the corpus spongiosum helps prevent complications following urethral reconstruction, but currently there is a lack of effective therapeutic methods in clinic. In previous studies, we fabricated a fusion protein collagen-binding domain (CBD)-basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) that specifically binds to and releases from collagen biomaterials. We demonstrated that CBD-bFGF could promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in vivo. In this study, we established a beagle model with extensive urethral defects, and reconstructed the defects with collagen biomaterials that were unmodified or modified with CBD-bFGF. The results demonstrate that CBD-bFGF promotes corpus spongiosum regeneration resulting in improved outcomes following urethral reconstruction. Modifying collagen biomaterials with CBD-bFGF may represent an effective strategy for urethral substitution in urethral reconstruction.

A biopolymer-like metal enabled hybrid material with exceptional mechanical prowess.

The design principles for naturally occurring biological materials have inspired us to develop next-generation engineering materials with remarkable performance. Nacre, commonly referred to as nature's armor, is renowned for its unusual combination of strength and toughness. Nature's wisdom in nacre resides in its elaborate structural design and the judicious placement of a unique organic biopolymer with intelligent deformation features. However, up to now, it is still a challenge to transcribe the biopolymer's deformation attributes into a stronger substitute in the design of new materials. In this study, we propose a new design strategy that employs shape memory alloy to transcribe the "J-curve" mechanical response and uniform molecular/atomic level deformation of the organic biopolymer in the design of high-performance hybrid materials. This design strategy is verified in a TiNi-Ti3Sn model material system. The model material demonstrates an exceptional combination of mechanical properties that are superior to other high-performance metal-based lamellar composites known to date. Our design strategy creates new opportunities for the development of high-performance bio-inspired materials.