Conducting polymer-based scaffolds for neuronal tissue engineering.

Neuronal tissue engineering has immense potential for treating neurological disorders and facilitating nerve regeneration. Conducting polymers (CPs) have emerged as a promising class of materials owing to their unique electrical conductivity and biocompatibility. CPs, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), polypyrrole (PPy), and polyaniline (PANi), have been extensively explored for their ability to provide electrical cues to neural cells. These polymers are widely used in various forms, including porous scaffolds, hydrogels, and nanofibers, and offer an ideal platform for promoting cell adhesion, differentiation, and axonal outgrowth. CP-based scaffolds can also serve as drug delivery systems, enabling localized and controlled release of neurotrophic factors and therapeutic agents to enhance neural regeneration and repair. CP-based scaffolds have demonstrated improved neural regeneration, both in vitro and in vivo, for treating spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. In this review, we discuss synthesis and scaffold processing methods for CPs and their applications in neuronal tissue regeneration. We focused on a detailed literature review of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Tubular nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

Nanomaterial composition, morphology, and mechanical performance are critical parameters for tissue engineering. Within this rapidly expanding space, tubular nanomaterials (TNs), including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), titanium oxide nanotubes (TNTs), halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), silica nanotubes (SiNTs), and hydroxyapatite nanotubes (HANTs) have shown significant potential across a broad range of applications due to their high surface area, versatile surface chemistry, well-defined mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and monodispersity. These include drug delivery vectors, imaging contrast agents, and scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. This review is centered on the recent developments in TN-based biomaterials for structural tissue engineering, with a strong focus on bone tissue regeneration. It includes a detailed literature review on TN-based orthopedic coatings for metallic implants and composite scaffolds to enhance in vivo bone regeneration.

From trash to treasure: Sourcing high-value, sustainable cellulosic materials from living bioreactor waste streams.

The appreciation of how conventional and fossil-based materials could be harmful to our planet is growing, especially when considering single-use and non-biodegradable plastics manufactured from fossil fuels. Accordingly, tackling climate change and plastic waste pollution entails a more responsible approach to sourcing raw materials and the adoption of less destructive end-of-life pathways. Livestock animals, in particular ruminants, process plant matter using a suite of mechanical, chemical and biological mechanisms through the act of digestion. The manure from these "living bioreactors" is ubiquitous and offers a largely untapped source of lignocellulosic biomass for the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials. In this review, we assess recent studies made into manure-based cellulose materials in terms of their material characteristics and implications for sustainability. Despite the surprisingly diverse body of research, it is apparent that progress towards the commercialisation of manure-derived cellulose materials is hindered by a lack of truly sustainable options and robust data to assess the performance against conventional materials alternatives. Nanocellulose, a natural biopolymer, has been successfully produced by living bioreactors and is presented as a candidate for future developments. Life cycle assessments from non-wood sources are however minimal, but there are some initial indications that manure-derived nanocellulose would offer environmental benefits over traditional wood-derived sources.