Bone cements represent a category of injectable and functional medical materials extensively utilized in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. These materials are formulated by combining a powder and a liquid to create a moldable paste, which subsequently hardens at the site of the treated defect. Magnesium phosphate cements (MPCs) demonstrate superior initial mechanical properties, reduced setting times, and a more favorable bioresorption rate compared to currently used calcium phosphate cements, making them notably advantageous.

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of varying technological parameters for the creation of MPC cement on its fundamental characteristics, such as setting time and temperature, microstructure, microhardness, surface wettability, injectability, and cytocompatibility. The investigation employed a cement powder consisting of calcined magnesium oxide and potassium hydrogen phosphate in various molar ratios of Mg-P (3:1, 4:1, and 5:1) and variable P-L ratios using demineralized water (2:1, 2.5:1, and 3:1), along with two different sizes of MgO particles.

The results of this study led to the formulation of an advantageous methodology for synthesizing magnesium potassium phosphate cements tailored for biomedical uses. It was observed that each of the assessed parameters substantially impacted the main properties of the material, including microstructure, hydraulic reaction, k-struvite crystallization, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility. Our research verified that through the adjustment of optimal magnesium-to-phosphate and powder-to-liquid ratios, it is feasible to engineer a functional cement designed specifically for bone repair applications.

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Gdańsk University of Technology by the DEC -14/2022/IDUB/III.4.1/Tgrant under the TECHNETIUM 'Excellence Initiative – Research University program.

Cardiovascular disease represents a significant global health challenge and the necessity for advanced techniques for early detection, diagnosis and management. This study explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in cardiovascular health analysis and decision-making processes. For instance, for patients experiencing Ventricular Ectopic Beats (VEBs), AI can recommend stress reduction and regular exercise. Using artificial neural networks, ElectroCardioGram (ECG) signals can be analyzed to detect abnormalities in various cardiovascular diseases. The proposed AI system includes a soft voting ensemble transfer learning method to process ECG data to classify different types of abnormalities in the heart, providing accurate and timely diagnostic support. Additionally, the system incorporates patient data to offer personalized treatment recommendations. Through extensive training and testing on a publicly available diverse dataset, the AI model demonstrates high accuracy and robustness in identifying critical cardiovascular conditions and decision making. This research underscores the potential for AI to revolutionize cardiovascular healthcare by enhancing diagnostic precision, facilitating early intervention, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. The implementation of such AI-driven solutions can significantly reduce the burden on healthcare systems and pave the way for more efficient and effective cardiovascular disease management. However, there are a number of issues with the medical application of AI techniques and applications and their findings and interpretations, such as confidential patient data, noisy data and biased data, which may lead to wrong conclusions. Still, AI is a next-generation technology that has significant potential in the medical field.

The use of natural polysaccharides like hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CHI) in the production of films offers significant advantages, including excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity, rendering them ideal for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. As an alternative to the traditional dipping method, here, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was employed to achieve coatings based on HA and CHI films on titanium and 316L SS substrates. EPD is increasingly utilized in cellular and biomedical applications due to its precise control over the composition, thickness, and architecture of deposited layers. Characterization of the films was performed using gravimetric methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and adhesion tests. During EPD, the polymers formed dense, swollen, and thick layers much more rapidly than with dipping methods. After drying, the films exhibited excellent uniformity and adhesion on both titanium and SS316L. FTIR and Raman spectroscopies confirmed the structure of chitosan and HA after EPD deposition. SEM revealed the formation of a homogeneous layer with few porosities that formed during EPD; however, individual phases of CHI and HA showed more defects, with pores and cracked structures. Our study confirms the effectiveness of electrophoretic deposition for creating HA and CHI films, highlighting their potential for promising applications in the biomedical field.

Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, whereas vitamin A deficiency can result in delayed bone growth and reduced bone mineral density. The objective of this study was to produce, characterize, and test poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles containing retinyl acetate and cholecalciferol. The particles were prepared by solvent displacement, whereby water and surfactant were dripped into an oil phase of polymers (PCL or PLGA) without or with vitamins A and D in acetone. The particles were characterized in terms of their size and zeta potential. The viability of stem cells was evaluated via MTT assay following a one-day exposure to particles containing 0.77 UI/ml vitamin A and 0.15UI/ml vitamin D. The findings revealed that PCL particles exhibited a zeta potential of -60 mV. In comparison, PLGA particles demonstrated a zeta potential of -39 mV. The diameter was 213 nm for PCL and 112 nm for PLGA, as determined by the Zetasizer equipment (with a detection limit of 10 µm). However, the diameter was measured above 10 µm for PLGA using optical microscopy/ImageJ. The particles did not significantly affect stem cell viability, as indicated by the absorbance values for cells incubated with the particles of PLGA, PLGA/vitamins, PCL, and PCL/vitamins for one day (p = 0.560). Therefore, the particles exhibited nano- and micrometric sizes, a high negative surface charge, and high dispersion. These materials were not cytotoxic to stem cells, indicating that polymeric particles may represent a viable retinol and cholecalciferol supplementation strategy, with potential utility in bioinks for bone tissue engineering.

Acknowledge: Office of Naval Research Global (ONRG Award N62909-21-1-2026) and National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine (INCT-Regenera).

Introduction
Biodegradable Fe-based alloys such as Fe-Mn-Si are currently being studied for temporary medical implant applications and are designed to perform temporary structural functions in the human body while undergoing gradual degradation. These alloys offer promising medical implant applications owing to their biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical properties. A key challenge lies in balancing the mechanical properties with controlled degradation. Another important aspect is improved antimicrobial properties.

Methods
The aim of this study was to develop a novel biodegradable FeMnSi alloy with antimicrobial properties and an enhanced degradation rate suitable for long-term medical implant applications. Therefore, the FeMnSi-1Cu alloy was developed and investigated in both cast and hot-rolled states. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for microstructural and chemical evaluation. The thermal properties were characterized by means of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and the resulting microstructural changes were observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion tests and linear and cyclic potentiometry were used to investigate degradation. To correlate the metal–liquid chemical reactions with the degradation progress, the pH of the solution during immersion was recorded over minutes. ASTM G31-72(2004) was used to determine the degradation rates (DRs).

Results and discussion
Due to the applied thermomechanical stress, the AFM images revealed a slight change in the plate dimensions due to refinement. Generalized corrosion was identified, and an increase in mass was observed over the first 3-5 days. Despite the short immersion time and the DMA test, the samples showed a high degree of surface corrosion, which could affect their mechanical behavior under external loads.

Conclusions
The addition of Cu to the FeMnSi alloy is favorable for its antimicrobial effect, as well as for improving workability and corrosion resistance, which will encourage future studies on this alloy.

Evaluating metabolites concentration is crucial for understanding metabolic pathways and for disease diagnosis and monitoring. The development of non-invasive techniques able to measure metabolites avoiding blood withdrawal could be beneficial for healthcare outcomes. In this context, estimating the concentration of metabolites from skin temperature is an intriguing approach that leverages the relationship between metabolic processes and physiological parameters. Skin temperature can depend on fat metabolism and peripheral blood circulation. In this study, a machine learning model applied to facial thermal imaging features was implemented to predict the metabolites’ concentration as assessed through blood samples.

Whole blood was collected as a dried blood spot (DBS). The determination of metabolites was performed in DBS samples by the addiction internal standards for each analyte of interest before the extraction. Regarding the IRT recordings, three ROIs were selected on the glabella, nose tip, and nostrils. The following features were computed from the temperature time course of each ROI to feed the machineries: mean value, standard deviation, kurtosis, skewness, delta of the signal, sample entropy, 75° percentile, the PSD of the thermal signal for the respiratory, cardiac, and myogenic frequency bands. These features were used as input for a cubic SVR model. A subset of the features was employed as an input of the ML framework, after a selection based on wrapper method. A fivefold cross-validation was implemented. The performance of the models was evaluated by correlation analysis.

The approach delivered good results for the C22 (R=0.63, p=0.001), C14OH (R=0.67, p=1.7∙10-4), and C8:1 (R=0.66, p=1.8∙10-4). The approach seems to be able to evaluate the concentration of metabolites related to obesity and metabolic disorders.

The results highlight the possibility of evaluating metabolites’ concentration from thermal imaging, providing a novel approach that offers advantages, including increased patient comfort and compliance, and reduced risk of infection.

The ActiveHydrogels project aims to develop innovative hydrogels enriched with carefully selected natural plant extracts, intended for advanced dermatological and cosmetic applications. Hydrogels are well known for their gel-like structure and exceptional water retention capabilities, making them ideal carriers of active substances. This project introduces a novel approach by combining modern hydrogel technology with natural extracts, creating products that offer superior skin hydration and targeted therapeutic benefits.

The project's primary innovation lies in the integration of specific plant extracts, such as calendula and chamomile, into the hydrogel matrix. Calendula extract is incorporated to enhance skin regeneration, while chamomile extract provides anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. These natural ingredients are chosen based on their well-documented therapeutic properties and synergistic benefits when used in combination with hydrogels.

To ensure scientific rigor, the project employs a detailed experimental design, including advanced hydrogel synthesis techniques and comprehensive characterization methods. The expected outcomes include the development of hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties, increased bioavailability of active compounds, and improved efficacy in skin care applications. This research also explores the stability and release kinetics of the active ingredients within the hydrogel network.

The ActiveHydrogels project addresses specific dermatological needs, such as the care of dry and sensitive skin, as well as the treatment of minor skin injuries and inflammations. By focusing on these applications, the project aims to provide practical solutions for common skin conditions, enhancing the quality of life for users.

Conducted within the SMART-MAT Functional Materials Scientific Club at Cracow University of Technology, this project benefits from an interdisciplinary collaboration and access to cutting-edge material science expertise. The affiliation with SMART-MAT and funding from FutureLab underscore the project's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in functional materials. This research is conducted by students, who develop their knowledge and experience through the practical design of biomaterials.

Modern oncology faces the challenge of effectively treating cancers while minimizing side effects on healthy cells. Peptide nanocarriers for drug delivery open new perspectives in targeted anti-cancer therapy, offering advanced solutions for delivering drugs directly to cancer cells. Peptides, due to their unique properties of biodegradability and biocompatibility, are ideal components of nanocarriers and are capable of efficiently binding and transporting anti-cancer drugs.

Peptide nanocarriers demonstrate the ability to enhance the biological availability of drugs, which is particularly important for anti-cancer drugs like paclitaxel that often have limited bioavailability. Thanks to chemical modification, peptides can be tailored to transport a wide range of therapeutic substances, including both small chemical molecules and larger biologically active proteins. For instance, our study highlights the successful delivery of a peptide–drug conjugate that targets the PI3K/Akt pathway in triple-negative breast cancer cells, resulting in a 50% increase in apoptosis compared to free drug treatment.

In summary, peptide nanocarriers represent a promising platform for modern targeted anti-cancer therapies, offering the possibility of significant progress in cancer treatment, as well as the improvement of clinical outcomes. Their application has the potential to revolutionize approaches to oncology therapies, contributing to extending patients' lives and improving their quality of life. However, challenges such as potential interactions with healthy tissues and the long-term stability of peptide modifications must be addressed in future research.

This research was carried out within the SMART-MAT Functional Materials Scientific Club of the Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics at Cracow University of Technology and as part of the project entitled " Nanogels for biomedical applications", which was financed by the FutureLab organization operating at Cracow University of Technology.

The biological treatment of second cheese whey (SCW) was investigated using two different marine cultures, the microalgae Picochlorum costavermella and the cyanobacterium Geitlerinema sp. SCW is produced as a by-product in the manufacture of whey cheese and is characterized by a high organic load (d-COD), an acidic pH and high salinity. Seawater from the coastal area of Rio, near Patras, was used for dilution of the SCW to achieve an initial concentration of about 2000 mg d-COD/L in both cases without any external addition of the inorganic nutrients N and P.

Lab-scale experiments were conducted in separate Duran flasks with a working volume of 1L, under non-sterilized conditions, at room temperature (24 ± 1 ◦C), under continuous stirring (150 rpm) and continuous illumination (2000 lux) and without mechanical aeration. Optical microscopy studies revealed the development of a mixed-microorganism culture, consisting of the dominant microalgae/cyanobacteria biomass and the indigenous bacteria of the SCW.

The growth of the mixed biomass over time was studied, as was the removal of NO₃^- - N, PO₄^3-, d-COD and sugars. The simultaneous accumulation of bioproducts, such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, was also evaluated. The final biomass concentration was similar for both cultures, 710 mg/L for Geitlerinema sp. and 800 mg/L for P.costavermella, and the d-COD removal was approximately 55% and 65%, respectively. High removal rates were also achieved for sugars, with values of up to 80% and 91%, respectively. The cyanobacteria-dominated culture achieved higher carbohydrate (25.4%) and similar protein contents (19.8%) but a lower lipid (5.0%) content on the last day (10^th day) of cultivation than the microalgae-dominated culture (10.7%, 21.3% and 11.1%, respectively).

The biological approach used in this study has demonstrated that marine microalgae/cyanobacteria-based systems can be used as post-treatment steps for the treatment of dairy wastewater, while producing biomass useful in the biotechnology industry at the same time.

Choosing suitable wound dressings is crucial for effective wound healing. Spun scaffolds with bioactive molecule functionalization are gaining attention as a promising approach to expedite tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we present the synthesis of novel multifunctional quercetin with morpholine and pyridine functional motifs (QFM) embedded in silk fibroin (SF)-spun fibers (SF-QFM) for preclinical skin repair therapies. The verification of the novel QFM structural arrangement was characterized using ATR-FTIR, NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopy analysis. Extensive characterization of the spun SF-QFM fibrous mats revealed their excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and remarkable mechanical and controlled drug release capabilities. SF-QFM mats were studied for drug release in pH 7.4 PBS over 72 h. The QFM-controlled release is mainly driven by diffusion and follows Fickian’s law. Significant QFM release (40%) occurred within the first 6 h, with a total release of 79% at the end of 72 h, which is considered beneficial in effectively reducing bacterial load and helping expedite the healing process. Interestingly, the SF-QFM-spun mat demonstrated significantly improved NIH 3T3 cell proliferation and migration compared to the pure SF mat, as evidenced by the complete migration of NIH 3T3 cells within 24 h in the scratch assay. Furthermore, the in vivo outcome of SF-QFM was demonstrated by the regeneration of fresh fibroblasts and the realignment of collagen fibers deposition at 9 days post-operation in a preclinical rat full-thickness skin defect model. Our findings collectively indicate that the SF-QFM electrospun nanofiber scaffolds hold significant capability as a cost-effective and efficient bioactive spun architecture for use in wound healing applications.