Dongyang Ma

Conventional critical‐sized bone defect (CSD) implants frequently suffer from geometric mismatches and interfacial gaps with the host bone, leading to suboptimal osteogenesis and poor osseointegration. Herein, inspired by kirigami and origami concepts, we propose a novel approach for fabricating bioceramic scaffolds from pliable, trimmable hydrogel‐based ceramic precursors composed of photosensitive hydrogel components and nano‐hydroxyapatite. The hydrogel precursor exhibits superior ductility and elasticity, enabling convenient tailoring to the contours of complex bone defects, such as cranium. After sintering, the hydrogel‐derived bioceramic scaffolds exhibit ultra‐low linear shrinkage (∼10%), well‐defined structural fidelity, and moderate mechanical properties. In vitro experiments confirmed that the bioceramic scaffolds possess superior biocompatibility and promote osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by the upregulation of osteogenic genes (Runx2, Alp, Ocn, and Col I). In a rat CSD model, Micro‐CT and histological analyses demonstrated that the hydrogel‐derived bioceramic scaffolds promoted substantial new bone formation compared with the control group, which was further corroborated by immunohistochemical staining showing upregulated expression of osteogenic‐related proteins, including RUNX2, OPN, and OCN. Overall, this work provides a viable strategy for fabricating bioceramic scaffolds that match the geometric contours of bone defects while effectively promoting bone regeneration.

Background: Dental caries remains a globally prevalent biofilm-mediated disease driven by microbial dysbiosis and progressive enamel demineralization. The traditional “drill and fill” paradigm has increasingly given way to biologically informed preventive frameworks emphasizing ecological management. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes 134 studies (2016–2026) retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to evaluate emerging caries prevention strategies across three domains. Results: Three interrelated domains of advancement were identified. First, microbial ecological modulation—including probiotics, prebiotics, and targeted antimicrobial peptides—aims to restore oral microbiome homeostasis by disrupting cariogenic virulence without eliminating commensal flora. Second, nanomaterial-based targeted interventions utilizing stimuli-responsive carriers and biofilm-penetrating nanoparticles enable site-specific drug delivery with enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Third, precision-guided strategies incorporating caries risk assessment models and salivary biomarker diagnostics facilitate individualized prevention protocols. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a fundamental paradigm shift from indiscriminate microbial eradication to equilibrium-driven, ecology-centered disease management. Future directions include AI-assisted personalized prevention, chairside microbiome diagnostics, and smart responsive biomaterials for sustained caries control.

Pre-vascularized cartilage enhances bone regeneration (intrachondral osteogenesis) and accelerates bone defect healing. While current strategies focus on c

The regeneration of bone tissue depends on the harmonious interaction between blood vessels and nerve fibers, both essential for various physiological and pathological functions in the skeletal system. The key to mimicking the structure and function of natural bone lies in integrating angiogenesis and neurogenesis processes to prepare vascular–nerve–tissue-engineered bone (TEB). Unlike traditional strategies for constructing vascular nerve TEB (such as adding growth factors or cells to scaffolds or preparing composite scaffolds), this study employs a bottom–up approach, using modular microtissue units to construct novel vascular nerve TEB. Initially, vascular-nerve-bone microtissues composed of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and Schwann cells (SCs) were generated through three-dimensional coculture in microporous array plates. These vascular-neural-bone microtissues were then encapsulated as modular building blocks within gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels to construct large-scale vascular-neural TEB. The microtissue-based vascular-neural-TEB construction protocol demonstrated feasibility at the molecular, cellular, and tissue/organ levels. Research findings indicate that the GelMA/MSC/EPC/SC vascular-neural-TEB possesses concurrent capabilities for angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and osteogenesis during bone repair. These findings provide novel insights for the construction of multifunctional bone grafts and lay the foundation for the clinical treatment of bone defects.

In computer-assisted surgery for complex maxillofacial fractures, surgical navigation combined with 3-dimensional models and surgical guides remains the mainstream approach, whereas applied research on 3-dimensional-printed personalized bone plates remains relatively limited. Our team presents a case of complex maxillofacial fractures with multiple systemic injuries, retrospectively analyzing surgical outcomes and focusing on the advantages of 3-dimensional-printed, personalized bone plates in maxillofacial fracture repair, and the potential impact of residual stress caused by the manual bending of thicker plates.

The skeleton is an important organ in the human body. Bone defects caused by trauma, inflammation, tumors, and other reasons can impact the quality of life of patients. Although the skeleton has a certain ability to repair itself, the current most effective method is still autologous bone transplantation due to factors such as blood supply and defect size. Modern medicine is attempting to overcome these limitations through cell therapy, with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) playing a crucial role. MSCs can be extracted from different tissues, and their differentiation potential varies depending on the source. Various cells and cell secretions can influence this process. This article, based on previous research, reviews the effects of macrophages, endothelial cells (ECs), nerve cells, periodontal cells, and even some bacteria on MSC osteogenic differentiation, aiming to provide a reference for multicell coculture strategies related to osteogenesis.

Rationale: Myositis ossificans (MO) is characterized by benign heterotopic ossificans in soft tissues like muscles, which can be classified into nonhereditary MO and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Nonhereditary MO is characterized by ossification of the soft tissues after acute or repetitive trauma, burns, or surgical intervention. FOP is a rare and crippling disease characterized by congenital malformation of the big toe and heterotopic ossification in muscle. The majority of FOP’s musculoskeletal traits are associated with dysregulated chondrogenesis. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical manifestation, imaging examination, and genetic analysis. There is still no effective treatment to cure or slow its progression. The best approach remains early diagnosis, conservative drug treatment, and injury prevention to avoid local ossification. Patient concerns: A 34-year-old male presented at our hospital because of trismus caused by ossification of the masseter muscle. In addition, he had serious stiffness and multiple bony masses throughout the body, which led to limited movement. Diagnoses: Based on the clinical manifestation of movement restriction, characteristic radiographic images of ossification of soft tissues, the genetic test showing a heterozygous molecule (c.974G > C, p.G325A) of the activin A receptor type I, the patient was diagnosed as FOP complicated with localized MO in masseter after trauma and infection. Interventions: The patient underwent the surgical resection of ossification in the masseter muscle, he was instructed to insist on mouth-opening exercises and take glucocorticoids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications after surgery. Outcomes: The symptoms of trismus are relieved, and eating can be basically achieved after surgery, while the symptoms of trismus recurred 2 years later. Lessons: Although FOP has unique clinical manifestations, its diagnosis may be difficult because of its rarity. Gene analysis is the main standard for diagnosis, while patients with different genotypic variations may show different clinical symptoms. Therapeutic interventions are still supportive and preventive, and surgery is not recommended except under certain circumstances.

Bone regeneration materials combined with EGCG include natural polymer, synthetic polymer, bioceramic, metal, hydrogel and metal–EGCG networks. Currently, the above materials have been widely studied in the field of medicine.