Macromolecular Materials and Engineering

A novel solvent-cast direct-writing method is demonstrated for 3D printing biodegradable scaffolds for drug delivery. This technique enables the fabrication of intricate biodegradable architectures loaded with thermosensitive drugs. Thermal, physical, mechanical, and dissolution studies highlight how polymer composition influences drug release, expanding the potential of this fabrication method for advanced tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

This study investigates the use of graphene oxide-decorated bacterial cellulose (BC/GO) scaffolds combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance axonal regeneration after sciatic nerve injury in rats. Graphene oxide is embedded monodispersely into the BC fibrillar matrix. The composite scaffold shows potential to support functional nerve regeneration by improving cellular interactions and tissue repair.

Front Cover: This illustration depicts the integration of 3D printing and electrospinning to fabricate nanofiber-coated scaffolds. Incorporating hydroxyapatite-loaded nanofibers significantly boosts osteogenesis, hydrophilicity, and cell compatibility. This multifunctional surface engineering strategy offers a powerful route toward next-generation bone graft substitutes with tailored mechanical strength, improved bioactivity, and enhanced osteogenesis. More details can be found in article 2400286 by Norbert Radacsi and co-workers.

Because of its high viscosity, HMWPE needs an exact adjustment between material and processing parameters as well as printing strategy. The concentration of carbon black fillers influences the processability of HMWPE in PBF-LB/P. The mechanical properties of printed parts can be optimized by volume energy density and absorption at the optimum carbon black concentration.