Soft microfluidic systems play a pivotal role in personalized medicine, particularly in in vitro diagnostics tools and disease modeling. These systems offer unprecedented precision and versatility, enabling the creation of intricate three-dimensional (3D) tissue models that can closely emulate both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. By leveraging innovative biomaterials and bioinks, soft microfluidic systems can circumvent the current limitations involving the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), thus facilitating the development of customizable systems capable of sustaining the functions of encapsulated cells and mimicking complex biological microenvironments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImplantable neural electrodes are key components of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), but the mismatch in mechanical and biological properties between electrode materials and brain tissue can lead to foreign body reactions and glial scarring, and subsequently compromise the long-term stability of electrical signal transmission. In this study, we proposed a new concept for the design and bioaugmentation of implantable electrodes (bio-array electrodes) featuring a heterogeneous gradient structure. Different composite polyaniline-gelatin-alginate based conductive hydrogel formulations were developed for electrode surface coating.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this study, a novel synthesis approach was employed to create the KIT-6/TiO photocatalyst with different ratios of Si/Ti. The results of the X-ray diffraction revealed that incorporating TiO with the anatase phase maintained the mesoporous structure of KIT-6 (Korean Institute of Technology 6). The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images exhibited unobstructed mesopores, validating their anchoring within the internal structure of the support.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To investigate the perspectives of infertile couples regarding embryo cryopreservation throughout assisted reproduction treatment.
Methods: The convenience sample included infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. They responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to gauge views and opinions on cryopreservation of surplus embryos.