Volume 4 Issue 3 by BME Horizon
BME Horizon, 2026
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), presents formidable trea... more Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), presents formidable treatment challenges owing to the intricacies of its anatomical structures and biological impediments. RNA-based therapeutics offer unprecedented potential for PDAC treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advances in PDAC-targeted nucleic acid delivery systems, including extracellular vesicles, polymer carriers, lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and antibody-drug conjugates. Key features of each delivery platform, such as their structural modifications and targeting mechanisms, are highlighted. Additionally, the review emphasizes their capacity to overcome PDAC-specific biological barriers (e.g., blood-pancreatic barrier, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, dense extracellular matrix). It also outlines current challenges and future directions in optimizing nucleic acid delivery for PDAC. Integrating the latest insights into PDAC biology, delivery system engineering, and nucleic acid drug development, this review provides a concise, up-to-date perspective to guide the design of effective translational strategies for PDAC therapy.
BME Horizon, 2026
Understanding the structure-property relationship of braided nitinol stents is critical for devel... more Understanding the structure-property relationship of braided nitinol stents is critical for developing devices with optimized mechanical performance for endovascular applications. This study systematically investigates how key geometric parameters (including points per inch (PPI), braiding angle, wire count, wire coverage coefficient (WCC), diameter, and braiding architecture), influence the compressive, bending, and torsional behavior of nitinol stents. A combined experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) approach was used to evaluate 54 configurations under three mechanical loading conditions. Results reveal strong linear correlations (R 2 ≥ 0.90) between mechanical performance and PPI, WCC, braiding angle, and diameter. Wire count plays a contradictory role in mechanical performance: higher wire numbers increase bending and torsional stiffness but reduce radial strength. The 1-1 braid structure provides superior torsional and bending strength compared to the 1-2 structure, without compromising compressive strength. Notably, in small-diameter (1 mm) catheters, increasing PPI reduces flexibility and torsional stiffness, contrary to trends observed in larger diameters. These findings offer a comprehensive design guideline for tailoring stent architecture to match specific mechanical and clinical requirements.
BME Horizon, 2026
Microwave (MW) medicine has emerged as a distinct interdisciplinary field, predicated on the uniq... more Microwave (MW) medicine has emerged as a distinct interdisciplinary field, predicated on the unique capacity of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation to penetrate deep-seated tissues and interact efficiently with biological dielectrics for diverse therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Despite its clinical establishment in tumor ablation and hemostasis, conventional MW interventions are largely constrained by non-selective macroscopic heating, leaving the intricate potential of non-thermal biophysical modulation underutilized. The integration of engineered biomaterials provides a transformative framework to bridge this gap, enabling the precise modulation of MW-tissue interactions at the micro-and nanoscale. This review systematically elucidates how rational material design via tuning dielectric and magnetic loss, band-gap engineering, and structural polarization expands MW medicine beyond bulk heating toward controlled biological regulation. We discuss mechanisms where biomaterials function as localized energy antennas to sharpen thermal gradients, as MW-dynamic sensitizers to induce reactive oxygen species generation, and as intelligent interfaces to regulate ionic homeostasis. Representative advancements are summarized across antitumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory therapies, alongside innovations in high-fidelity thermoacoustic imaging. Furthermore, emerging frontiers in non-destructive tissue repair and neuromodulation are highlighted. This review critically examines the design principles and translational challenges of MW-based medical technologies by analyzing correlations between physicochemical parameters and specific biological outcomes. It is expected to advance MW medicine from empirically guided thermal interventions toward mechanism-driven, precision-targeted electromagnetic therapeutics.
BME Horizon, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the design of ionizable lipids, the pivotal compo... more Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the design of ionizable lipids, the pivotal components of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery, enabling efficient exploration of vast chemical space of ionizable lipids beyond the reach of traditional methods. This mini-review explores the burgeoning field of AI-powered design and optimization of ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery. We also discuss the critical role of high-throughput experimental strategies, particularly barcoding coupled with next-generation sequencing, in generating the large-scale in vivo datasets for model training. Finally, we discuss current challenges, including data quality and the necessity for domain-specific modeling strategies, and present a future outlook on the integration of AI with scientific computing for LNP research.
BME Horizon, 2026
Messenger RNA (mRNA) protein replacement therapy harnesses synthetic mRNA to direct endogenous pr... more Messenger RNA (mRNA) protein replacement therapy harnesses synthetic mRNA to direct endogenous protein synthesis, offering a versatile approach to restore or substitute proteins that are absent or dysfunctional in disease. Here, we review recent advances that have transformed this concept into a promising therapeutic platform, summarizing progress in mRNA design, delivery technologies, and preclinical and clinical applications across metabolic, oncological, and cardiovascular disorders. We also examine persistent challenges, including achieving precise tissue targeting, extending expression duration, and balancing immune tolerance with translation efficiency, that define the next frontier for clinical translation. By systematically analyzing these obstacles and evaluating emerging solutions, such as next-generation mRNA architectures, targeted biomaterial platforms, and programmable expression control, the review proposes new conceptual and technological directions for the next phase of mRNA therapeutic development. Collectively, these insights provide a structure for advancing mRNA protein replacement from proof-of-concept studies toward a broadly applicable platform for precision medicine.
BME Horizon, 2026
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal regulators of the immunosuppressive tumor microen... more Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal regulators of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and major contributors to resistance against conventional and immunotherapeutic interventions. Rather than eliminating TAMs, emerging strategies aim to functionally reprogram them toward an antitumor phenotype, a therapeutic objective uniquely enabled by the precise, transient, and non-integrating nature of mRNA, which allows reversible modulation without genomic risk. Recent progress in nanocarrier design has improved selective delivery to TAMs through both passive uptake and active targeting, with administration routes tailored to tumor location. Precise immunomodulatory interventions in macrophages, accomplished by mRNA payloads designed to induce pro-inflammatory polarization, enhance phagocytosis, or block immunosuppressive signals, thereby remodel the tumor immune microenvironment and generate synergy with established treatments. Future efforts might concentrate on macrophage heterogeneity, carrier immunogenicity, and scalable formulation development to advance clinical translation, not only in cancer but also in other diseases shaped by dysregulated macrophage function.
Volume 4, Issue 2 by BME Horizon
BME Horizon, 2026
T cell-derived extracellular vesicles (TcEVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer-bound particles, includ... more T cell-derived extracellular vesicles (TcEVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer-bound particles, including exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and T cell microvilli particles. TcEVs possess advantages such as high yield, favorable biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and excellent solid tumor penetration, showing great potential in cancer immunotherapy. However, natural TcEVs exhibit weak targeting ability, limited immune activity, and low drug-loading capacity. To address these issues, several engineering strategies have been adopted to modify the vesicles through genetic engineering, surface modification, and drug-loading, thereby achieving effective treatment of both hematological and solid tumors. This review summarizes TcEVs' classification, biological functions, engineering strategies, and applications in cancer immunotherapy, while discussing challenges and prospects to facilitate their clinical translation.
BME Horizon, 2026
Traditional cancer treatment methodologies, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and im... more Traditional cancer treatment methodologies, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, commonly lead to severe adverse reactions. In recent years, innovative treatment modalities, particularly photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), have garnered increasing attention due to their enhanced therapeutic levels. Against this background, black TiO 2 , a new kind of functional material, has become a research emphasis in the domain of cancer treatment. This material exhibits broad spectral absorption and strong near-infrared light penetration, enabling it to efficiently satisfy the optical requirements of both PDT and PTT. This article presents a mini review of PDT, PTT, and their synergistic combination strategies based on black TiO 2 .
BME Horizon, 2026
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are increasingly recognized as a promising therape... more Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are increasingly recognized as a promising therapeutic tool in regenerative medicine, particularly for skin wound repair. However, achieving consistent and effective healing remains a clinical challenge, especially in chronic or complex wounds. ADSC-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) have emerged as a key cell-free alternative, functioning as nanoscale messengers that transfer bioactive molecules to coordinate tissue regeneration. Unlike cell-based therapies, ADSC-Exos offer enhanced safety, stability, and logistical advantages while retaining potent regulatory capacity. They orchestrate multiple stages of wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, modulating inflammation, and accelerating re-epithelialization. This review first evaluates the relative benefits and limitations of various mesenchymal stem cells-derived cell populations for wound therapy. We then systematically examine the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of ADSC-Exos in skin repair, highlighting recent advances in their isolation, engineering, and delivery. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges and strategic insights for clinical translation. By integrating existing evidence with future perspectives, this review aims to guide the development of ADSC-Exos-based acellular therapies toward improved wound regeneration outcomes.
BME Horizon, 2026
Medical catheters constitute indispensable components of contemporary healthcare, yet they are co... more Medical catheters constitute indispensable components of contemporary healthcare, yet they are confronted with persistent limitations in biocompatibility and functionality, such as thrombosis, infection, and tissue injury, which adversely affect patient safety and therapeutic outcomes. Surface coating technology has consequently arisen as a critical approach to reengineer the catheter-biological interface, thereby augmenting functional performance while preserving the intrinsic properties of the bulk materials. This review systematically outlines recent advances in coating technologies for medical catheters. It begins by analyzing mainstream coating methods, such as layer-by-layer self-assembly, surface grafting, and biomimetic adhesion, followed by the introduction of coatings with anticoagulant, antibacterial, lubricant, and multifunctional properties. The effectiveness and challenges of these coatings in clinical applications, such as cardiovascular intervention, long-term indwelling urinary catheters, and respiratory management are critically examined. Finally, the review discusses current translational bottlenecks and future trends toward intelligent, durable, and cost-effective coating solutions, providing a comprehensive reference for developing next-generation high-performance medical catheters.
BME Horizon, 2026
Magnesium alloys are primarily composed of magnesium, with the additions of elements such as calc... more Magnesium alloys are primarily composed of magnesium, with the additions of elements such as calcium, yttrium, and zinc. In the human physiological environment, they gradually degrade, and their degradation products can be absorbed, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties comparable to bone tissue, and degradability; thus, they hold broad prospects in orthopedics. Nanotechnology involves the design and manufacture of materials, devices, and systems with unique physical, chemical, and biological properties by controlling the arrangement and interactions of atoms, molecules, or nanostructural units at the nanoscale (1-100 nm). The integration of these two technologies shows exceptional potential for orthopedic regenerative repair. Nanotechnology significantly enhances the mechanical performance, bioactivity, antibacterial properties, and controlled degradation of biodegradable magnesium alloys through various approaches, while biodegradable magnesium alloys provide an ideal biomaterial carrier for nanotechnology, enabling the better exertion of its advantages in bone tissue repair. This review summarizes the innovations arising from the fusion of magnesium alloys and nanotechnology in bone repair, aiming to advance the evolution of orthopedic medical devices, promote a shift in clinical treatment paradigms toward personalized and precise therapy, and ultimately deliver superior and more efficient therapeutic options for patients with orthopedic conditions, thereby improving human health and quality of life.
BME Horizon, 2026
Antibody-targeted lipid nanoparticles (Ab-LNPs) represent a highly promising delivery platform fo... more Antibody-targeted lipid nanoparticles (Ab-LNPs) represent a highly promising delivery platform for precision therapy, enabling efficient in vivo targeted delivery of nucleic acid drugs such as mRNA, DNA and siRNA. Currently, the two primary strategies for antibody functionalization of LNPs are the post-insertion method and direct surface conjugation. This review outlines the key chemistry, manufacturing, and controls challenges associated with scaling up of Ab-LNP production, with a focus on antibody modification strategies, process scale-up challenges, and quality control considerations. It aims to provide practical guidance for translating Ab-LNP technology from laboratory research to scalable manufacturing.
Volume 4 Issue 1 by BME Horizon
BME Horizon, 2026
Peripheral nerve injury remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in cases of long-g... more Peripheral nerve injury remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in cases of long-gap defects. While autologous nerve grafting serves as the current gold standard treatment, its limitations include donor site morbidity and limited donor nerve availability. As a promising alternative, nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have emerged within the field of tissue engineering. Incorporating electrical stimulation into NGCs has been shown to facilitate peripheral nerve repair by promoting Schwann cell migration and neurite extension. A significant advancement in this area is the application of piezoelectric biomaterials, which generate endogenous electrical signals from physiological mechanical stimuli. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or additional surgical interventions. This review systematically examines the material design, fabrication strategies, and electromechanical properties of piezoelectric NGCs, along with their recent applications for enhancing Schwann cell function, guiding axonal growth, and promoting functional nerve recovery. Furthermore, it discusses current challenges and future directions, aiming to provide novel insights for the development of next-generation intelligent neural repair materials.
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Volume 4 Issue 3 by BME Horizon
Volume 4, Issue 2 by BME Horizon
Volume 4 Issue 1 by BME Horizon