As the primary skin-contact interface in wearable electrocardiograph (ECG) devices, epidermal electrodes play a pivotal role in determining both signal quality and biocompatibility. With continuous advancements in materials science and structural engineering, next-generation flexible and stretchable bioelectrodes have emerged, enabling long-term ECG monitoring and offering superior signal-to-noise ratios compared to conventional clinical electrodes. Their performance in ensuring reliable signal acquisition and user comfort is primarily governed by key interfacial mechanical and electrical properties, including mechanical compliance (i.e., flexibility and stretchability), interfacial adhesion (i.e., conformability and adhesion strength), and electrical characteristics (i.e., contact impedance). In recent years, significant progress has been made in enhancing the signal acquisition capabilities of flexible and stretchable bioelectrodes by optimizing these critical interfacial attributes. This review highlights the latest advances in conformable epidermal electrodes, encompassing traditional wet electrodes, flexible dry electrodes, novel dry electrodes based on organic electrochemical transistors, and integrated wearable systems. We systematically examine strategies for improving skin-electrode interface performance in ECG monitoring. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and future directions to advance epidermal electrode technologies for next-generation wearable healthcare applications.

A large amount of medical equipment is now extensively utilized in healthcare institutions to assist clinical practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. And the applications of such advanced and sophisticated medical equipment have greatly improved the quality of patient care, significantly alleviated the sufferings of patients, and facilitated their rehabilitation. Nevertheless, failures and malfunctions of medical equipment have compromised its reliability and effectiveness as well as jeopardizing the safety of patients and clinical staffs. And a majority of the failures can be attributed to the insufficient and inappropriate maintenance. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effective maintenance management to ensure that medical equipment is in its optimal function, and thereby mitigating the clinical risk resulted by adverse events. The presented review mainly discussed the maintenance strategies of medical equipment including corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance and predictive maintenance. In order to replace the fixed-interval of preventive maintenance, we systematically discussed methods to adjust the maintenance period. Additionally, two strategies to predicting future failures of medical equipment through processing and analyzing the maintenance data obtained from the historical maintenance logs and condition data collected by the embedded sensors are elaborated. Besides, the classification and life cycle of medical equipment are also summarized.

With the development of 3D printing technologies, cellulose has been explored to realize its sophisticated geometry fabrication in this field for a variety of applications. This review focuses specifically on the latest research progress of 3D printing cellulose by discussing the characteristics of cellulose materials, different 3D printing technologies, and their optimal performance for applications in various fields like biomedicine, food packaging, and tissue engineering. The challenges of preparing 3D printing “ink” of cellulose using dissolved cellulose or nanocellulose are introduced. Finally, the corresponding applications of cellulose using 3D printing are classified and the strategies to optimize production performance are provided.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes and often result in amputation. Traditional wound care methods have limitations in addressing the complex pathophysiology of DFUs. Hydrogel dressings, a type of biomaterial, have emerged as promising candidates for treating DFUs due to their biocompatibility, ability to retain moisture, and potential to incorporate therapeutic agents. Hydrogels create a moist environment, promote cell migration, and reduce inflammation, thereby supporting wound healing. Incorporating bioactive molecules, such as growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents, can further enhance the effectiveness of hydrogels. Additionally, stem cells can be loaded into hydrogels to improve tissue regeneration and help modulate the wound microenvironment. Recent advancements in hydrogel technology have also led to the development of smart hydrogels that can respond to changes in wound conditions, such as glucose levels and pH. These intelligent dressings offer personalized care by delivering targeted treatments based on real-time wound data. This review explores the mechanisms behind DFU development, the role of hydrogels in wound healing, and recent progress in hydrogel technologies for personalized DFU care.

Brain diseases, including psychosis, neurological disorders, strokes, etc., account for more than 15% of all global health damage, which is higher than that caused by cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Brain health and the treatment of brain diseases have become major challenges of the 21st century. The past few decades have witnessed a series of significant advances in human brain science research. The pathogenesis of brain diseases at the molecular and genetic level is being revealed, indicating promising outcomes. However, the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly impedes the delivery of drugs and genes to the brain, which seriously hinders the treatment of brain diseases. This review article provides a brief overview of the concept and history of the BBB. We focus on the critical obstacles and solutions of different kinds of therapeutics, including small molecule drugs, peptides, proteins, and genes, to break through the BBB. Delivery mechanisms, strategies, and vehicles are summarized. Recent advances and efforts in drug delivery studies that aim to overcome the BBB will greatly facilitate the development of brain disease treatment.

A large amount of medical equipment is now extensively utilized in healthcare institutions to assist clinical practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. And the applications of such advanced and sophisticated medical equipment have greatly improved the quality of patient care, significantly alleviated the sufferings of patients, and facilitated their rehabilitation. Nevertheless, failures and malfunctions of medical equipment have compromised its reliability and effectiveness as well as jeopardizing the safety of patients and clinical staffs. And a majority of the failures can be attributed to the insufficient and inappropriate maintenance. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effective maintenance management to ensure that medical equipment is in its optimal function, and thereby mitigating the clinical risk resulted by adverse events. The presented review mainly discussed the maintenance strategies of medical equipment including corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance and predictive maintenance. In order to replace the fixed-interval of preventive maintenance, we systematically discussed methods to adjust the maintenance period. Additionally, two strategies to predicting future failures of medical equipment through processing and analyzing the maintenance data obtained from the historical maintenance logs and condition data collected by the embedded sensors are elaborated. Besides, the classification and life cycle of medical equipment are also summarized.

As the primary skin-contact interface in wearable electrocardiograph (ECG) devices, epidermal electrodes play a pivotal role in determining both signal quality and biocompatibility. With continuous advancements in materials science and structural engineering, next-generation flexible and stretchable bioelectrodes have emerged, enabling long-term ECG monitoring and offering superior signal-to-noise ratios compared to conventional clinical electrodes. Their performance in ensuring reliable signal acquisition and user comfort is primarily governed by key interfacial mechanical and electrical properties, including mechanical compliance (i.e., flexibility and stretchability), interfacial adhesion (i.e., conformability and adhesion strength), and electrical characteristics (i.e., contact impedance). In recent years, significant progress has been made in enhancing the signal acquisition capabilities of flexible and stretchable bioelectrodes by optimizing these critical interfacial attributes. This review highlights the latest advances in conformable epidermal electrodes, encompassing traditional wet electrodes, flexible dry electrodes, novel dry electrodes based on organic electrochemical transistors, and integrated wearable systems. We systematically examine strategies for improving skin-electrode interface performance in ECG monitoring. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and future directions to advance epidermal electrode technologies for next-generation wearable healthcare applications.

With the development of 3D printing technologies, cellulose has been explored to realize its sophisticated geometry fabrication in this field for a variety of applications. This review focuses specifically on the latest research progress of 3D printing cellulose by discussing the characteristics of cellulose materials, different 3D printing technologies, and their optimal performance for applications in various fields like biomedicine, food packaging, and tissue engineering. The challenges of preparing 3D printing “ink” of cellulose using dissolved cellulose or nanocellulose are introduced. Finally, the corresponding applications of cellulose using 3D printing are classified and the strategies to optimize production performance are provided.

This review examines recent advances and applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in orthopedic fracture management, with a particular focus on its transformative role in personalized treatment strategies. The introduction of patient-specific 3D-printed implants and fracture plates has markedly improved surgical outcomes by reducing operative time, enhancing anatomical alignment, and promoting bone healing. By enabling the fabrication of customized implants, 3D printing provides an innovative approach for managing complex fractures and bone defects, particularly in cases where conventional methods are inadequate. Key benefits discussed include the development of tailored fracture plates, bone scaffolds, and bioactive materials that support bone regeneration. The review also explores the potential of emerging technologies such as four-dimensional printing and bioprinting, which allow for the creation of dynamic implants capable of adapting to biological changes and facilitating tissue regeneration. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence into preoperative planning and implant design is highlighted for its contribution to improving surgical precision and individualized treatment. This review consolidates the latest advancements while also addressing challenges, including high production costs and regulatory barriers, that must be overcome for widespread clinical adoption. In conclusion, the future of orthopedic fracture management is expected to be significantly reshaped by the continuous evolution of 3D printing technologies, offering more personalized, effective, and efficient solutions for patients. As these innovations progress, 3D printing is anticipated to play a pivotal role in advancing orthopedic surgery and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes and often result in amputation. Traditional wound care methods have limitations in addressing the complex pathophysiology of DFUs. Hydrogel dressings, a type of biomaterial, have emerged as promising candidates for treating DFUs due to their biocompatibility, ability to retain moisture, and potential to incorporate therapeutic agents. Hydrogels create a moist environment, promote cell migration, and reduce inflammation, thereby supporting wound healing. Incorporating bioactive molecules, such as growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents, can further enhance the effectiveness of hydrogels. Additionally, stem cells can be loaded into hydrogels to improve tissue regeneration and help modulate the wound microenvironment. Recent advancements in hydrogel technology have also led to the development of smart hydrogels that can respond to changes in wound conditions, such as glucose levels and pH. These intelligent dressings offer personalized care by delivering targeted treatments based on real-time wound data. This review explores the mechanisms behind DFU development, the role of hydrogels in wound healing, and recent progress in hydrogel technologies for personalized DFU care.