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Functionalization of biomaterials with specific functional groups is one of the most straightforward strategies to induce specific cell responses to biomaterials. In this study, thiol (SH) and amino (NH 2 ) functional groups have been successfully modified on the surfaces of mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) scaffolds to form thiol-functionalized MBG (SH-MBG) and amino-functionalized MBG (NH 2 -MBG) scaffolds by a post-grafting technique. The effects of functional groups on structure, physicochemical and biological properties of MBG scaffolds were systematically investigated. The results showed that the functionalization of MBG scaffolds did not change their structures, and the SH-MBG and NH 2 -MBG scaffolds still had hierarchical pore architecture (macropore of 300-500 µm and mesopore of 3.5-4 nm) and high porosity (84-86%), similar to the MBG scaffolds. Furthermore, the SH-MBG and NH 2 -MBG scaffolds possessed similar apatite mineralization ability and biocompatibility compared to the MBG scaffolds. Importantly, the SH-MBG and NH 2 -MBG scaffolds significantly stimulated adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).Therefore, functionalization of MBG scaffolds with SH and NH 2 functional groups would be a viable way to tailor the surface characteristics for stimulating biological responses of hBMSCs, and the functionalized MBG scaffolds would be a promising bioactive material for bone tissue engineering applications.

The citrate industry has a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceutical, and other fields. As a common class of food additives and functional supplements with tremendous development potential and strong core competitiveness, particles with good powder characteristics and functionalization are becoming one of the primary directions in the evolution of citrate into the high-end market. This article reviews the primary citrate crystallization techniques and examines the fundamental citrate crystallization mechanisms by describing citrate nucleation and growth during the industrial crystallization process. A variety of citrate hydrates are also summarized. The primary control conditions of the three essential product indices of purity, particle size, and grain shape are established. The need to take into account the density, fluidity, caking resistance, dissolution rate, suspension, bioavailability, and other indices of products is highlighted, along with applications for products that meet the purity and particle size requirements. While summarizing industrial citrate crystallization equipment, this paper also discusses the beneficial effect of continuous crystallization in achieving industrialization. Finally, the future development of citrate crystals is anticipated, and it is suggested that the combination of basic research and application research should be strengthened to explore the new application field of citrate crystals, and the automation and intelligence of the crystal preparation process should be realized as far as possible.