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3 pages, 183 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects

by Madalina Simona Baltatu, Petrica Vizureanu and Andrei Victor Sandu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11450; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011450 - 19 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Biomaterials have quickly progressed from being passive objects created for tissue replacement to dynamic systems that can aid in tissue regeneration, transport medications, and even direct cellular behavior [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

Research

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15 pages, 5029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Polysaccharide-Based Coaxial Fibers Using Wet Spinning Processes and Their Protein Loading Properties

by Takuya Sagawa, Hiroki Morizumi, Kazutoshi Iijima, Yusuke Yataka and Mineo Hashizume

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8053; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148053 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1371

Abstract

Fibers composed of polysaccharides are a promising candidate to be applied for biomaterials such as absorbable surgical sutures, textile fabrics, and hierarchical three-dimensional scaffolds. In this work, in order to fabricate biocompatible fibers with controlled-release abilities, the fabrication of coaxial fibers of calcium [...] Read more.

Fibers composed of polysaccharides are a promising candidate to be applied for biomaterials such as absorbable surgical sutures, textile fabrics, and hierarchical three-dimensional scaffolds. In this work, in order to fabricate biocompatible fibers with controlled-release abilities, the fabrication of coaxial fibers of calcium alginate (ALG-Ca) and polyion complexes (PICs) consisting of chitosan (CHI) and chondroitin sulfate C (CS), denoted as ALG-PIC fibers, by using a wet spinning process, and the evaluation of their molecular loading and release behavior were performed. The diameter and mechanical strength of the obtained ALG-PIC fibers increased with increasing concentrations of the CHI solution for PIC coatings. This indicated that higher concentrations of the CHI solution afforded a thicker PIC coating layer. Further, fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled-bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA)-loaded ALG-PIC fibers were successfully prepared. The release behavior of FITC-BSA in the fibers exhibited a slower rate at the initial state than that in ALG-Ca, indicating that PIC coatings suppressed an initial burst release of the loading molecules. Accordingly, the fabricated coaxial fibers can be utilized as sustained-release drug carriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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17 pages, 3000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scale-up and Economic Assessment of Biofunctional Particles Synthesis for Bilirubin Removal

by María del Prado Garrido, Juan Francisco Rodriguez, Maria Jesús Ramos, Manuel Carmona, Francisco Javier Redondo Calvo and Ana Maria Borreguero

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 5150; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13085150 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1175

Abstract

The scale-up and the economic feasibility of the synthesis of St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles biofunctionalized with HSA were studied. First, the geometrical similarity of laboratory and pilot plant reactors was checked to develop the scale up of the process according to a criterion of partial [...] Read more.

The scale-up and the economic feasibility of the synthesis of St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles biofunctionalized with HSA were studied. First, the geometrical similarity of laboratory and pilot plant reactors was checked to develop the scale up of the process according to a criterion of partial similarity. The selected criterion was constant Re number. Then, a reaction in the pilot plant scale was carried out, confirming the suitability of the scale-up criterion, since particles with similar characteristics (same particle size with a deviation of just 6%) and functional groups were obtained. Finally, the design of an industrial plant able to produce 581 Tm/year of HSA functionalized St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles was addressed. The economic feasibility of this plant was confirmed by a value of internal rate of return (IRR) of 14.8% and a net present value (NPV) of 5452 M€, with a payback time between six and seven years, for the price of a cartridge 25% lower than that from the current treatments for bilirubin removal from patients with liver failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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11 pages, 4096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Beetroot–Gelatin Films Containing Silver Particles Obtained via Green Synthesis

by Judita Puišo, Diana Adliene, Algimantas Paškevičius and Artūras Vailionis

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031926 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1693

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles are produced using various physical, chemical or physicochemical methods. Simple low-cost nontoxic environmentally friendly, or “green”, chemistry methods are important, especially for their invasive application in the medicine and food industries. Silver-nanoparticle-enriched biocompatible films were produced at room temperature from fresh [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles are produced using various physical, chemical or physicochemical methods. Simple low-cost nontoxic environmentally friendly, or “green”, chemistry methods are important, especially for their invasive application in the medicine and food industries. Silver-nanoparticle-enriched biocompatible films were produced at room temperature from fresh beetroot juice, AgNO₃ and gelatin–water solution using the photoreduction method. The optical, morphological and structural characteristics of the experimental samples were analyzed using UV-VIS, XRD and SEM techniques. The antimicrobial activity of newly produced films was investigated using the agar diffusion method. The synthesis of nanoparticles was approved their characteristic LSPR peaks in the UV-VIS absorbance spectra. According to the XRD patterns of the films, these nanoparticles were assigned to the cubic phase of metallic Ag. It was found that the antimicrobial activity of the silver nanoparticles in the beetroot–gelatin films might be effective; however, it depends on the silver ion concentrations used for the production of these films and on the medium’s pH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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13 pages, 4357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Influence of the Dielectrophoretic Force on the Preferential Growth of Bacterial Biofilms in 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices

by Alexandra Csapai, Dan Alexandru Toc, Violeta Pascalau, Nicoleta Tosa, Septimiu Tripon, Alexandra Ciorîță, Razvan Marian Mihaila, Bogdan Mociran, Carmen Costache and Catalin O. Popa

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010060 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1523

Abstract

Understanding the effect of different electric potentials upon the preferential formation of biofilms inside microfluidic devices could represent a step forward in comprehending the mechanisms that govern biofilm formation and growth. 3D printed microfluidic devices were used to investigate the influence of the [...] Read more.

Understanding the effect of different electric potentials upon the preferential formation of biofilms inside microfluidic devices could represent a step forward in comprehending the mechanisms that govern biofilm formation and growth. 3D printed microfluidic devices were used to investigate the influence of the dielectrophoretic forces on the formation and growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 biofilms. Bacterial suspensions of 2.5 McF were pushed through microfluidic channels while simultaneously applying various potential differences between 10 and 60 V. The overall electric field distribution within the channel was simulated using the COMOSL software. The effect of the electric potential variation on the preferential biofilm formation was determined using an adjusted microtiter plate technique, as well as a qualitative method, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM images were used to describe the morphology of the biofilm surface. The conclusions show that the dielectrophoretic forces, resulting due to inhomogeneity of the electric field, have more visible effects upon the cells up to 40 V. Above this magnitude, due to a more homogenous distribution of the electric field, the formation and growth of the biofilm become more uniform. At around 60 V, the distance between the high electric gradient regions decreases, leading to an almost uniform distribution of the electric field and, therefore, to a shift from dielectrophoretic to electrophoretic forces acting upon the bacterial cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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11 pages, 2258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ni-Cr Alloys Assessment for Dental Implants Suitability

by Dragos Cristian Achitei, Mădălina Simona Baltatu, Petrică Vizureanu, Andrei Victor Sandu, Marcelin Benchea and Bogdan Istrate

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12814; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412814 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2054

Abstract

The performance of the field and the condition of success in oral implantology today require the review and reevaluation of the means that contribute essentially to ensuring the stability and durability of the implant, starting from the nature of the biomaterial and continuing [...] Read more.

The performance of the field and the condition of success in oral implantology today require the review and reevaluation of the means that contribute essentially to ensuring the stability and durability of the implant, starting from the nature of the biomaterial and continuing with the characteristics of the optimally designed biosurface. This paper proposes a comparative analysis of three commercial alloys, VeraBond, Kera N, and VeraSoft, compared to a modified dental alloy, with the aim of improving some mechanical properties. They have been studied structurally and mechanically. The microstructural structure shows that the alloys crystallize in the face-centered cube system, and the cast alloy has a dendritic structure with large grains. XRD diffractograms highlight that alloys exhibit three compounds Cr156.00 Al596.00: 9013031, Ni4.00, and Cr30.00Al48.00. The hardness measurements showed values between 203 HV and 430 HV. As the percentage of silicon increases, the hardness decreases. The modulus of elasticity obtained by the indentation method for the dental alloys was in the range of 46–153 GPa. The results showed that the hardness and elastic modulus of the new alloy was significantly minimized compared to the classical alloys used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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15 pages, 8755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Heat Treatment on Some Titanium Alloys Used as Biomaterials

by Madalina Simona Baltatu, Cristiana Chiriac-Moruzzi, Petrica Vizureanu, László Tóth and János Novák

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11241; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122111241 - 6 Nov 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2641

Abstract

Titanium-based alloys are constantly improved to obtain properties suitable for their use. Improving titanium alloys is very important for performing alloys without side effects. In this paper effects of structure, microhardness, and indentation test of eight titanium alloys were investigated after aging. The [...] Read more.

Titanium-based alloys are constantly improved to obtain properties suitable for their use. Improving titanium alloys is very important for performing alloys without side effects. In this paper effects of structure, microhardness, and indentation test of eight titanium alloys were investigated after aging. The heat treatment consisted of a high-temperature quenching accomplished in three steps (650 °C for 25 min, 850 °C for 20 min, and 950 °C for 20 min). The cooling process was accomplished using N₂ gas, introduced in the chamber at a 9-bar pressure for 37 min. Then, followed by heating to a constant temperature tempering (550 °C) at 1.5 bar pressure and kept for 2 h and 10 min at 2 bar pressure. Optical microscopy images were obtained of Ti-Mo-Zr-Ta alloys with grain-specific aspects of titanium alloys; acicular and coarse structures are specific to β alloys. Microhardness results showed significantly influenced by the heat treatment, increased by approximately 5% for Ti15Mo7Zr15Ta1Si and Ti20Mo7Zr15Ta0.5Si, while for Ti15Mo7Zr15Ta0.5Si and Ti20Mo7Zr15Ta an approximately 9% decrease has been noted. The modulus of elasticity results obtained by the indentation method for the experimental alloys were between 36.25–66.24 GPa. The heat treatments applied to the alloys had a pronounced effect, improving both the structure of the alloys and the results of the indentation test. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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Review

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27 pages, 9322 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Options and Future Perspectives on Bone Graft and Biomaterials Substitutes for Bone Repair, from Clinical Needs to Advanced Biomaterials Research

by Vlad Al. Georgeanu, Oana Gingu, Iulian V. Antoniac and Horia O. Manolea

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8471; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148471 - 22 Jul 2023

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6351

Abstract

The ideal biomaterials substitute for bone repair should possess the following characteristics: provide osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties; stimulate the neo-angiogenesis process; absence of antigenic, teratogenic or carcinogenic reactions; avoid the systemic toxicity complications; assure satisfactory support and stability from mechanical properties point [...] Read more.

The ideal biomaterials substitute for bone repair should possess the following characteristics: provide osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties; stimulate the neo-angiogenesis process; absence of antigenic, teratogenic or carcinogenic reactions; avoid the systemic toxicity complications; assure satisfactory support and stability from mechanical properties point of view; hydrophilic nature of the surface properties and good interface with human bone; good handling in clinical condition and ability to be easy sterilized; and able to be supplied in sufficient quantities with reduced costs. Despite years of effort, the perfect bone reconstruction material has not yet been developed; further effort is required to make this objective feasible. The aim of this article is to provide a contemporary and comprehensive overview of the grafting materials that can be applied for the treatment of bone defects by the clinicians from orthopedics surgery, neurosurgery and dentistry, discussing their properties, advantages and disadvantages, and illuminating present and future perspectives in the field of bone graft and biomaterials substitutes for bone repair, from clinical needs to advanced biomaterials research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Biomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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