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Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Biomacromolecules and Biobased Polymers

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A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5519

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Dr. Shichao Ding

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Guest Editor

School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
Interests: wearable electronics; biosensors; autonomous devices; flexible materials; energy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wenzhuo Chen

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Co-Guest Editor

School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, China
Interests: supramolecular self-assembly; cation-π chemistry; biomaterial science; nanobiotechnology; Pt(II) metallacycles

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomacromolecules and biobased polymers encompass a diverse range of large molecular substances found in biological organisms, including nucleic acids (polynucleotides), proteins (polypeptides), carbohydrates (glucans or polysaccharides) and lipids. These substances have attracted significant attention in the biopharmaceutical field due to their natural properties such as high biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity and efficient targeting capabilities. Moreover, as environmentally friendly materials, biomacromolecules and biobased polymers are easily degradable and renewable, offering potential solutions to global energy depletion issues. Despite their promising properties, challenges exist in replacing traditional polymers with these substances for advanced materials, including issues with stability, high extraction costs and limited processability. Efforts in optimized design synthesis aim to enhance the stability and delivery capacity of these biological materials, making them more accessible and cost-effective. This research is expanding their applications across diverse fields such as biopharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, biosensors, environmental protection, bioinformatics, bioengineering and materials science, representing a current research frontier.

We invite contributions to this focused Special Issue and encourage you to share this information with colleagues and peers who may be interested in this topic.

Dr. Shichao Ding
Dr. Wenzhuo Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomacromolecules
biobased polymers
synthesis
characterization
engineered biomaterial
biopharmaceuticals

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3276 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Polyrotaxane Cellulose Composite Materials in Quasi-Solid Electrolytes

by Tianyi Wang, Wenzhuo Chen, Yichen Liu, Kailiang Ren, Jin Liang and Jie Kong

Bioengineering 2026, 13(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13030292 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 447

Abstract

Due to its affordability, widespread availability, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and renewability, cellulose is considered a crucial material for addressing the depletion of petroleum resources. In this study, a rotaxane-based supramolecular polymer derived from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was synthesized and combined with cellulose to create a TPU–cellulose composite (TPU-C). This composite was employed as a separator for acrylate-based quasi-solid polymer electrolytes (QPEs). The polymer electrolyte demonstrated a high ionic conductivity of 0.16 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature, a lithium-ion transference number of 0.63, and an electrochemical stability window extending up to 4.7 V. When paired with a LiFePO₄ (LFP) cathode, the coin cell retained 88.8% of its capacity after 100 cycles at 1 C. A cell assembled with Li and a high-voltage NCM622 cathode maintained a capacity of 65.8% after 100 cycles at 0.3 C. Additionally, the excellent electrochemical performance was analyzed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify the underlying reasons for its outstanding behavior. This study offers new insights into expanding the application potential of cellulose-based composite materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Biomacromolecules and Biobased Polymers)

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22 pages, 12812 KB

Open AccessArticle

bFGF-Loaded PDA Microparticles Enhance Vascularization of Engineered Skin with a Concomitant Increase in Leukocyte Recruitment

by Britani N. Blackstone, Zachary W. Everett, Syed B. Alvi, Autumn C. Campbell, Emilio Alvalle, Olivia Borowski, Jennifer M. Hahn, Divya Sridharan, Dorothy M. Supp, Mahmood Khan and Heather M. Powell

Bioengineering 2026, 13(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13010110 - 16 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1411

Abstract

Engineered skin (ES) can serve as an advanced therapy for treatment of large full-thickness wounds, but delayed vascularization can cause ischemia, necrosis, and graft failure. To accelerate ES vascularization, this study assessed incorporation of polydopamine (PDA) microparticles loaded with different concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) into collagen scaffolds, which were subsequently seeded with human fibroblasts to create dermal templates (DTs), and then keratinocytes to create ES. DTs and ES were evaluated in vitro and following grafting to full-thickness wounds in immunodeficient mice. In vitro, metabolic activity of DTs was enhanced with PDA+bFGF, though this increase was not observed following seeding with keratinocytes to generate ES. After grafting, ES with bFGF-loaded PDA microparticles displayed dose-dependent increases in CD31-positive vessel formation vs. PDA-only controls (p < 0.001 at day 7; p < 0.05 at day 14). Interestingly, ES containing PDA+bFGF microparticles exhibited an almost 3-fold increase in water loss through the skin and a less-organized basal keratinocyte layer at day 14 post-grafting vs. controls. This was associated with significantly increased inflammatory cell infiltrate vs. controls at day 7 in vivo (p < 0.001). The results demonstrate that PDA microparticles are a viable method for delivery of growth factors in ES. However, further investigation of bFGF concentrations, and/or investigation of alternative growth factors, will be required to promote vascularization while reducing inflammation and maintaining epidermal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Biomacromolecules and Biobased Polymers)

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11 pages, 4409 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Ibuprofen–TiO₂ Functionalized PCL Biomembranes as Candidate Materials for Wound Dressing Applications

by Jael Adrian Vergara-Lope Nuñez, Amaury Pozos-Guillén, Marine Ortiz-Magdaleno, Israel Alfonso Núñez-Tapia, Silvia Maldonado Frias, Marco Antonio Álvarez-Pérez and Febe Carolina Vazquez-Vazquez

Bioengineering 2026, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13010092 - 13 Jan 2026

Viewed by 465

Abstract

Wound dressing coverages (WDC) play a key role in protecting skin lesions and preventing infection. Polymeric membranes have been widely explored as WDC due to their ability to incorporate bioactive agents, including antimicrobial nanoparticles and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)-based membranes functionalized with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) and ibuprofen (IBP) were fabricated using a film manufacturing approach, and their structural and biocompatibility profiles were evaluated. The membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XPS. Bands at 1725 cm⁻¹, 2950 cm⁻¹, 2955 cm⁻¹, 2865 cm⁻¹ and 510 cm⁻¹ proved molecular stability of reagents during manufacture. In SEM, the control shows the flattest surface, while the PCL-IBP and PCL-IBP-TiO₂ NPs groups had increased rugosity. In vitro biocompatibility was evaluated using human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB). On day 3, the cell adhesion response of hFOB seeded in PCL-IBP and PCL-IBP-TiO₂ NPs groups showed the biggest absorbances (p = 0.0014 and p = 0.0491, respectively). On day 7 PCL-IBP group had lower lectin binding than the control (p = 0.007) and the PCL-IBP-TiO₂ NPs (p = 0.015) membranes, but no evidence of cytotoxicity was observed in any group. Furthermore, the Live/Dead test adds more biocompatibility evidence to conveniently discriminate between live and dead cells. The PCL polymeric membrane elaborated in this study may confer antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making these membranes ideal for skin lesions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Biomacromolecules and Biobased Polymers)

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24 pages, 4932 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microencapsulation of β-Glucosidase in Alginate Beads for Post-Rumen Release in Ruminant Gut

by Nada Almassri, Francisco J. Trujillo, Athol V. Klieve, Robert Bell, Danyang Ying and Netsanet Shiferaw Terefe

Bioengineering 2025, 12(12), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12121341 - 9 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 687

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a microencapsulation formulation for efficient encapsulation of β-glucosidase to improve its stability in a rumen-like environment and sustain activity post-rumen in the ruminant gut. Various alginate-based formulations were evaluated to achieve high encapsulation efficiency (EE) and stability. These included control alginate beads (AB), microcapsules with chitosan (MCS), alginate–sucrose beads (AOS), alginate–sucrose–maltodextrin beads (AOMS), and alginate pectin beads (APB). The microcapsules were made using Buchi encapsulator B-390 with calcium chloride as the gelling solution. Alginate proved to be a suitable polymer for β-glucosidase encapsulation and <1 mm diameter microbeads were obtained across all formulations. Alginate alone (AB: 1% alginate, 0.2 U/mL β-glucosidase) showed low EE (3% ± 1.0) due to leakage and syneresis. Modifying the gelling solution with 0.1% chitosan (MCS) increased EE to 49 ± 2.64% by reducing alginate porosity. Further improvements were achieved by adding stabilizers to the alginate solution (AB), in addition to using the modified gelling solution (MCS): Adding sucrose (AOS) at 4% increased EE to 95.5 ± 2.08%, while adding sucrose (4%) and maltodextrin (2%) (AOMS) achieved 100 ± 2.16%. On the other hand, adding pectin (4%) (APB) to the alginate solution resulted in a lower EE of 40.5% ± 2.55, likely due to interference with alginate crosslinking. In vitro rumen fermentation showed a dry matter degradation of 42–54%, underscoring the need for more robust microcapsules. Encapsulation strategies, such as incorporation of additional protective layers, are essential to enhance bead stability, minimize degradation, and improve enzyme retention, to ensure efficient delivery and sustained enzymatic activity in the hindgut. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Biomacromolecules and Biobased Polymers)

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17 pages, 5800 KB

Open AccessArticle

3D Printing of Shape Memory Resin for Orthodontic Aligners with Green Synthesized Antimicrobial ZnO Nanoparticles Coatings: Toward Bioactive Devices

by Airy Teramoto-lida, Rafael Álvarez-Chimal, Lorena Reyes-Carmona, Marco Antonio Álvarez-Pérez, Amaury Pozos-Guillen and Febe Carolina Vázquez-Vázquez

Bioengineering 2025, 12(11), 1193; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12111193 - 1 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1652

Abstract

The development of bioactive dental materials with antimicrobial and biocompatible properties is important for improving clinical outcomes and reducing complications associated with intraoral devices. This study presents a novel approach that combines a 3D-printed shape-memory resin (TC-85DAC) with green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to enhance biological performance. ZnO NPs were synthesized using Dysphania ambrosioides extract, producing quasi-spherical particles with a crystalline hexagonal structure and sizes between 15 and 40 nm. Resin discs were coated with ZnO NPs at 10%, 20%, and 30%, then assessed for biocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts and antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans. Surface roughness was also considered with and without ZnO NPs. Biocompatibility assays revealed a concentration- and time-dependent increase in cell viability, with the highest values at 30% ZnO NPs after 72 h of exposure to the NPs. Antibacterial testing confirmed the inhibition of both species, with Porphyromonas gingivalis showing greater sensitivity. Surface roughness increased with higher ZnO NPs concentrations, significantly influencing biological interactions. The integration of green-synthesized ZnO NPs with shape-memory resin produced a multifunctional dental material with improved bioactivity. This sustainable strategy enables bioactive coatings on 3D-printed resins, with potential applications in the next generation of smart dental devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Biomacromolecules and Biobased Polymers)

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